Editor's note: We've updated the article below to reflect new information that Amazon is not in partnership with Echelon and the Prime Bike isn't affiliated with the company or Amazon Prime. Amazon told us it's "working with Echelon to clarify this in its communications, stop the sale of the product, and change the product branding.”
The Prime Bike is ready to take you for a spin in your living room. At least it was until Amazon scrubbed the exercise bike from its online store.
Exercise bike maker Echelon is offering offer an affordable smart exercise bike for $500, well below the nearly-$2,000 Peloton bike. At that price, Echelon Prime Smart Connect Fitness Bike (or simply the Prime Bike) could turn out to be one of the best exercise bikes in the market. Originally touted as a exclusive deal for Amazon Prime users - hence its name - Amazon has declared that it has no affiliation with Echelon or the Prime bike and removed the bike's listing from its website.
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That's not to say the Prime Bike is dead, it will just have to change its branding and likely adjust it's price. If Echelon can offer the exercise bike at sub-Peloton prices it could still be onto a winner.
The only catch is that the new Prime Bike doesn't come with a screen, unlike the Peloton. Riders will need to supply their own device (a phone or tablet), but the Prime Bike comes with a 30-day free trial to Echelon’s Connected Fitness on-demand classes. Or they can use the Peloton app to work out to the service's popular programs.
The Prime Bike relies on a magnetic resistance system, much like Echelon's EX-3 and EX-5 exercise bikes, which can be adjusted among 32 levels. Straps lock the rider's feet to the pedals instead of toe clips.
The lack of a build-in screen makes it less of a true Peloton alternative and more of a budget spinning bike. Additionally, the Prime Bike weighs just 80 pounds to the Peloton's more bulky 135 pounds. That makes the Echelon more portable, and it also comes with front wheels so you can roll it around the house.
A similar Echelon model is available at Walmart for $500 under the name Connect Sport Bike.
While Peloton will always be a high-end product, the Peloton company is trying to make it more affordable. The original Peloton Bike now costs $1,895 (down from $2,245) following the debut of the more expensive Bike+ model, which costs $2,495.
Exercise bikes have been in high demand for the last few months as people have been staying and working at home during the coronavirus pandemic. So more affordable exercise bikes will be a boon for people who need to stay at home, especially as the coronavirus pandemic doesn't look to be ending anytime soon.
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