Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Flywheel | Console |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Efitment IC035 Check Discounted Price | L:46" W:23" H:48" | 265 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | 13.2 lbs | Speed, Time, Distance, Calories, Pulse, Scan |
The Swift Magnetic IC035 is one of the new indoor cycling bikes released by Efitment in 2019. It’s a mid-range trainer within the $300 price range, designed for home use, and equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. It has a considerably lighter flywheel than most spin bikes; however, its magnetic brake still delivers plenty of pedaling difficulty.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 46.5L x 23.6W x 48.4H inches (118L x 60W x 123H cm)
- Assembled weight: 63.5 lbs (29 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 13.2 lbs (6 kg)
- Supported weight: 265 lbs (120 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Pedals: With toe cages
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Drive: Belt
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, Scan
- Warranty: 3 years limited
Frame construction
The Efitment IC035 features a heavy-duty steel frame with ovalized bars. All the steel frame parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish, dark gray in color, the only exception being the seat and handlebar posts which have a light gray finish. On top of that, most of the frame is covered by two ABS shrouds which conceal the flywheel, the brake element, the belt, and the crank. This being said, the bike has quite a compact and well-secured construction.
The IC035 is slightly smaller than the Efitment IC031 model that we’ve already reviewed here. Its footprint is approx. 46.5″L x 23.6″W (118 x 60 cm). However, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance around it to be able to perform any spin workout without any hindrance.
As we’ve mentioned above, the bike is equipped with a considerably lighter flywheel than other spin bikes. The fully assembled unit weighs only 63.5 lbs (29 kg). But nonetheless, this still is more than twice the weight of the average road bike. Thus, the bike offers excellent stability. And on top of that, both its base bars have adjustable levelers with large rubber pads.
Although the bike isn’t too heavy, its front base still has a set of large, silicone wheels. Therefore, once the unit is fully assembled, it’s very easy to relocate it.
One last aspect to mention here regards the internal short bar that unites the seat tube and the mainframe oblique tube. This element is also by the ABS shrouds, but nonetheless, it can be used as a step-up element for certain spin workouts. It can also help when taking position onto the seat.
Seat and handlebars
The Efitment Swift Magnetic IC035 exercise bike includes a standard seat. Its saddle is slimmer than the saddle of the IC031 model. It does not have the rear spring elements and only integrates a thin layer of foam padding. Its surface is contoured, though, in order to provide optimal comfort.
The seat attachment system is standard collar-based. This being said, in case you want to replace it, compatible options are widely available.
The seat can be adjusted up, down, forward, and backward. Its upright post has 9 adjustment notches while its horizontal slider also offers approx. 2″ (5 cm) of adjustment, so the bike can accommodate users with an inseam between 27.5″ and 37.7″ (69 – 96 cm). Differently put, it should be able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’4″ (153 – 193 cm), allowing a full range of motion.
The bike’s handlebar only offers 2-way adjustability (up, down). It does not have a horizontal slider. It features a multi-grip design with a central loop aero bar which can also serve as support for a tablet.
The whole handlebar assembly is covered by a layer of rubber-foam material in order to provide a secure grip. It also has pulse sensors incorporated into the side grips. Therefore, the included fitness meter can also track your pulse.
Drive and resistance
The Efitment Swift IC035 integrates a belt drive system. Its drivetrain consists of a durable poly-v belt. Therefore, it does not require any lubrication. Also, the pedaling motion is almost completely silent and generates less vibration than a chain.
As we’ve mentioned above, the bike has a much lighter flywheel than most other spin bikes. It only weighs 13.2 lbs (6 kg). It is perimeter-weighted, though, and provides a pretty consistent momentum. It is also bi-directional; thus, you can pedal in reverse if you want.
The bike is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. It does not require to be connected to a power source, and the fitness meter does not play any role in the bike’s resistance adjustment.
The tension system consists of an internal magnetic brake connected to the tension dial on the right side of the main frame tube. As you turn the dial clockwise (forward), the magnetic brake moves closer to the flywheel and generates more resistance. The brake does not touch the flywheel, the resistance is generated purely by the magnetic field. This being said, the pedaling motion is very smooth, and there is very little wear and tear on the tension elements.
There are 8 resistance levels available. The first one produces very little resistance, so you will basically be pedaling with the resistance provided by the weight of the flywheel. Conversely, the 8th tension level simulates a hill climb.
Last but not least, the bike is equipped with a solid crank featuring steel crank arms and metallic alloy pedals. As long as you don’t exceed the specified 265 lbs (120 kg) weight capacity, you should be able to stand up and pedal with no problem.
The pedals feature nylon toe cages and adjustable straps. They do not have SPD clips for spin shows but they have standard 9/16 threads. Therefore, replacement options are widely available.
Exercise meter
The included fitness meter is a rather basic unit. It’s battery-powered; it requires two AAA batteries and only has one button which covers all of its functions.
The meter unit features an LCD display which indicates time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It does not have any preset programs or goal functions but does have a Scan function. By repeatedly pressing the button, you can either select one of the workout metrics (time, distance etc) or select the Scan function which rotates all the metrics, showing each one for a few seconds.
Speed and distance are shown in imperial units (MPH and miles). It cannot be set to metric units. Also, for the pulse reading, you have to use the sensors integrated into the handlebars. The meter is not telemetric and cannot read your pulse through a chest strap.
To start up the meter, you can either begin pedaling or press the button. To reset all the values you can press and hold the button for a few seconds. And finally, the unit will automatically turn off after 4 minutes of inactivity on the bike.
Assembly and Maintenance
The central part of the frame with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled, and with the covers already attached. Therefore, you only need to attach the two base bars, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar with the meter, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes. All the tools required for it are included, and the manual provides very clear assembly instructions.
Since the bike has a belt drive system, it doesn’t need internal lubrication. So, in terms of maintenance, all you have to do is keep the unit clean and periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Compact and durable frame – can hold users up to 265 lbs;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both base bars;
- Transport wheels on the front base bar;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the handlebar;
- Smooth, almost silent belt drive;
- Bi-directional flywheel;
- Metallic pedals with toe cages and standard threads;
- Manual magnetic resistance, with zero friction;
- Exercise meter included – it can track time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Tablet holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- The meter unit does not have backlight;
- No SPD clips for spin shoes on the pedals;
- No odometer function.
Summary
The Efitment IC035 is an indoor cycle trainer featuring a manual magnetic resistance system with 8 levels, belt drive, and a sturdy overall construction. It can support users up to 265 lbs. It also includes a fitness meter, accessory which many other bikes (even the more expensive ones) do not have. It’s a bike made for spin workouts, high-intensity cardio training, stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss. It’s also considerably more affordable than a gym-grade bike offering excellent value for the price.