Kettler Axos Cycle M-LA Upright Exercise Bike

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Flywheel	Resistance	Console
Kettler AXOS M-LA Check Discounted Price	L:31.5" W:23.75" H:56.75"	240 lbs	13 lbs	Magnetic, 8 levels	Time, Distance, Speed, RPM, Calories, Pulse, Goals

The Kettler Axos Cycle M-LA is a mid-range upright bike with manual magnetic resistance. In terms of specs and features, it’s similar to the Marcy NS-40504U, however, it doesn’t have a tablet holder. But on the other hand, the handlebars are adjustable, and the console has recovery function. It’s a trainer for home use but does have a decent weight capacity, and a sturdy build.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 31.5L x 23.75W x 56.75H inches (80L x 60W x 144H cm)
• Assembled weight: 66 lbs (30 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 13 lbs (5.8 kg)
• Weight capacity: 240 lbs (110 kg)
• Handlebars: Adjustable, with pulse sensors
• Seat: 2-way adjustable
• Pedals: With adjustable straps
• Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
• Console: Time, distance, RPM, speed, calories, pulse
• Warranty: Frame 2 years

Frame construction and parts

The Kettler Axos Cycle M-LA features a frame construction with a step-through design, a feature which not many upright bikes have. Most parts in the bike’s main frame are made of steel. The only plastic parts are the covers of the crank and resistance system, and the covers of the other joints of the machine. These have a protective and cosmetic role, though; they don’t affect the bike’s overall sturdiness. The frame is durable enough to support users up to 240 lbs (110 kg); but, considering this weight capacity, this trainer is intended for home use only.

Although the bike’s frame is steel-made, it’s not a heavy fitness machine. With the frame fully assembled, it weighs approx. 66 lbs (30 kg). This being said, its assembly and transport shouldn’t be a problem. Plus, once it is assembled, its relocation can easily be done by using its front transport wheels.

For stability, the bike rests on four rubberized pads. The rear ones are also adjustable. Therefore, you can perfectly level it on any type of flooring. Plus, the bike’s base tubes have a triangular shape which also enhances stability.

In terms of size, this Kettler exercise bike is far from being a large one. It’s 31.5″ (80 cm) long, and 23.75″ (60 cm) wide, so it should fit well even in a small room or apartment. However, Kettler recommends assigning at least two feet of clearance on each side, and at least one foot of clearance at the front and rear for safe operation, entry, and exit.

All the steel parts within the frame construction have a durable paint finish, resistant to corrosion and to abrasion. The color of the paint is dark gray, while the ABS covers of the drive system have a lighter gray color. In all, the bike has quite an aesthetic aspect.

Seat and handlebars

Since it’s one of the more basic Kettler exercise bikes, the Axos Cycle M-LA only has a 2-way adjustable seat. Its upright post features several adjustment positions; it should accommodate users between 5’0″ – 6’2″ (153 – 188 cm), and up to a weight of 240 lbs (110 kg).

The bike’s saddle has a standard design. It can be slightly tilted forward or backward. It integrates a layer of foam padding and it’s fairly wide, providing optimal comfort. However, its comfort can always be improved by a gel cover or a sheepskin cover. Also, since its attachment system to the upright post is pretty standard, you should be able to find a compatible, more comfortable saddle with ease.

Although the bike’s console mast is non-adjustable, its handlebar offers several adjustment positions. The handlebar assembly is angle-adjustable, and you can easily lock/unlock it in the desired position via the large knob right under the console.

The whole handlebar is covered by a layer of rubber foam material in order to provide a comfortable and secure grip. EKG sensors are also incorporated into the right and left handlebars, so by holding on to them, the bike’s console can monitor your heart rate.

Drive and resistance

One of the most important elements in the construction of an exercise bike is its flywheel. The Axos M-LA upright bike is equipped with a rather light flywheel, which weighs 13 lbs (~ 6 kg). This being said, the bike is designed for light to medium intensity workouts. However, the flywheel is perimeter weighted so it does provide a bit of inertia and momentum. The pedaling motion is smooth and steady, though; thus, the bike is great for elderly users, or users with disabilities.

The bike’s transmission consists of a highly durable, stretch-resistant ribbed belt. There are several advantages that come with a belt drive. One, it doesn’t require lubrication. Two, it generates less vibration than a chain drive, and three, it generates very little noise, so the pedaling motion is almost silent.

Although this Kettler exercise bike is equipped with a durable crankset, with steel crank arms, it’s still an upright bike, made for seated workouts. This being said, it is not recommended to stand up while pedaling as it may result in damage to the internal parts. The crank arms feature weighted, self-leveling pedals with an anti-slip surface and adjustable straps. They also have standard threads, so in case you want them replaced, compatible options are widely available.

This exercise bike is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. It consists of a magnetic brake attached to the dial on the console mast through a steel wire. As you turn the knob the position of the magnetic brake pad in relation to the flywheel is adjusted, resulting in more or less drag.

Since the bike’s resistance system is exclusively manual, the bike doesn’t need to be connected to a power source. The console it battery-powered and has nothing to do with the resistance adjustment.

There are 8 resistance settings available. Since the flywheel is not extremely heavy, the first few resistance settings are very light, posing little to no impact on the joints. However, the top 7-8 resistance settings do offer the possibility to undergo a more intense cardio workout and achieve a more consistent burn.

Console

As we’ve mentioned above, the console doesn’t control the bike’s resistance. It’s simply an exercise meter that keeps track of the most important workout metrics, including time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, and pulse. It has a 6-panel LCD display and can show up to 6 workout metrics simultaneously. The RPM panel alternatively shows RPM and speed, while the calories panel alternatively shows KCal and KJoules.

The top, larger panel shows the current workout goal; the console allows you to set-up countdown goals for time, distance, and calories burned. Once a goal is set and you begin the workout, it will countdown from the selected value until it reaches zero.

Although the bike’s handlebars are equipped with pulse sensors, the console is also telemetric. It can read your pulse via an HR chest strap transmitter or a pulse ear clip. These accessories are not included, though.

A recovery function is also available with this exercise meter. This gives you the possibility to calculate your fitness level. Based on the heart rate at the end of the workout it will give you a fitness rating between F1 (Excellent) – F6 (Poor).

The console unit is easy to operate. It starts up as you begin pedaling or when you push one of the buttons, but also has a sleep function to which will enter after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike. It’s battery-powered and requires 2 AA batteries. The +/- buttons allow you to quickly increase/decrease the goal values. Via the Mode button, you access the goal selection function. The Reset button clears all the values to zero, and finally, the Recovery button initiates the recovery test function at the end of your workout.

Assembly and Maintenance

The Kettler Axos M-LA upright exercise bike is fairly easy to assemble. Its drive and resistance systems come already assembled. All you have to add are the bases, pedals, console mast, seat post, seat, handlebars, and console. This shouldn’t take more than one hour. The manual supplied offers clear instructions for the assembly, and all the tools required for it are included.

Since the bike has a belt drive system, you don’t have to lubricate its internal parts. In fact, there isn’t much maintenance required by this bike. It is recommended, though, to periodically check the frame for loose bolts or parts.

The Pros

• Solid construction;
• Elegant design;
• Adjustable rear stabilizers;
• Transport wheels;
• Adjustable seat;
• Angle-adjustable, multi-grip handlebar;
• Pulse sensors integrated into the handlebars;
• Balanced flywheel, supplying a smooth pedaling motion;
• Quiet belt drive;
• Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
• Zero friction magnetic resistance;
• 8 distinctive tension settings;
• Multi-panel LCD console, which shows time, distance, speed, RPM, kcalories, kjoules, and pulse;
• Goal setting functions for time, distance, and calories;
• Recovery function;
• The console is telemetric – it can read pulse through an HR chest strap transmitter or ear clip sensor;
• Little maintenance required;
• Easy to assemble.

The Cons

• No tablet holder;
• HR chest strap or ear clip pulse sensor are not included;
• The console display doesn’t have a backlight.

Summary

The Kettler Axos Cycle M-LA is an upright exercise bike featuring a manual magnetic resistance system, adjustable handlebars, and a console that can read time, distance, speed, RPM, kcalories, kjoules, and pulse. Although it’s a bike made for home use, it has a sturdy, steel frame, which can hold users up to 240 lbs (110 kg). It’s a bike for light to medium intensity cardio training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. It’s not the most affordable bike in this range of features, but definitely offers excellent value for the price.