If you’re looking to add a rower to your home gym, then CityRow is an amazing place to start. This rowing-based company specializes in fun, exciting rowing workouts that are guaranteed to get your heart pumping.
While you may not be able to attend their classes in the studio right now, you can experience the thrill right from your own home with one of their connected smart rowing machines.
In this article, I’m comparing the CityRow Go Classic Vs. CityRow Go Max rowers. I’ll be covering the following topics:
- Company Introduction: Who is CityRow Go?
- The Cityrow Go Experience
- A complete side-by-side table comparison
- The key similarities and differences between each model
- Overview of the Classic
- Overview of the Max
- The Bottom Line: Which rower is right for you?
Let’s dig in!
Company Introduction: Who is CityRow Go?
Cityrow Go is a fitness company that focuses solely on rowing-based workout classes and rowing machines, for now, anyway.
The brand was founded in 2013 by Helaine Knapp in New York City, but they have successfully opened studios all across the country. Some have referred to Cityrow Go as the SoulCycle of rowing, so if you’re familiar with SoulCycle, you’ll understand the cult-like following that such brands can create.
While people may not be coming to the studios as much due to COVID-19, the brand has a complete app that features live and on-demand classes as well as their home rowing machines which allow you to bring the full, in-studio experience right to your living room.
By combining the intense, full-body workout of rowing with charismatic, energy-inducing instructors and programming, Cityrow Go has perfected the at-home workout experience.
The Cityrow Go Experience
One of my favorite features of this particular brand is that they don’t limit themselves to just rowing. If you’ve ever taken one of their in-studio classes, then you know that they provide an epic, full-body workout that includes movement both on and off the rowing - and they bring that exact same experience to their home rowers!
Cityrow has classes designed to help you meet any goal, whether it be to increase your strength, build muscle, lose fat, or simply commit to a lifelong fitness routine. You’ll find a giant selection of classes that fit every fitness goal and level.
Their class selection includes the following:
- Endurance
- Strength
- Signature HIIT
- Yoga
- And more
With live tracking, you can see your real-time metrics and feedback, allowing you to see how far you’ve been and how much further you can go. You’ll see the following metrics within the app:
- Meters rowed
- Split time
- Personal records & badges earned
- Total classes & time
New classes are released on the app weekly, keeping things fresh, and keeping you motivated to keep going! All of their instructors are highly experienced and incredibly inspirational, leading you seamlessly towards your goals while having fun in the process.
They also have a Just Row feature that allows you to simply sit down and row for as long as you want, at the pace you want.
Next, we’ll compare their two current rowing machine models, the Classic and the Max.
Comparing Cityrow Go Classic vs. Max: Side-by-Side Analyzation
The two machines that this brand has to offer are inherently very similar, however, they are not the same. Take a look at the table below to begin to understand the differences between the two options.
Compare | Classic | MAX |
|---|---|---|
Price: | $1495 ($100 off with code: FITHEALTHYMOMMA100) | $2195 ($100 off with code: FITHEALTHYMOMMA100) |
Specs: | Length - 83.5”, Width - 22.25”, Height - 20” Weight: | Length - 83.5” Width - 22.25”, Height - 20” Weight: |
Screen? | No, includes mobile device attachment arm | Yes, 19.5” sweat-proof screen |
Foldable? | Yes | Yes |
Bluetooth? | Yes, connect to your own phone or tablet via Bluetooth to stream live data | Yes, Bluetooth connectivity for all your enabled devices |
Product page: |
Key Similarities and Differences
As you can see, both models are incredibly similar, so as you’re deciding which one is the right choice for you and your home gym, consider the following:
The Key Similar Elements
Both Cityrow models:
- Fold and store vertically
- Are constructed from sustainable wood
- Offer real-time performance data
- Include two weeks of free workouts
- Work perfectly with the Cityrow programming
- Have 5-year warranties on the body
- Have financing available
- Allow you to access their dedicated app full of live & on-demand classes
The Key Different Aspects
Here’s where these two models differ:
- The Pro model comes equipped with a 19.5” sweat-proof screen, the Classic does not come with a screen (device holder only)
- The Classic is completely cordless, the Pro screen needs to be plugged in
Now that you know the differences and similarities between these two models, let’s quickly review each model individually.
Overview of the Classic
The Classic Cityrow Go rower is compact, connected, and completely cord-free, making it an easy, convenient way to fit rowing into any home gym setup. Not to mention it’s sleek, beautiful, and folds up to the size of an end table in less than 20 seconds, allowing it to seamlessly blend in with any home aesthetics and accommodate any space.
This machine features water resistance generated from their WaterFlywheel which simulates the experience of physically rowing out on the water. There’s a Bluetooth LCD monitor that allows you to track your progress as you row.
For streaming purposes, you can attach your smartphone or tablet to the integrated holder, or you can cast your Cityrow app to your home TV using Apple TV, Chromecast or Android Mirroring to give yourself an immersive experience. Lastly, this machine is completely cordless, containing long-lasting, rechargeable batteries that provide all the power you need.
Overview of the Max
Cityrow describes their Max rower as a multisensory experience unlike any other. This model features a built-in 19” sweat-proof touchscreen and high fidelity speakers for a fully immersive workout experience. For even more details on the workout experience, I completed an intense research guide on the max rower by CITYROW GO, and it has already helped hundreds of our readers decide if it's right for them.
With the screen attached to the rower, you can automatically connect to their world-class app, accessing hundreds of workouts both live and on-demand. Furthermore, the screen is adjustable, which allows you to achieve the perfect viewing angle, both on and off the rower.
This machine is Bluetooth enabled, so you can connect your headphones, heart rate monitor, and more. And you can connect the machine to the internet via WiFi or with an ethernet cable, your choice.
Although this model features an attached screen, it’s still compact in size and has the ability to fold up in seconds for easy storage.
The Bottom Line: Which rower is right for you?
By now, you know that these two machines are very similar in construction and design. The main difference between the two is the inclusion of an attached HD touchscreen and speakers on the Max model.
Both machines will provide you with a stellar workout and are designed to be beautiful and built to last, however, the Cityrow Go Max takes things to the next level by providing an immersive experience that rivals the likes of Peloton.
If you’re struggling to decide between these two machines, here’s the way I see it:
Buy the Classic rower if you’re looking for a smart, affordable way to workout from home with limited space. As long as you have a device to attach, you’re good to get to work.
Buy the Max if you’re looking for an all-in-one workout system that’s always ready to go. The large, sweat-proof screen will allow you to feel like you’re right inside a Cityrow rowing class, giving you the complete experience.
It boils down to budget (there’s a $700 difference between the two models) and whether you prefer to have the screen and speakers attached or not. You really can’t go wrong with either choice!
Which model will you choose? Let me know and maybe I’ll see you on the leaderboard!