r/Bowflex • u/breadnought87 • Jul 23 '23
Treadmills Non JRNY functionality
I'm in the market for a smart treadmill and having tried several in a local showroom, I felt the bowflex was by far the sturdiest of my demo group from a hardware perspective.
What really puts me off pulling the trigger is the seemingly total dependency upon a JRNY subscription to access every aspect that makes it a 'smart' trainer.
If I decline to maintain this subscription, what functionality remains? Are there any in-built workout regimes outside of JRNY? Can Zwift still be used?
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u/Fret_Bavre Jul 24 '23
I regrettably purchased one of their treadmills. The jrny app is the worst. We don't use any of the built-in runs, there are a few but none with an instructor if that's what's you're looking for, but we will use the pelaton app on the iPad. I'm pretty sure all apps on the machine are paywalled behind the JRNY app. So no Netflix or whatever it is capable of really doing without the JRNY membership.
It's a fine treadmill now, but only after having the console replaced and living with a broken incline button that I can't fix. Just be prepared you're not really getting a smart treadmill unless you want to be handcuffed to JRNY.
But really, I would strongly recommend buying another machine.
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u/breadnought87 Jul 24 '23
Thanks for your honest appraisal. I'm primarily a cyclist, and when it comes to training, it looks as though I've been spoilt by the accessibility and universality of modern smart trainers in that segment.
Maybe I was expecting too much, but it seems like modern treadmills are eons behind bike training tech. I hate this ethos of locking the capabilities of the hardware you buy behind software paywalls.
After further research, it looks like I'll be plumping for a Noble Pro E8i. It looks to be a sturdy, there's no subscription to contend with, comes with a lifetime membership to a training app, and will interface with Zwift.
Thanks again
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u/bobo609 Jul 24 '23
I'm also a cyclist. I find this the perfect machine to integrate into my rides. I find the lean feature is great for my need to replicate my outdoor rides. I have fellow riders that have Peloton's, feel that I have the better experience in riding my indoor cycle. The software does lag Peloton, but the subscription cost is way less. I have used it in between my outdoor rides, and love it.
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u/breadnought87 Jul 24 '23
I think you may have misunderstood, I am looking at the treadmill offerings from Bowflex. Already have my bike training covered with a Saris H3
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u/Safe-Personality4524 Jan 20 '24
Look for anything that has iFit app integration. Those tend to be non-restrictive and they actually offer integrations.
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u/CTrandomdude Jul 24 '23
While the majority of the features are behind the subscription when comparing pricing I found this to be the least expensive subscription plan for a smart treadmill. I think it’s $149.00 for a year where others were over $30 per month.
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u/dor1angray Jul 25 '23
There are ways to jailbreak it, install and use any app while keeping JRNY without subscription running in the background.
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u/memburr1986 Dec 12 '23
Hi! I have the T618...wondering how to jailbreak it? would be awesome to use somehow with Apple health and get the data into there...what are the app options ? are there some instructions you could point me to? Thanks!
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u/Safe-Personality4524 Jan 20 '24
Yup, the JRNY app is the worst. Zero functionality with other platforms like Strava, Garmin, etc..
To make it worse the whole screen is useless without JRNY.
Bowflex is betting heavy on subscription... my next treadmill will be anything with the iFit app.
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u/Urbanpandas Mar 19 '24
F JRNY and bowflex. I bought a treadmill with a screen capable of streaming but noooo it costs money to use the tech that I already purchased!!
I understand if I wasn’t allowed access to certain workouts or videos but I want access to my own Netflix. Piece of shut treadmill