With a simple LCD monitor to feed you your metrics, it’s in no danger of being mistaken for the high-end Peloton’s of the indoor cycling world. However, for a smooth ride and a virtually infinite resistance range, the budget-friendly price tag may be a breath of fresh air compared to the budget-hostile cost of more tech-laden options. While we haven’t gotten to use the IC3 yet, our team has spent a lot of time with the Schwinn IC4, which is very similar in construction and other aspects. Check out what our team of certified fitness pros had to say in our Schwinn IC3 Bike review.

Schwinn IC3 Bike

Schwinn IC3 Bike

At $699, it’s around half the price of high-end, tech-heavy exercise bikes. With a heavy, 40-pound flywheel, you can expect smooth rides and resistance adjustment. Both the bullhorn-style handlebars and seat adjust vertically and horizontally.

Shop Schwinn

Main Takeaways

• Its $699 price tag lands the IC3 at the low end of the average range across the 22 bikes we have tested — $600 to $2,000.
• Once you build up momentum, the heavy 40-pound flywheel can create a smooth ride, even while you make adjustments. (1)(2)
• Although its friction resistance system offers a virtually “infinite” range, these systems require more maintenance than bikes with magnetic resistance.
• The small LCD console tracks and displays your workout metrics like heart rate, speed, and time. 
• Without a built-in screen, you’ll need to place your own device in the media shelf to stream workouts or entertainment.

While virtual Peloton-esque studio classes bring the heat for some athletes, not everyone needs that pulse-pounding experience to cash in on the benefits of cycling. If you’re content to supply your own phone or tablet, read a book, or just set up in front of your TV, the Schwinn IC3 is a quality bike that eschews the flash of app-connected bikes. 

On any exercise bike, the weight of the flywheel can affect the feel of your ride. (2) Models with heavier flywheels will feel more like an actual bike because they require more effort to build momentum. However, once you get going, they can more easily maintain that speed, resulting in a smoother ride. 

The 40-pound flywheel on the IC3 actually exceeds the 30- to 38-pound range on more expensive and tech-heavy bikes we’ve tested, like the NordicTrack S22i or Peloton Bike. High-end options like these can run anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500, so the $699 price tag on the IC3 should be a welcome sight for budget-conscious eyes. 

[Related: The 8 Best Exercise Bikes with Screens]

Several members of our team have pumped the pedals on the IC3’s big brother, the IC4, and noted really just one major difference. “Schwinn makes quality products in general, but the friction system on the IC3 will inherently require more maintenance than the magnetic resistance on the IC4,” said one tester — a certified personal trainer. Like the brake pads on your car, the more the pads come in contact with the flywheel, the faster they will wear down and need to be replaced.

Both feature small LCD monitors that display your distance, time, and heart rate, but our tester, who used the IC4, noted one key difference. “Both can monitor your heart rate wirelessly, but the IC3 is only compatible with certain devices,” they explained. “The IC4 comes with its own heart-rate monitor armband.”

While it won’t be mistaken for high-tech bikes like the Echelon Connect EX-8s, our team thinks a lot of people will find value in this no-nonsense, sturdy exercise bike.

Training With the Schwinn IC3 Bike

Whether you prefer an immersive virtual studio class or just like to saddle up and go, our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC, laid out the benefits of exercise bikes. “Cycling brings an impressive collection of health benefits to the table: cardiovascular health, endurance, stamina, muscular endurance are all improved with cycling, to name a few.” (3)

After years of assembling, riding, and maintaining over 20 exercise bikes, the BarBend team of road cyclists, daily commuters, and Peloton apologists have the experience to spot a quality bike. While we haven’t had the chance to climb aboard the Schwinn IC3, multiple team members have spent considerable time on its big brother, the IC4. We’ve rated both models on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across 12 categories like durability, tech capabilities, and value. Lace up your cycling cleats and check out what we thought about the Schwinn IC3.

Friction Resistance Vs. Magnetic Resistance

When you start pedaling on the Schwinn IC3, the 40-pound flywheel takes a bit of effort to build up momentum. If you imagine riding an actual bike, heavy flywheels can simulate the feeling of starting from a dead stop. Once that wheel starts spinning, it generates more momentum, creating a smooth and steady ride, as well as seamless resistance adjustment. (1)

Both of these bikes use belt-drive systems, but the friction resistance on the IC3 uses brake pads to physically slow down the flywheel. This also means that IC3’s resistance ‘levels’ are essentially infinite, giving you complete control over the intensity. 

Tech Capabilities

Let’s go ahead and get this out of the way — the IC3 is not for techies. The LCD display and wireless heart rate monitoring earns it a 2 out of 5 in our intricate equipment testing methodology, but its tech capabilities are not really the point of the IC3. Unlike the IC4, it doesn’t have Bluetooth to connect with any fitness apps, or come with built-in workouts. However, if you’re fine to just set your own device on the media shelf and go, there is plenty to like.

You can still keep an eye on your metrics like time, speed, and heart rate — if you spring for a compatible heart rate monitor — but instead of a huge HD touchscreen, they’ll show up on a small LCD display. Our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC, noted the difference in technology on solid, budget-friendly options like the IC3 and exercise bikes with virtual courses and studio classes.

“For upright bikes, you’ll notice that there are two distinct camps: Those without giant touchscreen displays, and those with them,” she explained “Peloton-esque bikes have become ultra-popular among people who love the fitness studio vibes that come from interactive workout sessions, both live and pre-recorded. If this is something you’re interested in, be prepared to shell out a significant amount of cash and also pay for a monthly subscription.”

Compact Design

The IC3 is about three inches shorter and two inches wider than the IC4, but both are over 12 inches shorter than higher-end models like the Peloton Bike or NordicTrack S22i. With a footprint of just 7.19 square feet, it takes up about the same amount of floor space as a typical recliner. (4) 

Given that negligible difference, we feel confident in rating the IC3’s footprint and portability the same 4 out of 5 that certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial member Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1 assigned to the IC4. “I thought the wheels made it pretty easy to move.” Meier said of the IC4. “Most people could probably move it around by themselves.” The IC3 is actually 12 pounds lighter than the IC4, so  you can even expect a bit of easier time rolling it around your space.

[Related: The 7 Best Exercise Bikes for Small Spaces]

The only power source on the IC3 is two AA batteries for the LCD display, which will only increase its mobility. As opposed to the IC4, it doesn’t need to be plugged in, so you can set it up pretty much anywhere you can roll it.

Adjustability

With both four-way adjustable bullhorn handlebars and ventilated seat, users from 4 feet 6 inches to 6 feet 6 inches can find a comfortable fit. The IC4 is identical in terms of adjustability and ergonomics — which earned a 5 out of 5 from Meier, while another tester, a certified personal trainer, highlighted the flexibility offered by the handlebar design. “There are multiple grip positions so you can adjust on the fly, whether you rise out of the saddle or stay seated.”

Bike seats are not typically celebrated for their comfort, but Meier mentioned the identical padded seat in her rating on the IC4.  Both models use the same race-style seat, but if you find it to be too hard or narrow, you can swap it out with Schwinn’s wide extra-comfort seat or find another option.

Both Meier and another tester — also a certified personal trainer — tried out the identical dual-sided pedals on the IC4 and noted the flexibility they create. “One side of the pedals is SPD-compatible, so you can clip in cycling shoes,” this tester pointed out. “Then on the other side, you can just slide any workout shoe into the toe cages.”

What to Consider Before Buying the Schwinn IC3 Bike

Before committing to an exercise bike, treadmill, or any home gym equipment, look closely at the specs and features to make sure they align with your preferred style of training, as well as your budget. BarBend’s expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC, spelled out who should be considering an exercise bike for their space. 

“There are two key groups of people I see benefitting from indoor exercise bikes the most: People who need a low-impact way to do cardio exercise, and athletes training for an event who need a way to perform structured interval training,” she said. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind as you consider the Schwinn IC3.

Preferred Training Type

Whatever type of cycling workouts you are interested in — endurance, HIIT, speed — the limitless resistance range on the IC3 can accommodate it. However, before clicking add to cart ask yourself if you would prefer the immersive experience of an app-connected bike with a large screen and powerful speakers over the bare-bones approach of a more affordable option.

With a media shelf conveniently placed just above the handlebars, you can follow a workout, watch TV shows, or read a book while you ride. However, more expensive options like the Peloton Bike or NordicTrack S22i are popular for a reason. High-end bikes that are integrated with the best fitness apps like iFIT, Zwift, or Peloton offer engagement and interactivity that some athletes think justifies their price tags.

Type of Resistance

Keep in mind that while the 40-pound flywheel on the IC3 can make it easier to maintain momentum once you get it spinning, brake pads in its friction resistance system will wear down over time. Another of our testers — also a certified personal trainer — compared the friction resistance of the IC3 with the magnetic system often seen on more expensive models when they went in-depth on the IC4. “Magnetic systems just don’t require much maintenance because nothing comes in contact with the flywheel,” they said.

Bikes like this require a bit more maintenance because those pads need to be replaced when they wear down. A replacement pair of pads will only run you around $15 to $20. How often you need to change them will depend on how often you use the bike, but make sure you consider the time and money spent to replace them (5)

Budget

Before you go falling in love with the Schwinn IC3, make sure that its $699 price tag won’t have you pedaling right out of house and home. This bike falls right between what we consider mid-range and budget-friendly options. So while it’s less than half the cost of the average app-connected bikes — roughly $1,500 to $2,500 — it’s actually near the top of the range of the best budget exercise bikes we have tested, like the Yosuda YB001R. Make sure you check the specs and features on the IC3 to make sure its capabilities are worth the $699 hole it will put in your budget.

Conveniences

Even though it lacks the tech features like an HD touchscreen or fitness app integration, the Schwinn IC3 checks a lot of boxes for essential conveniences. Certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial member Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1 rated the IC4’s conveniences a 5 out of 5, but outside of the IC4’s three-pound dumbbells, they share many of the same conveniences. 

They both have water bottle holders (the IC4 actually has two), a media shelf, and transport wheels, so without the dumbbells and extra bottle holder, we would rate the IC3’s conveniences 4.5 out of 5.

Schwinn IC3 Bike Vs. The Competition

With so many options out there across a wide range of price points, specs, and features, it can be helpful to lay out how the IC3 stands up to other bikes. To give you a sense of how the IC3 stacks up against other bikes, we held the IC3 up against the Schwinn IC4, an even more budget-friendly option in the Yosuda YB001R, as well as the ubiquitous Peloton Bike. Take a look and see where they align and where they differ.

Stacked up side-by-side with the more expensive IC4, there isn’t much to separate the Schwinn IC3. Its user weight capacity is 30 pounds less and its frame is smaller by a few inches and 12 pounds, but the main point of difference is the resistance system. 

[Related: The 8 Best Magnetic Exercise Bikes]

Compared to the friction system onboard the IC3, the magnetic systems on the other three will require less maintenance and be inherently quieter during use.

For $400 less than the IC3, the Yosuda YB001R offers a similar — though smaller — LCD screen, but lags behind in the length of the warranty (three years), as well as its weight capacity (270 pounds). All three, however, lag behind the Peloton Bike in terms of technology and fitness app integration.

There’s a reason Peloton has become synonymous with indoor cycling. Its world-class programming consistently earns 5’s out of 5 from our testers, including BarBend editorial member and self-professed “Peloton guy,” Randall Colburn. “The instructors provide motivation, allow room for adjustments, and routinely make me laugh. I would die for Denis Morton.”

While the IC3, IC4, and Yosuda YB001R lack large touchscreens, they do each offer LCD displays to let you keep tabs on your metrics. And unless you can slide an iPad Super Duper in their media shelves, they won’t be able to compete with the 21.5-inch HD touchscreen that impressed yet another of our testers — a certified personal trainer. “What can I say about Peloton? The experience is top-notch, the instructors each bring their own flair to their classes, and the huge display brings it all to life.”

[Related: The 8 Best Commercial Exercise Bikes]

The Peloton Bike is clearly in another class of exercise bike and the price reflects that. The main consideration for the Schwinn IC3 and models closer to its $699 price tag is its friction resistance system. The magnetic resistance on the YB001R and IC4 will require less maintenance, while offering a quieter ride, but the “infinite” resistance range of a friction system may be the kind of control over your intensity you’ve been looking for.

Places to Buy the Schwinn IC3 Bike

Although Schwinn has temporarily paused orders on its website, the IC3 is available on Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and other retailers. 

Customer Experience

Schwinn offers a 5-year warranty on the frame, along with two years on parts, and one year on labor. When Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, checked out Schwinn’s customer service, they earned a 3 out of 5. “Not bad — they list a phone number, email, and even a Facebook page, but the site doesn’t have a live chat.”

Company Information

Schwinn Fitness offers a wide range of cardio equipment for both commercial and home use, from air bikes and upright bikes to recumbent bikes and ellipticals. To reach the customer care team, you can call 800-556-2896. BarBend Reviews Writer Rosie Borchert reached out to see how long it would take to connect with a human being. “When I called them, I was able to speak to a living, breathing person within 1 minute and 22 seconds.”

Final Word

Although the technology onboard the Schwinn IC3 Bike may not impress any techie cyclists, its heavy flywheel and smooth operation still support serious stationary bike workouts. Once you hop in the saddle and clip — or strap — into the pedals, you can slide your own device onto the media shelf to follow a virtual workout, watch TV, or read a book while you get your heart pumping. Its compact design is free of power cords and takes up about as much space as a recliner, making it ideal for anyone tight on space.

After years of pumping the pedals on almost two dozen exercise bikes, the BarBend team is well aware that a budget-friendly model doesn’t have to mean low-quality. Athletes looking for a no-nonsense exercise bike that can handle endurance training, HIIT sessions, or sprints will appreciate the aluminum frame and essential conveniences onboard the IC3. If the nightclub vibes of virtual studio classes aren’t an integral part of your cycling regimen, then the Schwinn IC3 may be the no-frills option you’ve been looking for.

FAQs

References

1. YouTube. (2023, October 26). Magnetic vs. friction resistance exercise bikes: Detailed comparison. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7fOkkRR2Lc 
2. Sydney Bueckert Fitness Trainer CES. (2021, October 6). Exercise bike flywheel weight: Heavy or lightweight comparison. Sunny Health and Fitness. https://sunnyhealthfitness.com/blogs/products/indoor-cycle-bike-flywheel-weight-matter-comparison 
3. Oja, P., Titze, S., Bauman, A., de Geus, B., Krenn, P., Reger-Nash, B., & Kohlberger, T. (2011). Health benefits of cycling: a systematic review. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 21(4), 496–509. 
4. Minasian, K. (2018, September 7). How to measure your space for a recliner. Living Spaces. https://www.livingspaces.com/inspiration/ideas-advice/shopping-basics/how-to-measure-your-space-for-a-recliner 
5. Powertrain Sports. (2022, August 11). Exercise bike setup and Maintenance Guide. https://www.powertrain.com.au/blog/exercise-bike-setup-maintenance.html 

The post Schwinn IC3 Bike Review (2024): No Screen? No Problem appeared first on BarBend.

All that goodness, however, will cost you a whopping $3,995. Is it worth the price? Our team of CrossFit coaches, former D1 athletes, and rock climbing hobbyists put this vertical trainer to the test, sweating along with its Peloton-esque programming to see if it earns that price tag. In some ways (durability, programming), it does. In others (warranty), it does not. Still, if you’ve got the coin and the desire for a low-impact, high-tech machine that can work the entire body, we think the CLMBR is a top-of-the-line cardio machine for your home gym. 

CLMBR Connected 02

CLMBR Connected 02

The CLMBR Connected 02 features adjustable handles for alternating grip positions, as well as a sturdy frame capable of holding up to 350 pounds. Additionally, there’s plenty of tech strewn across the profile, including an integrated app delivering on-demand classes, challenges, guides, and more.

Shop CLMBR

Main Takeaways

• The 21.5-inch HD touchscreen is adjustable and provides access to the CLMBR app’s  challenging classes, good music, stats, and challenges. 
• Similar to Peloton, there are subscription tiers for the app, from Metrics+ ($9.99) up to Premium ($39.99), as well as a free basic tier. 
• There are 11 levels of magnetic resistance that support strength and endurance training.
• It has just a one-year warranty — for a machine at this cost, we’d like to see a warranty of at least five years. 

CLMBR Highlights

“Some individuals find that they need the motivation and discipline of a fitness instructor to help them stick to an exercise routine and actually push themselves during their sessions,” says certified personal trainer and BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. “[Exercise equipment] with TV screens can help with this, because they essentially provide the opportunity to have a virtual fitness instructor help you work through your session in the comfort of your home.”

The CLMBR’s 21.5-inch HD touchscreen is compatible with the CLMBR app, a Peloton-like vessel for trainer-led classes you can take on or off the machine. Class categories encompass HIIT, rhythm, interval, boot camp, and recovery workouts. There are also head-to-head competitions, challenges, and trackable benchmarks to keep you motivated. 

Similar to other connected cardio machines, access to CLMBR programming is dependent on a Premium subscription, which costs $39.99 a month. However, if you’re only interested in its stat tracking features, the app offers a Metrics+ subscription for $9.99 a month. Lastly, if you’re just looking to climb and don’t care about stats, metrics, or programming, the Base membership is free.

[Related: Best Cardio Machines]

The CLMBR has a sturdy frame made from extruded aluminum, with parallel uprights, moveable handles, and foot pedals designed to simulate a rock-climbing type of flow as you climb through your cardio workout. In some ways, it’s like if an elliptical and a stair climber had a baby. 

What this machine delivers is a total-body workout that can target your legs, glutes, arms, shoulders, abs, and back with endurance and strength-based efforts, which you can make more or less difficult by making adjustments to its 11 levels of magnetic resistance. 

You’re probably wondering: Will the CLMBR fit in my home? Due to their upright nature, vertical climbers are surprisingly compact pieces of fitness equipment. The CLMBR takes up 7.78 square feet of space, about the size of the Ikea Strandmon Wing Chair. At 88 inches tall, you’ll need a ceiling height of at least 8 feet.

Training With the CLMBR

The process of getting started on this machine was easy for our team. Height adjustments to the handles can be made in 1-inch increments and the pedals have straps to keep your feet in pace. The handles move in conjunction with the pedals, so when you push down with your right foot, the left handle will also slide down, and vice versa. The 11 levels of resistance are adjusted from a dial on the crossbar and your level is displayed on screen.

BarBend’s team of testers — from professional CrossFit coaches to amateur fitness fanatics — built, climbed, and assessed all the features on over 100 of the most popular cardio machines on the market. We got in several workouts on the CLMBR Connected 02 and scored categories such as durability, tech capabilities, and workout experience on a scale from 1 (yikes, it bad) to 5 (hubba-hubba) to help provide you with a clear understanding of what this machine has to offer. 

Display

Via the CLMBR app, the 21.5-inch HD touchscreen provides access to immersive programming and detailed training statistics — so long as you’ve opted for a Premium membership. This screen can tilt forward up to 15 degrees, which our tester, a CrossFit level-1 coach, appreciated. “The screen is really great, and the ability to tilt it forward made it possible for me to view the screen while I took classes off of the trainer,” they said. 

[Related: The 8 Best Treadmills with Screens]

There’s a volume button on the right side of the display, as well as an option to adjust the volume from the CLMBR’s screen. The app also allows you to turn up the volume on your coach or the music independently, so you can tune in or tune out depending on your mood. 

Tech

In addition to the high-quality display, the CLMBR is also compatible with Bluetooth, meaning you can pair it with your mobile device, headphones, or fitness tracker. The speakers provide a “powerful, loud, and crisp audio experience,” per our tester, and users can adjust the volume of the music and coach levels independently. 

When set up with the Premium or Metrics+ subscription, you’ll be able to track average tempo, reach, power, pace, and heart rate, in addition to distance traveled, total time, and calories burned. You’ll need a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection with your subscription, so the software, new classes, friend requests, and features (depending on the subscription) can routinely update. 

When off of the machine, you can access the CLMBR app on Android and Apple devices. You won’t be able to stream classes via your mobile device, but you will be able to view your training stats, activity, and challenges, and browse through classes you’ll want to take later. This makes creating fitness goals (and crushing them) that much easier. Tech capabilities scored a perfect 5 out of 5.

Classes, Challenges, and Competitions

“The instructors in the classes are as charismatic and engaging as those you’d find on Peloton,” noted our tester. “Plus, you can tell CLMBR paid a lot of money for music rights, because I heard songs from Ariana Grande, Linkin Park, and Madonna, in the classes I took.”  

Speaking for myself, I really enjoy CLMBR coach Ackeem Emmons, who also teaches classes on the Tonal and Aaptiv apps. He always brings a ton of energy to everything that he does.

The classes offered from the app include HIIT, rhythm, interval, bootcamp, recovery, and more, with levels geared towards beginners, intermediate, and advanced athletes. “The classes range from 10 to 45 minutes in length, which is great for when I just need a quick workout when I’m strapped for time,” says our tester, who gave dynamic programming a 5 out of 5.

The app also gives you the ability to go head-to-head against friends in distance and time-trial competitions, as well as the option to take part in challenges where you can see if you’ll be able to climb the equivalent of the Half Dome, Grand Canyon, Seven Summits, and more. 

Subscription

Access to programming requires a Premium subscription, which costs $39 a month. This gives you access to training metrics, on-demand programming, challenges, and community features where you can connect with friends and compete in time-based events. 

For those who are like, meh, classes, who needs ‘em, there’s a Metrics+ subscription level that will keep tabs on your training metrics and provide programming that isn’t instructor-led. This membership tier costs $9.99 a month. You’ll also be able to go subscription-free with the Base level membership, which allows you to work out on the climber with some basic readings on the screen. Your training, however, won’t be tracked.

If you know you’ll want the Premium subscription, it’s worth considering the CLMBR Plus bundle. This bundle includes the CLMBR machine and 12 months of Premium membership for $4,395, which will save you $68 over the course of a year when compared to purchasing the machine and paying for the Premium membership on a monthly basis.

Cardio and Strength Training

A big selling point of the CLMBR is its fusion of strength training and low-impact cardio. We love the benefits of cardio, which can include improved moods, a reduced risk of heart disease, and better quality of sleep. (3) Low-impact cardio still delivers these benefits while also saving knees and joints from the impact of running outside or on a treadmill. (4) Since your feet are strapped into the pedals, the downward force is limited, thus reducing the impact on your knees and joints. 

Plus, your hands are pulling while your feet are stepping, providing an upper-body workout for your lats and triceps. There are 11 adjustable settings of magnetic resistance. Choosing a higher resistance can help to focus your workout on strength building, while lower resistance levels support endurance training. This resistance customization scored a 4 out of 5 with our tester.

Setup 

Setup was a struggle for our team, and we’ve built hundreds of treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, and stair climbers. “The box is huge and you’ll definitely need a helping hand to move this thing,” says our tester. “Don’t make the same mistake I did and try to build this yourself. I even had help and it was really difficult. Opt for white glove delivery because putting this thing together was awful.” 

That’s not a bad idea if you want to save your HIIT workout for when you’re actually on the machine. Delivery and setup scored a 2 out of 5.

Durability and Stability

When climbing upwards, you’ll need a machine that won’t teeter and topple over. “I felt totally stable when I used this,” noted our tester, who’s 5 feet 9 inches. We also had another tester who’s 6 feet 3 inches hop on for a ride, and he shared a similar sentiment. “I wasn’t worried about the machine falling,” he said. Both testers gave this machine’s extruded aluminum construction a 4.5 out of 5 for durability.

Adjustability

The handles provide an overhand, underhand, or neutral grip position, and can be adjusted in 1-inch increments to fit users between 4 foot 11 and 7 feet, claims CLMBR. Plus, the textured foot pedals have an adjustable strap for a Cinderella-type fit. However, one of our testers wears a men’s size 15 shoe, and his toes and heel hung off the foot pedal. Our other tester wears a women’s size 9 shoe, and her feet were perfectly comfortable.

“During my workout, I kept banging my knee against the center cross beam so I had to make sure I leaned back. I really wish there was an option to adjust this,” noted our 5-foot-9 tester. “If this was adjustable, I’d be the biggest fan of this machine.” Adjustability scored a 4 out of 5.

What to Consider Before Buying the CLMBR

According to Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, our expert reviewer and a certified personal trainer, “These cardio machines provide a full-body workout without putting undue stress on the joints.” However, there are some key areas you’ll want to consider before bringing one of these tools into your home.

Price

The $3,995 price may be steep for some (okay, fine — most of us). Plus, those interested in the CLMBR app’s dynamic programming and tracking features will want to factor in the cost of a Premium or Metrics+ subscription, which is an additional $39 or $9.99 a month, respectively. It’s worth noting that you can still use the machine without a subscription, but you won’t be able to take advantage of the 21.5’’ HD touchscreen.

[Related: Best Compact Exercise Equipment]

So, is it worth it? This machine boasts of providing a whole-body workout that, by virtue of combining strength and cardio training, can potentially spike your heart rate and tone your legs, back, arms, and glutes in less time than other pieces of cardio equipment. 

If immersion is what you crave, the high-tech flourishes of this machine — HD touchscreen, app integration, and data insights — can help keep you engaged and excited (or just willing) to maintain your routine. If these features are what you’re after, the price may be a worthy investment.

Footprint

Since they’re built upwards rather than long or wide like a rower or treadmill, vertical climbing machines are surprisingly compact pieces of exercise equipment. This vertical climbing machine measures 32 inches long, 35 inches wide, and 88 inches tall. That’s roughly 7.78 square feet — about the same footprint as the Ikea Strandmon Wing Chair. 

Warranty, Financing, Returns

CLMBR provides a one-year standard warranty that kicks in starting the day the machine is delivered. From our research, it appears as if this warranty can cover labor costs for repair or replacement, however, the link to view the full warranty details is (at the time of this writing) broken on CLMBR’s website. “To put it simply, this is a terrible warranty,” noted our tester.

You have a 30-day window to request a return, but, due to its size, CLMBR can charge you an additional $350 or more, depending on your location. If your CLMBR is returned in damaged condition, with missing parts, or signs of improper care, CLMBR may refuse your refund or charge you additional restocking fees.

If dropping a couple grand all at once isn’t your idea of a good time, CLMBR offers financing that starts at $295 per month with Affirm. This warranty, financing, and return policy scored a 3.5 out of 5.

Tech Capabilities

Not everybody needs a cardio machine with all the bells and whistles. If you’re looking for a utilitarian vertical climber that you can hop on or off whenever you like, you can probably find a less expensive option without a pricey touchscreen. If trainer-led classes, community support, and challenges are what motivate you to put the work in, however, the CLMBR’s immersive programming might be just the ticket to a new fitness routine. 

CLMBR Vs. The Competition

The price range for vertical trainers is a spread better than any brunch charcuterie board you’ve ever seen, ranging from $199 up to $5,695. We’ve put together a chart to show you how the CLMBR stacks up against the competition to help you navigate the equipment that’ll elevate your cardio workout at home.

In our opinion, the CLMBR is the best vertical climber with a built-in touchscreen. While the Rogue VersaClimber provides on-demand and live classes with their subscription, there’s no screen to stream this programming from, so you’ll need to set up with your own tablet or phone. The ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 provides a 10-inch touchscreen to stream iFIT programming, but this screen is half the size of the one on the CLMBR.

The CLMBR comes in second place behind the MaxiClimber for its footprint, so if space is a concern, you’ll want to look at these two options. The CLMBR takes up 7.77 square feet and the MaxiClimber takes up 7.04 square feet. However, the MaxiClimber is a bare-bones budget buy, and won’t provide users with resistance, tech capabilities, or a weight capacity in line with the other options.

Where the CLMBR has us scratching our heads is in the warranty category. CLMBR provides a one-year warranty, which is much less impressive than the lifetime frame warranty offered by the VersaClimber and the 10-year frame warranty offered by ProForm.

While the price and capabilities of the ProForm Pro HIIT H10 impress, this isn’t a typical vertical climber, and some may be disappointed by the hybrid elliptical and stair-climbing training offered by this machine.

Places to Buy the CLMBR

You can buy the CLMBR Connected 02 directly from the CLMBR website.

Warranty

CLMBR offers a one-year warranty which is worrisome, especially considering the cost of the machine. For big-ticket cardio equipment, like the best high-end treadmills, exercise bikes, and ellipticals, we like to see at least a five-year warranty, if not a lifetime one.

Company Information

CLMBR is based out of Denver, Colorado, and its flagship product first became available for purchase in 2019. Since its inception, this vertical trainer has caught the attention of celebrities such as Jay-Z, Pit Bull, Lebron James, and professional tennis player Novak Djokovic.

To reach CLMBR’s customer support, you can call them at 909-330-3897. However, when researching this article I gave them a call and a pre-recorded message told me that no customer service reps were available even though it was only 11 a.m. PST on a Friday.

In Conclusion

The CLMBR Connected 02 is a high-end machine, delivering connected fitness tracking and immersive streaming capabilities from its built-in 21.5-inch HD touchscreen. The reasonable 7.77 square foot footprint (and vertical design) also makes this a relatively compact unit that can fit where other equipment can’t. There are multiple tiers to their subscription service, which offers trainer-led classes, detailed stat tracking, and the ability to connect with and challenge friends. 

It’s a well-built machine that our testers enjoyed using, but the weak warranty, discomfort for taller users, and jaw-dropping $3,995 price tag prevent us from giving it a full-throated recommendation. Still, those who can afford this high-quality workout machine (and throw caution to the wind), will get one heck of a full-body workout. 

FAQs

References

1. Brahler, C. J., & Blank, S. E. (1995). VersaClimbing elicits higher VO2max than does treadmill running or rowing ergometry. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 27(2), 249–254.
2. Ikea. (2024) STRANDMON Wing chair. https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/strandmon-wing-chair-nordvalla-dark-gray-90359829/
3. Sharma, A., Madaan, V., & Petty, F. D. (2006). Exercise for mental health. Primary care companion to the Journal of clinical psychiatry, 8(2), 106. https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a
4. “Protecting your joints” (2020) Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/protecting-your-joints

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The Concept2 SkiErg made its debut appearance in the CrossFit world during the 2016 CrossFit Games in a grueling event known as The Rope Chipper. Since, it’s been programmed into a variety of CrossFit Mainsite, Semifinal, and Games workouts. 

Even for people not interested in competing in the sport of functional fitness, we think the Concept2 SkiErg is a good investment. Even though it’s not a must-have for everyday CrossFit participants (yet), we think it’s on its way to becoming a mainstay in CrossFit boxes. 

Ahead, our complete Concept2 SkiErg review. 

Concept2 SkiErg Review Overview

What we love: This well-built machine is designed to build your muscles and cardiovascular capacity. Manufactured with athletes in mind, the Concept2 SkiErg has an intuitive design, easy-to-use monitor, and small footprint that make it a sound investment for people all across the fitness spectrum. 

What we don’t: We have a hard time finding something to complain about with this machine. But if we had to think of something, we’d say we wish there was a way for people 5’2” and under to be able to reach the handles rather than jumping for them. One workaround would be for Concept2 to offer an optional strap that shorties can pull to bring the handles down towards their hands. We also wish the floor stand wasn’t so expensive. 

The Bottom Line: At the end of the day, the Concept2 SkiErg is an incredible investment for affiliate and home gym owners looking for a full-body, intuitive piece of equipment that provides a great workout. But, we’d put the SkiErg alongside secondary or even tertiary equipment for affiliate owners to buy; the same category as a GHD or reverse hyper—amazing to have if you have the space and money, but likely something you’ll put off until you have all the essentials.  

CrossFit Cardio Is The Name Of Our Game

Our roster of certified fitness professionals includes several CrossFit coaches and athletes who have been using CrossFit exercise machines and testing fitness equipment for years. Although we don’t confess to loving cardio workouts, we have done our fair share on everything from air bikes to rowing machines to the SkiErg we’re reviewing here. 

Concept2 SkiErg: Pros and Cons 

Concept2 SkiErg Specs

Do You Need a SkiErg for CrossFit?

While some might assume a SkiErg is best suited to training for cross-country skiing (and it sure is great for that), the Concept2 SkiErg has solidified its place as a mainstay in high-level CrossFit, but it is still a rising luxury for a typical affiliate or CrossFit home gym owner. 

Because the SkiErg is not a part of regular programming, most local comps, and (as of yet) the Open, it isn’t a priority. You might see some CompTrain or Mayhem workouts that have a SkiErg incorporated, but they will always provide a sub-in like the rower or bike, because they know most people/affiliates haven’t gotten a SkiErg yet. 

Using the Concept2 SkiErg

A machine that you use while standing, the SkiErg combines a pulling motion with a hinge motion to activate every muscle from your JunkBrand-clad head to your NOBULL-clad toe. 

Here’s how it works: The machine can either be mounted to a wall, or mounted to a floor stand that you can buy separately for a couple hundred extra dollars. (For most people, we think the floor stand is worth it because it allows you to drag your machine outdoors in warmer months). 

Once you put the machine together, which shouldn’t take more than an hour or half an hour with a friend, you’re set to get your cross-country skier on.  

But how do you use the SkiErg, exactly? You stand on the floor stand or ground, reach above your head for the handles, then pull the handles down past your thighs while hinging at your hips. Then, you return the drive cords (and your hands) overhead while returning to standing. 

Many of the mechanics on the SkiErg machine are similar to that of a Concept2 RowErg (formerly the Concept2 Model D indoor rower). 

Just like the Concept2 rowing machine, for example, you can tamper with the damper setting to alter how much air enters the flywheel, thus manipulating how hard each pull feels.

Similarly, the SkiErg has the same intuitive PM5 Performance Monitor that you’ll find on the other Concept2 machines. This monitor allows you to easily track how fast, hard, and far you’re going. So, whether you’re skiing for calories, meters, or time, this machine will tell you how far you’ve gone, and how far you’ve got left to go. 

On the PM5, you can also select a number of preset workouts, just like you can on the RowErg and Concept2 BikeErg.

Footprint And Portability 

Calling all garage gym owners who put the XS in exercise: This machine optimizes your limited space better than any other cardio machine on the market. 

The SkiErg has the smallest footprint of any Concept2 machine, and also of any other machine you’d see at a commercial or CrossFit gym. 

If you mount it to the wall, it takes up just 16 inches by 19 inches of space (and 7 feet and 3 inches of vertical space). Frame of reference: That is less floor space than a weight sled or plyo box consumes. 

If you choose to mount the machine to the floor stand, which would allow you to move the machine inside, outside, and all around your gym, it takes up 24 inches by 48.5 inches of floor space. It sits 7 feet, 4 inches tall. Sure, that’s more space than the wall-mounted version, but that is still less space than a bike or treadmill.  

As you might guess, the wall-mounted SkiErg is…mounted to the wall. That means once it’s in place, it’s there until you get out your handy-dandy screwdriver. 

The floor stand, however, has wheels attached to it! That means you can tilt the machine forward, then roll it anywhere you want. Unlike some other cardio machines, such as the monstrous AssaultRunner, the SkiErg is quite easy to move around. 

Pro tip: In the summer, lather your lats in sunscreen and take your SkiErg outside. Nothing beats the feeling of sun on your muscles while you work up a sweat. 

Construction And Durability 

Just like other Concept2 machines, the SkiErg is virtually indestructible. Made primarily from steel, the SkiErg is basically bomb-proof. (Though, do your neighbors and the FBI agents a favor and don’t test that theory). 

The best part is it doesn’t require much maintenance to last you years and years.

As a general rule, you’ll want to wipe your machines clean of sweat after a salty sesh. 

Beyond that, however, you’ll only need to tinker with your machine every 50 hours of use. Concept2 recommends inspecting (and if needed, fixing) the drive cords, fasteners, and top bracket pulleys every 50 hours of use to maximize the machine’s lifespan. Easy!

Tech Specs 

The Concept2 SkiErg has the same PM5 Performance Monitor that comes standard with all Concept2 gym equipment. 

Given that just about every single CrossFit gym has a collection of Concept2 rowers, we’d be shocked if there is someone reading this who hasn’t used the PM5 monitor. 

But just in case, let’s chat about this intuitive, easy-to-use performance monitor. 

If you’re in the middle of a metcon and start pulling at the handles, the PM5 will automatically turn on and begin tracking your pace, watts, strokes per minute, calories, speed, and more. If you want to focus on just one of these metrics, you can alter the appearance by pressing the “Display” button. 

Not using the machine as just one part of a CrossFit workout of the day? Good news: You can also pre-program a number of workouts. For instance, you can either elect to do an interval workout, ski for a set distance, or ski for a set number of calories. 

Best, the monitor automatically stores the data from your workout. So, after your workout, you can go back in and look at what your average stroke rate and pace were throughout the duration of the workout. For CrossFit athletes looking to learn the difference between their “forever pace” and “push pace,” this is huge. If you need more storage for workouts, download the ErgData app, which serves as an online logbook for all your Concept2 workouts. 

People who are into heart rate training will also be thrilled to learn that you can connect your heart rate monitor to the machine via Bluetooth. You can also use the Bluetooth connectivity to hook your smartphone up to the machine. Both options allow you to get a more in-depth look at your workout, as well as a place to store them. 

Customer Reviews

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who was unhappy with their SkiErg purchase. The machine earned a 5-out-of-5-star average out of the 150-plus Rogue Fitness customers who left a review. 

Actually, there were only two people who left reviews that weren’t 5 stars! One customer complained that the machine was hard to put together. And another said the machine was noisier than they hoped it would be. 

Honestly, both complaints are fair. 

This machine can be a bear to assemble on your own—after all, the SkiErg itself weighs about 61 pounds and the floor mount weighs an additional 35 pounds, which can be hard to wrestle with on your own. That’s why we recommend avoiding frustration by enlisting a friend to help you put it together from the get-go.  

And while the machine is nowhere near as noisy as the infamous AssaultBike, when you sprint on this machine, it makes its own music. Transparently, if you need a machine you can use while your partner is on a work call in the next room, this probably isn’t it. 

The only other complaint we’ve heard CrossFit athletes make is that it’s not quite as accessible if you’re short. People 5’2” and under often complain about how high they have to jump to reach the handles. Luckily, the handles are lime green in color which makes them hard to miss. 

Warranty, Financing, and Returns

Concept2 puts their warranties where their mouth is! This company has very reasonable warranties for all of their machines, the SkiErg included. 

Concept2 will repair or replace any of the frame parts for up to five years after the date of purchase. That means if something goes wackadoodle with the floor stand, flywheel cover, flywheel axle, or frame connector plates, as well as a few additional parts, the company will take care of it for you. 

They will repair or replace all the other parts of the machine within two years of purchase. The only exceptions are the monitor batteries and handle cords.  

Another warranty win is that the warranty is fully transferable. That means if you sell the machine to someone before the warranty window(s) are up, the new owner can take full advantage of the two- and/or five-year warranties. 

This feature is great for anyone thinking about buying a SkiErg who may plan to downsize homes in coming years, or someone who is thinking about returning to their local affiliate once the pandemic is fully over. 

On the off-chance that you order your SkiErg and then immediately have buyer’s remorse, the good news is that Concept2 has a very reasonable return policy. You can return your SkiErg to Concept2 within 30 days of the date of shipment and they will refund the full cost of the machine entirely. The only thing you’ll have to cover is the cost of shipping, to and fro. 

As far as CrossFit and cardio machines go, the SkiErg is a fantastic deal. After all, it costs just $770, while curved treadmills like the AssaultRunner will ring you up twice or thrice that. But unfortunately, if you want to buy the machine from Concept2, you’ll need to shell all of that dough out at once. The company does not offer any financing plans. 

If you need a financing plan, consider purchasing the machine from Rogue Fitness or Amazon, instead. Rogue offers a number of different financing options that you can read about here.

Is a SkiErg Better Than a Rower or Exercise Bike?

Don’t worry functional fitness fam, we will answer this question. 

But first we want to be clear that we think comparing a SkiErg to a rower or exercise bike is like comparing peanut butter, marshmallow fluff, and jelly. Just as all three condiments can (and should!) be used as part of a well-rounded sandwich buffet, all three of the machines can (and should!) be used as part of a well-rounded workout regime. After all, all three bring something a little different to the table. 

As it goes, if money is no object, we recommend getting all three. But investing in three different types of machines is not feasible financially for most exercisers. 

If you are only going to buy one machine, which you invest in will vary based on your current fitness goals, how you want to use your machine, and your space limitations.  

If you’re interested in competing in CrossFit either locally or globally, you’ll probably want to invest in the Concept2 rower. That’s because the rower frequently makes an appearance in online qualifiers like the CrossFit Open and QuarterFinals. 

While the SkiErg and BikeErg do make an appearance during Semifinals and the CrossFit Games, they have yet to appear in the Open or QuarterFinals. So while you certainly can use the erg or bike to get your fitness up to par, if you don’t have access to a rower you may not be able to complete certain Open or Quarterfinal workouts. 

If you’re interested in a machine that you can easily use for lower-intensity training, a bike is probably a better option than either a SkiErg or rower. It tends to be much easier to reduce the intensity of your workout on a bike than it is on a rower and skierg. 

No doubt, a SkiErg or RowErg can absolutely be used on recovery days. But you’ll have to mentally focus a little harder on technique as you move. Many people struggle to maintain good form on the SkiErg and rower when they’re only going at 60 percent intensity. 

A final thing to consider is how much space you have. An upright machine, the SkiErg requires the least floor space of the three options. As a result, the SkiErg is the best option for anyone who also wants to equip their small home gym with a squat rack, plyo box, and other gizmos and gadgets. 

What Muscles Does a SkiErg Work?

Put simply, all of them. Every single rep pull on the ski erg effectively engages your: 

• Quads
• Glutes
• Hamstrings
• Calves
• Core
• Hip flexors
• Lats
• Forear
• Biceps
• Triceps
• Traps
• Hip extensors

To understand how the SkiErg is able to work all of these muscles at once, you need to understand exactly how one moves on and moves with the machine. 

To properly move and groove on the machine, you need to use your upper-body pulling muscles to initiate the pull and lower-body hinging muscles to finish each stroke. 

Final Thoughts

The Concept2 SkiErg is a great investment you can make for your gym, your health, and the health of your athletes. A machine that involves your pulling and hinging muscles in equal parts, this machine will help you inch toward your fitness goals one stroke at a time. However, at this time, we don’t think it’s a necessity for most CrossFit home gym owners or affiliates, and would encourage you to allocate funds to an air bike or rowing machine first.

FAQs

Is a SkiErg a good workout? 

You bet. The SkiErg calls on every muscle in your body, including your heart. 

Depending on how you incorporate the machine into your workout regime, it can be used to improve explosiveness and power or to improve endurance. 

How tall is a SkiErg? 

If you’re interested in outfitting your home gym with a SkiErg, you’re wise to ask this question. The answer depends on whether or not you choose to mount the erg on the wall or mount it on the floor stand you can purchase separately. 

If you choose to mount the SkiErg to the wall, you’ll need a ceiling that is at least 87 inches high. If you would prefer to mount the SkiErg to the floor stand so that you can cart it across your gym, you’ll need an additional inch—with the floor stand, the machine measures in at 88 inches tall. 

The average ceiling height is 108 inches. So, as long as you’re not looking for a machine for your short-ceiling basement, the SkiErg should fit. 

Is SkiErg cardio exercise?

The SkiErg isn’t just any cardiovascular exercise, it’s a great one. Because the machine calls on every single one of your muscles, your heart has to deliver blood to all of those muscles. Delivering blood to all that meat is no joke! Meaning, your heart has to work hard. 

If you want a little first-hand proof that this machine targets your ticker, try doing five 100-meter sprints on the SkiErg with 30 seconds rest between. 

Plus, since the SkiErg is low-impact, it’s a good option for those invested in improving their cardiovascular capacity who can’t handle the impact of pavement pounding and treadmill sprints, as well as those who don’t know how to swim.

The post Concept2 SkiErg Review: Is This The Ultimate CrossFit Cardio Machine? appeared first on BarBend.

I used the MaxiClimber for about six months when I needed something compact that could fit beside my desk and would help me keep my climbing strength while I was stuck at the office. I enjoyed my experience with this vertical climber, but it’s important to note that, with a price tag of $199, the MaxiClimber isn’t rich in adjustability, tech capabilities, or high-end components. We recommend it as a budget climber for beginners and experienced athletes that are tight on space and looking for quick, HIIT-style workouts that can spike their heart rate. The following is my personal, hands-on MaxiClimber review.

MaxiClimber Vertical Climber

MaxiClimber Vertical Climber

This simple, compact vertical climber can be a great budget-friendly option for full-body training. The MaxiClimber classic also folds up neatly to just 3.02 square feet, which can be ideal for storing your equipment in less spacious environments.

Shop MaxiClimber

Main Takeaways

• When folded, the compact MaxiClimber shrinks from 7 square feet to just 3 square feet.
• Moving handles and foot pedals provide a total-body workout.
• The compact and lightweight build can only support up to 240 pounds and can feel unstable during use.

The MaxiClimber has a compact profile with a 7.04 square-foot footprint that folds down to 3.02 square feet, making it one of the rare vertical climbers suited for small spaces. To help drive home how small this thing can get, it takes up less space than a standard 22 by 22-inch throw pillow when folded. 

While some of the best vertical climbers can weigh up to 200 pounds, this machine — a combo of cold-rolled steel and plastic — weighs only 33 pounds. The folding nature and lightweight build made it possible for me to carry it from my Prius (yes, it fits!) to the office. However, due to this construction, it’s definitely one of the least stable vertical climbers our team has tested.

During use, the handles engage your arms and the moving pedals work your legs, allowing for an upper- and lower-body workout. Resistance is dictated by your body weight, so don’t expect to find any adjustment mechanisms. However, if you’d like to up the ante, feel free to throw on a weighted vest for a bit of added resistance.

[Related: The 10 Best Weighted Vests, Picked by Trainers and Coaches]

This unit comes almost totally pre-assembled. All I had to do was put the long vertical arms together, insert them into the main body of the climber, and attach the C-shaped base pieces. Once built, the moving handles can be adjusted up and down, allowing users up to 6 feet 2 inches tall access to training. 

You can choose to hold on with a supinated or pronated grip, depending on what part of your upper body you want to target or whichever is more comfortable. Plus, there are stationary handles if you just want to focus on your legs.

Tech on the MaxiClimber is limited to a small LCD display that counts your steps and calories burned, though I never trust a calorie counter that isn’t clued into my weight and heart rate. The step counter, though, is useful for when you want to test your one-minute workout by taking inventory of how many steps you can get in the allotted time from one week to the next. 

Unlike training on an elliptical, treadmill, or exercise bike, where LISS cardio sessions can be paired with reading, working, or watching TV, we think the MaxiClimber is best suited for quick and high-intensity workouts. “Vertical climbers are great tools for someone without a ton of space. And if you can do these workouts for more than 20 minutes, you’re doing it wrong,” notes strength and conditioning coach, Dan Berman, NSCA, CSCS, CPT. 

He adds, “Lebron James made these machines very popular.” And who doesn’t want a little of what Lebron’s got?

Training With the MaxiClimber Vertical Climber

I was a staff writer on a Netflix show and it was the first time I ever had my own office. The space had storage closet vibes, but I was thrilled! Since I knew my climbing gym sessions would now be cut short, I purchased the MaxiClimber Vertical Climber, which was compact enough to fit beside my desk. I spent 6 months using this machine and would primarily squeeze in a quick two-minute sprint whenever I needed a little pick-me-up. This left my forehead damp, my heart racing, and my head ready to get to work. 

The BarBend team is stacked with personal trainers, former D1 athletes, and CrossFit professionals who’ve tested eight of the most popular vertical climbers on the market. We use a multi-point methodology, rating each product on a scale from 1 (yuck) to 5 (hubba-hubba) in categories such as workout experience, durability, and tech capabilities. Our experience on these machines gave us some crucial context when assessing our time spent on the MaxiClimber.

Simplicity

When bringing a shiny, new piece of fitness equipment into your home, there’s nothing worse than staring down a 50-step assembly process. When this vertical climber arrived, I was able to carry it inside by myself and put it together in about 10 minutes. Delivery and setup scored a 5 out of 5.

[Related: The 11 Best Cardio Machines]

This machine is non-motorized and user-powered, which is great for those who simply want a machine they can hop on and off of when the mood strikes. This also means that the tech on this device is limited, so don’t expect to find any built-in programs or resistance adjustments. 

One of our testers noted, “Even without much tech, this device can provide a tough workout. I think most people will be fine working with just their body weight.” 

Still, since there’s just a basic LCD display that provides your step and calorie count, we scored the tech capabilities a 2 out of 5. 

Total-Body, Low-Impact HIIT

Vertical climbers combine moving arms with moving legs to provide you with a total-body workout. This movement pattern keeps your torso mostly stationary, while your legs push and your arms pull. 

Adjusting my positioning on the MaxiClimber helped me target different areas of my body as well. I felt my biceps working with an underhand grip, while an overhand grip lit up my lats. If I dropped my hips back, making sure not to lean back, I could also feel my glutes engage. I would score my overall workout experience a 4 out of 5.

In my opinion, this machine is best suited for quick and efficient high-intensity workouts, rather than low-intensity, steady-state cardio. Strength and conditioning coach Dan Berman, NSCA, CSCS, CPT, uses this type of training with his athletes due to its ability to improve aerobic capacity. (2) “I like to have my high-school athletes finish their workout with a one-minute vertical climber sprint to help increase endurance,” he says. 

Additionally, research has shown that the low-impact nature of this workout is easier on the joints, as stress from impact is limited. (3)

Compact, Foldable, and Lightweight

I love rock climbing, and the only thing that gets in the way of me being on par with some of the greats (besides my lack of talent and ability) is how society has forced me to spend my time working rather than climbing. The MaxiClimber was perfect for me, as its footprint of 7 square feet allowed me to squeeze in training that supports my climbing passion from my office. 

Plus, when folded, it shrinks down to 3 square feet. While I always kept this machine set up and ready to go, I was able to fit it in my Prius after folding it and removing the handles. Transport was no problem, as it weighs just 33 pounds. Other vertical climbers can weigh as much as 200 pounds. 

However, this lightweight design comes at the cost of stability. While I always felt reasonably steady on the MaxiClimber, I did feel as if I needed to be totally focused so that I wouldn’t lose my balance. If I tossed some momentum either backward or side to side, I worried that I could tip the whole thing over.

Comfort

The adjustable height handlebars on this workout machine can accommodate users up to 6 feet 2 inches. These adjustments can be made at the bottom of the vertical beam, closer to the foot pedals. All that’s needed is to push a pin and pull the handle to the height you’d like. Even my 6-year-old nephew hopped on — with my supervision, of course, I’m a good aunt — and was able to move the pedals while holding onto the stationary handles.

However, comfort scored a 3 out of 5 in my book. The pedals are small, hard, and uncomfortable. I could only fit the balls of my feet on the pedals, and I wear a size 8.5 women’s shoe. I also found the need to continuously readjust my foot placement throughout my workout in an effort to get comfortable.

What to Consider Before Buying the MaxiClimber Vertical Climber

“These cardio machines provide a full-body workout without putting undue stress on the joints,”  notes Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. That said, they’re unlike typical at-home cardio machines we’ve tried and tested. When considering a budget vertical climber over the best budget exercise bikes, treadmills, or ellipticals, consider the following areas. 

Training Capabilities

Vertical climbers can deliver low-impact, total-body cardio, but the type of training that the MaxiClimber provides might not suit those more interested in low-intensity, steady-state cardio. When I would work out on my MaxiClimber, the longest amount of time I could go for was about five minutes before I needed to hop off and pace the room with my hands on my hips.

If you want built-in programming to help structure your workouts, you may want to look elsewhere. While there is a free MaxiClimber app, there are currently only 12 pre-recorded workouts to follow or a 21-day Maxi-Challenge that has audio-only guidance. 

I tried out one of the audio-only workouts, and while I appreciated some of the cues to “tighten that core” or “feel this in your tricep and glutes,” I wouldn’t want this wall-to-wall audio-only coaching, which felt inauthentic due to callouts like “that’s it!” and “good job!” I’m not doing a good job, I’m just sitting at my desk listening.

Additionally, there’s no media stand to hold your phone or tablet, so if you want to take on any of the 12 pre-recorded workouts, you’ll need to set your device up on a nearby chair or table.

Stability and Weight Capacity

The industry standard for most cardio machines is a weight capacity of around 300 pounds. These weight limits are supported by durable aluminum or steel frames and quality builds, backed up by at least five-year warranties. 

Budget-friendly options will often have less impressive warranties and lower user weight capacities, as is the case with the MaxiClimber’s one-year warranty and plastic and cold-rolled steel build, which supports users up to 240 pounds. 

[Related: Your Guide to Creating Fitness Goals — And How to Crush Them]

A low weight limit is a strong signifier that the build of the equipment is less durable than others. I’m about 125 pounds, and I often felt a little unsteady during workouts. The footpads are small, and there aren’t any straps to keep you secure. Also, the base is compact, so I worried that if I leaned back I might tip the entire thing over. However, that’s generally the case with budget buys. Since the MaxiClimber is priced between $200 to (gasp) $4,000 less than other popular models, the lack of stability may be acceptable for your purposes.

Durability

I never had a problem with my MaxiClimber breaking, and I used it every other day for about six months. However, it’s worth noting that the build consists of a lot of plastic. 

A common complaint in customer reviews is the rollers that move the handles up and down. “The tracking wheels look solid, but they can’t handle a 190-pound person using the machine. They stick and then wear prematurely or snap in half,” mentions one review. 

“Within 6 days [of purchase] one of the rollers gave out! A piece of plastic broke off, making it unable to roll,” noted another.

There is a one-year warranty, but reviews on customer service seem to be hit or miss. While some users have had replacement wheels sent to them, others say: “Buyer beware — it will break, and nothing will be done about it.”

MaxiClimber Vertical Climber Vs. the Competition

There are some awesome vertical trainers on the market — and we should know, we’ve gotten the chance to test eight of them. The chart below is a quick comparison between the MaxiClimber and its competition.

While the MaxiClimber is one of the most affordable options on the market, the two closest competitors come in at $399 — almost double the price. The Relife Rebuild Your Life Vertical climber uses metal slideways that support the arms, as compared to the plastic rollers that are used on the MaxiClimber Vertical Climber. 

The MaxiClimber XL 2000 is a top-of-the-line offering from MaxiClimber, providing 12 levels of adjustable hydraulic resistance as compared the Vertical Climbers’ lack of adjustable resistance. It also provides a full foot pad, unlike the small and uncomfortable foot pad offered on the Vertical Climber.

The ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 and CLMBR Connected 02 are two more costly climbers, but these options provide the sort of technology that some users may want to consider. While these machines both have built-in touchscreens and integrated app streaming, their apps come with an additional subscription fee. However, the ProForm Carbon HIIT H10 provides three years of an iFIT subscription with your purchase, which is a great deal. 

While the MaxiClimber Vertical Climber lacks tech features, resistance adjustments, and has one of the lowest user weight capacities, this device is still the most compact stepper and costs just a fraction the cost of the competition. Plus, we think it’s one of the best stair climbers we’ve tried and tested.

Places to Buy the MaxiClimber Vertical Climber

You can purchase the MaxiClimber Vertical Climber via Amazon, Walmart, or the official Maxi Climber website.

Customer Experience

This vertical climber ships for free from Amazon and it was easy-breezy-beautiful to put it together. I put it all together in about 10 minutes, then was able to take the handles off, fold it up to fit it in my Prius, and take it to work. 

There are over 10,000 reviews on Amazon, with more than 80% earning 4 and 5 out of 5 stars. Users like the low-impact nature of this vertical climber, the ability to raise their heart rate in an efficient workout, and the ease of storage. One customer review mentioned, “It didn’t hurt my joints at all… Within five minutes I had already worked up a major sweat. My arms, legs, and abs are still burning as I type this. I am optimistic that this thing might actually help me get back into shape!”

There’s a one-year warranty, but we’ve seen some mixed reviews about how well customer service responds to issues raised. This gives us pause, considering that many of the moving parts are made from plastic pieces which can break. 

While I didn’t have a problem with my MaxiClimber, I think this is part of the gamble with budget equipment.  However, Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, notes that this sort of low-priced equipment is best for “people who don’t have a ton of money to spend but are ready to prioritize their health.” 

Warranties

There is a one-year warranty offered with purchase, plus the ability to add on a two-year protection plan for an additional $21.99 with Amazon. There’s also an Asurion Complete Protect plan that covers all eligible past and future purchases, but this costs an additional $16.99 a month, which doesn’t seem worth it since a full year of this coverage would come out to $203.88. You could just use that money to buy a brand new machine.

Company Information

Inova US owns the MaxiClimber brand, as well as Aeroski, Fitt Cube, and Skoon, to name a few. To speak with a representative from Inova, you can email them at contact@inovaus.com or by phone at 888-339-2990.

MaxiClimber first appeared on the market in 2014. You can get in touch with MaxiClimber’s customer service via their website, help@maxiclimber.com, or by phone at 888-433-9083.

In Conclusion

The MaxiClimber Vertical Climber is a bare-bones cardio machine that’s affordable, easily transportable, and can provide users with an intense body-weight training session. While the 240-pound max user weight and use of plastic in its build may have users worried about longevity, the price is nearly half the cost of the next lowest-priced vertical climber on the market. So, if you’re unable to spend more — or if you’re unsure if you’ll like vertical climbing — this is a good option to try out.

If you’re looking for a cardio machine with adjustable resistance and built-in programming, you won’t find it here. (You’ll also need to be prepared to spend between $1,404 and $4,000.) But while the MaxiClimber Vertical Climber lacks tech features or the ability to increase resistance, I still think it’s a worthwhile investment for those wanting a compact and affordable exercise machine suitable for all fitness levels. Just don’t expect the machine to last forever.

FAQs

References

1. Brahler, C. J., & Blank, S. E. (1995). VersaClimbing elicits higher VO2max than does treadmill running or rowing ergometry. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 27(2), 249–254.
2. Gist, N. H., Fedewa, M. V., Dishman, R. K., & Cureton, K. J. (2014). Sprint interval training effects on aerobic capacity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 44(2), 269–279. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-013-0115-0
3. Physical Activity for Arthritis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022) https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/physical-activity/index.html
4. Swift, D. L., McGee, J. E., Earnest, C. P., Carlisle, E., Nygard, M., & Johannsen, N. M. (2018). The Effects of Exercise and Physical Activity on Weight Loss and Maintenance. Progress in cardiovascular diseases, 61(2), 206–213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2018.07.014

The post MaxiClimber Vertical Climber Review (2024): A Compact Climbing Cardio Machine appeared first on BarBend.

Just like our favorite happy hour deal, this is a two-for-one model that allows you to jog at speeds up to 7.5 miles per hour or get those steps in as you fire off emails from your standing desk. To switch from one mode to the other, simply raise or lower the handrails. Our team of marathon runners, certified personal trainers, and fitness fanatics put this treadmill to the test, and while it’s not the most powerful or feature-rich treadmill around, we think users looking to improve their sleep, mental health, and cardiovascular health by logging more steps throughout their day will appreciate this compact machine. (1)

Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill

Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill

With a powerful and quiet 2.25HP motor, this treadmill allows you to walk or jog when used as an under-desk machine, or run at up to 7.5 MPH when the handrails are raised.

Shop Amazon

Main Takeaways

• The GoPlus 2-in-1 treadmill can be used as an under-desk treadmill when the handles are folded down, or as a jogging treadmill when the handlebars are upright.
• The 16-inch by 39.3-inch running deck supports walking and low-intensity cardio, but those interested in picking up their pace may prefer a longer 60-inch belt. (2)
• This treadmill folds down when not in use, creating a slim 5-inch tall profile that can be stowed away.

“Treadmills are a great home gym item for individuals who want to increase their daily or weekly cardio exercise via walking, jogging, or running,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. “Even if you don’t use a treadmill daily, it’s a great item to have for instances in which you can’t or don’t want to walk or run outside.” 

Designed for low-impact exercise at home or the office, the GoPlus 2-in-1 Treadmill has the unique ability to operate as both a jogging treadmill and an under-desk cardio machine. With its handrails raised, the GoPlus supports jogs up to 7.5 miles per hour; lower the handrails and you log steps at speeds up to 2.5 miles per hour.

This treadmill isn’t, in our humble opinion, meant for running. While its top speed of 7.5 miles per hour supports an 8-minute mile, we think the 2.25 HP motor and 39.3-inch belt deck is more suited for walking and light jogging. “People who intend to run or sprint on their treadmill should look for a running deck of at least 60 inches in length,” notes Capritto. “Walkers and joggers can get away with shorter decks, unless they are really tall individuals.”

However, we think this is one of the best under-desk treadmills due in part to its compact profile when folded, shrinking down from 44 inches to just 5 inches tall. This height allows for an easy fit under desks and easy storage under beds or furniture. 

Tech capabilities are limited, but that’s to be expected with a budget buy. The included remote allows you to start, stop, and adjust the speed of your walk or jog. While this remote is the only way you can start the treadmill, some users have had success with the Gymax app, which can connect to your treadmill and work as a remote.

A 2-inch LED display is located at the base of the treadmill and provides basic stats like speed, time, distance traveled, and calories burned. There’s also a Bluetooth speaker, which is a nice detail you don’t often see on budget treadmills. Just don’t expect it to produce high-quality audio.

When your workout is done, just tip this treadmill up onto its transport wheels and roll it out of the way. When folded up, this treadmill measures just 5 inches tall and takes up 11.08 square feet — about one-third the footprint of a queen-size mattress. (3)

While tech capabilities are limited, the affordable $289.99 price tag is hard to beat. So for those specifically looking for a budget under-desk treadmill to keep their body moving while they’re slinging Slacks (sending text messages to coworkers, not selling pants, unless your job is selling pants, and if that’s the case, sling on), keep reading to see why this treadmill may or may not be a good pick for you. 

Training With the GoPlus 2-in-1 Treadmill

“Almost everyone can benefit from walking more, considering the mostly sedentary lifestyle we lead today,” says BarBend’s expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC.

“The health benefits of walking are numerous and profound.” As such, our tester uses this treadmill for multiple hours several days a week, logging steps while he works from his desk.

He took this machine to its top speed, experimented with the remote control, and took note of pain points and positive impressions during testing. Additionally, I wrote this article while walking on my under-desk treadmill —shoutout Egofit Walker Pro — to see truly how easy or difficult it is to multitask while working from home.

We rated the GoPlus 2-in-1 Treadmill using our multi-point methodology, scoring categories such as workout experience, durability, warranty, and tech features on a scale of 1 (not impressed) to 5 (yes, queen).

For being a machine that’s only $289.99 — well below the $1,000+ you’ll pay for one of the best commercial treadmills — it managed to rake up some impressive scores across the board. Footprint and portability, delivery and setup, customer reviews, workout experience, and customer service all scored a 4 out of 5 with our tester.

Ready, Set, Go

Unboxing this was a breeze and setup was easy since this treadmill comes nearly ready to go right out of the box. All we had to do was lubricate the running deck and attach the handrails and phone holder. An easy assembly process? We’re here for it. The power cord that comes with this treadmill is short, so, depending on where you’re setting up, you may need to have an extension cord handy. Delivery and setup scored a 4 out of 5.

Once it’s plugged in, you’ll need to have the magnetic safety key inserted or else you’ll get this cute little error message on the LED display. This safety key is bright red and it plugs in right under the main handlebar. Should you want to stop the treadmill suddenly, just go ahead and pull this key out. 

If you find you’re having trouble starting the treadmill, our tester suggests starting from off of the running deck, since the 2.25 HP motor can struggle to start when weight is loaded.

[Related: The 8 Best Folding Treadmills]

Once up and running, this treadmill has a fairly quiet motor, which makes focusing on firing off emails that much easier.

Workout Experience

When the handrails are up, users can pick up their pace with a max speed of 7.5 miles per hour. The upright handrails are set at a fixed height of 3.5 feet, which may be too short for some taller runners. Once folded down, the max speed drops to just 2.5 miles per hour, which should be plenty for those using this machine at their desks. 

“The running belt isn’t very cushioned or comfortable,” noted our tester, who scored ergonomics a 3.5 out of 5. The belt measures 39.3 inches long, a length best suited for walking and light jogs. Capritto recommends belt decks of 55 to 60 inches for running. 

Additionally, the 2.25HP motor is less powerful than the 3.0 CHP motors we like to recommend for runners, though it should support low-intensity exercise just fine. 

“It’s a simple machine, but it’s exactly what I wanted from an under-desk treadmill,” noted our tester, who scored their overall workout experience a 4 out of 5.

Tech Capabilities

You won’t find a touchscreen on this electric treadmill, but there is a 2-inch LED screen that provides stats like speed, time, distance, and calories burned. It also includes a remote control to start, stop, and adjust your speed. “I mean, I don’t really trust the data from the LED screen, but I’m not really using this to track stats anyway,” said our tester. “But as an under-desk treadmill I can use while I work, the price is awesome.”

This walking pad treadmill has some Bluetooth capabilities. You can pair a mobile device with the Gymax app, which doubles as a remote control, or with the built-in speaker. However, our tester wasn’t impressed with the speaker’s audio quality, scoring tech capabilities a 3 out of 5.

Compact Design

A lack of space doesn’t need to impact your cardio routine. There’s no space in my apartment for a treadmill, but my walking treadmill fits snugly under my desk and squeezes into my closet when I want it out of my sight. 

The GoPlus 2-in-1 treadmill takes up 11.08 square feet of floor space, and measures just 5 inches tall when the handrails are folded down. If your standing desk is adjustable, like our tester’s, you may also be able to use the GoPlus with its handrails up, as they stand just 3.5 feet high. 

We think it’s worth mentioning, though, that if you choose to attach the parallel handrails when the front handrail is up, you won’t be able to fold this treadmill completely flat.

Overall, this is one of the best compact treadmills we’ve tested, weighing in at a manageable 69.5 pounds. It also has a set of built-in transport wheels that make moving it from the living room to the office and back again that much easier. 

However, the wheels are made of plastic and don’t feel very durable. Our tester had no problems moving this treadmill from room to room, but I will say that my under-desk treadmill is about 10 pounds lighter and lifting it up to place it under my desk definitely gets my heart rate up.

What to Consider Before Buying the GoPlus 2-in-1 Treadmill

Treadmills, even the budget options, are available with a large variety of different features, from motor horsepower to incline/decline levels to console specifications and accessories,” says Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC “This can make it overwhelming to shop for one and difficult to make a decision, but luckily, our expert equipment testers can help you choose based on their experience with various budget treadmills.”

As someone who uses a walking treadmill while they work (and is currently walking on one right now), a budget under-desk treadmill for walking is a fantastic addition to a workspace. My gym routine often suffers due to my work schedule, and walking while I work has helped me feel accomplished, brightened my mood, and allowed me the opportunity to get a workout in while I’m unable to get away. However, there are some key areas you’ll need to consider before you bring a treadmill into your home.

Footprint

It doesn’t matter how fantastic the treadmill is if it doesn’t fit in your space. Before you get too excited about a particular treadmill, bust out the old tape measure to see what you’re working with. Once you know the amount of space you have available, you’ll be able to navigate options knowing what exactly will fit. Capritto adds, “Check the overall length, width, and height of the machine in its assembled position and folded position if applicable. And triple-measure your space to make sure it will fit.”

We think the GoPlus 2-in-1 is one of the best treadmills for apartments and small spaces due to its compact footprint. It takes up 11.03 square feet of floor space, and measures just 5 inches tall when folded.

Weight Capacity

While compact home gym equipment is great for those in small spaces, these bite-sized units tend to have lower weight capacities than their full-sized brethren. We tend to recommend treadmills with at least a 300-pound user weight limit, but that’s rare for walking treadmills and models designed with small, portable footprints. 

The GoPlus 2-in-1 treadmill has a user weight capacity of 265 pounds, which is actually higher than many other budget options by nearly 50 pounds. If you’re in need of a machine with a higher user weight limit, check out our roundup of the best treadmills for heavy people.

Walking or Running?

It’s simple. Do you want to run on your treadmill, or do you want to walk? While the GoPlus 2-in-1 supports walking and jogging, we wouldn’t recommend it for anyone who wants to sprint or engage in HIIT training. 

The 2.25 HP motor, for example, falls short of what we tend to recommend for runners. “Ideally, a running treadmill will have a powerful motor with at least 3.0 CHP. The best (and usually most expensive) models have a CHP of up to 4.0,” says Capritto.

For clarity, HP stands for horsepower and CHP stands for continuous horsepower. Generally, CHP motors are stronger than HP motors, and can better withstand repeated use.

Additionally, the belt deck on the GoPlus 2-in-1 treadmill is only 39.3 inches long, which should accommodate most users as they walk. My under-desk treadmill has a similar belt deck length and at 5 feet 5 inches, I’m perfectly comfortable walking on it. Those looking to run should consider a treadmill with a belt deck between 55 and 60 inches (and then check out our roundup of the best treadmills for running).

GoPlus 2-in-1 Treadmill Vs. The Competition

We’ve tested more than 40 treadmills, including many budget-minded options comparable to the GoPlus 2-in-1. Cardio machines under $600 aren’t typically designed with heavy use and high-intensity training in mind, but there are still some quality options to check out. Below, we’ve compared the key features of the GoPlus 2-in-1 to those of its competition. 

If you’re in the market for an under-desk treadmill, the Egofit Walker Pro and the WalkingPad C2  are the closest competitors to the GoPlus 2-in-1. Personally, I felt very conflicted between these three options when I was looking for a walking treadmill, but I opted for the Egofit Walker Pro due to its fixed 5 percent incline. However, if you want the ability to pick up the pace, the GoPlus 2-in-1 may be a better option due to its higher 2.25 horsepower and max speed of 7.5 miles per hour. The Egofit can only reach 3.1 miles per hour.

I considered the WalkingPad C2 briefly, due to its impressive folding capabilities. It folds up into a compact cube, but the $599 price felt unreasonable compared to the rest.

If you’ve got a need for speed, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 and XTERRA Fitness TR150 reach speeds of 9 and 10 miles per hour, respectively. Neither of them are under-desk treadmills, however, nor are their user weight capacities as impressive as the GoPlus 2-in-1.

[Related: XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill Review]

The big mark against the GoPlus 2-in-1 is its 90-day warranty period. This warranty scored a 3 out of 5 with our tester, who noted, “You get 90 days to return this product as long as it’s still in like-new condition, which is great. But that’s also the amount of time you have for your warranty, which makes it a bad warranty.”

However, if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, the GoPlus 2-in-1’s price is between $100 and $300 less expensive than the competition. 

Places to Buy the GoPlus 2-in-1 Treadmill

You can purchase the GoPlus 2-in-1 treadmill on the GoPlus website or via third-party retailers like Amazon and Bed Bath and Beyond.

Customer Experience

The GoPlus treadmill arrived at our tester’s home within two weeks and required minimal assembly. The only thing our tester needed to do was apply lubricant to the belt deck. We really appreciated that two bottles of lubricant came with the treadmill. The free shipping didn’t hurt, either.

Our tester scored this product’s customer reviews a 4 out of 5 after scouring its 10,000 reviews on Amazon. The most common praise related to the ease of assembly, size, value, and maneuverability, while people had mixed opinions on performance, sturdiness, noise, and quality. One 5-star review had some sage words of advice: “Unless you are going to go BIG and spend $1,500 to $2,500… I would suggest going for the cheapest [treadmill] and replacing it every few years.”

Warranties

The GoPlus 2-in-1 has a 90-day warranty, and users can return this treadmill in that time frame as long as it’s in good condition. While we don’t expect budget treadmills to have the kind of five-year to lifetime frame warranties you’re likely to get with the best high-end treadmills, we still would have liked to see a warranty of at least a year on this machine. 

Company Information

GoPlus Corps was founded in 2013 and manufactures a wide range of exercise equipment, automotive tools, home and garden goods, and medical devices, in addition to the 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill.

To contact GoPlus, you can email them at support@goplusus.com. You can also reach them by phone between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PST from Monday to Friday at 844-242-1885.

In Conclusion

The market is awash with budget treadmills, and navigating your options can be a painstaking process. Our goal is to assist your efforts with hands-on use and years of experience. We think that the GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is a worthwhile investment for those specifically looking to increase their step count from their work or home office. This is a simple cardio machine, with a slim profile, transport wheels, and speed capabilities up to 7.5 miles per hour.

If you’re a runner looking to pick up the pace, we’d suggest looking at treadmills at a higher price point that can provide a 3.0 CHP motor, a 55- to 60-inch belt deck, and higher speed ranges. For those who are just looking for an affordable way to stay active throughout their day, the GoPlus 2-in-1 may be just the right foldable treadmill for you.

FAQs

References

1. Ungvari, Z., Fazekas-Pongor, V., Csiszar, A., & Kunutsor, S. K. (2023). The multifaceted benefits of walking for healthy aging: from Blue Zones to molecular mechanisms. GeroScience, 45(6), 3211–3239. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-023-00873-8
2. Cavanagh, P. R., & Kram, R. (1989). Stride length in distance running: velocity, body dimensions, and added mass effects. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 21(4), 467–479.
3. Ling, V. (2024) Guide to Mattress Sizes and Dimensions. National Council on Aging. https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/sleep/mattress-sizes/

The post GoPlus 2-in-1 Treadmill Review (2024): A Low-Cost Treadmill for Low-Intensity Cardio appeared first on BarBend.

The AD7 air bike is forged from corrosion-resistant powder-coated steel, which supports users up to 350 pounds. It also has a belt-drive system that’ll keep your workout as quiet as the wind blowing through your hair and the meek profanities you elicit during interval sessions. Our team of CrossFit coaches and cardio enthusiasts put this bike through the wringer, and while we wouldn’t recommend it for those in search of a Peloton alternative, we think CrossFit athletes and those looking for high-intensity training will appreciate its quiet ride and sturdy build.

Schwinn AD7

Schwinn AD7

The latest variation of Schwinn's time-tested Airdyne model was designed with longevity in mind. The frame, which comes with a 10-year warranty, is forged from heavy-duty steel with a corrosion-resistant powder coat. The belt-driven flywheel, meanwhile, promises a quieter ride than you'll find on chain-driven air bikes. 

Shop Schwinn

Main Takeaways

• The Schwinn AD7 air bike caters to CrossFit enthusiasts and strength athletes with a set of moveable arms that allow for full-body high-intensity training. 
• This bike utilizes a belt-drive system that can be quieter and require less maintenance than chain-driven belts.
• The frame’s corrosion-resistant powder-coated steel construction comes backed by a 10-year frame warranty. 

Schwinn AD7 Air Bike Highlights

• Price: $1,299
• Resistance: Air
• Weight Capacity: 350lbs
• Bike Weight: 113lbs
• Dimensions: 53” H x 53” L x 26.5” W
• Display: LCD console
• Drive System: Belt-drive
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year mechanical parts, 1-year electronics, 6-month labor

“Air bikes, a type of stationary exercise bike, utilize fan flywheels to create resistance.” says BarBend’s expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. “The harder you pedal, the harder the work becomes.” The Schwinn AD7 features moving arms and metal pedals that increase the fan’s resistance based on the amount of effort you put in. Built from corrosive-resistant powder-coated steel, the frame can support users up to 350 pounds — roughly 20 to 50 pounds more than some of the best exercise bikes. 

There are some plastic parts within the design, which can raise concerns about durability, but our tester noted, “The plastic is thick, so I’m not too concerned about these parts getting damaged — so long as they’re treated with care.”

This is Schwinn’s top-of-the-line air bike, and as such, comfort is key. It comes with an optional air diverter you can attach to the fan to help block the rush of air propelled from the fan’s blades, ideal for cooler months or whenever you want less wind blowing your way. 

Additionally, the padded seat has four-way adjustability — up, down, forwards, and backwards, and the heavy-duty rubber handlebars come with multiple grips, allowing users to experiment with their hand placement and wrist position.

The 30-inch large fan is perimeter weighted, a design feature that can help the fan generate more inertia as its blades spin. More inertia equals a smoother ride and a reduction in the effort required to get back up to optimum speeds after breaks in pedaling.   

Once up and running — er, riding — our team immediately noticed how quiet this bike was in operation. While fan bikes will never be “library quiet” due to the fan blades smacking up against the air, the belt drive utilized by the AD7 tends to make less noise (and require less maintenance) than the chain drives you’ll find on other air bikes, like the Assault AirBike. 

[Related: Assault AirBike Review]

The AD7 costs $1,299 — making it a fair amount pricier than the $800 price tags we’ve seen on the average air bike — but Schwinn works to justify its cost with a console that’s one of the best we’ve tried and tested. The console tracks calories, watts, time, speed, distance, RPM, and heart rate, and there are nine programmable workout options for fat burn, aerobic, and anaerobic training. 

Plus, “The screen is brighter and easier to navigate than other air bike consoles, which is definitely a benefit when I can hardly see due to the sweat in my eyes,” noted our tester.

The bike measures 9.25 square feet, with a footprint comparable to the average coffee table. If space is tight, the attached transport wheels make rolling this bike out of the way as easy as saying, “Yes, my love!” when your partner shouts, “Get this bike out of the kitchen!” 

Pros

• The Schwinn AD7 uses a belt-drive system, which tends to require less maintenance and is quieter than bikes that utilize a chain-drive system.
• Its sturdy steel construction supports users up to 350 pounds.
• The optional air diverter can keep the fan’s wind from blowing into your face during a workout.
• The multi-display LCD monitor provides nine workout programs and connectivity with some telemetry heart rate monitors.

Cons

• At $1,299, this bike is roughly $500 more expensive than the average air bike we’ve tested.
• This bike uses a good amount of plastic in its design, which can raise concerns about durability if handled improperly in your home gym.
• There’s no media shelf on the console to hold your phone or tablet.

Training with the Schwinn AD7 Air Bike

“Few things get me huffing and puffing more than a for-time workout that includes air bike intervals.” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. “Compared to regular bikes and indoor bikes, air bikes engage more of the body’s musculature due to the moving arms.” Cycling can support your cardiovascular health, mental health, and weight management efforts, but air bikes can also bring strength and endurance gains to your chest, back, and arms. (2) 

Our roster is stacked with CrossFit coaches, former college athletes, and road cyclists who know how to avoid crashing into parked cars (unlike myself), and we’ve logged thousands of miles on more than 30 of the field’s top exercise bikes. We rated each on a scale from 1 (that’s bad) to 5 (now we’re talking!) in fields such as durability, tech capabilities, and overall workout experience, all of which helped inform our weeks spent on the Schwinn Airdyne AD7.

Belt Drive System

Our biggest takeaway from our time on the AD7 is just how quiet its belt-drive system is. “A belt drive,” says Capritto, “produces an overall smoother pedaling experience.” 

She continues, “Belt drives also require less maintenance than chain drives, and they are quieter. Chain drives, as seen on the Assault Bike series, are noisier and require more frequent maintenance.” 

Our tester agreed, “The only noise I heard when riding was from the fan blades pressing against the air.” 

[Related: The Guide to CrossFit Gym Etiquette: It’s More Than Just Lifting]

LCD Display

Air bikes tend to come with limited tech capabilities, but the high-resolution multi-display LCD screen is one of the best consoles we’ve seen on any of the air bikes we’ve tried and tested. This screen provides two windows to view calories burned, watts, time, speed, distance, and RPM. It’s not compatible with Bluetooth or ANT+, but the console can read telemetric signals from Polar-compatible 4.5kHZ to 5.5kHz heart rate monitors to provide you accurate tracking.

“The programs and presets on this console are similar to what I’ve seen on other air bikes, like the Assault AirBike, but this LCD display is brighter, which makes checking on my stats while I’m in the middle of a HIIT workout easier,” noted our tester, who scored the monitor a 4.3 out of 5.

Comfort

Unlike previous Schwinn AD models, the AD7 has four-way seat adjustability, allowing for forward and back movement in addition to height adjustments. Per a call with Schwinn’s customer service, we also learned that the AD7 has a more cushioned and comfortable seat than its sibling, the Schwinn Airdyne Pro, which was designed more for commercial than residential use. 

The rubber handlebars allow for a variety of handholds and wrist positions to make your workout as ergonomic as possible. Our tester notes, “If your hands are chalked up from doing a CrossFit workout, the handlebars take this well.”

Creature comforts on this bike include an air diverter, water bottle holder, and a small storage compartment for mobile devices. However, we do wish there was a media shelf so we could comfortably watch streaming content on our mobile devices during rides. 

What to Consider Before Buying the Schwinn AD7 Air Bike

Before scooping up an air bike, it’s important to note that these user-powered machines aren’t like other exercise bikes. “In addition to the fan flywheel, air bikes are unique in that they feature moving arms, so cycling becomes a full-body workout rather than a lower-body-focused one,” says BarBend’s expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. With that in mind, let’s look at some key factors one should consider when buying an air bike.

Do You Really Want an Air Bike?

Air bikes are a different beast than your typical indoor spin bike. There’s no touchscreen, no motivational content to stream, and no userboard where you can high-five your friends for a job well done. It’s basically just you and the bike, with some programming to help you know when your workout is over.

The moving arms and user-created resistance is ideal for those wanting high-intensity interval training, and when I’ve been forced to use an air bike, the only thought in my head is, “When will this pain and suffering end?!” 

Capritto agrees that this bike is for a specific audience. “People looking to build out a CrossFit-style home gym are a good fit for an air bike.” she says. “Additionally, those who are generally interested in functional fitness protocols will probably get a lot of use out of one.“

Drive System

“The biggest thing to consider, in my opinion, is whether an air bike has a belt drive or a chain drive. This is what impacts the exercise experience the most,” says Capritto. Opting for a chain drive bike is likely to save users some cash, but that comes at the cost of convenience and ease of maintenance. “Chains need to be lubricated, usually every couple of months, but that’s not the case with the AD7,” noted our tester. 

However, chain drive systems may last longer with repeated use as compared to belt drives. The belt drive is something users don’t tend to have to worry about until it becomes worn down, fails, and requires a replacement. In the event that this happens, replacement belts can be purchased for around $20 — or you may be covered by your warranty if it’s within 2 years of use.  

Workout Experience

If you’re looking for a stationary bike with fancy tech capabilities, a touchscreen with integrated programming, and a spin-studio-like experience where you can bust out dumbbell curls while you cycle, the Schwinn AD7 won’t provide it. Air bikes are popular in CrossFit gyms for their ability to provide a quick and intense full-body workout. “I like being able to do intervals with this bike, something like Tabata training, where I’m going hard for 20 seconds then resting for 10 seconds,” noted our tester.

While the tech capabilities are limited to the multi-display LCD screen, users can still choose between nine workout programs like heart rate, intervals, calories, and time trials. These tech capabilities scored a 3.5 out of 5 with our tester.

Users can also opt to pedal, push and pull on the arms, or a combination of both to target their lower body, upper body, or total body for a time-efficient workout.

Footprint

The AD7 takes up 9.25 square feet, which is average for air bikes but larger than the average 8-square-foot upright bike. While the AD7 has transport wheels for easy portability, its built-in fan and steel frame is much too unwieldy to fold, so you’ll want a dedicated area to house your new shiny exercise equipment. You’ll want to triple-measure your home or garage gym to ensure you’ve got ample space.

[Related: The 6 Best Folding Exercise Bikes]

Price

The $1,299 price of the Schwinn Airdyne AD7 — which is often on sale for around $1,000 — is a big ticket purchase when compared to air bikes that tend to cost around $800. For the extra cash, users are getting a top-of-the-line air bike with a belt-drive system, multi-grip handlebars, a sturdy, powder-coated steel frame, and, per our tester, “the best LCD display I’ve seen on any air bike.” Value scored a 4.5 out of 5.

Schwinn AD7 Vs. Other Top Competitors

There are some great air bikes on the market, so here’s a quick spec comparison chart so you can see how some of the top options out there compare. 

The Airdyne AD7’s warranty is a home run. The competition doesn’t hold a candle to the 10-year frame, 2-year mechanical parts, 1-year electronics, and 6-month labor warranty that Schwinn offers. Plus, this bike’s console was our tester’s favorite when compared to the rest.

As you can see in the above chart, the AD7 isn’t the only air bike featuring a belt-drive system. The Rogue Echo Bike V3.0 and Bells of Steel Blitz Air Bike 2.0 also deliver belt-drive systems for around $800 to $900. They also, along with the AssaultBike Elite, support users up to 350 pounds. 

[Related: Rogue Echo Air Bike Review]

Price is where the Airdyne bike comes in behind the competition. At roughly $400 to $500 more than other options, this is truly a high-end purchase for those who just came into a small fortune or have been blessed with generational wealth. But, as mentioned, that investment comes with an unmatched warranty to provide peace of mind for years to come. 

It’s not the priciest bike on the chart, though. Costing $200 more is the AssaultBike Elite, which demonstrates its added value with Bluetooth and ANT connectivity. 

Places to Buy the Schwinn Airdyne AD7 Air Bike

You can purchase the Schwinn Airdyne AD7 air bike directly from the brand’s webpage. Additionally, this air bike is also available from third-party retailers, including Amazon, DICK’S Sporting Goods, and Walmart. 

Customer Experience

This bike ships for free from Amazon and we haven’t heard too many complaints about putting it together. One customer review mentioned, “The product works great and [was] super easy to build… I did [it] myself in under 2 hours or so following video instructions.”  It’s worth noting that additional reviews mention using YouTube videos to help walk them through the setup process. 

If purchasing this from Schwinn’s website, shipping costs an additional $99. Plus, you can add in-home assembly for $149, which pays for a BowFlex technician — BowFlex is Schwinn’s manufacturer — to move your shipment to the room you want the bike, assemble it, and move the empty packaging to your trash bins.

Warranties

The Schwinn Airdyne AD7 is covered by a multifaceted warranty package. According to the brand, this air bike comes with a 10-year frame, 2-year mechanical parts, 1-year electronics, and a 6-month labor warranty.

Company Information

Schwinn Fitness offers a wide range of cardio equipment for both commercial and home use, from air bikes and upright bikes to recumbent bikes and ellipticals. If you need to speak to customer support, you can reach them at 800-556-2896. When I called them, I was able to speak to a living, breathing person within 1 minute and 22 seconds. 

In Conclusion

The AD7 is, in our opinion, Schwinn’s best air bike, as we think it delivers a quieter ride and a better monitor than many of its competitors. However, it’s a very specific type of bike for a very specific user. BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC, notes that a bike like the AD7 won’t be right for individuals looking for touchscreens, loads of tech capabilities, or streaming workouts. “Air bikes,” she says, “are pretty niche, mainly serving the CrossFit community… [or] those who are interested in functional fitness protocols.”

While this bike isn’t a budget buy, we think users looking for a heavy-duty full-body cardio workout will appreciate the sturdy build, ease of use, and adjustability that the Schwinn AD7 provides. 

FAQs

References

1. Moghaddam, M., Cervantes, M., Cheshier, B., & Jacobson, B. H. (2023). Sprint Interval Training on Stationary Air Bike Elicits Cardiorespiratory Adaptations While Being Time-Efficient. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 37(9), 1795–1801. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004483
2. Oja, P., Titze, S., Bauman, A., de Geus, B., Krenn, P., Reger-Nash, B., & Kohlberger, T. (2011). Health benefits of cycling: a systematic review. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 21(4), 496–509. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01299.x
3. Schlegel, Petr. (2022). Health benefits of air biking: a systematic review. Journal of Sport and Health Research. 14. 10.58727/jshr.88637. 

The post Schwinn Airdyne AD7 Review (2024): The Harder You Go, The Harder It Gets appeared first on BarBend.

To give you a head start in your purchasing process, we wrangled up our favorite silhouettes from the brand’s roster to help you determine whether a Sunny Health and Fitness exercise bike is right for your space, and which model best fits your training needs. While these machines are more utilitarian than high-tech, we think everyone from beginners to seasoned cyclists will find them a reliable (and budget-friendly) option for at-home cardio.

Why Should I Buy a Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise Bike?

Exercise bikes tend to have a smaller footprint than other cardio machines, making them a great tool for athletes tight on space. The best exercise bikes on the market, though, often cost well over $1,000, and also rely on integrated fitness apps that cost an additional subscription fee that needs to be paid monthly or annually.  

[Related: The 8 Best Fitness Apps]

Sunny Health and Fitness exercise bikes, on the other hand, pair a space-saving profile with price tags that rarely creep over $1,000 (only one model eclipses the $1,500 mark). For reference, the four bikes we picked for this review — the SF-B1002, SF-B1879, SF-B901, and SF-B1995 — all fall below $620.

A big reason that Sunny Health and Fitness exercise bikes can keep costs so low is their emphasis on sturdy, well-built silhouettes over more intricate, tech-heavy profiles. Like the brand’s other fitness equipment — including some of the best treadmills and other home gym essentials — these bikes utilize heavy flywheels, comfortable saddles, and stable handlebars to prove their worth rather than a laundry list of live and on-demand courses.

Resistance mechanisms are often friction-based — a louder yet cheaper option for indoor cyclists — but Sunny Health and Fitness does feature some (more expensive) magnetic resistance machines for a smooth ride that’s less likely to wake any fellow housemates during sessions. 

Additionally, all the bikes chosen for this review have a weight capacity of 275 pounds. This supporting capability isn’t the highest we’ve experienced in our time testing over 20 indoor cycles over the years, but it should be suitable enough for most.

[Related: The 6 Benefits of Exercise Bikes (Plus Workouts From a Personal Trainer)]

We’ll be honest — most of our trial rides and cycling workouts were spent on the SF-B1002 model. However, we’ve ridden enough stationary bikes and tested enough of Sunny Health and Fitness’ exercise equipment, to understand how these four bikes separate themselves from one another (and which athletes they’d be best for). Ready to dive in? Let’s hop in the saddle and get up to speed on our findings.

Main Takeaways

• Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002 Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike: This exercise bike can be a great option for athletes needing a quiet training setup. The belt drive can move smoothly through each pedal cadence, and the heavy 49-pound flywheel is prime for maintaining momentum throughout your revolutions. 
• Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1879 Synergy Exercise Bike: The SF-B1879 is the lone exercise bike in this review with magnetic resistance, a preferred component for those wanting smooth intensity changes throughout their training. However, the beefier feature does raise the price slightly to $619.99, making it the most expensive bike in this guide.
• Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B901 Chain Drive Pro Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike: This indoor cycle employs a chain drive system that can better mimic the experience you’d feel with an on-road bike. However, this tech will require more upkeep than a belt-drive model.
• Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1995 Pro II Stationary Indoor Cycling Bike: With felt pad resistance, a 40-pound flywheel, and a convenient device holder, this SF-B1995 can be an ideal pick for beginner athletes just getting used to indoor cycling. We do recommend, though, that you take proper care of the felt pads to help prevent any fraying or loss of friction.

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002 Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike

Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike

Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike

This bike's 49-pound flywheel is one of the largest we've seen on a consumer indoor cycle and will help you build momentum while keeping your ride smooth. The transport wheels are also large and durable, so you can move tip this bike and move it out of the way when your workout is over.

Shop Sunny Health & Fitness

If you’re looking for a no-frills spin bike to give your cardio sessions some movement, the Sunny SF-B1002 is a solid pick. Available for less than $400, this compact exercise bike takes up just 7.15 square feet of space — less than that of your standard coffee table. (2) Additionally, the front transport wheels can allow you to easily move and maneuver this bike into place, which is useful when trying to make the most of your floor plan outside of workout sessions.

The SF-B1002 is one of our favorite bikes from Sunny Health and Fitness thanks to its heavy 49-pound flywheel and belt-driven drivetrain. A heavier flywheel works to maintain momentum throughout your workouts, leading to less stops and starts. (3) The belt-drive system, on the other hand, can allow for a quieter riding experience overall, and will require less maintenance than a bike running off of a chain-driven drivetrain.

[Related: The 7 Best Exercise Bikes for Small Spaces of 2024, Expert-Tested and Reviewed]

However, while we are fans of this effective system, the audio feedback of the leather friction resistance system is louder than you’ll find on a bike with magnetic resistance. As the flywheel rubs across the leather strap — which can be micro-adjusted via the resistance knob — I have experienced some loud feedback. While I’ll give the adjustability across this system a 4 out of 5, I would say that this may be a better bike for those that don’t need to worry about sleeping children nearby or interrupting a housemate as they try to talk on the phone or answer Zoom calls during work hours.

The portability of this SF-B1002 is beneficial since you’ll need to set up this exercise bike in front of a television or monitor if you want to view any workouts or intra-workout entertainment during your rides. 

There is no centralized LED or LCD monitor across the handlebars, meaning you’ll need to set up your phone (paired to a handy heart rate monitor) or tablet if you want to view your stats. Sure, the multi-grip, non-slip handlebars are comfy, but this lack of a screen may be a turnoff for data hounds.

Lastly, the Sunny SF-B1002 is a pretty stable ride that can support athletes up to 275 pounds. However, the brand states that the adjustable seat can only be toggled enough to accommodate athletes up to 6 feet 1 inch in height. Taller athletes may struggle to find a comfortable setup to fit their longer frames.

[Related: Are Exercise Bikes Good For Weight Loss? (+ Workout From a Personal Trainer)]

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1879 Synergy Exercise Bike

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1879 Synergy Exercise Bike

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1879 Synergy Exercise Bike

The SF-B1879 from Sunny Health and Fitness can be a great solution for budget-minded athletes wanting the performance of a magnetic resistance system along with a lightweight frame. A built-in LCD monitor can also be helpful in monitoring key training data like calories, speed, time, distance, and others.

Shop Sunny Health & Fitness

For those wanting a quiet workout experience to go along with their wallet-friendly fitness gear, the SF-B1879 can be an ideal pick. Along with its belt-drive system, this spin bike also utilizes magnetic resistance across its 30-pound flywheel, which can keep revolutions more feedback-free than friction-based resistances.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, rated the bike’s durability a 5 out of 5, and also noted a few of the key conveniences it provides. “I like that Sunny Health included a rugged water bottle holder for mid-workout refreshments,” our tester said, rating its conveniences a 4 out of 5. 

“Plus, the small dumbbell holders at the side can help me keep lighter weights at the ready, which can be great for HIIT workouts that give me some movement versatility over just pounding the pedals to different resistances,” they added. 

There’s also an integrated LCD monitor with this Sunny Health and Fitness offering. While it isn’t the most tech-heavy unit — our tester rated the programming at 0 out of 5 because, well, there aren’t any training programs available — it can still be helpful when trying to monitor your heart rate, speed, distance, RPM, calories burned, and more.

[Related: The 8 Best Exercise Bikes for Beginners, Tried and Tested]

Additionally, we should point out that the flywheel used in the SF-B1879 is lighter than other Sunny Health and Fitness bikes we’ve tested. The 30-pound flywheel can be great for startups, as it doesn’t take as much effort to get the wheel rolling, but maintaining your pace can be more difficult than other bikes featuring a 40-pound flywheel or heavier. 

If you’re okay with the occasional stop and start, you’ll likely be fine with this setup, but if you want to get moving and stay moving, it may be best to opt for a heavier flywheel.

Lastly, we’d be remiss to not point out the price of this exercise bike. The SF-B1879 retails for roughly $620. While, yes, this is far cheaper than other high-quality exercise bikes from the likes of NordicTrack, Peloton, Echelon, and other brands, it’s one of the more expensive Sunny Health and Fitness bikes. For reference, all of the bikes included in this guide come in below $400, albeit without the quieter, smoother magnetic resistance system.

[Related: The 8 Best Magnetic Exercise Bikes, Tested by Experts]

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B901 Chain Drive Pro Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B901 Chain Drive Pro Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B901 Chain Drive Pro Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike

This chain-driven exercise bike boasts a compact 5.81-square-foot footprint, making it an excellent option for athletes tight on space. A convenient emergency brake can also help improve your in-training safety in case you need to immediately halt your progress and regain your balance or hop off the bike to tend to another issue.

Shop Sunny Health & Fitness

Granted, most indoor cycling bikes can help home gym enthusiasts save a few square feet, but the SF-B901 is one of our favorites for making the most of a compact floor plan. The footprint of this no-frills exercise bike measures 5.81 square feet, which is nearly half the flooring you’d need for a standard coffee table. (2)

I scored the footprint at 4.5 out of 5, too, because of the larger transport wheels located at the front base of this machine. This can be ideal when trying to transport or maneuver the 102-pound frame for your dedicated spin classes.

This SF-B901 also features an impressive emergency brake system that allows you to quickly halt your training with a simple twist of a lever. This added safety measure may be overlooked by some, but having the ability to completely stop your progress can be helpful when looking to keep setups as safe as possible. That’s especially true with caged pedals — getting out of them can be easier said than done at times. As such, I rated the safety features at 4 out of 5.

[Related: The Best Compact Exercise Equipment for Any Small Space]

In terms of resistance, this Sunny Health and Fitness bike utilizes a felt pad friction-style setup. This can be helpful when trying to keep costs low, but I have found that felt pads tend to require a little more upkeep when compared to other friction systems like leather or synthetic rubber. 

Over time, these pads can begin to fray, which will require some lubrication. While I do appreciate how easy the tension knob is to set across the micro-adjustable resistance levels, I did have to dock the resistance down to 3.5 out of 5 given the required maintenance.

Another key component of this SF-B901 is the chain-driven drivetrain. Like your favorite road bike, this mechanism uses a chain to connect your pedals to the flywheel. I actually prefer this drivetrain style as it can easily mimic your on-road experience, but like the felt pads, it will require some maintenance every now and again. 

Additionally, Sunny Health and Fitness does claim that chain drive systems can be louder than belt-drive bikes. If you’re really focused on keeping workouts as quiet as possible, it may be best to opt for a different silhouette.

[Related: The Best Exercise Bikes Under $500 of 2024 — Expert Tested and Reviewed]

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1995 Pro II Stationary Indoor Cycling Bike

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1995 Pro II Stationary Indoor Cycling Bike

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1995 Pro II Stationary Indoor Cycling Bike

The SF-B1995 uses a felt-pad resistance mechanism that can help keep costs low, and the 40-pound flywheel can be great for maintaining momentum throughout your training circuits. Plus, the 275-pound weight capacity should be suitable for most athletes, although larger athletes may want to look for a different silhouette.

Shop Sunny Health & Fitness

The SF-B901 from Sunny Health and Fitness is what I’d refer to as a mid-range exercise bike. Yes, you get a 40-pound flywheel for improved momentum throughout your workout. Yes, the stable steel frame can support athletes up to 275 pounds. However, I wouldn’t put it at the top of my list for exercise bikes, nor would I place it at the very end. It’s an affordable, high-quality machine that doesn’t necessarily have any standout features … and that’s perfectly fine.

I do enjoy how this Sunny Health and Fitness bike comes equipped with an integrated device holder across the handlebars. This can make viewing your favorite streamable workouts or content a more approachable endeavor, although the front transport wheels can also make setting it up in front of your television that much easier. 

Additionally, I appreciated how easy it was to fine tune the resistance to my desired intensity level thanks to the micro-adjustable tension knob. While this unit does lack the digital features of other exercise bikes, I’d still rate the workout experience at 4 out of 5.

[Related: The Best Exercise Bikes on Amazon]

There are also plenty of adjustment points across the well-padded seat, which can be helpful for lankier athletes searching for that premier fitment. I had no issues with the ergonomics on hand with the SF-B901, and rated the adjustability at 4.5 out of 5.

Like other Sunny Health and Fitness exercise bikes, the SF-B901 relies on felt pads for its friction-based resistance system. This can be fine for keeping costs low, but I caution that you will need to tend to these pads sooner rather than later. 

The constant contact with the 40-pound flywheel can begin to wear across the profiles, resulting in a frayed makeup that’s less effective over time. A simple lubrication schedule can keep these pads operating smoothly, but it is more required maintenance than you’d experience with, say, a magnetic system.

Finally, the caged pedal setup can be useful for cardio newbies looking to pedal toward their fitness goals. That said, I would have liked to have seen a clipless variety offered in this budget-friendly exercise bike for those that already own or prefer to train in cycling shoes. While not an absolute dealbreaker, having the ability to clip into the pedals can make this bike more accommodating for those already ingrained in the indoor cycling community.

[Related: Recumbent Bikes Vs. Upright Bikes — Which Is Best for Your Goals?]

What to Consider Before Buying a Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise Bike

According to Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC, “Cycling brings an impressive collection of health benefits to the table: cardiovascular health, endurance, stamina, muscular endurance are all improved with cycling, to name a few.” As such, there are a few things to consider when deciding on a proper fitness machine for your space, whether from Sunny Health and Fitness or another popular brand.

Flywheel Weight

Your exercise bike’s flywheel weight can greatly influence your overall training experience outside of just your machine’s stability. Lighter flywheels — 20 pounds or lighter — can be helpful for quick starts and getting your machine up and running, but the lack of weight upfront can lead to less momentum throughout the revolutions. (3) As a result, you may need to stop and start more often in order to maintain a certain pace.

Heavier flywheels, on the other hand, may be more difficult to get moving, but have a greater tendency to maintain their sense of inertia during workouts, which can lead to more fluid movements and less of a drop in pacing overall. (3)

Whichever flywheel weight you choose can be subjective depending on how difficult you want your workout starts to be, as well as how efficiently you want to maintain certain speeds and paces throughout your sessions. For reference, all of the Sunny Health and Fitness bikes in this round-up feature flywheels no lighter than 30 pounds, which can be more attuned to better momentum and pace maintenance throughout training.

Durability

Having a durable exercise bike can not only improve your machine’s lifespan but also go a long way in ensuring your confidence atop the profile itself. A stable indoor cycle can alleviate worries of wobbling or imbalances, helping you stay upright more easily and allowing you to focus on hitting your mileage or speed goals without too much worry.

[Related: The 9 Best Exercise Bikes for Heavy People]

All Sunny Health and Fitness exercise bikes, including the four listed in this guide, feature durable steel frames that can support athletes up to 275 pounds. While larger individuals may need to search for a more supportive frame design, these cost-effective bikes should be more than enough for the average athlete. 

In our personal trials, we’ve experienced little to no imbalances, so while we can’t speak for every body type, our time with these fitness machines has been nothing but positive.

Resistance

Your exercise bike’s resistance system is what can help you toggle your training intensity up or down, depending on your goals and feelings on a given day. Some digitally-controlled bikes can feature settings adjustments across their display, allowing for quick, intuitive changes to your workout difficulty. 

Other, more simplified systems will see you turn a tension knob to create more or less resistance across your flywheel. This style of training resistance may be less advanced, but can also lead to a more fine-tuned setup.

All of the Sunny Health and Fitness bikes in this guide utilize a tension knob system to adjust the level of friction either across their implanted felt or leather pads, or via the magnetic unit near the flywheel.

Benefits of Indoor Cycling

According to Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC, there are a number of benefits that can come from adding an exercise bike, like one of these Sunny Health and Fitness units, to your home gym setup. Outside of the (natural) ability to get your daily miles in without fear of unpleasant weather or dealing with daily traffic, indoor cycling can also be a helpful, low-impact discipline that can be easier on your joints and frame than other cardio modalities.

[Related: 14 Benefits of Owning a Home Gym to Convince You to Build Your Iron Oasis]

Below are some extra details outlining some of the key perks that make exercise bikes such a popular home gym must-have.

Low-Impact Training

Unlike with running, where you’re constantly lifting your feet off the ground and landing aggressively on the pavement or treadmill belt, indoor cycling keeps you in constant contact with the machine. Your feet never leave the pedals as you push toward your speed or mileage goals, which, in turn, can help you lessen the shock absorption felt across your joints during training. As a result, you can achieve your cardiovascular training while keeping your entire frame more comfortable. (1)

Indoor cycling can also be a great solution for caloric burn and can actually be more efficient than other popular modalities. For example, studies have found that a 185-pound athlete can burn up to 441 calories in 30 minutes of vigorous activity with an indoor stationary bike. (5) For reference, an athlete at the same weight may only burn up to 420 calories if jogging at a respectable pace of 10 minutes per mile. (5)

More Accommodating Training Conditions

Of course, indoor cycling’s closest comparison would be on-road cycling, but hitting the roadways and trails can sometimes be more of a burden (albeit a more scenic way to get your miles in each day). You need to plan your routes to accommodate traffic, which can be intimidating for some, especially athletes that aren’t as skilled on a bike.

Capritto states, “Indoor exercise bikes provide access to cycling no matter the weather or outdoor conditions. Many people do not feel safe cycling outside. As someone who lived in Miami and trained for triathlons there, riding outside can be brutally terrifying for city dwellers. An exercise bike eliminates traffic as a reason to skip your session, so it can be someone’s golden ticket to exercising more frequently.”

[Related: 8 Benefits of Cycling to Fuel Your Next Ride]

Indoor cycling also eliminates the need to worry about impending weather. You don’t need to plan your workouts around potential rainstorms, or even daylight hours, for that matter. Your ride is kept comfortably in your room of choice where you can completely control your training conditions with your home thermostat.

Yes, you are confined to fewer views and scapes that can make on-road cycling a true treat, but we’re willing to sacrifice the setting every now and again if it means we won’t be caught in a torrential downpour midway through a ride.

Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise Bikes, Side by Side

We won’t lie — the four Sunny Health and Fitness exercise bikes in this review are very similar, and differentiating between the silhouettes based on a coded product name can be difficult (even for us). To help paint a clearer picture of what separates these indoor cycles from one another, we’ve outlined their key metrics below.

As you can see, these four bikes are near identical when it comes to price, with three out of the four coming in at roughly $400. The SF-B1879 is the most expensive at $619.99, but does come equipped with the smoother magnetic resistance system. This feature can require less maintenance over time, hence the higher upfront cost.

The SF-B1002, SF-B901, and SF-B1995 all feature a friction-based resistance system, with the SF-B1002 using leather over the more traditional felt pads. This material can withstand more use and abuse than felt, but will need to be replaced or maintained to ensure the friction remains as tacky as possible. In the end, you’ll need to think about how much upkeep you’ll want to deal with within your fitness regimen.

In terms of the driveline, the SF-B901 employs a chain drive over a belt drive. This can be helpful for athletes that want the feel of an on-road bicycle chain, but the heavier component can lead to a louder riding experience overall. 

If you need to plan your workouts around napping children or other housemates, we’d recommend a belt-driven exercise bike, as these are traditionally quieter than other options. A belt-drive system may also require less maintenance over time.

All of these bikes feature a heavier flywheel, with only the SF-B1879 dropping below 30 pounds. Having a heavier flywheel can be beneficial when looking to maintain your pace more efficiently throughout a session. Be mindful, though, that heavier flywheels can make the entire silhouette more difficult to move, which leads into the next metric — overall weight.

[Related: Best Cardio Alternatives to Running, From a Personal Trainer]

Sunny Health and Fitness exercise bikes are relatively lightweight, with total masses ranging from 88.2 to 110.8 pounds. Plus, all of these indoor cycles feature front transport wheels that can help when trying to maneuver the machines into position for a workout. Think about how much effort you’d like to put into getting your bike ready for a session, and take your personal strength into consideration when looking at how light or heavy your exercise bike of choice is.

With weight capacities each at 275 pounds, you can expect a similar experience from each of these exercise bikes in terms of stability. This weight capacity can be helpful in keeping your balances as you push through toward your goals. If a 275-pound weight capacity isn’t enough, there are many options on the market that support between 300 and 350 pounds, though they will likely cost more than these Sunny Health and Fitness profiles. 

Lastly, the product dimensions can vary slightly between these bikes, but you can generally expect a swath of floor that’s less than your standard coffee table. (2) 

It’s always a good idea, though, to measure your available space and look for a unit that fits comfortably within your area. We also recommend planning for some wiggle room across the front and sides of your exercise bike to make getting on and off the unit less of a cramped ordeal.

[Related: The Best Home Gym Flooring and Expert Buying Guide]

Places to Buy Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise Bikes

Along with the brand’s roster of budget-friendly treadmills, recumbent bikes, and more, Sunny Health and Fitness exercise bikes are available online from the brand’s retail site as well as Amazon.

Customer Experience

Ordering a Sunny Health and Fitness exercise bike can be a quick and painless endeavor. The brand offers free shipping to help alleviate any transport costs, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee. In terms of warranties, each Sunny Health and Fitness exercise bike is supported by a 3-year structural frame coverage, as well as 180-day support for other parts and components.

We also appreciate how Sunny Health and Fitness offers financing options through Affirm, which can help those tight on finances get their new training tool while spacing out payments over a given timeframe.

Athletes shopping on Amazon are also supported when it comes to Sunny Health and Fitness products. These silhouettes are eligible for refunds, returns, and replacements through the third-party retailer’s coverage. 

Plus, eligible Prime members can potentially save on shipping, too, with quick transports to keep downtime low between finalizing your cart and getting into the saddle for your first ride.

Company Information

Founded in 2002, Sunny Health and Fitness has been making high-quality fitness equipment that caters to budding home gym enthusiasts and elite professionals. The brand’s emphasis on craftsmanship, performance, and affordability make them a solid option for home gym equipment, including treadmills, recumbent bikes, indoor stationary bikes, and more.

To contact the Sunny Health and Fitness brand, you have multiple options at your disposal. The brand’s site has a live chat feature, or you can reach them through their support center (https://support.sunnyhealthfitness.com/hc/en-us/requests/new) or via phone (1-877-90SUNNY).

In Conclusion

In the realm of affordable fitness equipment, Sunny Health and Fitness has staked its claim as a reputable brand for athletes, with their roster of exercise bikes rivaling the performance of other worthwhile profiles from the likes of brands like Peloton, Schwinn, NordicTrack, and others. The four exercise bikes in this guide — the SF-B1002, SF-B1879, SF-B901, and SF-B1995 — are some of our favorites of the bunch, each with their own beneficial perks and features.

When looking for an exercise bike for your own space, be sure to consider the flywheel weight, overall dimensions, and weight capacity. Opting for a magnetic resistance system over a friction-based design can also be beneficial, especially if you need to be mindful of other house dwellers. The four bikes in this Sunny Health and Fitness review may not be for everyone, but they can certainly be a jumping off point for your newfound at-home cardio interests.

FAQs

References

1. Bueckert, S. (2020, January 21). Magnetic resistance vs. other types of resistance for cycle bikes – wh. Sunny Health and Fitness. https://sunnyhealthfitness.com/blogs/products/best-cycle-bike-resistance-magnetic-contact-air
2. Bueckert, S. (2021, October 6). Exercise bike flywheel weight: Heavy or lightweight comparison. Sunny Health and Fitness. https://sunnyhealthfitness.com/blogs/products/indoor-cycle-bike-flywheel-weight-matter-comparison
3. Coffee table size: How to choose the right coffee table dimensions. Wayfair. (n.d.). https://www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and-advice/rooms/coffee-table-size-guide-T1084
4. Harvard Medical School. (2021, March 8). Calories burned in 30 minutes of leisure and routine activities. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/calories-burned-in-30-minutes-for-people-of-three-different-weights
5. Oja, P., Titze, S., Bauman, A., de Geus, B., Krenn, P., Reger‐Nash, B., & Kohlberger, T. (2011). Health benefits of Cycling: A Systematic Review. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 21(4), 496–509. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21496106/ 

The post Sunny Health and Fitness Exercise Bike Review (2024): High-Quality, Low-Cost Cardio Machines Fit for Any Space appeared first on BarBend.

Instead of trudging through a moderate-intensity workout for upwards of an hour, the CAROL Bike uses your metrics to make real-time adjustments to your workouts. Feeling a little sluggish today? It’ll adapt to your pace and stretch out your time frame. Feeling like Neo ready to take down the machines? The CAROL Bike will match your intensity with an equally-challenging ride. Considering the time-saving potential of AI-charged REHIT workouts, we think anyone looking for productive, personalized training can benefit from this high-tech exercise bike — so long as they’ve got the coin to spend on it.

CAROL Bike

CAROL Bike

The CAROL bike's AI capabilities provide you with tailored training, designed to give you the best workout in the least amount of time. Customers have a 100-day trial period to decide whether or not this bike is right for them.

Shop CAROL

Main Takeaways

• CAROL’s AI analyzes your metrics to craft personalized REHIT workouts that adapt in real time. Studies have shown that in just 10 minutes these science-backed rides can deliver the same benefits as a 30-minute moderate-intensity session. (1) 
• In Free Ride mode, you can stream studio classes or scenic rides from apps like Peloton, Zwift, YouTube, Netflix, or Apple Fitness+ via the 2K 11-inch display.
• At $2,595, it exceeds the average price range for connected bikes — $1,200 to $2,000 — by roughly $600, and that’s not including the required $19.99 per month subscription.
• Its footprint of just 6.95 square feet makes it one of the most compact bikes we’ve tested — just under the average range of 7 to 8.5 square feet.

CAROL Bike Highlights

• Price: $2,595
• Dimensions: 45.5″ L x 22″ W
• Display: 11” IPS touchscreen with 2K resolution
• Weight: 120lbs
• Resistance: AI-controlled, motorized resistance
• Weight Capacity: 330lbs
• User Height Range: 4’7″ to 6’7″
• Warranty: 5-year on frame; 1-year on components

Several of the best treadmills, rowers, and exercise bikes integrate fitness apps into their machines, but the engineers at CAROL took a different tack. They’ve designed a truly smart exercise bike that utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze your output, learn your personal maximum intensity, and adjust the resistance accordingly. With every pedal stroke and heartbeat, your bike learns how to best and most efficiently challenge you during each ride. 

Based on the research-backed concept of REHIT (Reduced Exertion High-Intensity Interval Training), the AI onboard your CAROL Bike leverages what it knows about you to increase or decrease your resistance, while shortening or lengthening your workout. 

As our tester — a certified personal trainer — experienced, the AI is learning from the very first ride. “If you hop on the bike and think, ‘This is too easy,’ that’s because it is learning your movements and how you are progressing.”

[Related: The 8 Best Exercise Bikes with Screens]

Compared to a typical HIIT workout (think “high” intensity), REHIT workouts (think “maximum” intensity) streamline your training by trading longer periods of a moderate power output for shorter periods of a higher output. (1) 

The artificial intelligence on the CAROL Bike then uses your data to optimize your training time. “Essentially, AI learns your patterns and movements through that fitness test and your workouts over time to learn when to push you and when to hold back,” our tester said.

One sneaky plus for the CAROL Bike is its “unlocked” 11-inch 2K touchscreen. The screens on many connected exercise bikes often only support that brand’s proprietary programming, thus preventing access to other fitness or streaming apps — but that’s not so with this bike. 

Free love reigns, as you can download essentially any app available on an Android device, including some of the best fitness apps: iFIT, Peloton, Zwift, and more. Or if you want to zone out with your favorite show on Netflix or YouTubeTV, its display is your oyster.

High-tech gear doesn’t come cheap, however. At $2,595, the CAROL Bike comes in around $600 more than the top of the typical range for app-connected exercise bikes. On top of that, you’ll be hit with a monthly $19.99 subscription to access all that glorious AI capability.

Pros

• AI analyzes your metrics to personalize REHIT workouts, potentially allowing you to achieve results in 10 minutes that would otherwise take 30 minutes. (1)
• Its 11-inch touchscreen is “unlocked,” so you can download just about any fitness or entertainment app, including Peloton, Zwift, Amazon Prime, or Netflix.
• It only occupies 6.95 square feet of floor space, making it ideal for apartments or smaller training spaces.
• With dual-sided pedals, you can either clip into SPD cleats or slip sneakers into the toe cages.

Cons

• Its $2,595 price tag surpasses the upper end of the average price range for connected exercise bikes ($1,200 to $2,000) by about $600.
• It costs an additional $19.99 a month to access its AI optimization, science-backed REHIT workouts, and software updates.
• Wearing the included heart rate monitor is required to utilize the AI-powered features.

Training With the CAROL Bike

To say training with the CAROL Bike is unique would be an understatement. After our team experienced the potential of its AI-powered workouts, we were left fighting over who would get to take it home. Expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, highlighted the general benefits of exercise bikes when assessing them for BarBend.

“Cycling brings an impressive collection of health benefits to the table: cardiovascular health, endurance, stamina, muscular endurance are all improved with cycling, to name a few,” Capritto said. With CAROL’s cardiovascular optimization logic efficiently crafting your workouts, you may be able to even more quickly boost your cardiovascular health, manage your weight, and improve your mental health. (2)

After spinning the pedals on over 30 exercise bikes, our team of road cyclists, mountain bikers, and Peloton apologists know how to spot a quality bike. After years of using both the original model and the CAROL Bike 2.0, we rated it on a scale of 1 (boo, hiss) to 5 (yippee, hooray) across 12 categories, including tech capabilities, dynamic programming, and durability. 

AI-Powered REHIT Workouts

With so much technology driving the CAROL Bike, it’s important to start with the basics. From your very first ride — the baseline fitness test — the bike’s AI is learning about you.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, experienced this on their first ride. “On my first ride, I thought, ‘Whoa, this is too easy. Something’s wrong.’ But the baseline starts super low because in those beginning stages, it’s learning about your output and fitness level.”

You’d be forgiven for not being familiar with the concept of REHIT (Reduced Exertion High-Intensity Interval Training), but if typical HIIT workouts are about “high intensity,” REHIT is about “maximum intensity.” (1)(3) In fact, a study commissioned by the American Council on Exercise demonstrated that, in a group of 32 participants over an 8-week period, 10 minutes of REHIT on the CAROL Bike produced more cardiorespiratory and cardiometabolic benefits than 30-minute training sessions at a continuous moderate intensity. (1)

[Related: The 6 Benefits of HIIT]

As our tester experienced, the AI on the CAROL Bike uses machine learning to optimize your training. “Essentially, AI learns your patterns and movements through that fitness test and your workouts over time to learn when to push you and when to hold back.”

To another of our testers, it seemed too good to be true. “At first I was skeptical, but after your warm up, the REHIT sessions are tough as hell. It just requires constant output, so I went all out for a couple 20-second sprints and it was over in 8 minutes and 40 seconds,” they explained. 

You’re probably already thinking of the time-saving benefits. If you’re a busy parent that needs to work out during episodes of Bluey or you have a meeting-packed work day, being able to do a productive workout in under 10 minutes could be a game changer. 

In fact, a 2021 study found that Intense rides (87.7 calories) and Fat Burn rides (186.1 calories) on the CAROL Bike burned significantly more calories compared to moderate-intensity (45.2 calories) or vigorous-intensity treadmill exercise (72.1 calories). (4)

[Related: The 8 Best Budget Treadmills]

While they rated both its tech capabilities and dynamic programming 4 out of 5 or higher, our tester did emphasize that all this AI goodness requires a monthly subscription to track and store data and receive software updates.

“If you don’t want to pay that $19.99 a month, you might want to check out a more affordable option,” our tester advised. 

Free Mode

While the CAROL Bike’s REHIT workouts are its bread and butter, they aren’t the only way to work up a sweat on it. In Free Mode, you can control time and resistance level as you pedal via a slider at the bottom of the screen. You can also take one of the bike’s FTP tests so it can learn your power and heart rate zones, which can also be utilized in Free Mode. 

Let Freedom Stream

A not-so-secret element of many connected exercise bikes is that they lock you into their programming — looking at you, Peloton and NordicTrack — by requiring monthly subscriptions to get the most out of them. However, since the CAROL Bike’s calling card is the REHIT workouts powered by its AI, they seem less concerned about users firing up their favorite fitness or entertainment apps on the 11-inch 2K touchscreen.

[Related: The 9 Best Workout Apps for Women]

The display is essentially — OK, literally — an Android tablet, so you can download apps at your leisure. That means you can switch the bike into Free Mode and take a class on apps like iFIT, Peloton, Zwift, or any other service for which you have a subscription.

Adjustability and Customizations

The CAROL Bike can cater to users ranging from 4 feet 7 inches to 6 feet 7 inches  with its adjustable seat and handlebars. Also, we like its hybrid pedal design — you can either clip in with SPD cleats or slip sneakers into a set of toe cages. “One side has a caged toe box,” said our tester. “I didn’t really want to use cycling shoes, so I just used my cross-training shoes with that cage.” They rated adjustability, ergonomics, and conveniences each a 4.5 out of 5.  

[Related: 14 Best Cross-Training Shoes of 2024]

Our tester did, however, call out one feature from the original model that was scrapped for the CAROL Bike 2.0. “The older CAROL Bike had sensors in the handlebars to monitor your heart rate and I actually liked that better,” they said. 

The current model requires you to use an included chest strap to monitor your heart rate. “If you don’t like wearing the chest strap, you’re kind of out of luck because the AI needs that metric to make the most accurate adjustments for those REHIT workouts.”

Durability

Outside of its space-age technology, the bike itself is a solid piece of home gym equipment. To our tester, the powder-coated steel frame, belt-drive system, and 30-pound flywheel were all indications that the bike could hold up over time. “The powder coating helps fight corrosion, so whether you keep it in the house or in the garage, it doesn’t really matter. It’ll last for a long time,” they said, rating its durability 4 out of 5.

Compared to the chain-drive systems you’ll find on regular road or mountain bikes, the belt-drive systems on high-end exercise bikes tend to be quieter and require less regular maintenance. (5) The CAROL Bike has frictionless magnetic brakes and a rear-positioned flywheel, which according to our tester, is the standard in boutique cycling studios.

[Related: The 8 Best Magnetic Exercise Bikes]

“Most cycling studios use rear-mounted flywheels with belt drives because they just last longer,” they said. “You don’t have sweat and condensation dripping down and causing corrosion.”

They conceded, however, that, despite it being a “really solid bike,” you can find better builds elsewhere. The belt drive and rear flywheel are common on commercial-grade bikes, which is a good indication,” they explained. “But nothing really stands out about the build itself. The AI is what sets it apart.”

What to Consider Before Buying the CAROL Bike

“There are two key groups of people I see benefitting from indoor exercise bikes the most: People who need a low-impact way to do cardio exercise, and athletes training for an event who need a way to perform structured interval training,” says our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you consider making the CAROL Bike part of your training.

Training Type

A huge consideration before investing in the CAROL Bike is the kind of cardio workout experience you want day to day. The bike is designed to support short, high-intensity REHIT workouts, so if you’re planning on long-distance rides or endurance training, it’s probably not for you. 

[Related: The 6 Best Exercise Bikes with Virtual Courses]

Also, if you fire up a Peloton class or scenic ride on iFIT, it’s fair to say the CAROL Bike’s 11-inch display won’t feel as immersive as the larger 16-inch to 24-inch displays you’ll find on Peloton and NordicTrack bikes. 

But if quick and effective workouts are what you’re after, the REHIT workouts can help produce similar results in a fraction of the time. (1)

Capritto also highlighted the appealing feature of these app-connected options. “Bikes [with streaming capabilities] have become ultra-popular among people who love the fitness studio vibes that come from interactive workout sessions,” she noted. On the other hand, being able to leverage the science behind REHIT workouts to achieve results in less time might be equally appealing. 

Budget

Before bringing home an exercise bike, treadmill, or any home gym essential, make sure that it fits in your budget — especially with an expensive bike like the CAROL Bike. It rings in at around $600 more than the average range for similar app-connected bikes — roughly $1,200 to $2,000. Also, keep in mind that to keep the AI hits coming, you’ll need to fork over an additional $19.99 per month, so we recommend reading up on REHIT workouts before you write that check. 

Footprint

While we wouldn’t place the CAROL Bike among the best portable exercise bikes, it is one of the more compact units we’ve used. It measures 45.5 inches long and 22 inches wide, so it’s only going to take up 6.95 square feet, which is just below the typical footprint we see from upright bikes. 

Even so, Capritto advises to get out the measuring tape before clicking add to cart for any at-home fitness equipment. “Triple-measure your space to make sure it will fit!” On top of that, we also recommend clearing about 2 feet of space around the bike for an unobstructed workout.

Warranty

Along with the 100-day return window, CAROL offers a 5-year warranty on the frame and 1-year warranty on components. Bikes in this price range typically offer 5- to 10-year warranties and, based on our experience, we think it will hold up over time. “We have several team members that have had CAROL Bikes for years and haven’t had any problems,” one tester said.

CAROL Bike Vs. The Competition

The artificial intelligence that powers the CAROL workouts makes it unique in the market, but there are several well-known bikes at comparable price points that serve as worthy comparisons. Take a look at a few other options out there to see how it stacks up.

Obviously, the AI-powered resistance and training on the CAROL Bike is different from the more traditional levels of magnetic resistance on the Keiser M3i and Peloton Bike. However, the M3i is a favorite among boutique studios and serious cyclists for its incredibly smooth ride, higher-than-average weight capacity, and commercial-grade build.

[Related: The 9 Best Exercise Bikes For Heavy People]

While the Peloton Bike is no slouch in terms of durability, its world-class programming is what sets it apart. According to BarBend editorial member and self-professed “Peloton guy,” Randall Colburn, the word Peloton is synonymous with indoor cycling for a reason. “The instructors provide motivation, allow room for adjustments, and routinely make me laugh. I would die for Denis Morton.”

Another of our testers also raved about their experience. “What can I say about Peloton? The experience is top-notch, the instructors each bring their own flair to their classes, and the huge display brings it all to life.”

What sets the CAROL Bike apart from these and other bikes is how it utilizes AI to craft efficient workouts tailored to the rider. “Compared with the moderate-intensity sessions in a manual ride or even a studio class on Peloton, REHIT workouts can deliver in just a few minutes,” our tester explained. (1)

Places to Buy the CAROL Bike

You can buy the CAROL Bike directly from their website.

Customer Experience

The CAROL Bike offers a 100-Day Home Trial, so you can return it during that window for a full refund. There is a 5-year warranty on the frame, as well as a 1-year warranty on components, along with options for extended warranties.

Company Information

CAROL does one thing very well — make the CAROL Bike. As a truly unique AI-powered stationary bike, it stands alone in the industry. You can reach their customer care team at info@carolbike.com or by filling out a form on their website.

Final Word

The CAROL Bike provides a truly unique cycling experience that our team has never seen before. Its built-in artificial intelligence leverages the rider’s workout data and history to create personalized, adaptable REHIT workouts that can maximize your training time. Research shows that the “maximum” intensity periods in a REHIT workout can achieve equal results as the “high” intensity periods of HIIT sessions. (1)

While the short bursts of maximum effort may not be for everyone, the quick workouts and impressive outcomes made us think that CAROL may be on to something. If the hyped-up studio vibes of Peloton or scenic cruises on iFIT are more your speed, the CAROL Bike may not be for you. However, if you’re intrigued by the efficient, personalized training made possible by this tech-savvy machine, we think the CAROL Bike justifies its price tag.

FAQs

References

1. Cuddy TF, Ramos JS, Dalleck LC. Reduced Exertion High-Intensity Interval Training is More Effective at Improving Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Cardiometabolic Health than Traditional Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Feb 7;16(3):483.
2. Oja, P., Titze, S., Bauman, A., de Geus, B., Krenn, P., Reger-Nash, B., & Kohlberger, T. (2011). Health benefits of cycling: a systematic review. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 21(4), 496–509. 
3. (Marketing), A. H. (2021, October 25). Rehit vs HIIT – high intensity interval training. Gym and Fitness. https://www.gymandfitness.com.au/blogs/tips/rehit-vs-hiit-high-intensity-interval-training 
4. Eberly. (2021, July 17). The metabolic responses and epoc of carol: An AI-powered exercise bike – IJREP – international journal of research in exercise physiology. IJREP. https://ijrep.org/the-metabolic-responses-and-epoc-of-carol-an-ai-powered-exercise-bike/ 
5. Sunny Health and Fitness Fit for Everyone®. (2018, March 30). Chain vs belt drive. Sunny Health and Fitness. https://sunnyhealthfitness.com/blogs/products/chain-vs-belt-drive 

The post CAROL Bike Review (2024): Efficient AI-Powered Cardio — For a Price appeared first on BarBend.

Constructed with welded powder-coated steel, this bike provides 100 micro-levels of resistance, so seasoned cyclists and casual cruisers can find the stability and intensity they need. Our team of certified personal trainers, CrossFit professionals, and cardio enthusiasts put miles on this bike, and while it’s not for every budget, we think athletes of all fitness levels will appreciate its sturdy build, large range of resistance, and unlocked screen capabilities.

Stryde Bike

Stryde Bike

The Stryde Bike's 21-inch HD touchscreen is “unlocked,” so you’re not tied to a particular subscription service. It has 100 levels of magnetic resistance and you can use the Stryde app for $29.99 per month, but it is not required to use the bike.

Shop Stryde

Main Takeaways

• The 21.5-inch HD touchscreen tablet is unlocked, meaning you can fill it with the fitness and entertainment apps of your choice.
• The welded powder-coated steel construction can support riders up to 350 pounds — 53 pounds more than the Peloton Bike.
• The tablet comes pre-loaded with a web browser, the Stryde app, and Netflix. Users can add more apps to their tablet, though downloading them can be a pain.
• The seat has four-way adjustability and the pedals support sneakers and SPD clips. The handlebars, however, can only be adjusted up and down. 

Stryde Bike Highlights

• Price: $1,895
• Resistance: 100 magnetic micro-adjustable levels
• Display: 21.5” HD touchscreen tablet
• Dimensions: 46” H x 49.6” L x 24” W
• Weight Capacity: 350lbs
• Bike Weight: 135lbs
• Flywheel: 30.5lbs
• Warranty: 5 years frame, 12 months touchscreen, parts, and labor

Unlike Peloton, NordicTrack, and Echelon spin bikes that require subscriptions to the brand’s app to take advantage of their touchscreens, the Stryde Bike’s 21.5-inch HD touchscreen tablet is unlocked so you can access content from the apps of your choosing. For those who would rather not be locked into a subscription, the $1,895 Stryde Bike can be a viable alternative to the Peloton Bike ($1,445) or NordicTrack S22i ($1,999). 

[Related: The 8 Best Exercise Bikes with Screens]

That said, the optional Stryde app is available for $29 a month (after a 14-day trial subscription) and can host up to four user profiles, which may benefit cardio-loving households. Unlike Peloton or iFIT, Stryde doesn’t create their own programming. Rather, they partner with independent cycling studios and instructors to create exclusive content. The app currently contains more than 500 cycling classes, plus some offerings for core, stretching, and strength. 

Forged from welded and powder-coated steel, this 135-pound indoor cycling bike is built to last. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, didn’t notice any shake during their ride. “This is a heavy-duty and impressively sturdy bike,” they said.

Should you run into issues, Stryde offers a 30-day return window, as well as a warranty that protects the frame for 5 years and the touchscreen, parts, and labor for 12 months. Our tester found this unimpressive: “For a bike that’s nearly $2,000, this warranty should be a lot better.” 

Still, the Stryde bike checks off a lot of boxes. It has self-leveling legs, four-way seat adjustments, two water bottle holders, hand weight holders in the rear, and 100 levels of micro-adjustable resistance that can cater to beginners and cycling enthusiasts alike. 

Pros

• You can download apps directly to the bike’s touchscreen tablet, from Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu to Peloton, SoulCycle, and iFIT.
• Unlike other bikes with screens, you’re not locked into a subscription. 
• It has 100 micro-adjustable levels of resistance — the same as the Peloton Bike — that can provide a cycling experience suited to both beginners and enthusiasts.
• The hybrid pedals allow users to either clip in with SPD cleats or slip their sneakers into the toe cages. 

Cons

• The 5-year frame warranty is disappointing when compared to the 10-year warranties we’ve seen on comparable NordicTrack and ProForm bikes.
• There are no live classes available in the Stryde app.
• While this screen is unlocked, downloading apps onto the tablet can be a pain in the keister.
• There isn’t a way to track your heart rate zones either with pulse sensors or an included heart rate monitor.

Training With the Stryde Bike

“Cycling brings an impressive collection of health benefits to the table: cardiovascular health, endurance, stamina, muscular endurance are all improved with cycling, to name a few,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. The benefits of cycling can include boosted cardiovascular health, weight management, and even improved mental health (1) 

Our team of testers — from former college athletes to road warrior cyclists — have built, sprinted, and experimented with the features on more than 30 of the most popular exercise bikes on the market. We got in several workouts on the Stryde Bike and scored 12 different categories — including technology, workout experience, and durability — on a scale from 1 (boo) to 5 (love it) to help give you an honest and all-encompassing review.

Display

The 21.5-inch touchscreen has an Android interface. It pairs 16GB of internal storage and 2GB RAM with a quad-core MediaTek MT8167A processor. All that power grants users the ability to search for and download a vast array of apps, the content of which streams in vivid 1080p Full HD. We do wish the screen had the ability to flip or swivel — since it’s locked in place, it can be a bit more difficult to take off-bike classes. 

Stryde App

The Stryde app comes preloaded onto the tablet, and users can test it out with a free 14-day trial (followed by a $29 monthly subscription). The app provides over 500 on-demand spin classes, with a handful of stretching, core, and strength classes peppered in as well. Stryde doesn’t produce this content in the same manner as Peloton or iFIT — rather, they’ve teamed up with popular studios and independent instructors to provide the app’s content. 

Our tester was somewhat unimpressed with the app’s content, preferring the dynamism and immersion of Peloton and iFIT’s classes and scenic rides. They hope Stryde introduces a live component in the future, as live classes can serve as an excellent source of motivation for many riders. Ultimately, they scored the Stryde app a 2.5 out of 5.

Of course, you’re not locked into a Stryde app monthly membership. It’s there if you want it, but you can also opt for another app you find more motivating. 

[Related: Peloton vs. NordicTrack — How Do These Fitness Companies Compare?]

Freedom to Stream

A big selling point for our team is the ability to use the touchscreen how you see fit. The Stryde Bike doesn’t lock you into using and paying for their fitness subscription, thus allowing users the freedom to bounce between entertainment streamers like Netflix and fitness apps like SoulCycle and iFIT. Users can even hop on Peloton’s leaderboard with this bike. This technology scored a 4 out of 5.

However, Stryde doesn’t have access to Google Play or the App Store. Instead, users will have to download APK (Android Package Kit) files of the apps they want to use. Stryde recommends doing this by going to apkmirror.com on the bike’s browser and then searching for the apps you want. You can also reach out to Stryde’s customer support if you have questions about whether or not you’ll be able to use the app you’re interested in cruising with.

Even without a subscription, users can use the Stryde app’s Free Ride feature to track their cadence, resistance, and output. Riders can then see their training metrics off to the side while streaming content. To save and store your training history, however, you will need a subscription to the Stryde app. 

Resistance

Most exercise bikes have between 8 to 32 levels of resistance, but the Stryde Bike offers 100 levels of manual micro-adjustable magnetic resistance — the same as the Peloton Bike — for those looking to oscillate between leisurely rides and high-intensity training. 

This resistance range allows for a greater diversity in the kind of training you want to do, making the Stryde Bike suitable for both beginners and seasoned riders looking to spike their heart rate. Our tester rated the bike’s resistance a 4 out of 5.

Durability and Stability

Our tester wasn’t concerned about this bike’s durability, citing its high-end welded and powder-coated steel construction. “I took this stationary bike on a test ride and didn’t notice any shaking, even when I got out of the saddle for some climbs,” our tester said. “However, it’s not as durable as, say, the $3,000 Keiser M3i — but for almost half the price, it’s solid.” Durability scored a 3.5 out of 5.

We also like its impressive 350-pound weight capacity — comparable to the NordicTrack S22i and 53 pounds more than the Peloton Bike — and that it has levelers on the bottom of each leg to provide additional stability. 

Adjustability

You can adjust the Stryde Bike’s cushioned seat up, down, backwards, and forwards, ensuring that most riders should be able to find a comfortable position for their ride. However, the handlebar’s lack of forward and back adjustability brought our score for the category down to a 3.5 out of 5.

We do, however, love that the Stryde’s pedals are compatible with both SPD clips and, thanks to its adjustable toe cages, regular sneakers or cross-training shoes. Contrast that with the Peloton Bike, which forces users to purchase Look Delta cleats to clip into the pedals. We think most athletes would appreciate getting in a cardio workout at home without having to invest in more gear.

Comfort

Home gym exercise bikes, especially for newbies, can be tough on butts, backs, and forearms. Our tester scored the Stryde’s comfort a 3.5 out of 5. The handlebars offer overhand, extended, and hook grips, and, according to our tester, are covered in a “dense foam.” Still, they said, “The seat is comfortable but it’s nothing special, and leaning on your hands for extended periods on these handlebars can become uncomfortable.”  

Handlebar comfort can be just as important as seat comfort. My riding companion once lost feeling in her fingers after we did a bike camping trip due to the weight she was placing on her hands during our ride, so it’s important to utilize the different holds on this bike to find what’s most comfortable for you while you’re in the saddle.

Conveniences

There are two horizontal water bottle holders at the front of the bike, and two weight holders at the back — however, you’ll need to supply your own dumbbells. Additionally, you’ll find built-in transport wheels to ease the burden of moving this bike from room to room.

We do wish this bike provided a way to track your heart rate, either with pulse sensors or an included heart rate monitor. Our tester scored these conveniences a 4 out of 5. 

What to Consider Before Buying the Stryde Bike

“There are two key groups of people I see benefitting from indoor exercise bikes the most: People who need a low-impact way to do cardio exercise, and athletes training for an event who need a way to perform structured interval training,” notes BarBend’s expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. If you fit into one of these camps, the Stryde Bike could be a good fit. Here are some key considerations of what to look for when buying an indoor cycle.

Tech Capabilities

“Bikes [with streaming capabilities] have become ultra-popular among people who love the fitness studio vibes that come from interactive workout sessions,” notes Capritto. But while we love the freedom provided by this unlocked screen, the effort of having to search for, download, and troubleshoot apps may be a headache for some. 

You won’t be able to just go to Android’s Google Play or Apple’s App Store and access the apps you want to use — instead, you’ll have to download APK files by going to apkmirror.com on the tablet’s browser. The tradeoff is more usability from your bike’s screen, but you’ll have to put in work to get everything downloaded and running. (It goes without saying that you will also need subscriptions to the apps you download.)

Personally, I wouldn’t mind having to do this because I feel confident asking for help on Reddit. However, I won’t share my Reddit username with you because I’ve commented on too many weird subreddits. For those who are less experienced at problem-solving software issues via online communities, this might be the wrong bike for you. 

Additionally, we think it’s worth noting that Peloton machines now come preloaded with Disney+, Netflix, and Max, though you’ll need both a Peloton All-Access subscription and subscriptions to the relevant apps to utilize them. 

Price

The $1,895 price of the Stryde Bike — which is often on sale for around $1,500 — is comparable to competitors like the NordicTrack S22i ($1,999) and the Peloton Bike ($1,445). However, those price tags aren’t taking into account the added subscription fees needed for NordicTrack’s iFIT programming ($39 a month) or Peloton’s All-Access membership ($44 a month). No subscription is necessary to access your display on the Stryde Bike, but you will still need to have an active subscription for any app you do want to use. 

[Related: The 8 Best Fitness Apps]

Footprint

This fitness bike measures 49.6 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 43.74 inches tall, which translates to roughly 8.25 square feet. This is about average for a studio cycle, although it is around 10 inches shorter in length than the Peloton Bike, which makes it a solid option for those tight on space.

When bringing workout equipment into your home you’ll want to “triple-measure your space to make sure it will fit,” notes Capritto. Additionally, we recommend having 2 feet of clearance on all sides of the bike to allow for an unobstructed workout experience.

Setup

“Building this bike in my living room was a breeze,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer. “Basically, all I had to do was attach the screen and the legs.” We tend to recommend having at least two pairs of hands when setting up most exercise bikes, but our tester was fine putting this one together solo. “The tools I needed came with the bike and I was fine putting it together by myself,” they said.

Stryde Bike vs. The Competition

The market is awash with options for high-end spin bikes, so here’s a quick spec comparison chart so you can cross-reference what each option offers. The following home fitness bikes were selected due to their built-in touchscreens for streaming purposes and similar price points.

The Stryde Bike’s unlocked tablet is an enticing feature among bikes that lock users into using their own apps. While Peloton does come preloaded with Netflix, Disney+, Max, YouTube TV, and NBA.com, Stryde allows users the ability to download these apps and others — including the Peloton and iFIT apps. The Stryde Bike is truly a cardio machine for streaming enthusiasts.

It also stands out for its footprint, as it measures up to 11.4 inches shorter in length and up to 12 inches shorter in height than the bikes listed above. This makes it ideal for those who want a bike for small spaces that can provide more intensity than a folding exercise bike. 

[Related: The 6 Best Folding Bikes]

The Stryde Bike has the same 100 micro-levels of resistance as the Peloton. The NordicTrack S22i and the ProForm Studio Bike Pro have 24 and 22 levels, respectively. This allows for a more customized ride in which users can fine-tune their resistance to reach their desired training intensity. Additionally, the Stryde Bike’s 350-pound weight capacity supports 53 and 100 pounds more than the Peloton Bike and the Studio Bike Pro, respectively.

However, the price and warranty is where the Stryde Bike disappoints. At $1,895, this bike is $450 more than Peloton and $491 more than ProForm Studio Bike Pro. We also find its 5-year frame warranty — on par with the Peloton Bike — to be substandard when compared to the 10-year frame warranties offered by NordicTrack and ProForm.

Places to Buy the Stryde Bike

You can buy the Stryde Bike directly from the Stryde Bike website.

Warranty

Katana Fitness, Inc, Stryde’s parent company, offers a 5-year warranty on the frame, plus a 1-year warranty on the touchscreen, bike parts, and labor. For warranty assistance, contact the support team with proof of purchase and the serial number of your bike.

Company Information

Stryde Bike is based out of Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Founder Pavlo Chikosh teamed up with a German industrial designer and a team of engineers to provide a sensor-laden bike with a large companion tablet. 

To reach Stryde Bike’s customer support, you can call email help@strydebike.com.

In Conclusion

The Stryde Bike unlocks a world of screen usability for cyclists who want to explore their options without being locked into one fitness subscription. Other bikes with screens tend to limit the apps you can access, but Stryde lets you stream classes from the likes of Peloton or SoulCycle before unwinding with Netflix, Max, or Hulu (or whichever app you prefer). Also, its 100 levels of micro-adjustable resistance can support everything from low-intensity endurance rides to high-intensity Tabata training. As such, we think it’s a viable Peloton alternative that can cater to both novice and experienced cyclists. 

Of course, not everyone needs that much streaming freedom. If you’re generally allergic to tech or only see yourself using one app, you may be better off with a Peloton or NordicTrack model, as they’re preloaded with their respective apps and much easier to get set up. Consider your needs, scan the specs, and give this review another read before making your decision. 

FAQs

References

1. Oja, P., Titze, S., Bauman, A., de Geus, B., Krenn, P., Reger-Nash, B., & Kohlberger, T. (2011). Health benefits of cycling: a systematic review. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 21(4), 496–509. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01299.x

The post Stryde Bike Review (2024): Unlocked for Your Streaming Pleasure appeared first on BarBend.

While folding bikes tend to be less sturdy than non-folding bikes, this one provided our tester with a wobble-free ride. We’re big fans of the affordable price tag, 14-gauge steel frame, and portable 37-pound weight, all of which contribute to the casual and reliable cardio experience it can provide. Whether you’re short on floor space or are just looking for a hassle-free way to add some indoor cycling to your day, keep reading to see if this bike is the right bike for you.

Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike

Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike

An affordable exercise bike that can fold up for easy storage. With vertical seat adjustments for an inseam between 28" and 33", the recommended height of users ranges from 5'1 to 6'3".

Shop Marcy

Main Takeaways

• This is one of the rare folding exercise bikes, transforming from 33.5 inches to 18.5 inches long when folded.
• The attached transportation wheels make transport and storage much easier. 
• The 14-gauge steel frame provides a durable and sturdy ride.

Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike Highlights

• Price: $189.99
• Resistance: 8 levels of magnetic resistance
• Dimensions Assembled: 43.75” H x 33.5” L x 18.25” W
• Dimensions Folded: 51.5” H x 18.25” L x 18.25” W
• Weight Capacity: 250lbs
• Bike Weight: 37lbs
• Warranty: 2-year manufacturer

While budget buys tend to be light on tech, integrated programming, and resistance, we like the Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike for its utilitarian, lightweight design, sturdy frame, and, obviously, its folding capabilities. Our team rated its durability and warranty a 5 out of 5, the highest scores in these categories out of the nine folding exercise bikes we’ve tested.

Small but mighty, this magnetic upright bike weighs just 37 pounds, roughly 60 to 100 pounds lighter than the average exercise bike. When folded, it shrinks from 33.5 inches in length to just 18.5 inches, making it possible to stow it away in closets, corners, and even the back seats of some cars. 

Surprisingly, this size doesn’t come at the cost of the bike’s build. “This is without a doubt the most durable folding bike I’ve tested,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer, who scored durability a 5 out of 5.

[Related: The 6 Best Folding Exercise Bikes]

We also love the affordable $189.99 price tag, which is on the lower end of the $175 to $300 average we’ve seen for other folding exercise bikes. For that price, you get 8 levels of magnetic resistance and an LCD display that can track your speed, time, distance, and calories burned. Eight levels of resistance likely won’t be enough for seasoned riders, but we think it’s plenty for those who want a portable bike that can help them stay active throughout the week. 

“Naturally, less expensive equipment won’t stand up to its more expensive counterpart in terms of quality, durability, versatility, and longevity,” notes BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. But this is still a worthwhile consideration for those wanting to add a bit of low-impact cardio to their routine but are tight on space.

Pros

• At $189.99, this bike is less expensive than comparable folding bikes that come in around $200 to $300.
• When folded, users save 15 inches of floor space.
• At 37 pounds, folding and transporting this bike is fairly easy.

Cons

• This bike is light on tech, with only an LCD display capable of delivering basic metrics.
• This bike’s seat height can only adjust 4 inches, so users may struggle to find a comfortable position.
• The 8 levels of magnetic resistance aren’t likely to provide enough of a challenge for seasoned cyclists.

Training With the Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike

Folding exercise bikes are great for those who want the benefits of cardio at home, but live in apartments, shared spaces, or small houses. Our team here at BarBend is filled with cyclists, CrossFit athletes, and certified personal trainers who have peddled hundreds of miles on over 30 stationary exercise bikes. We got in multiple workouts on the Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike and scored 12 different categories — including durability, portability, and workout experience — on a scale from 1 (meh) to 5 (great!). 

Durability

The durability of this bike is where our tester gave high marks. We found the 14-gauge steel frame to feel as sturdy as that of a non-folding exercise bike, providing us some peace of mind regarding its longevity. “The steel frame makes this bike much more heavy-duty than other folding bikes, I can tell it’s going to last longer than other similar models I’ve tried,” noted our tester. 

[Related: The 8 Best Exercise Bikes with Screens]

While this build creates a more durable product, it’ll also provide for a more stable workout. “The ride is sturdy and smooth, and provided a better workout experience than I’ve had on other folding bikes,” said our tester.

Resistance

This bike provides 8 levels of magnetic resistance. However, our tester noted, “This might not be enough resistance for serious cyclists or those looking to do high-intensity training.” And while this amount of resistance pales in comparison to bikes like Peloton or NordicTrack — with resistance levels ranging from 22 up to 100 — this amount is typical for folding exercise bikes.

If you’re interested in a high-intensity ride and willing to splurge on a higher-priced bike, you’ll want to look for magnetic resistance levels starting around 20 or friction resistance bikes with a heavy, 20 to 50 pound, flywheel. This will provide you with the ability to set your resistance high enough to stand up out of your saddle to mimic uphill rides.

Adjustability

Marcy recommends this bike for users between 5-foot-1 and 6-foot-3, but the seat can only be adjusted up to 4 inches, meaning it may not provide the most ergonomic fit for every rider. When it comes to standard spin bikes, we tend to look for models with four-way seat adjustability and adjustable handlebars. That said, our tester noted that the limited adjustment on this bike is standard for folding bikes at this price point. Customizations scored a 4 out of 5.

We also like the counterbalanced foot pedals, which were designed to stay upright so users won’t have to struggle with flipping the pedal over to get their shoe into the foot strap. These foot straps have eight adjustable notches so you can customize the fit based on the size of your shoe. 

Display

You won’t find fancy tech on this bike — no touchscreens or heart rate monitors — but the LCD screen does provide basic training metrics. Situated between the handlebars, the display can track your speed, distance, time, and calories burned. It also has an odometer reading to let you know how many miles you’ve put on this bike throughout its lifetime.

Comfort

You can’t reap the benefits of exercise bikes if you can’t sit in the seat long enough to get your workout in. Bike seats, in general, aren’t the most comfortable place to park your rear. I like to wear padded bike shorts when I hop onto my Sunny Health & Fitness bike because the added cushioning just feels better.

That said, our tester found the high-density foam padded seat on the Marcy Folding Exercise Bike to be fairly comfortable. However, some customer reviews online disagree, and suggested adding a gel or foam seat cover to assist with longer rides.

What to Consider Before Buying the Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike

“Making a list of exercise equipment priorities may help you stretch your dollar a bit further,” notes BarBend’s expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. Investing in the best budget home gym equipment to get your cardio workout in can be nerve-wracking, but we’ve put together some key points to consider when deciding if the Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike is a good choice for you. 

Fitness Goals

If you’re searching for an indoor cycling bike to help you stay active throughout the day, the Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike is a solid choice. Low-intensity cardio can improve your aerobic capacity, strengthening your heart and improving oxygen delivery throughout your body. (1) This type of cycling can be good for seniors or those new to fitness. If you’re looking for a bike to support high-intensity rides, however, you’ll want to look elsewhere. 

From weight loss to building a stronger heart, figuring out exactly what your fitness goals are will help you understand what sort of training capabilities you want in your bike.

Price

The Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike is a budget cardio machine that costs $189.99. When compared to other folding exercise bikes, this is about $30 to $80 less expensive. For this price, don’t expect much in the way of impressive tech features or added conveniences. 

For those looking for a simple and reliable means to add some LISS cardio to their day, however, this bike is priced to sell. “I think a lot of people would find that they can find lower-cost options to meet their needs rather than spending big bucks on luxury equipment they won’t use all of the features on,” notes Capritto.

Footprint and Foldability

This exercise bike measures 33.5 inches long, 18.25 inches wide, and 43.74 inches tall when set up. That’s about 4.25 square feet. When folded, this bike’s length shrinks down to 18.25 inches, nearly halving the square footage down to 2.3 square feet. To give you a visual, that’s a square with sides about the length of four single dollar bills laid out end to end. 

Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike Vs. The Competition

It can be hard to navigate your choices, clicking from one online review to the next, wondering, “Which option is right for me?” and then getting distracted by a video on social media of the cutest Norwegian Lundehund. You should see this dog. His ears? That nose. The cutest — sorry! 

Here is a comparison chart that gives you the hard facts between the Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike and its competitors. No distractions, no dogs.

The Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike has one of the lowest user weight limits — 250 pounds — when compared to the 300- and 330-pound weight capacities seen on the FitNation and LEIKE bikes, respectively. It is, however, one of the most affordable at $189.99 (and often on sale for closer to $160). That’s almost half the cost of the Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike, which retails for $349.99. 

Eight levels of resistance are standard for stationary bikes with folding capabilities, as seen in three of the four bikes we’ve compared, but for those looking for a little more of a challenge, the LEIKE’s 10 levels might be more suitable.

The largest consideration when perusing folding exercise bikes is making sure it will fit in your space — both when in use and when folded. The setup dimensions of these bikes are all fairly comparable, but when folded, the Sharper Image Space Saving Stationary Bike’s width shrinks down to an impressive 7 inches — more than 11 inches smaller than the Marcy. 

Places to Buy the Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike

You can buy the Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike directly from the MarcyPro website, as well as via online retailers like Amazon, Target, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Walmart.

Warranty

IMPEX Inc. provides a 2-year warranty on the frame of the bike. To register your purchase, go to www.marcypro.com.

Replacement parts can be ordered by contacting the customer service department by calling 1-800-999-8899. It’s open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST. 

Company Information

Marcy is owned by an American company called IMPEX which manufactures fitness equipment for brands like Steelbody and Bionic Body. The Marcy brand provides affordable fitness equipment such as dumbbells, barbells, treadmills, ellipticals, smith machines, and accessories. You can contact them for questions regarding your warranty or to purchase new parts through their website, www.marcypro.com.

To reach Marcy’s customer support, you can call 1-800-999-8899 or email support@impex-fitness.com. However, it’s worth noting that some customer reviews have complained about an inability to reach customer service representatives on the phone.

Final Words

The Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike is a budget bike for users tight on space or who aren’t ready to invest in a more high-end exercise bike. Those looking for a bike they can pull out of their closet, pop open, and take for a ride to get their legs moving may find the 8 levels of resistance suitable for their needs. The most impressive aspect of this bike is its sturdiness and durability. We didn’t experience any wobble during rides and, when compared to other folding exercise bikes, we think it may last much longer.

After reviewing this bike, we’d recommend it for those who are just starting a fitness routine, those with limited floor space, and individuals who are looking to add some cardio to their day, but aren’t trying to win any speed trials. This is not a bike suitable for experienced cyclists and those looking to take their training seriously. 

FAQs

References

1. Patel, H., Alkhawam, H., Madanieh, R., Shah, N., Kosmas, C. E., & Vittorio, T. J. (2017). Aerobic vs anaerobic exercise training effects on the cardiovascular system. World journal of cardiology, 9(2), 134–138. https://doi.org/10.4330/wjc.v9.i2.134

The post The Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike Review (2024): Compact Capabilities for Your Cardio Routine appeared first on BarBend.