Why we chose it

Compact and powerful

For a pure spin experience — just you and the machine — we love the Bladez Echelon. Quiet, consistent rotation and sensitive knob resistance helped us get in a quality ride every time. Whether you’re looking for a space saver exercise bike (a small exercise bike for apartment use) or a distraction-free workout (streamlined tech), this small and mighty bike delivers.

Robust engineering

While the straightforward display is hardly more than a stopwatch, the engineering of the bike itself is impressive. The flywheel rotates with a peppy, forward-urging motion that never feels bouncy, and in fact can reach some of the heartiest levels of resistance we experienced out of all the spin models. Despite the Echelon’s overall light body weight, there’s no shaking or sound as you pedal. We felt secure enough to freely amp up intensity and ride out of the saddle.

Great price

If there’s anything more impressive than the Bladez Echelon’s solid construction, it’s the attractive pricing. At $399, this exceptional bike costs less than half the price of other bikes that can’t compare in ride feel. It also excels in adjustability — the Echelon’s seat and handle had a wider customization range than any other bike we tested.

Points to consider

No programming

Like most spin bikes, the Echelon uses a battery-operated display that can’t control intensity and doesn’t offer workout programs. If you need workout programs and metrics to keep you motivated, check out the Diamondback. Some testers, however, found the simple consoles less distracting than higher-tech versions, making it easier to focus on the workout. The Echelon’s console may be bare bones but offers everything you actually need — performance stats like calories burned, time, distance, and RPMs.