Bladez H914 Jet Indoor Cycling Bike Review

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(More customer reviews)This bike has several significant advantages over other spin bikes, but they're subtle and aren't well publicized. They give the bike unusual flexibility and customization ability and are definitely worth considering.
-- Handlebars, seat, and pedals are all standard bike components
Most spin bikes have standard pedals and seat, but NOT handlebars. On the Jet Bike, they can all be swapped out for standard bike components to customize the feel of the bike. For example, replace the pedals with clip-in ones and the handlebars with road bike drop bars.
-- Resistance control and brake are movable
Unlike almost every other spin bike, the resistance control is a paddle style like regular bicycle gear shifts. The brake is a standard grip brake. Both resistance and brake controls are linked to the friction pads via cables and clip on to the handle bars - just like regular bikes. This means you can detach them from their standard placement and put them wherever you like - in my case on one end of the handlebars within easy reach of where my hands rest. Almost all other bikes have a fixed resistance knob located on the frame of the bike.
-- Resistance control has 13 steps, continuous in between
Almost every other spin bike has a continuous knob with no steps or markings. This means that between sessions, you have no reference point for what resistance(s) you used last time. But with the Jet Bike's 13 steps, you'll know, for example, that last week you were between 4 and 8 resistance range, but this week you increased to a range of 5 to 9. This allows you to track your improvement with quantifiable data. You can even set the paddle anywhere between the 13 steps, and the paddle makes a clicking sound when it snaps into the next step. On the down side, the dial isn't marked with numbers, so you'll either have to add your own markings or remember what step you're on.
-- Handlebars are adjustable up/down AND pitch
The ability to adjust the angle of the bars is unusual among spin bikes and allows you to achieve a more comfortable position.
-- Handlebars have arm pads and a unique shape
The handlebars have arm rests attached to the straight section which make leaning with your arms out parallel in front of you much more comfortable. Also, the handlebars have an unusual shape that more closely mimics a road bike position.
-- Lifetime frame warranty, 1 year parts
One of the best warranties on a spin bike.
This bike isn't perfect. The flywheel is 31 lbs, which is a little lighter than I would prefer, but you can always make it heavier by adding self-adhesive weights (but make sure it stays balanced). Also, the seat (like many spin bikes) is relatively hard and uncomfortable if you're not used to that style -- but the good news is you can swap it out with a more comfortable one. Like most spin bikes, there is no computer, but you can pick one up for less than $30.
Overall, the bike is very well built and sturdy. I'll update this review when I've had more time to use it, but so far I'm very impressed and think its unique features will give it great longevity. Hope this helps.
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UPDATE:
While I'm still very much enjoying this bike, I must make a note about the drivetrain. When applying a lot of force to the pedals (for example, when standing up), I get a slight shuddering sensation on the downstroke. It's not major but it is a bit disconcerting. I tried adjusting the tension of the chain to no avail. Also, one of the pedals makes a popping sound when it reaches the top of its rotation. Again, it doesn't affect performance but is a little disconcerting. I noticed these issues from the very beginning, and they haven't changed after 9 months. I plan to contact Bladez and see what they say. Otherwise, I can say that after 9 months of riding, the bike is holding up well. Only other complain is that the tension control is too sensitive and that only about the bottom 1/3 of its range is useful (above that it gets impossibly hard to pedal). However, this might be intentional so that as the brake padding wears, there is room for compensation.

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Star Trac ST Fitness 8720 Recumbent Exercise Bike Review

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(More customer reviews)I was reasonably happy with my purchase for the first two days, but as the title suggests, it broke. Interestingly, it broke in two different ways in the span of 5 minutes.
First, I noticed that the resistance adjustment seemed to be stuck in a 'adjust to make the resistance less' state, such that I could make the resistance higher with the panel control, but it would then go right back to the lowest setting. Likely just a bad button panel at the hand grip, but it worked fine on the first day.
Second, something went 'pop' in the drive-train and it would seem that the pedals are no longer connected to the generator/resistance-thing-a-ma-jig. Not the best way to start a weight-loss program ;-)
So... The good: The unit arrived rather well packaged. The assembly of the bike was straightforward enough and all tools that were needed were included (and I actually used them... the first time I've ever done that for stuff that I've had to assemble). The initial quality of the bike seemed slightly shy of the big dollar units at the gym, but a good deal better than the junk that they sell at the big-box stores.
Then, the bad: I now have a 2 day old recumbent exercise bike that does not work after having been used for approximately an hour.
The TBD: How well is the retailer (www.Treadmill-World.com) is going to treat us? I'm hoping that they will pick up the ball and replace the product that they sold, but I'm not going to hold my breath for that. At the very least, I hope that they will lean on ST Fitness to get a repair tech out to fix this thing.
And that leads to the second TBD item: How well is ST going to support their product? It's a Saturday, so we'll know more come Monday. At best, they will send a tech to my home, and I'll be in business by Wednesday. At worst, they will give me the run-around, make me pay for parts that take weeks to arrive, and I have to try and install myself, and the unit might or might not actually work.
I'll be sure to report back about this experience (good or bad, but you can be sure I'll be more verbose if it's a negative experience), but if you are reading this and wondering if you should hit the 'purchase' button... I'd hold off for a few days to see how this all plays out


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ProForm 290 SPX Indoor Cycle Trainer Review

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(More customer reviews)19July 2010: I purchased this item in mid-June, and have owned it for several weeks. I got it as a replacement for the used StairMaster PT4400 I had and loved, but it broke down on me. I paid $1200 and did not want another used one at +$4K, so I looked for other options. I never even considered a "spin" bike, because I did not know what they were! However, I wanted to keep costs under $400. One day in a Sports Chalet, I tried one---BLADEZ FITNESS JET, a solid bike. I exercised for about 5 minutes and knew the spin bike would meet my need for cardio. However, the JET was $599, over my budget.
RESEARCH: I did a LOT of research on the internet, and boy, these spin bikes have been falling like rocks! I finally found the Proform 290 SPX at a store called the Sports Authority for $299 (regularly $399). They just put one together that was not even on the floor yet, so I had to go in the back to test it. After a couple of minutes, I again saw that a spin bike would work, so I purchased it. My experience at some spin classes at 24 Hour Fitness taught me that the standard seat would be too uncomfortable, so I also purchased an old-school wide seat with jell padding, which turned out to be a good decision.
ASSEMBLY: I am NOT a mechanically inclined guy, and this thing was easy for me to put together. The only things to attach were the handlebars, peddles, and the feet, and the tools were all supplied, although I used my ratchet wrench because it was faster.
WORKING OUT: The bike is pretty stable. My weight was about 250 when I started out, and the Proform 290 SPX is rated at a max weight of 250lbs, but I know items like these have a "safety factor" and can take more weight than 250lbs. I get a great workout with this bike.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SPX 290 AND THE STAR TRAC AT 24 HOUR FITNESS: I am comparing the SPX with a more expensive bike, the STAR TRAC, because for those who are new buyers (like me) it will show one does not have to spend big money to get an effective spin bike.
The Startrek is an outstanding bike made for commercial use. The big difference is the Startrek has more resolution in changing resistance; in other words, it takes more turns to vary the resistance. On the Proform 290 SPX, as I turn the knob where I can feel resistance, I only have about a half turn to get to the maximum resistance, and I cannot turn the knob anymore. However, this is not a problem. The main point is that the user knows the "sweet spots" of resistance settings for the bike.
Once I get going, I only turn the resistance knob in one quarter to eighth inch increments throughout the entire exercise, and I easily maintain 77-81% of my heart rate. Other differences between these two bikes is the because the Star Trac is a commercial bike, it will take a 350lb person, and the cabling on the Star Trac is covered by the frame, so getting sweat on the cables and fasteners is greatly minimized. I overcame this by putting clear RTV over the screws and foot pedals (not the handlebar) and I put a hole in a small towel and put it over the resistance knob to keep my sweat off the break cabling. This is important, for water and salt from sweating will eventually corrode the fittings. On a final note, the STAR TRAC SPINNER PRO is about $1000 compared to the price of $299 I paid.
SETTING THE PACE: I have seen reviews on these bikes where people say it should have a computer. Well, that's fine, but this will add to the price. All I use is a clock, the countdown timer from my watch, and a heart-rate monitor (the most important tool). The clock I use to track my workout time. I have the countdown timer on my watch set to repeat every 90 seconds. Moreover, the heat-rate monitor I use to pace myself.
THE FIRST TEN MINUTES, I go in 90 second intervals, alternating between sitting and standing, increasing the resistance in eight-inch increments.
THE REST OF THE EXERCICE, I go in 10 minute stretches. I maintain an even pace at 70-75% of my heart rate. At the end of the 10 minutes, I do another interval standing up and pedaling (also known as a standing hill climb) for 90 seconds with more resistance and get my heart rate up to +85%, then level back down to 72-75%.
Thus, in a 45-50 minute routine, I start with a 7-10 minute segment of intervals increasing the resistance to get my heart rate going. After that, I do 2-3 segments of 10-minutes each at a constant pace, and end each of these segment with a 90 second standing hill climb. The final two minutes I wind it down.
MINOR ISSUE: The only thing about this bike (not enough to rate it lower), is that there is a high-pitched "hum" I get from the flywheel, but it disappears after after about half-way through the exercise while I maintain an even pace. The "hum" has no effect on the flywheel operation or resistance settings.
TRAINING: It benefited me to go to spin classes at 24-hour fitness to learn how to setup and ride the bike. They offer a week free trail, so it is a great low-cost way to learn. In addition, YOUTUBE has some great videos on how to ride spin bikes. Just type in "spin bike setup," and a bunch of videos will pop up.
GOOD ON THE KNEES: Although I loved my StairMaster PT4400, there were many times my knees felt a bit weak, but never enough to force me to stop using it. However, there is NO issue with the knees on the SPX 290. At my age (51), this means a lot!
CONCLUSION: This review was long because I know there are people out there seeking information. I have benefited greatly from the many reviews on various products, and wanted to get my "two-cents" in. This bike is a great buy, and one does not have to spend +$800 for the high-end bikes to get a good workout.


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Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been a spinning instructor for 10 years. I just had a baby and I'm taking some time away from the gym but want to stay fit. I bought 3 of these bikes; one for me and two for some of my clients to use in my home gym. I'm very impressed so far and so are my clients. This bike is just as sturdy as any spinning bikes that I've used in a gym. I would highly recommend it. The only draw back was that the seat was too tall for me even on the lowest setting. My husband drilled an extra hole in the post (yes, there is plenty of room) and the height is now fine. I would strongly recommend this bike to anyone. I would compare it to bikes that are in the $1000+ category. I'm very impressed! As far as assembly, it took about 20 minutes to assemble.

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