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In this review of the Bowflex IC Bike SE, we’ll look at how Bowflex takes the performance of the C6, updates it with clean lines, and adds features that you’ll want to check out.
Updated: December 14, 2023
The Bowflex IC Bike SE looks clean. At first glance, this bike is a minimalistic upgrade from the Bowflex C6 Bike. It notably lacks the red accents of the C6, moves the flywheel to the back of the bike, and adds a more impressive console. The Bowflex IC Bike SE is an indoor cycle with a rear flywheel and a simplified style. Whether you want to train manually or engage with your favorite cycling apps, the IC Bike SE has you covered. I’ll review the Bowflex IC Bike SE to help you determine if this bike and Bowflex’s JRNY training service are right for you.
The difference is in the frame. While the Bowflex IC Bike SE still supports the same maximum user weight as Bowflex’s C6 bike (300 lbs), it has a much different frame design. The frame is very simplistic and angular. It’s as streamlined as I can imagine exercise bikes becoming with the current technology. Yet, it does have long and wide stabilizers to give it a sturdy base.
The Bowflex IC Bike SE has a height-adjustable saddle. The saddle can also be moved vertically. The bike should comfortably fit a user within the height range of 4’10” to 6’5”. If you are not comfortable with the sporty saddle the IC Bike SE comes with, the Extra Comfort Bike Seat is a compatible upgrade.
The Bowflex IC Bike SE doesn’t have the most grip options. The bullhorn handlebars will allow you to adopt the first, second, and third positions. However, I wish that there were more center grip options.
The pedals are hybrid. They will work with SPD cycling shoes or any athletic shoe. The toe cages have straps that are adjustable to ensure your feet stay properly positioned over the pedals.
A rear flywheel sits outside of the dangerous sweat zone. By using this design, the Bowflex IC Bike SE has hopefully reduced maintenance needs and increased its longevity. The magnetic resistance is created by turning the red knob at the front of the bike. This knob moves magnets closer to the flywheel. There are 100 resistance levels. While I have not tested the IC Bike SE in person, I believe it should be comparable to the C6 bike. Thus, the hardest and easiest settings should be effective for most cyclists. It should also work well with Peloton classes, because the Peloton bikes have 100 magnetic resistance levels, too.
The Bowflex IC Bike SE is great for manual training or following along with studio classes from a variety of apps. It offers a few smart features that make its connectivity and smart training even better. The IC Bike SE has a nice balance of features that support subscription use but do not lock you into it.
The Bowflex IC Bike SE has a 7-inch color LCD display. This screen takes up most of the console, but there are a few buttons located underneath it. These are start, stop, and resistance controls. The screen shows all of your metrics including Bowflex’s Burn Rate Meter. This meter works with the JRNY classes to provide a unique way to gauge your training intensity.
There is one bottle holder on the frame of the Bowflex IC Bike SE. A typical cycling water bottle should fit in this holder.
There are two tablet racks on the Bowflex IC Bike SE. One is a padded rack at the top of the console. The other is a substantial ledge protruding from the bottom of the console. If you place a device in the lower rack, it will cover the screen.
Bluetooth allows the Bowflex IC SE to connect to a heart rate monitor. Any Bluetooth heart rate monitor should be compatible. Additionally, the IC Bike SE should pair with the JRNY, Peloton, and Zwift apps. However, I have not tested this connection for myself, so I cannot fully vouch for how smoothly these apps integrate with the bike and to what level.
Two 3-lb dumbbells are included with the Bowflex IC Bike SE. They can rest in the front of the bike in the weight racks. These weights allow cyclists to add some upper-body resistance training to their routine if they wish. These weights may not be substantial enough for all users.
I have not yet had the pleasure of training on the Bowflex IC Bike S, but I have used the Bowflex C6 and the VeloCore bike. I am also familiar with the JRNY training platform. If I am able to test the IC Bike SE, I will update this review. For now, I hope I can make a few helpful comments based on my past experience with Bowflex.
So far, my experience with Bowflex equipment has been very positive. The bikes have been sturdy and effective exercise bikes. Bowflex does a great job of making their bikes compatible with more than just their JRNY content.
Bowflex’s magnetic resistance levels feel on par with other top brands like Peloton. The IC Bike SE should be challenging for most indoor cyclists. The rear flywheel should not change the feel of pedaling the bike or the resistance, so if you are new to this design, don’t worry!
I like what Bowflex has done with the IC Bike SE, and I am eager to test it out if I get the chance!
JRNY is the virtual training app that Bowflex equipment is most compatible with. New members can get 2 months for free. A JRNY membership is more affordable than competitors, so I really like this platform for anyone on a budget who still wants high-quality content.
JRNY creates studio, structured, and outdoor classes. The Burn Rate Meter shown on the IC Bike SE’s screen is a common feature on Bowflex cardio equipment. This meter helps you stay in the right training zone. JRNY also conducts fitness tests when you first set up a piece of equipment to tailor the workouts to your fitness level. It’s good fun, and I appreciate the personalization that comes with the platform.
The IC Bike SE is also compatible with the Peloton and Zwift apps. I am not sure how well these apps are supported. However, I have used Peloton with other bikes without any type of connection and still had a great workout. The IC Bike SE’s resistance should translate very well to the Peloton platform, so regardless of the level of connectivity, you should be able to get a good workout!
The Bowflex IC Bike SE sits between the VeloCore and the C6 in Bowflex’s indoor cycling lineup. As such, it has a range of smart to low-tech training features. The bike supports training with JRNY, Peloton, and Zwift. One hundred levels of magnetic resistance make these training options viable for athletes at all levels. The IC Bike SE has a refined design with sleek lines and a rear flywheel. That rear flywheel also has the benefit of staying out of the sweat zone and reducing the bike’s maintenance needs. The IC Bike SE is a great choice for an indoor cyclist who wants to dabble in subscription training content without commitment.
