As an avid rower and fitness fanatic always on the hunt for great at-home workout options, I was eager to take the new CityRow system for a spin. With its combination of a smart rowing machine and boutique class streaming service, CityRow aimed to recreate that motivational studio class experience in my own home.
After over 6 months putting the system through its paces, I’m ready to share my hands-on perspective on how CityRow delivers. Read on for a candid review from an actual user on whether CityRow’s tech and training platform adds up to a worthwhile rowing experience.
Overview of CityRow‘s Offerings
For the uninitiated, CityRow sells both fitness equipment and workout content:
Rowing Machines
CityRow’s rowers aim to mimic actual on-water rowing mechanics with features like water flywheels and sliding seats. Their current lineup includes:
- Go Max – The higher-end machine with a built-in 19.5” touchscreen display
- Go Classic – A more affordable Bluetooth version without onboard screen
Both rowers fold upright for storage when not in use.
Digital Training Platform
Via the $29/month CityRow Go app, members can access daily live classes and an on-demand library with elite rowing instructors. Class types span rowing intervals, pilates, yoga, strength training, warm ups/cool downs and more.
Now let’s get into how these offerings actually perform when put to work.
Setting Up the CityRow Rower and App
I purchased the top-of-the-line CityRow Go Max with the built-in screen, integrated speakers and content access.
Assembly
Putting the rower together out of the box was mostly intuitive, on par with assembling furniture from Ikea or Amazon. The main frame snapped together cleanly, then it was just a matter of attaching the monitor arm, seat rails, foot rests and water tank. One tricky bit was fitting the bungee shock cords inside the fluttering flywheel cage. But CityRow’s online video tutorials provided helpful step-by-step guidance when needed.
All in, setup took around 90-120 minutes solo. I’d recommend having two people for ease of holding pieces steady while bolting others together.
Connected Fitness Experience
With assembly complete, I downloaded the Go Max app on my iPhone 13. After entering my login credentials from their website, the machine appeared automatically ready to pair. I clicked connect via Bluetooth and the onboard touchscreen monitor mirrored my phone display instantly.
The 19.5 inch HD screen makes visualizing classes super immersive. And the integrated soundbar with 20W high fidelity speakers pumps out instructor audio and motivating workout playlists clearly.
One tip is positioning your device 18-24 inches from the screen for accurate Bluetooth communication. I noticed a few instances of choppy video when my phone strayed too far left or right during vigorous rowing.
Putting CityRow through Its Rowing Paces
Alright, with setup complete it was time to start training! Here’s a breakdown of how CityRow performed across a variety of rowing specific and full-body workouts:
Rowing Classes
Of course rowing classes are the main draw, considering the specialty equipment involved. And the CityRow coaching team knows how to cue precise stroke mechanics for maximum efficiency:
“Engage your legs first, then swing from the core as you push back…let the handle come to you as you flow forward.”
The flow of intervals had my heart rate escalating and legs burning within minutes. From short sprint rows to longer steady state endurance rows, the programming kept challenging me in new ways.
Having direct form feedback made tangible improvements to my once sloppy rowing technique. The water resistance emulates on water rowing better than other machines, in my opinion. Between the smooth stroke, realistic sound effects and instructor cues, at times I lost myself imagining gliding along coastal waters at sunrise.
HIIT, Bootcamp and Strength
Beyond row-focused training, CityRow offers broad workout variety like HIIT circuits:
“Keep your base rowing pace while we add moves like overhead press and sumo squats after each 200 meter interval.”
The fast-paced hybrid strength and cardio sessions got my heart pumping fast. I loved mixing free weight and bodyweight moves between rowing bursts. It kept things interesting while creating well-rounded programming.
One class had us doing lateral walks with resistance bands around our legs between rows for some serious inner thigh burn!
Yoga, Pilates and More
To balance the intensity, I appreciated the addition of yoga flows and pilates classes. The change of pace stretched out tight spots while enhancing mind-body awareness.
There’s also warm ups focusing on joint mobility, flexibility and alignment. These did wonders to prepare my body before intense efforts while reducing injury risk.
And cool down stretches promote accelerated recovery by safely lowering heart rate, body temperature and breathing rate.
All around, the diverse class programming keeps training stimulating so I‘m always excited to workout.
Motivational Aspect
Working out alongside the coaching cues and other class participants via the screen creates serious motivation. Even during solo early morning sessions, I feel part of a supportive community all moving as one.
The infectious energy of the instructors wills you to push just a bit harder. And the imagery of rowing on tropical waters or alpine lakes is inspiring.
On days when I’m feeling sluggish, firing up a session instantly elevates my mood and effort. The psychological lift can’t be understated.
Metrics Tracking
In terms of data feedback, the Go Max touchscreen and app display all key rowing metrics clearly:
- Distance
- 500m Split Times
- Stroke Rate
- Heart Rate
- Calories Burned
The screen lets me know exactly how my output stacks up to personal bests. While the stats available cover the basics well, some competing platforms like Hydrow offer more advanced tracking like drive force and recovery force.
I’d also like to see gamification through public rowing leaderboards to compare with others. Though CityRow has hinted these competitive social features will come in future app updates.
Sound and Overall Quality
A common issue I’ve had with other fitness machines is loud, grinding operation disturbing the rest of the household. Especially early morning workouts.
Happily, CityRow’s water flywheel design results in blissfully smooth, quiet motion. As long as I‘m not blaring the soundbar, my downstairs neighbors remain undisturbed.
The machine itself feels rock solid – no shaking or jerky movements even during vigorous exertions. The full aluminum frame, precision components and durable polycarbonate water tank give it professional grade stability.
Based on build integrity alone I expect many years of reliable performance. The 5-year frame warranty and 1-year coverage on electronics provides peace of mind as well.
How CityRow Compares to Top Brands
Curious how the overall CityRow package sizes up against the best rowers out there today? Here I’ve compared key metrics across the leading connected rower companies:
| Machine | Price | Monthly App Fee | Screen Size | Sound System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CityRow Go Max | $1,795 | $29 | 19.5” Touchscreen | Integrated 20W Speakers |
| Hydrow | $2,495 | $44 | 22” Touchscreen | Attaches to External System |
| Ergatta | $1,999 | $29 | Bring Your Own Screen | Bring Your Own Speakers |
| Peloton Row | $3,195 | $44 | 23.8” Swivel Screen | Attaches to External System |
And here‘s how the onboard class content stacks up by the numbers across these rivals:
| Brand | # On-Demand Classes | Session Lengths | Class Drop Cadence |
|---|---|---|---|
| CityRow | 350+ | 10-60 mins | 8 new monthly |
| Hydrow | 4,000+ | 10-60 mins | 25 new monthly |
| Ergatta | 1,250+ | 10-45 mins | 15 new monthly |
| Peloton Row | TBD | TBD | TBD |
While companies like Hydrow and (eventually) Peloton edge out CityRow in sheer volume, 350+ classes still provides considerable variety. And CityRow continues adding 8 or more new classes monthly.
For a startup brand, they’ve built an impressive and ever expanding library focused on quality over quantity. Even as a frequent user, I notice fresh class types being added.
Who is the CityRow Rower Best Suited For?
Based on my first-hand experience, here is the customer profile that can benefit most from investing in the CityRow system:
Enthusiastic Rowers
Thanks to best-in-class water resistance design, if you already know and love rowing itself, CityRow will satisfy big time. The smooth stroke and realistic sound effects bring aquatic training straight home.
Social Exercisers
The energy and community of the live class sessions make CityRow a fit for those missing the motivation of in-person studios. The screen immerses you in each session despite exercising solo.
Urban Apartment Dwellers
The standing storage design with whisper quiet operation makes CityRow feasible even in tight spaces. No need to permanently commandeer common rooms that dismay housemates.
Value Seekers
At under $2,000 all-in, CityRow comes at a noticeably lower cost than premium rivals. Yet the quality and overall experience deliver similar results at a budget friendlier price point.
Now for those who CityRow may not satisfy:
Data Junkies
If you crave intricate performance analytics with individual power curves and force measurement, CityRow leaves something to be desired. Competition leaderboards are also missing for now.
On-Demand Fanatics
For sheer breadth of class library spanning years of production, Hydrow and Peloton still dominate. But CityRow holds its own on quality and continues ramping content monthly.
Globetrotting Rowers
Given lack of international delivery outside the U.S., Canada and Australia, overseas rowing enthusiasts need to look elsewhere. Though interested foreign markets can likely expect CityRow availability to expand over time.
Key Questions Answered About CityRow
As someone who has researched the ins and outs of CityRow thoroughly, here is clarity on some frequent areas of interest:
Who Owns and Operates CityRow?
CEO and Founder Helanie Knapp launched CityRow in 2014 as a physical boutique studio before expanding into manufacturing connected fitness equipment. She leads an executive team with deep experience across retail, technology and media sectors.
How Long Does Delivery and Setup Take?
I received my Go Max rower within 5 business days of ordering. The component boxes shipped partially assembled to reduce unpacking. Setup just required attaching the major pieces with included tools.
The overall process spanned around 2 hours from unboxing to taking first class. But more handy customers could be rowing under an hour presumably. White glove delivery with professional installation is available for $199.
Can I Finance My CityRow Rower?
Yes! CityRow offers Affirm financing plans to split payment over 3, 6 or 12 months for greater budget flexibility. Exact terms depend on your credit profile.
What‘s the Warranty Coverage?
All CityRow rowers ship with a 5-year frame warranty, 3 years on components, and 1 year on the touchscreen tablet. Labor costs associated with repairs are covered for the first 2 years as well.
Can I Stream Classes Without the Rower?
At this time, a CityRow machine is required for app access. So unlike Peloton who sells standalone app memberships, you must own CityRow hardware to join. That said, some sharing between household members is permitted.
How Do I Cancel My CityRow Subscription?
Cancelling your CityRow membership is manageable via email, online chat or phone support. Simply contact their service team to process discontinuing recurring billing and app access. Just know leftover membership time is non-refundable.
Final Verdict After 6 Months of Use
At the end of the day, reflecting on half a year sweating with CityRow, do I believe the investment provided value?
The rowing experience itself remains best-in-class – unmatched mimicry of actual on-water dynamics from the smoothness to sound effects. And the dare I say gorgeous 4.5 ft. equipment with its aluminum frame and polycarbonate water tank retains visual appeal even while idle.
The class content diversity sufficiently challenges while avoiding repetition, especially the intervals, strength training and pilates. Though the onboarding could better explain the workout variety for beginners.
The price point hits the sweet spot between budget magnetic rowers lacking realism and uber premium brands like Peloton nearing the $4K mark.
If seeking a motivational, full-body home workout centering authentic rowing motion, I confidently recommend CityRow. The equipment engineering and programming sync well to replicate studio class camaraderie.
Just expect a dip in richness around competitive leaderboard features coveted by some fitness fanatics. And know the app content still has years of catching up before reaching category dominators like Hydrow and Peloton.
But in the core discipline of curating smooth, dynamic rowing, CityRow executes superbly while keeping affordability in reach for more budgets. This accessible equipment and content pair stands ready to upgrade home gyms everywhere.
