KETTLER Golf C2 Exercise Bike

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Flywheel	Resistance	Console
KETTLER Golf C2 Check Discounted Price	L:46.8" W:21.6" H:53.9"	285 lbs	13.2 lbs	Magnetic, 8 levels	Time, Distance, RPM, Speed, KJoules, Pulse, Goals, Recovery

Although the KETTLER Golf C2 is an upright bike made for home use and doesn’t have an advanced console with preset workout programs, it still offers a solid construction, which is pretty close to the light-commercial models. It’s one of the bike models released by KETTLER in the second part of 2016 but it’s still available. For reference, this is the KETTLER part number 07689-200.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 46.8L x 21.6W x 53.9H inches (119L x 55W x 137H cm)
• Assembled weight: 83.8 lbs (38 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 13.2 lbs (6 kg)
• Weight capacity: 285 lbs (130 kg)
• Handlebars: Angle-adjustable
• Seat: 4-way adjustable
• Pedals: With adjustable straps
• Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
• Console: Time, distance, RPM, speed, kjoules, pulse, goals, recovery
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 3 years

Frame construction

The KETTLER Golf C2 features a durable high-carbon steel frame powder-coated with a corrosion resistant finish. The only color available for this model is black. The seat bar and horizontal slider feature a chrome finish. The unit’s body also integrates several ABS parts. These are the covers of the flywheel and several other covers. They don’t interfere with the bike’s overall sturdiness, their role being protective and cosmetic.

The bike has a pretty heavy construction for an in-home trainer; it’s approx. 83.8 lbs (38 kg), which is almost twice the weight of the average road bike. This weight provides the trainer with superior stability. Its relocation isn’t too difficult, despite its weight. The front base has two caster wheels which facilitate the transport of the assembled unit. Also, as additional stability factors, the rear base bar has two adjustable levelers. Thus, you can perfectly stabilize the bike on any type of floor.

This KETTLER exercise bike isn’t extremely large. It is 46.8″ (119 cm) long, and 21.6″ (55 cm) wide. Also, the top of its handlebar reaches approx. 54″ (137 cm) above floor level when set at its highest position. It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side, and at least one foot of clearance at the front and rear for easy access and safe operation.

The bike features a step-through design. This allows an easy entry and exit. It’s a feature that can be extremely useful to users with certain disabilities, or elderly users.

Seat and handlebars

The KETTLE Golf C2 upright exercise bike is equipped with a 4-way adjustable seat. Its upright bar offers several adjustment positions while its horizontal slider also allows several inches of back-forth travel. This being said, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm).

The included seat is designed to provide optimal comfort. It integrates a layer of foam padding and its middle-rear part features a cavity which improves the airflow under the user.

The bike’s handlebar has a multi-grip design; it also integrates top horizontal grips, a feature that most other upright bikes do not have. It’s fully covered by a thin layer of foam material for an improved and comfortable grip. It also offers several adjustment positions; you can unlock from the lever on top and adjust its angle in order to adapt it perfectly to your body size, or to the workout that you want to perform.

The handlebar assembly also included a tablet holder. This accessory attached directly to the console mast. Its placement is behind the console, so in case you will be using a tablet, it won’t block the view of the console data. The tablet holder (or reading rack) is large enough to accommodate any tablet.

Drive system

The first element from the bike’s drive system that we’re going to focus here, is the flywheel. The KETTLER Golf C2 exercise bike is equipped with a 13.2 lbs (6 kg) flywheel featuring a copper finish and a perimeter-weighted design for added inertia. It delivers a smooth motion, and since the bike’s brake system is magnetic, there is no friction and almost no noise generated during usage.

The flywheel and resistance system structure allows reverse pedaling. When pedaling in reverse, the console continues to keep track of your distance traveled, energy output, and the other metrics.

The bike’s transmission uses a heavy-duty ribbed belt. There are several advantages with regards to a belt drive system. First of all, as opposed to a chain drive, a belt drive doesn’t require periodic lubrication. Second of all, it generates less vibration, and third, it’s almost completely silent.

The bike’s gear ratio is 1:10. It’s equipped with a durable crankset featuring solid steel crank arms. However, even though the crankset is quite durable, pedaling while standing up on the pedals is not recommended. This is an upright bike, designed for seated workouts, and pedaling while standing up or performing various other spin workouts may cause damage to the internal components.

The Golf C2 bike features two durable weighted pedals. They have a metallic core covered by a durable ABS shell. Their surface is designed to prevent foot slippage, and they’re also equipped with adjustable straps.

The bike’s Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) is not very narrow, though. It’s 7.5″ (190 mm). The Q-Factor of the average road bike is approx 150-155mm (6.1″). This being said, the bike may not be the best choice for users with knee problems as it may pose extra lateral stress on the knees. But on the other hand, the wider Q-Factor provides superior foot stability.

Resistance system

As we’ve mentioned above, this KETTLER exercise bike features a manual magnetic resistance system. This means you don’t have to connect it to a power source. Its console is battery powered and doesn’t play any role for the resistance adjustment. To adjust resistance, you simply turn the knob on the console mast.

The bike’s resistance system consists of a small magnetic brake which is attached to the tension knob. As you turn the knob, the position of the magnetic brake is adjusted which increases or decreases the intensity of the internal magnetic field, and implicitly increases or decreases the resistance provided by the pedals.

There are 8 levels of magnetic resistance available. The lower 1-3 settings deliver a light resistance, perfect for anyone who requires recovery training. The top 7-8 tension settings offer the possibility to achieve a higher energy output, heart rate, and muscle burn. But as a general idea, the bike’s maximum resistance can be classified as medium-ranged, not for highly intense workouts.

Console

As we’ve mentioned above, the bike’s console doesn’t play any role in the resistance adjustment. It’s merely a fitness meter and does not have any preset programs. It’s equipped with a large LCD display, though, which shows all the workout metrics at once, so you don’t have to use a SCAN function to rotate them. It tracks time, distance, RPM, speed, pulse, and energy output (KJouls).

The console unit uses 2 AA batteries (which are included). It has four buttons. The SET button allows you to select a countdown value for time, distance, and kjoules. To increase or decrease these values you have to use the + / – keys. The unit also has a Recovery function (with its own button) which can be initiated at the end of your workout to calculate how long does it take for your pulse to become normal after the workout. Based on this assessment, the console will determine your fitness level between F1 (excellent) and F6 (poor).

To turn on the unit you can simply press one button or begin pedaling. Also, after several minutes of inactivity on the bike, it will auto shut down to save battery life.

Finally, there are both metric units and standard units available, and you can select your preference as you set up the unit. Also, the unit is telemetric. It can track your pulse via the included the telemetric hand grips or the optional KETTLER wired infrared pulse sensors.

Assembly and Maintenance

The KETTLER Golf C2 bike comes pre-assembled. Its internal parts are already attached to the base frame and enclosed by the ABS shrouds. You only have to attach the two base stabilizer bars, the console mast, the console, the tablet holder, the seat with its bar, and the pedals. This may take up to an hour of your time. The manual provides clear, step-by-step assembly instructions and a basic toolkit is also included.

There’s very little maintenance required for this bike. The internal parts are pre-lubricated so they don’t require any additional lubrication. Basically, all you have to do for maintenance is periodically check for loose bolts and part, remove the dust from the trainer if it’s the case, and keep liquids away from the console.

The Pros

• Solid construction – can support users up to 285 lbs;
• Professional-looking design;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Adjustable rear stabilizers;
• Angle-adjustable, multi-grip handlebar;
• 4-way adjustable seat;
• Balanced flywheel, supplying a smooth pedaling motion;
• Quiet belt drive;
• Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
• 8 levels of frictionless, magnetic resistance; 
• 6-panel LCD console, which shows time, distance, speed, RPM, kjoules, and pulse;
• Countdown settings for time, distance, and kjoules;
• Recovery function;
• Telemetric handgrips for pulse tracking;
• Tablet holder included;
• Little maintenance required;
• Easy to assemble.

The Cons

• No online connectivity;
• No bottle holder.
• No sound system or cooling fan;
• The console doesn’t have backlight;

Summary

The KETTLER Golf 2 is a mid-range upright exercise bike featuring 8 levels of magnetic resistance, a durable construction, and superior micro-adjustability. It’s equipped with a console that can track most workout data and also has a recovery and countdown functions. It an excellent trainer for muscle toning, stamina development, light to medium intensity cardio training, and weight loss. It’s not one of the most affordable trainers in this price range, but its quality does match the price.