Spin bikes are gaining popularity because they are a fun way to work on your cardio and tone the lower body. Here are our picks for the best spin bike.
Smart Mom Pick for 2016 – Sunny SF-B1423
The Sunny SF-B1423 comes in a huge box, and the advantage of this bike is that the main frame has already been assembled. When it comes to the rest of the assembly, it takes between 30 minutes to one hour to put the pedals and seat together, a little longer than average. Nevertheless, you have an excellent and reliable monitor that will track your riding performance that includes speed and calories. When we look at price, you have more expensive bikes that do not offer the same level of quality that the Sunny SF-B1423 offers.
When it comes to the total weight when shipping, it will weigh about 106 pounds, which is somewhat heavy compared to some of the other exercise bikes that you can buy. The heaviest parts of this bike include the flywheel and the frame. Unfortunately, there are no wheels, so if you plan to move this exercise bike around, you should carry it piece by piece to avoid hurting your back. After you have figured out how to put this bike together, it does not take a lot of work to assemble. Another nice thing is that the instructions of this bike are fairly clear.
This exercise bike operates pretty quietly—the belt will make a somewhat swishing sound, and that is all that you will hear. In terms of the seating, you have a comfortable ride that will allow for longer sessions without discomfort and hoping that it will end. You also have a 40 lbs flywheel that guarantees a longer and smoother ride. With a lighter flywheel the problem is that it will sometimes vibrate, and you want to avoid that where possible. Because of the 40 lbs flywheel, you can work up a sweat in no time!
You could probably compare this little tracker to the FitBit HR, and they will only be a few calories off from each other. The distance could be slightly over, but if that does not matter much to you, then you have an excellent ride. You can have a great workout while writing down the information so that you can track your progress over time.
The greatest problem of the Sunny SF-B1423 is that it does not have a great deal of stability. Neither the seating nor the overall bike feel completely sturdy when riding compared to what you might have with a gym bike. Nevertheless, there are advantages to that, such as you can move around more freely.
The Sunny SF-B1423 has a solid construction of excellent quality, and it does not come in a cheap tube stock. The heavy duty steel frame also adds to the ideas of top-notch quality. In addition, this bike comes with box wrenches so that you can put it together more easily. Another thing worth noting is that they are not throw away tools. You can use them even after you have finished putting this bike together.
Schwinn IC2
The Schwinn IC2 Indoor Cycling Bike is a stationary bike that’s intended for home use. The indoor bike has a 31-pound flywheel, a wheel on a stationary bike that provides continuous resistance for the rider, placing the bike on the low-end in terms of flywheel weight. This, in turn, makes the Schwinn IC2 both less difficult and slightly less stable to ride. For this reason, it’s a better choice for those looking to do lower-impact home training, than those looking for a higher-intensity program. It is also not suitable for commercial or high-use settings.
The use of an over-sized steel tube provides safety and support and offers protection from corrosion over time. The support frame utilizes a wool felt pad to provide a smooth and consistent resistance, as well as allowing the rider to increase or decrease resistance for a customized workout. The bike uses direct drive gearing, which does create some noise with the drive chain, but not enough that it’s overly problematic, particularly if the user listens to music while riding.
The Schwinn IC2 indoor bike includes a BioConnect Feedback system that is comprised of an easy-to-read LCD screen that shows the rider the distance, time ridden, wheel rotations per minute (RPM), current speed and number of calories burned during the ride. For an indoor bike in this price range, this is a nice feature, but for those accustomed to using stationary bikes in a professional setting, it has the potential to fall short. The screen cycles through the various data points one at a time and is neither interactive or intuitive. One major drawback is that there is no measure of what resistance level the rider is at, other than feel.
Additional features of the Schwinn IC2 include:
Adjustable seat, handlebars, foot pedals and straps
A water bottle or mp3 holder
Distance displays available in either miles or kilometers
Easy-to-assemble and includes two AA batteries for the display
Measuring just over 4-feet high and just under 4-feet long, the Schwinn IC2 is fairly compact and a good size for use in the home. It weighs 83 pounds and is rated for people who weigh up to 250 pounds. The bike is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty providing five years of coverage on the frame, one year on the mechanical and electrical systems and 90 days for wear on parts.
Avid bikers note that while it’s not the top-of-the-line indoor bike model, the Schwinn IC2 offers a great value at an affordable price and allows any rider to continue to train during inclement weather or at periodic times throughout the day when it’s impossible to get out for a long ride. Users may feel that the handlebars are tilted forward more than they are used to, particularly mountain bike riders, which may cause lower back discomfort. Additionally, bike seats are not one-size-fits-all, and some riders may find the seat uncomfortable.
If a buyer is looking for an indoor bike for long, daily use, the Schwinn IC2 may not be the best performer, sometimes experiencing problems with wear on the resistance pad or giving an overall less consistent ride. However, with an affordable price point, often running several hundred dollars less than higher-end stationary bikes, price-sensitive or entry-level buyers will find that the Schwinn IC2 provides suitable features and comfort, and overall provides a good workout at a good price.
Xspec Pro
While the Xspec Pro does not feel like a sturdy cycling bike, it does get the job done, and you have a great deal when compared to spending $2,000 on the latest spinning cycle. It is a more affordable option, and this is an item that does not take a lot of expertise to assemble. Because it only weighs around 66 pounds, you can move it around easily when needed.
What makes the Xspec Pro a great purchase? First, you have all the technology that makes the higher end spinning bikes great. For example, it will look at speed and count your calories. The Xspec Pro will even track your heart beat, and it has two wire plugs that let you connect to the device. One has been intended for the cable and the other goes to the heart beat sensors. The main reason for sharing that is because it could take a person a while to figure that aspect of it out.
The Xspec Pro has been manufactured with a high quality heavy aluminum frame, and what is nice about that is that it highlights the classy design of this spinning bike. Luckily, you can also adjust the seat to suit your height, and you can read the feedback information of your session on the LCD monitor, which will track your speed, distance, calories burned and the total time spent on the cycle. The bike offers you a simple but elegant style, and it has become known for its marvelous appearance and quality.
Crosslinks, a brand of exercise bikes, takes indoor cycling to the next level, and you have a distinctive appearance with this bike. One of the advantages of this bike is that you have excellent rust resistance that makes the bike one of the best in its class. Do you want reinforced bearings, axle and cranks that will give you a dependable performance with every ride? If so, the Xspec Pro has a non-slip grip and comfortable handlebars that make the experience that much better. Along with the bike, you will also receive a water bottle and cup holder that comes with this bike. Riding can sometimes be a tiring exercise, and you want to stay hydrated while riding on this exercise bike. What are some of the other features?
Wheels for Easier Transport
No-slip Pedals
Emergency Breaks
The maximum weight that the Xspec Pro can hold sits at around 250 lbs. You have a 28 pound flywheel, which is in the medium to higher range of weight for a flywheel. However, a heavier flywheel has the advantage of less vibration, and it will give your muscles an even better workout. The latest exercise bike from Crosslinks has more navigable features, and it fits for riders of all abilities. Whether you are a beginner or hardcore expert, this bike will give you a great return on your investment. If you are looking for a more affordable choice in an exercise bike, the Xspec Pro might be a better choice for you.