MYX II Fitness Bike Review — A Spin Bike Focused on Heart Training
Overall Score 9.6
MYX II Fitness Bike Review
Our Take Overview
Budget-friendly and super motivating, the MYX II gives Peloton and iFit a run for their money. The MYX II Bike from MYX Fitness has two great connected-fitness options for workouts, Openfit and BODi from Beachbody. BODi, an interactive live streaming workout platform, gives the MYX II bike an edge in live studio cycling classes.
The MYX II Fitness Bike is a popular, well-made, high-quality bike with a budget-friendly price. This Spin Bike is manufactured by Star Trac, a division of Core Fitness that also owns Schwinn. They know how to make a bike product.
We found the MYX II easy to set up, the touchscreen displays brilliantly clear, and quick to the touch, allowing the rider to be able to quickly swipe to through workouts and quickly make a selection. The bike itself was stable to ride and really quiet when riding.
Having had no prior experience with this indoor bike we were impressed with the ease of making adjustments to its seat/saddle and handlebars. Not only height but being able to change the depth to find the best comfort zone on both the seat and handlebars. Once all tightened up, we liked how snug it all fit together, an indicator of a well-made product with good design.
The MYX II has a vivid crisp 21.5-inch touchscreen to which its monthly subscription of interactive workouts can be streamed, providing excellent trainer-led bike classes based on your heart rate. The console can swivel all the way around to better view a cross-training workout class when off-the-bike and you can tilt the screen up or down to personalize the best viewing angle or to reduce any screen glare. The Original Peloton Bike’s console does not allow for this much flexibility.
Powered by the Open Fit App, this connected-fitness bike focuses on personalized heart rate training, enabling you to train at the correct intensity to achieve your fitness goals. What caught our attention was the MYX II Plus Bundle, which includes the Polar Heart Monitor, a weight set, one kettlebell, two mats, a 24" foam roller, and a set of resistance bands, making this spin bike bundle a good value deal.
WHAT WE LOVE
Heart Rate Training • 21.5” HD touchscreen • OpenFit App • Plus Bundle
OpenFit is the bike’s app that has cycling, live walks, runs, and a wide array of off-the-bike workouts including, yoga, Pilates, Strength Training to name a few. Select any workout class you wish and still use the heart rate training to hit your goals.
The MYX II bike uses AI technology personalized for its rider in recommending a week’s worth of heart rate training classes. The MYX II bike uses science-based technology to effectively use heart rate training to achieve maximum fitness in the least time. More on this later in the review.
Great HD toucscreen
When you first turn on the console, the first impression that stands out is how sharp and crisp the touchscreen displays images. The bezel frame around the display is light, making the 21.5” HD display seem even wider while the workouts pop with vivid clarity. If you do not wish to use wireless headphones the 20-Watt speakers provide a full sound with access to power and volume control on the side of the console. A good option is you can also set the volume levels separately for your trainer and music.
We love that you can turn/swivel the screen and console 180° in either direction, a neglected feature not included on the Peloton Bike. You can also pivot/tilt the screen with a generous amount of movement, up or down to a suitable viewing angle.
PLUS Bundle Deal
The Plus Bundle, if ordered with the MYX II Bike is super good value. The Heavy bundle we ordered (you can select a heavy, medium, or light version) included a set of 9, 12, and 15lb dumbbells, a 25lb kettlebell, a bike mat, a yoga mat, a 24-inch foam-roller, a set of resistance bands, plus a Polar OH1 heart rate monitor. The Polar OH1 is Bluetooth and ANT+ compatible with long battery life — up to 12 hours of training time on a single charge and charges via the USB-C port on the console.
Since the MYX II bike pedals are dual-sided for clip-in or regular sneakers there is a set of SPD cleats included for clip-in cycling shoes, which is handy. Cleats usually ship with pedals, so all you need to do is buy cycle shoes that are SPD compatible.
WHAT TO KNOW
✓ This bike feels well built, sturdy, and very stable when riding.
✓ The MYX II has a 30-day risk-free trial.
✓ You need a monthly subscription to have access to workouts for the bike . There are two options, Openfit at $39/month or BODi for $99 annual fee + $19.99/month. Both have free trials so you can try workouts and see which is best for you.
✓ Fits comfortably into a 4′ x 6′ space with a footprint of 54 x 21 x 47 inches.
✓ Accommodates a wide variety of riders from 4’11 to 6’8″ and up to 350lbs.
✓ The handlebars are covered with a spongy grip coating and can adjust 4 ways. For height comfort, up and down, and for the distance away from your body or closer to it, depth —forward and back.
✓ The saddle can also be adjusted in 4 points of direction — up or down, forward, and back. The seat is well made, comfortable, with some padding, but it is a streamlined bike-styled seat, which means it is narrower in the front so there’s less friction with your body. For some newer riders, this may seem uncomfortable at first but you quickly get used to it. If not, you can always swap out the Saddle. Follow link below for saddle options on Amazon.
▼ Click Here to open — Bike Saddle/Seat Options on Amazon
Wittkop Bike Seat with Memory-foam¹
IPOW--- Bike Seat with Memory-foam
Bikeroo Oversized Comfort Bike Seat
Ushake Wide Bike Saddle Seat
Daway Comfortable Bike Seat
Bike Seat Covers:
Ushake Bike Gel Seat Cushion Cover
Zacro Gel Bike Seat Cover
RONUX Premium Seat Cushion Cover²
¹ Our #1 Pick. ² Great if you like a streamlined seat.
SoulCycle Best at-Home Cycling Bike powered by Equinox+
Five Stars 5.0 out of 5 - 5,239
✓ Another nice feature of this spin bike is it ships with dual-sided pedals so you can use cycling shoes with SPD cleats, or any comfortable standard shoe/sneaker you prefer. This allows you to first try the MYX II bike without investing in clip-in cycling shoes and is great for family members who don’t own a pair.
More Pedal Power
With clip-in pedals your power and efficiency increase. Being clipped-in allows for more power to be exerted as cycling shoes can be 30% more efficient with your foot connected to the pedal – so it's easier on the pull. Cycling shoes tend to have harder platforms so they are also more comfortable – especially on climbs out of the saddle. Additionally, Clip-in cycle shoes will not bend as much allowing pressure to be more evenly distributed throughout your sole.
Recommend Cycling Shoes:
You can clip in with TIEM Slipstream Cycle Shoes which are VERY POPULAR for indoor cycling as the cleats are well recessed allowing you to walk around normally and for doing off-the-bike cross-training workouts without having to change footwear. You can find them on Amazon. To Learn more Read the Full TIEM Cycle Shoe Review.
High Performance SHIMANO SH Cycling Shoes can be also purchased for a lower price at Amazon. It’s Recommended you size up as these shoes tend to run a little small and can run narrow.
Openfit+MYX Interactive Training App
The MYX II bike is powered by Openfit, a connected-fitness App, with monthly subscription access to bike classes and off-the-bike workouts. Openfit offers a series of class-style workouts sessions broken out into different genres like Cycling Pilates, Barre, HIIT, Body Sculpting, Yoga, and more.
You can search/sort by duration, which part of the body you want to concentrate on, who your trainer is, and more. Openfit offers a broad range of on-demand cycling workouts and off-the-bike classes led by professional trainers. Currently, there are no Live cycling classes, but they are expected to be available this year.
You can take the Openfit App outdoors on most mobile smart devices for live trainer-led walks and runs and other cross-training workouts that keep you moving and motivated.
The Openfit dashboard will also present you personalized recommended training sessions plus the top daily workouts or new workouts that you can quickly tap to begin.
While in a workout or class session, your accessible metrics include heart rate, speed, cadence, and distance displayed on the screen. The Bluetooth Polar OH1 heart rate monitor quickly connects to the bike and tracks your heart rate. You can also pair your Apple Watch to help you close activity rings.
The Openfit App lets you choose what to focus on, your upper body or strictly cardio. All classes follow a similar rhythm. There is a warm-up, the work, and a cool down. Openfit enables pausing a workout if required then later resuming your session from that same point.
MYX fitness' trainers are professional, engaging, and encouraging. If you want to ride but don't feel like a structured bike session, Openfit has scenic rides from locations all over the globe but not trainer led.
Personalized Heart Rate-based Training
Driven by Science MYX delivers personalized Heart Rate-Based Training. Proprietary algorithms calibrate your individual heart rate zones based on your initial Zone Calibration Ride and then adjusts as you get stronger.
Gives you smart recommendations
During setup you decide and determine your fitness goals, and the MYX App technology cleverly guides you through personalized workouts to optimize the time you have and helps you can reach your fitness goals efficiently — by making smart recommendations for you.
Many training programs rely on speed, cadence, and distance alone. While MYX tracks these three metrics, a more effective method of training is to work out through varying levels of heart rate intensity to achieve your goals — whether that’s weight loss, cardiac conditioning, strength, or flexibility.
The personalized heart rate-based training allows you to successfully build up your aerobic system and that’s a key reason why MYX includes a heartrate monitor.
UPDATE: Beachbody Acquires MYX Fitness
Another option to work out with on the MYX II bike is two Beachbody individual experiences streamed to the bike. BOD (Beachbody On Demand) and the immersive version known as BODi, (Beachbody On Demand Interactive) live classes using the bikes camera. Both are updated regularly with new content.
BODi is an intriguing option. It allows users to take live BODcast classes while virtually participating and receiving instructor feedback via the built-in Sony 8-megapixel camera. BODi provides personalization and live interaction between members and trainers through the BODcast, a unique feature that allows up to 100 members to opt-in to appear as part of the curated on-screen cast of each workout, and having their image projected on the LED wall that serves as the backdrop on stage during select classes.
In addition to appearing on-screen during the class, BODcast participants can receive live shout-outs and technique corrections in real-time to help them get the best workout possible. BODi classes will cover a range of categories, including indoor cycling, high-intensity interval training, strength training, Pilates, barre, yoga, meditation, cooking, and nutrition, plus special live presentations of some of the most popular workouts from the Beachbody catalog.
BODi is available for $19.95 per month as a premium subscription on top of the $99 annual BOD membership.
BODi does offer day passes for $7 that gives users access to all of the platform’s classes for 24 hours.
In summary of the workout streaming options for the MYX II bike, Openfit is $39 a month, while BODi is $19.95 a month—on top of the annual $99 BOD membership. (Both BOD and non-BOD members will have access to BODi.)
DELIVERY AND SETUP
The delivery and assembly service was very smooth, professional, and fast, one of the better setup executions recently experienced. The XPO Team who delivered the MYX II bike was dedicated to MYX and very familiar with building out the bike, having it pre-assembled, except for the console, before final delivery.
Once in the room of choice, the console was connected, and a power-up test was done. Overall the team was efficient and quick, communicating via text throughout scheduling and arrival of the assembly team.
We then proceeded to setup up our MYX Fitness Openfit account and build our profile. Connecting to the internet was a snap with easy-to-follow, on-screen instructions guiding you through the steps. Once connected, the first thing that happens is it downloads the latest updates, then you are set to go.
GOOD TO KNOW
You can choose from two bike colors, Deep Charcoal or White.
There are separate coach and music volume controls, so you can balance the instructor with the music or choose to mute either.
Volume and power buttons are located on the side on the touchscreen. You can choose turn the display off or power down completely from the touchscreen.
Besides WiFi easy connectivity there is also an RJ45 network connection along with a USB-C port on the back of the console and for those who still prefer the older wired headphones, a 3.5mm audio jack.
The bike uses friction rather than magnetic resistance—the sturdy 41-pound Flywheel keeps the bike feeling steady and smooth.
The MYX II offers both handlebar height and depth adjustments.
There is a built-in Sony 8 megapixel camera for BODcast interactive Training.
There are two large bottle holders. Use one for a water bottle and the other for a phone.
Moving it is straightforward with the two small wheels on its front base, and the bike’s feet can adjusted for leveling if on an uneven surface.
Bike dimensions: 54″ L x 21″ W x 47″ H
Bike Weight: 150 lbs
PRICE OPTIONS
Bike
Try MYX II Bike for 30 Days Risk Free. You get unlimited access to on-demand and live classes through its Openfit App to which you can have up to Five additional user accounts at $39 month. There are two bike price options.
The MYX II Bike is $1,399 with free shipping and assembly (a $200 value - limited time offer). The MYX II bike comes with Polar heartrate monitor included.
The MYX II Bike Plus Bundle is $1,599 with free shipping and assembly (a $200 value - limited time offer) and comes with a Polar OH1 Heart Rate Monitor, 3 pairs of dumbbells, a kettlebell, a 24-inch foam roller, a bike mat and yoga mat. The Plus Bundle option is great value at an attractive price point for an indoor connected-fitness bike with an excellent wide HD touchscreen. (21.5 inches)
The MYX II bike comes with a 12-month manufacturer's warranty. There are extended warranties for purchase when ordering.
Workout Subscriptions:
Openfit Membership is $39 per month with access to Live and on-demand classes allowing up to five user accounts, perfect for a shared living situation.
BODi is $19.95 a month after the initial annual $99 BOD membership.
AFFIRM FINANCING OPTION
You can finance your MYX II Bike for $28 / month for 48 months at 0% APR interest. (Financing through Affirm. Check approval with no impact to your credit score.)
SO IN THE END — Final Thoughts
The MYX II Bike Plus bundle offers real value. The Openfit workout sessions are heartrate-based and offer a highly effective training approach to achieving fitness goals. Plus, the included Polar Heart Rate Monitor helps keep you in the zone. Or you can choose the exciting BODi interactive personal live workouts with BODcast where you get to participate with online fitness friends.
The bike is super-solid made by a reliable bike manufacturer. The company is responsive and offers promotions to make this bike even more budget friendly.
Overall, the MYX II bike is a recommended option to add indoor cycling to your home gym and workout routine. A durable, well made in-door bike powered by the Openfit App, it becomes more than a spin bike with loads of off-the-bike classes to keep you from plateauing or getting bored. You can do strength training, yoga, Pilates, runs, walks, and much more. The instructors motivate, provide encouragement, and are engaging.
Now that you have your new favorite workout, head over to lululemon to get the latest activewear, or see some stylish items on sale! in the “We Made too Much” section.
Check out our review on recommended indoor rowers to complement your cycling with a low-impact full-body workout and Read Why Rowing Is Good for You.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, the MYX II bike is quiet and does not produce any loud noise when riding.
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YES, the MYX Fitness Bike can operate in manual/Free mode without a subscription. But the subscription is why you buy the MYX II – its designed to keep you motivated and engaged towards hitting your fitness goals and track your progress. The touchscreen presents high-quality visual workouts that are personalized to your goals using AI technology.
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The MYX II Bike warranty covers 12 months for: Accessories, product firmware, the HD touchscreen, the frame, bike components, pedals, and labor. The bike uses friction-based resistance and not magnetic with expected lifetime of 5-7 years for the pads, which are easy and in-expensive to replace.
SCORE BREAKOUT | Points |
---|---|
OVERALL SCORE | 9.6 |
Resistance | 9.7 |
Content | 9.4 |
Stability | 9.8 |
Durability | 9.7 |
Customer Service | 9.0 |
Price | 9.8 |