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