CAROL Bike Review: Is 40 Secs Of Cycling As Good As A 45-min Jog?

Here’s my review of the CAR.O.L (Cardiovascular Optimization Logic) interactive HIIT bike that uses artificial intelligence to figure out how hard to push you in every ride; giving you a high-intensity workout with only 40 seconds of hard work (which the makers say is as good as a 45 minute jog) - and you don’t even sweat.
The company loaned me the bike to test out across eight weeks while I was at home during San Francisco’s shelter-in-place order triggered by the COVID-19 outbreak. [EDIT 2022: I ended up buying the bike at a discounted price].
*GET A DISCOUNT*
Use the code HEALTHHACKERS at the CAR.O.L checkout (UK and USA) for £100 or $100 off. Here: www.carolbike....
FYI: When you use the code, healthHackers® receives an amount at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support and rest assured these discounts don’t influence what I say about products I review (as regular healthHackers® viewers already know). But if that doesn’t suit you, you can always buy without a discount.
This video also features CAR.O.L’s CEO, Ratna Singh, on how the bike gets to know your ability and why she believes humans are better suited to high-intensity interval exercise instead of lengthy cardio.
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Thank you for watching!👌

[@ollierichardson2058]

Fair play. This was a brilliant, informative review and didn’t pander purely to the manufacturer. Will definitely check out your other stuff... For the bike I don’t think the initial outlay is too unachievable but I feel the high monthly subscription is a kick in the teeth and is really putting me off (especially with technical issues!), shame

[@HealthHackers]

Ollie - thank you so much for leaving this comment! I really appreciate it. Please do check out some of the other vids and write as many comments as you like! ;) Re: the bike... the good news is that my tech issues are sorted and I am now in the process of buying the bike!

[@petersmith143]

Absolutely intriguing article. I haven't got the bike, but I do have a really great stationary bike that's been in storage for some time. I'm going to test the 20 second intensive pedalling routine, with 2 minute lower level rest pedalling. I feel very enthusiastic about a shirt duration bike workout 👍☺

[@chesshooligan1282]

Same thing with running: 4 x 400 m will do more good than a slow, 30-minute jog. If you want the endurance, though, you need to do the mileage. Nice house.

[@HealthHackers]

Thanks for watching, Chris - and for the compliment on the house. I'll tell our landlord 👍

[@MOVIEKICKS]

Brilliant review! You asked some great questions. I just did my first calibration ride on my new CAROL bike. How do you like your CAROL bike over the last four years?

[@samuelbrainsample]

About keeping your hands on the handlebars, you can pair a heartrate monitor to CAR.O.L and it will read your heartrate data that way. I have a Polar H10, myself.

[@HealthHackers]

Thanks Kelly! When you keep watching the video, you'll see CAR.O.L sent me a HR chest belt. I couldn't get it to pair with the bike initially (as explained in the video). But it did work for me eventually.

[@helendean9765]

As a fitness trainer, and as someone who has a Wattbike, a Mirror, a regular spin bike and has used multiple apps including Zwift and Peleton, I wholeheartedly agree with the review. Sure, if you really WANT to spend 40 mins on a spin bike or a Wattbike, go ahead. This really does work and is the same intensity of exercise, which after all is the POINT. It also has the Peleton app built in if you want to get your fix in. The advantage is that it measures cadence, heart rate and the same calibrations of resistance as the Peloton. I hated my Zwift sessions, despite doing regular outdoor biking anyway. Far too complicated to set up and quite honestly, easier to get out and ride up and down hills. Those who say it is better to get out and about, fair comment, but this is for those who are limited in time and want all the benefits of full on HIIT without a personal trainer. And- if you live in Nevada like me- you can't go out 7 months in the year due to the weather topping 110 degrees most of the time. It is not cheap - but neither is the Peloton or the Wattbike. I am all for the CAROL myself.

[@HealthHackers]

Thank you Helen, you have a lot of experience with bikes! I appreciate your endorsement of my video :)

[@richardplantan4375]

I've owned and been using the car.o.l bike for about a year . The two 20 second sprints are really difficult but I know that if I was doing a peloton workout which lasts about 40 minutes or went out and jogged 45 minutes I would of quit in two months. It's just like a diet you have to pick something you can live with on a permanent basis or you will quit in a shorttime.

[@jonmac380]

First off this was a GREAT review. 1. Too many tech issues at this price point for me. 2. Like you, I question how the minimal sweat and workout is better than a traditional Peleton 40 min ride. To your point it may just be an old school mindset but working out less to gain optimal results is just too big of a pill for me to swallow. Keep in mind I’m looking for any reason to buy this bike. The idea of doing less and being more efficient is extremely attractive. 3. Price point, all these things combined I’d probably take a chance at $1,500 or less. But $3k is just too risky for me. I think I’m going to go with a Peleton. Thank you KINDLY for this review!

[@HealthHackers]

Jonny, thanks so much for this comment! I’m really pleased you liked the review! I completely get where you’re coming from re your decision making. Interestingly, Carol has now rolled out the Peloton app on its bikes, so I’ve been doing Peloton classes recently on my Carol and loving it. 😀 Enjoy your Peloton!

[@woody1380]

@@HealthHackers I presume that means you need the Carol subscription plus the Peloton subscription each month.

[@dirker99]

Enjoyed the review, not sure with the cost, it's so much better than pushing yourself on an exercise bike, or in my case using a turbo trainer on an old bike...as you say some times it feels good to get hot and sweaty after a long hard workout..perhaps less is more? Or at least the same?

[@HealthHackers]

You’ve got to go with what feels best for you!

[@BF1GUN]

Thanks for the video. I'm the sort of person this bike appeals to. I work each in an office, leaving home at 0530 and return home at about 1930. By the time I get home, I have no interest in exercising and despite previously owning a treadmill and a cross trainer, found them so boring to use. My attention span is useless, so HIT exercise does appeal to me. I was seriously considering this bike but the cost is very high and I do understand and take into account the R&D expense that has gone into making this product. I wonder if the manufacturer was to lower the price whether they would sell more. With regards to the weight of the bike, this is a positive and will / should give it stability. The connection issues are disappointing as you would not want to lose essential data.

[@WDWysong]

Very informative review! Thanks!

[@HealthHackers]

Thanks for the feedback! Appreciate it :)

[@davidkearney511]

excellent review! thank you

[@HealthHackers]

Thank you David!

[@DVelez-wz3fe]

What a terrific, well organized video…thank you

[@HealthHackers]

You are so welcome! I love nice comments like this! 😁

[@evemorris1435]

Enjoyed this video immensely. Excellent editing and very informative. You seemed to get a very high heart rate Gemma, is that safe? Perhaps ask that very nice cardiologist you interviewed a while ago?

[@HealthHackers]

Always love your support for the healthHackers channel! Thank you for watching. I was surprised by that HR too!😳

[@cmoneytheman]

Does that mean these are the new king of burning cals over air bikes

[@Thejasond1979]

Great vid I have the Carol and love it

[@HealthHackers]

Good to know! I still use it a few times a week, although my octane score hasn’t increased despite riding for months!🤷‍♀️

[@harolddichter2624]

One question for everyone, is this bike supposed to produce better cardio results than doing two to three 20-30 minute Peloton HIIT/tabata workouts a week or does it just produce comparable results in less time? If the former, what would be the best way to validate that it produces better cardio effects, what metric would be most helpful to measure? Has anyone tried to measure this?

[@HealthHackers]

Hi Harold. I’m not aware of any direct studies comparing Carol to Peloton. But I do know that when I reviewed the Carol bike, the company’s brochure said the bike’s 10-20 second sprints achieve the same glycogen depletion that’d you’d get from at least 30 mins of CrossFit training, 45 minutes of spinning, or 45 minutes of jogging. It’d be good to see a comparison with Peloton rides one day!👍

[@harolddichter2624]

Thanks for the quick response.

[@woody1380]

@@HealthHackers I came to this video after trying Pelaton classes on a regular spin bike and having been spinning for about 18 months in gym classes. The Peleton ride I did today was 45 minutes and included heavy resistance hill climbs but also 8 X 20 second all out sprints. I don't see how Carol could be more effective at depleting glycogen than a ride that already includes sprints (most spin sessions include sprints)

[@HealthHackers]

@@woody1380 I love my Peloton rides! I've been doing Peloton classes on my Carol bike and I see what you're saying. I wondered similar. Did you see the studies mentioned in the video?

[@woody1380]

@@HealthHackers I did see the studies as you mentioned them but haven't read them myself. One thing I did notice is that at least one study mentioned the results in previously sedentary individuals (or something similar) I have seen other fitness studies that seem to like to have people who are starting from a low fitness base and see how they improve. I can see the reasoning behind that but also wonder if the results would be as clear in people who are already quite fit. The Carol protocol seems pretty easy to replicate, cycle slowly then go all out for 20 seconds. Once I know that what do I need Carol for? Can I do that on any spin bike and get results even if I don't get the data feedback? I need a good reason to spend £3000

[@noellesnow186]

I've read and listened to the whole CAROL philosophy that it only takes 10 minutes to get fit. Has anyone here actually tried this 10 minutes with just (2) two 20 second sprints. I need to see more evidence before paying all that money. Otherwise, I'll keep biking for an hour plus kettle bell workouts. I really don't mean to sound like a skeptic, but mostly every person I know who bought this bike still cycles & exercises longer. Can someone who follows this short workout write about it truly working.

[@ron_grimes]

Excellent review. Just ordered CAROL 2.0

[@HealthHackers]

Thank you for watching and for the positive feedback!

[@excel04]

If you're doing such high intensity training that is putting the body into a perceived state of threat it is useful to counter this intensity with calming activities. Nearly 20% of Americans have anxiety and approximately 10% of people will be diagnosed with PTSD/Complex Trauma in their lifetime. Whilst it's useful for bodies to release adrenaline, stressed nervous systems need calming and take much longer to recover. Vagal toning activities are particularly useful to counter high intensity work. Whilst the CAROL can detect heart rate etc, I doubt it can detect how an upset vagus nerves can trigger digestive complaints, IBS and insomnia, all of which ultimately affect performance and fitness in the long run. For some, doing more in less time isn't always the best thing without appropriate balance.

[@HealthHackers]

Hi Excel. Thanks. Did you see in the video where I asked about the perceived state of threat? It’s at 14.29” in the video👍

[@excel04]

@@HealthHackers I did. That's why I mentioned this. I understand the CAROL won't create stressed states by itself. My point is more about recovery from the physiological stress based on individual needs. I've noticed that people with anxiety/trauma have different rates of recovery from adrenaline spikes and may need more down time or balancing activities after exertion to avoid dysregulation. If a nervous system is already overloaded from running away from metaphorical sabre toothed tigers it may need more time to rebalance. Heart Rate Variability between sessions maybe a better indicator of recovery than just heart rate within the session. I don't know if the machine provides this or not. If it does, great.

[@HealthHackers]

I agree; everyone must have a different rate of recovery between sessions based on many factors. The bike doesn't measure HRV to my knowledge. It's an interesting area. I tried out this vagul nerve stimulater a while ago, if you're interested in watching: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnbRdJlreL6KndU Also, my latest video review (which I'll be uploading on here next month) is about the Apollo Neuro. It's a wristband designed to help you take control of how you feel; to calm anxiety etc. I think you'll be interested in that! If you are able to subscribe to this channel, you'll get notified when I post the video and it'd be good to hear your thoughts on it.

[@excel04]

@@HealthHackers I ordered the Apollo Neuro at the start of the year and I'm sorry to say I had a terrible time with the device and company. I wouldn't recommend it to my clients until they've worked out both the glitches in the device and their customer service. This is especially true for anyone outside of America because you are meant to ship the device back to them every time it gets a fault and they aren't prompt with their emails. I have seen your Sensate Pebble video but have yet to try it I have however tried the Zeez Sleep Pebble that I also saw on your channel and love that. I would wholeheartedly recommend both the Zeez and high integrity of the company. I hope you have more success with the Apollo Neuro than I did! Keep up the great work with the videos. I've been subbed with the bell rung for a while 😊

[@HealthHackers]

@@excel04 Oh no! Sorry to hear about your experience with the Apollo. Thank you for flagging this. When I interview the co-founder, I will certainly ask about dealing with faults and the international shipping. It's useful for others to know too. Re: the Zeez, I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Zeez! Do you still use it? Thank you so much for being a subscriber! That makes me very happy!🙏

[@dh2392]

A 1 year warranty on a $3000 bike? Exercise bikes in this price range generally have more generous warranties.

[@HealthHackers]

Oh that's interesting. What's the typical warranty length for a bike?

[@dh2392]

@@HealthHackers this is the most expensive exercise bike I know of, and some other higher end exercise bikes offer lifetime warranties on the frame, 3 years on parts and electronics, and 1 year labor.

[@HealthHackers]

Wow

[@PinkFlowers365]

ty

[@HealthHackers]

👍

[@trae326]

Nice bike but too pricey for my budget. I will spend $1000 and save the rest. Outrageous price at $3000.

[@HealthHackers]

Thanks for watching though, Tracy!

[@Thejasond1979]

Remember Carol will read a blue tooth heart rate strap

[@SKCodesForFun]

how much weight did you lose during the review?

[@HealthHackers]

Weight loss was not a goal. I have no scales.🤷‍♀️

[@SKCodesForFun]

@@HealthHackers fair enough, but some of your viewers may be interested in that info. But nonetheless, I respect your opinion and decision to not track it, that notwithstanding this is a v informative video and I thank you for uploading it :)

[@HealthHackers]

Thank you. I could not have tracked weight even if I had wanted to. No scales, and no gyms open due to lockdown. For what it’s worth, I didn’t feel like I lost any noticeable weight during the trial period.

[@richardevans9465]

If you believe that 2x20 seconds per week on a stationary bike will get you cycling fit, then you'll believe anything.

[@helendean9765]

It is not saying that only 2 sessions will do it for you. It is comparing it to spending 80 mins on a spin bike or equivalent per week. Most people will do much more than that and it has lots of different exercises to progress if you want to. The science is correct. There is no doubt. It also makes it progressively more difficult as you improve. Not true of any other bike or app. Who wants to sweat through a Peleton session of 40 minutes if you can do 6 minutes (20 secs x 20 plus 2 minutes 20 of regular cycling) ?? Not me.

[@Paradaz2990]

Look at the way those handlebars are wobbling side to side under a bit of effort! Lets be honest here, these claims are pretty much nonsense but are really just mini-HIIT sessions backed by scientists but are totally generic are ignore the specifics of individuals. I'd rather use Wattbike/Zwift/Fulgaz sessions to be honest rather than what is a very average training bike with a sub-par app. Lets be honest here, if CAR.O.L actually matched the claims of Ratna Singh as assuming as founder/CEO she has spent some time in this field she'd also be super fit....I have the feeling she's nothing more than an investor/scientist trying to push something similar to the Peloton bandwagon.

[@fasstang87]

Is it me or is 2020 the year where science and that we have known and trusted for years to be thrown out the window? Here we have some fly by night individual / company 40 seconds which isn't really 40's you still have to include the other areas. Oh hold on I can't finish my comment, as youtube wants to show me a commercial of new invention on how my teeth can be cleaned under 10 seconds without brushing.