| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Fitness meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Fitness BFSB5 Check Discounted Price | L:44" W:20" H:44" | 275 lbs | 40 lbs | Friction, leather pad | No |
Although the Best Fitness BFSB5 is one of the oldest exercise bikes sold by Body-Solid, it is still available at the moment. It’s pretty much a standard indoor cycling trainer made for spin workouts. In terms of frame construction, it can be compared with the Bladez Fusion GS II bike, however, the BFSB5 does not include an exercise meter and has a different handlebar design.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 44L x 20W x 44H inches (112L x 51W x 112H cm)
- Assembled weight: 101 lbs (46 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 40 lbs (18 kg)
- Weight capacity: 275 lbs (125 kg)
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive: Chain
- Resistance: Friction, leather pad
- Fitness meter: Not included
- Warranty: Frame 5 years / Parts 1 year / Wear parts 3 months / Labor 90 days
Frame construction
The Body-Solid BFSB5 indoor cycle features a heavy-duty triangular frame for improved sturdiness. 
It is made of thick, precision-welded steel tubing, with a durable, corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color of the paint finish is red, this being the only color available for this bike. The only exceptions are the seat and handlebar posts which are chrome plated.
The front fork of the frame is slightly curved at the middle. This adds sturdiness to the overall construction of the frame and also improves its aesthetics.
An important feature that we must mention here with regards to the frame design of this bike, is the step-up element that unites the seat tube with the main tube of the frame. This short bar not only can help with mounting and dismounting, but it can also help as a stretching point or step-up element which is required by certain spin workouts. Not all indoor cycling bikes have this feature, so it’s quite a plus.
The fully assembled bike is not extremely large. It is approx. 44″ (112 cm) long, and 20″ (51 cm) wide. Therefore, it should fit even into a smaller room. However, it is recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access and safe usage.
Although it’s a pretty basic indoor cycling bike, the Body-Solid BFSB5 is fairly heavy. It weighs approx. 101 lbs (46 kg) which is more than twice the weight of the average mountain bike. This being said, the bike provides excellent stability. You can be sure it won’t rock or move even during the most intense spin workouts.
Both base bars are equipped with adjustable levelers. These elements offer the possibility to perfectly stabilize the bike on any type of floor. However, due to its weight, it is recommended to place it and use it on a rubber mat. Also, the front base of the bike is equipped with large, silicone transport wheels. Thus, once the bike is assembled, it can easily be moved.
One last aspect to mention here regards the chain cover and the side covers of the flywheel. These are basically the only ABS plastic parts in the bike’s construction. However, their role is only protective; they don’t reduce the bike’s overall sturdiness.
Seat and handlebars
The Body-Solid BFSB5 includes a race-type saddle. It features a slim design and integrates only a 
thin layer of padding. This being said, it’s not a saddle made for super comfort. However, it does have a contoured top for extra breathability.
But nonetheless, the included saddle has a standard attachment system. This means you can find compatible replacements for it in any bike shop. Also, its comfort can be improved with a gel seat cover.
The bike’s seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, forward, backward). Its upright post offers several adjustment notches, while its horizontal slider allows a few extra inches of front to back adjustment. Therefore, the bike can accommodate users up to 6’3″ (190 cm) with no problem. Also, the seat assembly is sturdy enough to support users up to 275 lbs (125 kg).
The bike’s handlebar is only 2-way adjustable (up, down). It features a multi-grip design, with longer and curved upright side grips. It also has two inner grips for an extra close grip.
The handlebar is fully covered by a layer of high-density foam in order to provide a secure grip. It doesn’t have pulse sensors, though, like the pooboo D519, for example. Also, as we’ve mentioned above, the bike doesn’t include an exercise meter.
Resistance system
The Body-Solid BFSB5 is equipped with a standard friction resistance system. However, as opposed
to many other spin bikes, it has a leather brake pad, not a wool felt pad. This type of brake pad offers superior durability and resistance to abrasion, thus, you won’t have to replace it so often.
The bike’s brake pad is connected to the tension knob on top of the main tube of the frame. The usage of the brake is simple; if you turn the knob clockwise, the brake pad applies more friction onto the flywheel which increases the pedaling difficulty.
The resistance knob does not have any pre-determined tension levels (or clicks) on it. You simply have to tighten it, or untighten it until you find the resistance that suits your needs. As a general idea, you can tighten the brake up to the point you can barely pedal.
The tension knob also acts as an emergency brake. You can press it down to immediately stop the flywheel from spinning. This may actually be necessary at times because the bike’s drive system is simple; the pedals spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning.
Drive system
The first aspect to mention here regards the bike’s transmission. The Body-Solid BFSB5 is equipped
with a chain drive system. It uses a standard bike chain, so in case you will ever need to replace it, you can buy one from any bike shop. Of course, since it’s a chain drive, not a belt-drive, it requires periodic lubrication. But on the other hand, with the proper oiling, it can last a lifetime.
The bike is equipped with a 40-lb (18 kg) flywheel. It’s an inertia-enhanced flywheel featuring a perimeter-weighted structure. This adds momentum to the ride and consistency to your workouts. The flywheel is steel-made and chrome plated, with added ABS side panels for extra protection and improved aesthetics.
The flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, it allows reverse pedaling. However, since the bike’s drive system is simple, you cannot coast on it. The pedals continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning. Also, when pedaling in reverse, the resistance remains constant given by the amount of friction the brake pad is generating.
Since it’s an indoor cycling bike designed to support any spin workout, the BFSB5 is equipped with a heavy-duty, 3-piece crankset made of steel. The included pedals are made of metallic alloy as well, so they should be able to support any user up to 275 lbs (125 kg) in any standing up spin workout.
The pedals don’t have SPD elements for spin shoes, only toe cages with adjustable straps. However, their threads are standard (9/16″), so replacements are widely available.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s frame with most of the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the two base bars, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar, and the pedals. The assembly task is fairly simple and shouldn’t take more than 20-30 minutes. The manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions and a set of basic tools for the task is included.
For maintenance, the chain should be lubricated every few months. Standard bike chain oil can be used for this with no problem. Other than this, it is recommended to periodically check for loose bolts and parts, and re-tighten them if necessary.
The Pros
- Sturdy steel construction – can support users up to 275 lbs;
- Rubberized levelers on both bases;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Step-up pad element above the crank;
- Heavy-duty pedals with adjustable toe cages;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Standard chain drive – with proper lubrication can last a lifetime;
- 40 lbs inertia-enhanced flywheel;
- Durable leather brake pad;
- Basically limitless resistance settings;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- No exercise meter;
- No bottle holder.
Summary
The Body-Solid BFSB5 is an indoor cycling bike made for home use. It is equipped with a 40-lb perimeter-weighted flywheel, a friction resistance system, and a 4-way adjustable seat. It also has a pretty sturdy construction for a home exercise bike (can support users up to 275 lbs). It’s a trainer made for spin workouts, stamina and strength development, muscle toning and weight loss.