MYX II Plus Hands-On Review: Is It Worth Buying?

What is the MYX II Plus?

The MYX II Plus is a new and updated version of the MYX Plus — a popular indoor cycling bike from MYXfitness.

The bike features a 21.5-inch (54.61-cm) swiveling touchscreen, a built-in speed sensor, and an oversized stabilizing mat, though the standard MYX II has these features as well.

The “Plus” in MYX II Plus comes from the inclusion of extra workout accessories, like weights and a yoga mat, which make the MYX II Plus an all-in-one solution for strength and cardio.

As with the original MYX bikes, the MYX II Plus comes with a Polar heart rate monitor and utilizes personalized heart rate training zones to help guide your workout.

What’s new about the MYX II Plus?

The biggest change that the MYX II and MYX II Plus bring to the table is the addition of speed, cadence, and distance sensors, which allow you to track these performance metrics while you ride.

Another major change is the option of two subscription-based fitness apps for streaming classes on the bike’s built-in tablet.

Now, instead of the MYXfitness app, you can choose to subscribe to MYX+Openfit or Beach Body On Demand Interactive (BODi) for live and on-demand workouts.

Additional new features include:

• 20-watt speaker output
• an 8-megapixel camera for live classes
• a slimmer bike profile
• improved processing power for a faster downloading experience
• Apple Watch integration for heart rate tracking

Pros and cons

MYX II Plus design and key specs

The MYX II Plus bike is a stationary Star Trac bike that’s available in Deep Charcoal or Natural White.

The bike includes an adjustable standard road bike saddle, adjustable handlebars, a center resistance knob, and dual-sided pedals, allowing you to use either SPD clips or sneakers.

According to its website, the MYX II bike is designed with a narrower profile than many indoor cycling bikes, which the company claims is easier on your knees.

A 21.5-inch (54.6-cm) swiveling touchscreen is attached to the handlebars, making it easy to take your workout from the bike to the floor.

The screen also includes 20-watt speakers and a built-in camera for trainer interactions during live classes.

In addition to the bike itself, the MYX II Plus package includes the following workout accessories:

• an oversized stabilizing mat
• an exercise mat
• a Polar OH1 heart rate monitor
• 6 dumbbells
• 1 kettlebell
• a 24-inch (61-cm) foam roller
• a resistance band

The matching weight rack can be purchased for an extra fee.

How much does the MYX II Plus cost?

The MYX II Plus currently costs $1,599 and comes with free shipping and professional assembly.

For qualified customers, MYXfitness offers special financing, which allows you to pay off the bike in monthly installments.

For performance tracking and streaming classes, you’ll need to subscribe to at least one of MYXfitness’s compatible apps. Here are the current subscription costs:

• MYX+Openfit: $39 per month
• BODI: $29 per month, which includes a $19 monthly fee and a once yearly $99 fee.

A weight rack can also be added to your order for an additional $150.

Warranty and return policy

The MYX II Plus comes with a 12-month warranty on the bike’s accessories, product firmware, an HD touchscreen, pedals, labor, and bike components.

Additionally, the frame is covered by a 5-year warranty.

Your purchase also includes a 30-day risk-free trial, allowing you to return the bike for a full refund if you decide it’s not the right fit for you.

Just keep in mind that this trial period only applies to first-time MYX purchasers.

How to set up the MYX II Plus

The MYX II Plus arrives fully assembled and ready to ride. The delivery company also handles cleanup, so you don’t have to worry about breaking down and recycling the box.

Next, you’ll want to set up an account with Openfit, BODi, or both, using the MYX II screen. When my MYX II Plus arrived, BODi was still in beta testing, so the only option on the bike was Openfit.

Making an account, at least on Openfit, was easy enough, as the app walks you through the signup process. Of course, if you already have an Openfit account, you can simply log in with your username and password.

Once you’ve signed into your account, you’ll need to activate the bike’s speed sensor. This is where I got a bit lost, as the initial on-screen instructions don’t explain where or how to activate the sensor — nor does the included manual.

As I was eager to try out the bike, I decided just to do a quick workout without the speed sensor activated.

Later, I researched it online and learned that the speed sensor on the MYX II is located on the left pedal crankshaft. To activate the sensor, simply follow these instructions on Openfit’s website.

Once the speed sensor is activated, you’ll be shown two tutorials: how to use the included heart rate monitor and how to adjust the bike seat and handlebar positioning. I found both tutorials easy to follow.

While it’s not required, MYX Fitness strongly recommends taking the bike’s Heart Rate Calibration Ride before your first workout.

This ride is helpful, as it sets your customized heart rate zones, which the bike uses to provide guidance on how to optimize your workout to encourage an optimal heart rate zone for fat burning.

MYX II Plus class options

The MYX II and II Plus are unique in that they offer two streaming workout services to choose from, including MYX+Openfit and BODi.

Both apps offer a variety of live and on-demand exercise classes, including cycling, strength, and cardio workouts. You can also download the apps to your smartphone for workouts on the go.

Just keep in mind that while the bike allows you to switch back and forth between the apps, they’re separate services that require their own subscriptions and subscription fees.

Additionally, your workout history, stats, and heart rate information aren’t shared between the apps.

Therefore, it’s less burdensome — and more economical — to just subscribe to either MYX+Openfit or Bodi.

Here’s a quick look at how MYX+Openfit and BODi compare:

My experience using the MYX II Plus system

As mentioned earlier, once I figured out how to activate the speed sensor, setting up the MYX II bike was relatively straightforward.

One thing I wasn’t expecting was how uncomfortable the seat was on my first ride. However, after just a few days off of the bike, my second workout was significantly more comfortable.

That said, you may wonder whether you can replace the standard road bike saddle with a padded one. While the short answer is yes, MYXfitness doesn’t recommend using non-MYX parts, as doing so will void your warranty.

However, you could purchase a padded seat cover, which shouldn’t affect your warranty.

Moving onto the classes, given that only Openfit was available at the time of my trial, I did my Heart Rate Calibration Ride through the MYX+Openfit app.

While I enjoyed the experience and am looking forward to diving into the app’s progressive cycling programs, I was disappointed that MYX+Openfit doesn’t offer live cycling classes.

Nevertheless, I did try a live strength class on the Openfit app. I found the class to be fun, high energy, and challenging. I also appreciated the motivating music selection.

To get a sense of the BODi app, I streamed a BODcast yoga class on my smartphone. The app’s BODcast classes are unique in that they allow you to share your camera feed with the rest of the class.

BODcast classes are marked with a red lightning bolt icon on the schedule, and you’ll need to reserve one of the camera spots, which are limited. However, there were still several spots available right before this particular workout began.

Again, I really enjoyed the class and am looking forward to trying a live cycling class soon.

By far my favorite workouts were the scenic rides, which allow you to virtually explore destinations around the world.

Overall, I enjoyed Openfit and BODi classes — both on and off the bike — and appreciated the large swiveling screen, which was a major improvement from streaming workouts on my smartphone or small tablet.

How does the MYX II Plus compare with other smart bikes?

While several smart bikes are on the market, MYX II Plus’s main competitor is the Peloton Bike+.

Here’s a look at how they compare:

Is the MYX II Plus worth the cost?

If you enjoy indoor cycling and are starting a home gym from scratch, the MYX II Plus is worth the cost.

Personally, as I already own weights, a mat, and a roller, the Plus package was a bit redundant.

However, I was impressed by the quality of MYX’s workout accessories and found the items to be a much-appreciated upgrade to what I already have at home.

Still, if you don’t need these extra accessories, it’s best to save $200 and purchase the MYX II instead.

Also, keep in mind that thanks to the 30-day trial, you can easily try the bike yourself to see whether it’s the right fit.

Overall, with dual-sided pedals, a large swiveling touchscreen, and two subscription apps to choose from — including BODi, which offers live cycling classes — it’s hard to beat the value that the MYX II and MYX II Plus offer over other smart bikes, including Peloton.

Just keep in mind that you’ll want to account for a monthly subscription fee when considering your budget.

While you can technically still use the MYX II Plus bike without a subscription, you’ll be unable to stream classes and track your performance over time.

Finally, if you’re looking for a less expensive option, we recommend checking out the Schwinn IC4.

While it doesn’t include an integrated touchscreen, the IC4 offers a tablet holder and is compatible with popular cycling apps, such as Peloton and Zwift. Plus, it’s priced under $1,000.