We’ve come a long way from those conventional, manual exercise bikes that end up collecting dust in the corner of the living room. These days, it’s all about sleek smart bikes with sports car vibes that boast connectivity to different apps and double up as full-blown entertainment hubs.
The Speediance VeloNix falls into that latter category. Following in the footsteps of Peloton, which paved the way in this space when it comes to mainstream success, the VeloNix is more than just an exercise bike.
It’s trying to be your spin class instructor, your scenic route tour guide, your Netflix screen, and your fitness tracker, all rolled into one compact and snazzy bit of kit. Made by Chinese firm Speediance (a brand that’s very new to the fitness space), it has a lot to prove.
I’ve been testing out the exercise bike over the past month or so, taking on virtual climbs, streaming YouTube during long rides, and testing out the different workouts and features, to find out if it’s worth the money. And more importantly, if it’s good enough to actually make you want to exercise. Here’s how I got on.
Speediance VeloNix review
Price and availability
The Speediance VeloNix is available to buy now from the firm’s official website. However, here’s the part that might make your eyes water. The bike comes in at £2,599 / $2,699 / €2,799, down from its RRP of £3,099 / $2,999.
That price doesn’t currently include any discounts or lifetime membership, so you'll need to factor in the optional Pro subscription, too, which costs $14.90 / £11.70 per month if you want full access to all the training content.
There’s also the option of a higher-tier Wellness+ plan at $24.90 / £18.60 per month if you’re after extras like mindfulness and recovery sessions. Still, that’s much cheaper than Peloton’s monthly subscription, which will set you back £39 / $44 per month.
So technically, you’re getting a good deal, but it’s still a massive chunk of cash to part with, especially when Peloton is currently selling its flagship Bike+ for £400 / $204 cheaper at £2,199 / $2,495.
You’re getting a lot for your money, though, and if you’re planning to replace gym visits or you’re sharing it with other people in your household, it could pay for itself over time. Just don’t go thinking it’ll be the answer to all your fitness dreams - it’s a big investment if it ends up gathering dust, which, for many, such equipment can easily do.
Design and build quality
First impressions mean a lot, and the VeloNix definitely doesn’t disappoint in this department. Its design is sleek yet bold - it really makes it feel like a serious piece of gym equipment. This is thanks to its slender aluminium alloy frame that not only looks the part, but feels heavy and solid.
There’s a minimal, modern aesthetic to it, and I like that all the mechanical bits are neatly hidden away. Its fully enclosed design is certainly a big plus if you've got pets or little ones roaming about.
While its design is pretty compact compared to the Peloton Bike+, it’s not exactly on the small side. It doesn’t fold down in any way, so it’s not something you can easily tuck away when not in use.
But if you’ve got a dedicated workout space, a garage, or even an empty living room corner, it should slot in without much fuss. I have it set up next to the side wall of my 3x2m garden room, where it fits perfectly, not taking up too much space. It also comes with its own mat, which is handy for protecting your floor from cleat scratches or (if you’re a sweater like me) sweat stains.
In terms of adjustability, the VeloNix caters for a wide range of heights - officially up to 7ft 3in, which is impressively wide-ranging (for comparison, the Peloton Bike+ has a maximum recommended user height of 6ft4. As someone just under 6ft, I found it very accommodating without having to make too many tweaks to get comfortable.
There’s plenty of adjustment in the seat and handlebars, and it’s all very easy to alter when needed. Although I have seen some reviewers state that the bike was a little too large for shorter riders. So perhaps this isn't one for pro jockeys.
The saddle it ships with is what we’d call a "performance" seat, which is basically code for small and rock hard. It’s the sort you’d find on a proper road bike, which might work if you’re used to it, but beginners might need something a bit more padded. Same goes for the pedals it ships with - they’re fine to get you on your way, but if you’re serious about cycling, you’ll probably want to switch them for clip-ins.
The VeloNix’s standout feature, however, is its 21.5-inch HD screen. It’s big, sharp, and bright – tilting and swivelling with ease to suit your riding position or floor-based workouts.
However, I did find it rocked a little when exercising, especially when really going for it on bigger climbs. But this is something I found happened on the Peloton Bike+ also, so I think that’s generally hard to escape on home exercise bikes.
Beneath the display is a built-in soundbar, which isn’t mind-blowing, but it’s decent enough for most sessions and can crank out music at a good level without sounding tinny or distorted.
It’s also worth mentioning that there’s a really useful LED light between the handlebars that changes colour based on your effort. It’s a surprisingly helpful cue when you're too sweaty to check the numbers on screen, but more on that in the performance section.
Performance and features
It’s not until you jump on and take the VeloNix for a spin that you see the bike isn’t just about fancy design - it’s brimming with software smarts and immersive workouts that make it a compelling piece of fitness equipment. From scenic rides that respond to your pace to full-on spin classes led by instructors and direct access to streaming services, there’s a lot to sink your cleats into.
Let’s start with the ride itself. The bike has a 2300W motor that allows for effortless resistance control. I found it to mimic outdoor cycling surprisingly well, especially when you’re doing one of the scenic routes. The resistance also adjusts automatically to match the incline on-screen, which is a nice touch (but something we’ve seen before with the likes of Peloton).
Day-to-day use was smooth, and the transitions between gears felt natural, probably thanks to the Shimano and SRAM system simulation, which helps give it a more authentic cycling vibe. However, I found the resistance to falter slightly during out-of-saddle efforts, especially when you’re doing short, punchy climbs. The pedals didn’t quite hold firm, which threw me off a bit. For light to moderate rides, though, it’s absolutely fine.
As for the screen and content, the display is excellent - everything looks great on it, whether you’re following a class, cruising through a mountain pass, or just watching YouTube. In fact, you’re able to stream films or TV shows right from the saddle and from all the big platforms such as YouTube, Disney+, Prime Video, HBO, you name it.
This was a highlight for me. I could stick on my favourite shows, ride at my own pace without feeling like I was working out, and the metrics still showed up along the bottom. Admittedly, I probably didn’t push myself when exercising this way, but it is a nice option to have when you want a more passive workout.
I should also add that the VeloNix’s software interface has an odd look, like it’s pretending to be an iPad, but it’s running Android underneath. It works, but don’t expect that Apple-level polish.
My major gripe with the VeloNix, however, is the guided classes, which I found to be a mixed bag. The production quality is solid, involving stylish scenes with clean backgrounds, premium lighting, and clear cues, but the instructors lack that spark you get from those on Peloton or Apple Fitness+, in my opinion.
Perhaps I’ve been spoiled after owning a Peloton Bike+ in the past, but - while the energy levels are there for the most part - the motivational phrases feel forced, scattered with cheesy, wince-worthy and clichéd Americanisms (“you got this!”, etc.). This can make it hard to really buy into the session.
It didn’t help that the music was mostly unrecognisable filler rather than actual bangers, too. If music is your main motivation when sweating it out, Speediance’s offering is unlikely to hit the mark. The scenic rides, however, were much more enjoyable.
The footage reacts to your speed, and the resistance shifts automatically with the gradient, so it’s easy to get lost in the ride. It’s ideal for those days when you want to zone out but still feel like you’ve achieved something.
On the upside, the VeloNix syncs easily with Apple Health, Apple Watch, and most mainstream fitness trackers. You can track your heart rate, log sessions and keep an eye on your stats over time. I found that post-ride summaries to be nicely detailed, showing speed, distance, time, calorie burn and left/right balance. It all helps paint a picture of your progress, which is good for anyone trying to stay accountable.
Verdict
There’s no denying the Speediance VeloNix is an impressive bit of kit. The design is top-tier, the resistance control is refined, and the tech features are vast. Still, it’s certainly not the perfect package. The trainer-led content feels a bit half-baked, the music doesn’t really inspire, and the resistance performance wobbles when you're out of the saddle. At this price, I expected better.
Still, not all is lost. If you’re already into indoor cycling, have the space, and want a premium, do-it-all bike for your home setup, and you’re okay with supplementing the content with your own playlists or entertainment, the VeloNix makes sense.
It’s especially good for households where more than one person will use it, but if you’re only riding occasionally or still on the fence about working out at home, it’s a lot of money to part with. For that price, you could pick up a more basic smart bike and a decent tablet, or even a second-hand Peloton, and still have plenty of dosh left over.
