I was granted early access to test out the brand new MYX II Bike by Beachbody and so far, I am very impressed. The MYX II is the first connected fitness bike to offer two different membership programs. It also comes at a very attractive price. This review will cover everything you need to know about the MYX II Bike by Beachbody to see if this more affordable bike is the perfect MYX for you.
MYX II Bike Specifications
- Available in two colors: Natural White or Deep Charcoal
- 21.5” HD Touchscreen tablet with 360-degree rotation
- Friction resistance (41lb Flywheel)
- 4-way Adjustment System
- Pedals: SPD + Toe-Cage combo
- Choice of Openfit and/or BODi class memberships
- Thousands of on-demand workouts including cycling, strength, yoga, pilates, and more
- Daily Live classes coming with BODi membership
- In-workout data: heart rate, speed, and cadence
- Dimensions: 54” Length, 21” Width, 47” Height
- Weight: 134lbs
- Polar OH1 Heart Rate Monitor included
- Sony 8 megapixel camera
- Pairing capability with Apple Watch
- 12-month Manufacturer’s Warranty
- Price: on sale for $1,249
Smart design pays off
The MYX II Bike has very unique design features that showcase the benefits of doing things differently. MYX is not trying to be another version of Peloton or NordicTrack with its bikes. They have taken a completely different approach – one that allows the company to provide a high-quality bike at a more affordable cost. What I find most impressive, is that even though there are some cost-saving measures taken with the MYX II, they were purposeful and done in a way that makes sense, given the experience they are trying to deliver.
The monitor on the MYX II is a 21.5-inch HD touchscreen tablet which also allows for 360-degree rotation. You usually only see this screen design on bikes closer to $2,000 or more. Having a rotating screen is a big benefit because whether you choose Openfit or BODi, you will have a lot of options for off-the-bike classes.
On the tablet are 20-watt speakers which are not anything special but they are a bit better than the original Peloton Bike speakers. The tablet also has an 8-megapixel camera. A lot of bikes have cameras like this and I rarely mention them because they typically do not have much of a purpose on the bike. But with both the Openfit and BODi programs, there is finally a purpose for the camera.
Openfit offers tons of very small live classes where the coach gets to interact with people through the camera. This is mostly done with the app right now, but these live sessions will be implemented into the bike software soon.
On BODi, they have what they call a “BodCast,” which is part every live class. It is a giant screen in the background showing a few dozen members working out live, via their cameras. Members can sign up for this beforehand if they would like. I did just to try it out and it was actually a lot of fun. I can imagine that for a lot of people, it would be very fun to get onto that BodCast every once in a while.
The adjustment systems on the MYX II are pretty nice as well. Most bikes offer a 3-way adjustment system. Meaning you can raise and lower the seat, move the seat forward and backward, and raise the handlebars up and down. But on the MYX II, there is a 4-way adjustment system. They have added the ability to adjust the handle bars closer to you or farther away.
Members who are short or tall will really appreciate this. My wife is 4’ 10,” and for her to ride other bikes comfortably, I have had to buy additional accessories that can run $200 or more. These types of adjustments are worth it, so the fact that it is already included on the MYX II is definitely appreciated. It is something you really do not see on many bikes.
The cup holders on the MYX II are also much larger than other bikes. If you use larger water bottles, like Hydroflasks, you will probably really like this. I tend to use smaller water bottles and they work fine here. They just look a little silly in these giant cup holders.
The pedals on the MYX II Bike are a combination of both a toe cage and SPD clip-in. I honestly think all bikes should come with these types of pedals so everyone can ride with our without cycling shoes. But for some reason, not many really come with this so good for MYX. However, I have to say these toe cages are really hard to tighten and loosen, so that could be a pain if you are sharing the bike. You can also buy and install other pedals pretty easily if you need to.
There is also a little bluetooth sensor on the pedals of the bike. This is the sensor that reads your cadence and evidently, it is supposed to be 10% more accurate than other magnetic resistance-based sensors. But since most cadence sensors in 2021 seem pretty darn accurate, a 10% bump is not going to be noticeable to most. So take that as you will.
One of the biggest differences is that MYX decided to go with friction resistance instead of the more high-tech (and expensive) magnetic resistance. Magnetic resistance allows for a smoother ride and is usually most noticeable at higher resistance levels. However, because the MYX II Bike was designed with a very heavy flywheel, it actually ends up feeling nearly as smooth as you would expect from magnetic resistance. It really is a great workaround.
But the friction resistance also limits the MYX Bike, as it does not allow it to monitor your resistance levels. While this might be a deal-breaker for those looking to compete with others on a leaderboard, that is not the type of person MYX made this bike for. There are no leaderboards and no scores. The focus here is on developing your fitness through personalized heart rate training. Having leaderboards, in this case, would actually take away from that focus.
MYX II heart rate training
Heart rate training is the main focus here. In fact, the very first class you take on the MYX II calculates your estimated maximum heart rate – which is a great decision since generic formulas (like 220-age) tend to be significantly off for many.
The instructors then take you through a variety of different classes, but they continue mixing up the cadence and heart rate zones you are working towards. If you are on the cadence and your heart rate is too low, then you need to add resistance. Not knowing the resistance with this sort of training is not a huge deal.
The MYX II also comes with a Polar OH1 Heart Rate Monitor which can be conveniently charged from the back of the tablet. In addition to the heart rate monitor, MYX also just released a software update that allows members to connect their MYX II Bike to the Apple Watch via the app. So if you use an Apple Watch, you will will be able to use here which I know is a big plus for many.
These smart design decisions show the commitment MYX has to heart rate training and are how the MYX II Bike delivers such a great bike at an affordable cost.
More features, more programs
The MYX II also is the only connected fitness bike to give you more than one option for memberships. You can choose from Openfit, BODi, or both. Both programs are priced at $29/month and include five profiles. This price is lower than most competitors which are usually around $39/month.
Openfit is designed for those looking for a more boutique or 1:1 experience. These classes have a pretty small cap to allow for a much more personalized approach than you usually see. They have structured programs and tons of on-demand classes. They also have many off-the-bike classes, like strength, yoga, and mobility.
Openfit also offers classes that blend the categories which I think is pretty cool. The Openfit app seems as though it was designed a bit more for those newer to fitness or who really want a hands on, more welcoming approach.
BODi on the other hand is still in beta. So far, it looks to be very much be a competitor to Peloton. The live classes here have a production value that easily rivals, if not surpasses, Peloton and other studio programs. Plus they have been adding more to the schedule each week, including scenic rides.
The BODi beta is supposed to continue for another month or so, but they have already been building up quite a collection of classes both on and off the bike. As well as many classes that combine both.
Some of the classes offer the BodCast. Which is something you can sign up for and, if you are lucky, get featured in the background of the live class. I think this is a fun way to mix in the community, especially when there is no leaderboard.
Although BODi uses the same Feed.fm music as others, like iFIT, they actually take the time to have a curated playlist for most classes. This is really important for a studio class and it really elevates BODi. With their line up of well-known coaches and top-notch production value, they are throwing a lot into making this program as good as it can be.
Also included with the BODi membership is access to the past 20 years or so of programs that Beachbody has developed. Programs like P90X, Insanity, and countless others. When BODi was first announced, they kept saying that they would become the Disney+ of fitness. I know that was just a sound byte, but after having access to all of these popular programs, videos, PDF’s, nutrition plans, and more, it does somewhat seem like the Disney+ of fitness.
Honestly, I preferred BODi a lot more than Openfit, and it is not even out of beta yet. I would definitely suggest doing at least a trial of both when you get your MYX II Bike just to see which you prefer.
MYX II wrap up
The MYX II Bike may have cut costs in some areas, but definitely not all of them. The bike itself looks great, is very stable, has a rotating screen, and includes more adjustability options than its competitors. In fact, the Peloton Bike would need additional accessories like The Adjuster (which costs $250) and The Pivot (which costs $50) to match this.
The smart design decisions that went into the MYX II Bike, along with its focus on heart rate training, really help to deliver a premium experience at an affordable price. While I am someone who likes to see all of my metrics and power output, I am still excited about the BODi beta and what they have shown so far. The production value is high, the coaches are very entertaining, and the hundreds of programs they offer are an enormous value.
The MYX II Bike may not be the best option for someone who prefers to chase a leaderboard, or for someone who wants all the bells and whistles a more expensive bike can provide. But the MYX II Bike shines at delivering a truly enjoyable experience at a very attractive price.
The MYX Bike come in two versions: the MYX II and the MYX II Plus. Make sure to check out our article where we compare the MYX II with the MYX II Plus so you can figure out which MYX is best for you.
Buy the MYX II and MYX II Plus Bikes here.
Use code: FALL275 for $275 off (expires 10/10)
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
