The MYX II and its predecessor are highly-regarded stationary bikes, for both home fitness and in professional gyms and training centers. Is it all hype, though?

When our friendly local MYX representative got in touch with our team, they made us an offer we couldn't refuse. In this MYX II product review, we explore just exactly what this bike and this brand are all about.

We have to say: we weren't disappointed. This thing is so much more than just a Peloton bike alternative. Enjoy spin bike classes, off-the-bike workouts, cross-training, and even live cardio challenges, all right from your own home.

How Does the MYX+Openfit Platform Work?

First and foremost: we want to clarify that, when you do away with all of the bells and whistles, the MYX II is a perfectly functional, mechanically-driven stationary bike, even when unplugged from the wall.

When backed by an Openfit membership, however, the MYX II is a smart spin bike built into an entire virtual fitness lifestyle service. It's even got a giant screen attached, putting each professionally-choreographed workout right in your face as you bike.

The screen is detachable, but if you love fitness classes and are interested in live training sessions, you can also sign up for an Openfit subscription for $39 per month. It's completely optional, but the bike was designed as a vehicle for everything that MYX+Openfit has to offer.

We'll talk more about the digital aspect of the MYX II. Before we do that, though, let's dive into what exactly you'll find when your bike finally arrives.

The MYX II Plus itself costs $1,599 when you order one with all of the optional add-ons—more on these in a moment, as well. As a standalone product, you can buy the MYX II on its own for $1,399.

The MYX II Plus: Unboxing and Review

MYX sent us the MYX II Plus white-glove, but the bike wasn't the only thing that landed on our doorstep.

Wave after wave of accessories followed the bike out of the truck. We had an inventory list to refer to in advance, but we truly were not expecting how impressive it would be to see it all laid out before us.

The MYX II is a front-flywheel recumbent exercise bike, which has you sitting back further in your seat than a traditional, upright exercise bike. Its flywheel provides resistance purely by way of friction, as opposed to the magnetic friction of Peloton bikes.

The onboard entertainment center boasts a 21.5-inch rotating touchscreen display, 20W speakers, and an 8-megapixel Sony camera.

What else comes in the box? Aside from the main attraction, you'll also receive an entire gym's worth of fitness accessories:

• A set of dumbbells and kettlebells
• An SPRI resistance band
• A Polar OH1 heart rate monitor
• A foam roller
• An exercise mat
• A bike stabilization mat
• A handy little kit of tools, just in case

When you place your order, MYX lets you choose your set of weights appropriate for your strength and current fitness levels. There are three options to choose from:

• The Light set includes 3 LB, 6 LB, and 9 LB dumbbells and a 15 LB kettlebell.
• A Medium set will include 6 LB, 9 LB, and 12 LB dumbbells with a 20 LB kettlebell.
• For the champions out there, a Heavy set will include 9 LB, 12 LB, 15 LB dumbbells, and a 25 LB kettlebell.

To determine which set of weights is right for you, MYX suggests grabbing a gallon of milk, a big container of laundry detergent, or approximately 9 LBs of books or cans in a bag. With your arms at your side and the object in one hand, lift the object to shoulder height without moving your upper arm.

If you can't sustain yourself for more than ten reps, the Light set is the one for you; if you don't even break a sweat after twenty, choose the Heavy set of weights. For everybody in the middle, ourselves included, Medium weights will likely be the way to go.

MYX II Set-Up and Calibration

So, the thing is up and running. You're ready to sweat, but you've got a couple of things that you need to do first.

The most annoying task impeding your way will probably be activating the bike's speed sensor, as prompted by your on-screen set-up instructions. We're going to come right out and say it: it took us twenty minutes to actually find where it was on the bike.

The slideshow presentation is less than helpful in this regard—you'll find the speed sensor on the inside of the left pedal's attachment bar. Spin it to approximately nine o'clock and try your best to remove the cap. Once you get rid of the tiny piece of plastic protecting the battery's contact, the bike is officially ready for your worst.

After you've got the Polar OH1 or other heart rate device paired with the bike, you're ready to take the ultimate test: the MYX II Zone Calibration Ride. The Openfit platform will read your stats and identify the best benchmarks to shoot for, customized to your fitness goals.

Day One on the MYX: The Smoothest Ride of Our Lives

We were instructed to leave no holds barred for this review—what you're about to read was actually written by somebody who prefers running to cycling greatly. We're happy to report, however, that the MYX II rides like a dream.

After our Calibration Ride, we decided to spend fifteen minutes with Openfit instructor Shaun Tubbs. His beginner's course was the perfect introduction to what this system has to offer over ordinary spin bikes.

Our first actual workout on this smart bike definitely took us off-guard. As daily runners, we were surprised to see how many of our major muscle groups were woefully under-prepared for this challenge.

We hate to admit it, but there really is something about having a ride-along instructor guiding you through each ramp-up, sprint, and integrative move. As total amateurs, we know how to do little more than go at it at full speed until we just can't go anymore.

A certified instructor, recorded or live, gives structure to each bike workout. You've got your average speed, the time elapsed, and miles cycled to light the way when flying solo, of course. When left to our own devices, however, the truth cannot be denied. We give up more quickly, and we burn fewer calories than when we're following along with somebody who actually knows what they're doing.

The screen and the library of workouts really are worth the addition; we have no idea what we're doing when we're exercising without some form of instruction. The logic behind this entire workout ecosystem results in a more effective workout for the average person, at least in our opinions.

The stationary bike itself is hefty; it feels like a nice watch, especially when compared to the cheap-feeling, plastic exercise bikes at our local gym. Looks can be deceiving, however. Does the MYX II feel like a Peloton bike, or any other brand-name stationary indoor bike?

The quality of this cycling experience is definitely on-par with some of the higher-end spinning bikes that we've used in the past. It's sturdy enough to really throw your back into it without worrying about tipping the entire thing over. If you've ever taken a real spin class, you already know that this makes any bike routine so much more fun to partake in.

The MYX II will show you no mercy, no matter what resistance setting you've dialed in to. Where some cheap exercise bikes play a much more passive role in your personal fitness, this product challenges your body, no matter what you happen to be doing. Bike sprints, endurance training, aerobics, or anything else that you're into are all fair game; the MYX II truly is built for results.

This is to say nothing of all of the accessories that the full MYX II Monty also puts at your fingertips. We can't recommend using the kettlebell while spinning, but dumbbell workouts on our MYX bike are probably one of the sleeper hits of the entire package.

It's an addicting sensation—the MYX II is perfectly balanced mechanically and has been optimized for performance, resulting in the perfect low-impact cardio session. You feel the burn deeply, but the machine compels you to continue.

A word to the wise, however: you'll notice that we mention the weight of this thing frequently. If you're ripping it, try to slow down before hopping off too quickly. We almost lost a leg dismounting the bike earlier today; the wheel can be very assertive when spinning at full speed.

Live Training Sessions: Indoor Cycling Has Never Been More Fun

Through the MYX+Openfit platform and the BODi app, you've got immediate access to a number of personalized, one-on-one training experiences, spin bike classes, and so much more. Certified trainers provide tips and encouragement, tuning in through your MYX bike monitor.

If you tend to be more motivated with a personal trainer, the MYX II and a subscription to the Openfit app will be worth the investment for this reason alone. We find that we're not only more invested in our workout with somebody rooting for us—having a professional correct your form and offer advice throughout your workout are both invaluable, especially if you've got fitness goals to meet.

BODi is an app dedicated to on-demand Beachbody workouts and classes, including live BODcasts hosted by one of many of BODi's world-class super-trainers. You'll join a burgeoning remote community of other MYX riders and BODi fanatics as you participate in name-brand fitness programs like P90X, 21-Day Fix, and the Insanity challenge, amongst others.

New workouts and programs are added on a near-weekly basis, and integration with the Polar OH1 gives you an incredible amount of control over your cycling session. If you're new to fitness and determined to give it your all, you've got everything you need to succeed with MYX, no experience required.

Why the MYX II Spin Bike Is a Must-Have for Any Fitness Lover

MYX facilitates a safe, comfortable, and effective home workout. This bike is top-of-the-line in terms of design and tech, but the real draw for us has got to be all of the fitness resources that come along with the service. We're totally clueless when it comes to getting fit; the entire training program is a game-changer, without a doubt.

It is so much more engaging to be in front of a live professional as you sweat; even the video classes available on MYX+Openfit get us fired up, every single time. Whether going at it solo or joining the MYX community in your own right, an invigorating indoor spin bike experience is never out of reach.