| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MaxKare Magnetic Bike Check Discounted Price | L: 41" W: 21" H: 49.6" | 264 lbs | 40 lbs | Manual magnetic | Time, Speed, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Pulse, Scan |
We’ve already reviewed the MaxKare indoor cycling bike model with a friction resistance system, so here is the magnetic resistance model. There are actually two versions for the MaxKare magnetic indoor cycling bike, one with pulse sensors, the other without. In this post, we’re going to address the version with a pulse reading function.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 41L x 21W x 49.6H inches (104L x 53W x 126H cm)
- Flywheel weight: 40 lbs (18 kg)
- Weight capacity: 264 lbs (120 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With toe cages
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, scan
- Extras: Bottle holder, phone holder
- Warranty: 2 years limited
Frame construction
The MaxKare magnetic indoor cycling bike features a heavy-duty triangular frame made of steel tubing. Most 
of the bars in its construction are precision-welded and ovalized for improved aesthetics. The main oblique bar is considerably thicker than the other bars providing extra sturdiness.
The fully assembled bike is fairly heavy. Its exact weight is not specified, but it is close to 100 lbs (45.3 kg). This is more than twice the weight of the average mountain bike and leads to improved stability. Plus, the bike’s base bars are equipped with adjustable stabilizers featuring large rubber pads.
Despite its weight, the bike is not too difficult to move. Its front base features a set of large silicone wheels. Therefore, by using these wheels to relocate it, you won’t have to handle more than 30% of its total weight.
The bike isn’t extremely large compared to other fitness machines, such as front drive ellipticals or treadmills. It is only 41″ (104 cm) long, and 21″ (53 cm) wide. Also, with the handlebar extended to its highest position, its highest point is approx. 49.6″ (126 cm). It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the bike for ease of access and safe usage.
The bike’s frame features a durable, corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black with the MaxKare logo painted white. The only exceptions are the seat and handlebar posts and sliders which have a chrome finish which is also corrosion-resistant.
Seat and handlebars
The MaxKare magnetic indoor cycling trainer includes a comfort saddle. This being said, it is considerably 
wider than the average slim spin seat and integrates more cushioning, especially in its rear section. It has two suspension springs at the rear as well, to allow the seat to slightly adapt to your movement as you pedal. Plus, it has a longitudinal groove to improve breathability.
The saddle has standard, collar-based attachment system to its slider. This is actually another plus because if you will ever want it replaced, compatible options are widely available.
The bike’s seat offers 4-way adjustability (up, down, forward, backward). Its upright post provides approx. 7″ (18 cm) of adjustment while the horizontal slider offers 2.4″ (6 cm) of front to back adjustment. This being said, the bike can accommodate users between 4’11” and 6’3″ (150 – 190 cm). It’s also sturdy enough to support users up to 264 lbs (120 kg).
The bike features a multi-grip handlebar. It has two sets of top grips, a set of oblique grips for the race position and a loop aero bar in the middle. The middle top grips have integrated pulse sensors. Also, the whole handlebar assembly is rubberized to provide a secure grip.
Just as the seat, the handlebar is 4-way adjustable (up, down, forward, backward). Its upright adjustment span is approx. 6″ (15 cm) while its horizontal slider provides 2.4″ (6 cm) of front to back adjustment.
Both the seat and the handlebars have large adjustment knobs, easy to grip, pull, and turn. Therefore, it takes less than a minute to adjust the bike to your own size.
Resistance and drive
This MaxKare exercise bike has a manual magnetic resistance system similar to the Efitment IC031. In fact,
these two bikes are pretty close in terms of price, design, and feature range. The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake connected to the tension dial on top of the main oblique frame bar. Its adjustment is done manually, by turning the knob. This being said, you don’t have to connect the bike to a power source, and the exercise meter does not control the resistance.
The main advantage of the magnetic braking system is that the brake does not touch the flywheel. Therefore, the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet, while the wear-and-tear of the brake is pretty much non-existent; you won’t have to worry about brake pad replacements.
The bike’s resistance system does not have pre-determined tension levels. You simply turn the knob until the brake pad moves close enough to the flywheel in order to provide the desired pedaling difficulty. As a general idea, with the brake tightened to its maximum point, the bike provides a pretty consistent resistance, simulating a steep climb, which is great for spin workouts and interval workouts.
The MaxKare magnetic indoor cycling bike is equipped with a standard 40-lb (18 kg) flywheel. It has a perimeter-weighted structure in order to provide a higher inertia. It’s also bi-directional; in other words, it allows you to pedal in reverse. However, just as it is the case for most other spin bikes, coasting on this bike is not possible. The pedals continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning.
The bike features an internal belt drivetrain, using a heavy-duty, poly v-belt. A belt drive comes with several advantages. For example, it doesn’t generate as much vibration as a chain, it doesn’t require lubrication, and it’s extremely quiet.
One last element that we must focus on here, is the crankset. This MaxKare exercise bike is equipped with two heavy-duty steel crank arms which can take the full weight of the user. In other words, as long as you don’t exceed the specified 264 lbs (120 kg) weight limit, you should be able to pedal while standing up on the pedals without any problem. The pedals are also metallic, featuring adjustable toe cages. However, they do not have SPD clips.
Exercise meter
This MaxKare bike is equipped with a basic exercise meter. It features an LCD display which indicates time, 
distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It is not telemetric, so it cannot read your pulse through any wireless HR chest strap. However, the handlebars are equipped with pulse sensors.
The meter unit is quite easy and straightforward to operate. It only has one (MODE) button. The button allows you to toggle ON and Off the unit’s SCAN function, which rotates the workout values, showing each one for several seconds. As you stop the SCAN function, you can select time, speed or any of the other workout statistics to be shown on screen all the time. The MODE button also covers the unit’s RESET function. By pressing and holding it for a few seconds it will clear all the values to zero.
The unit is battery powered. It starts up when you begin pedaling or when you push the button. It also has a sleep mode to which it will enter after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike.
Assembly and Maintenance
Just as it is the case for many other spin bikes, the main body of the MaxKare bike comes pre-assembled. The flywheel, the crankset, the belt, and the resistance elements are already attached to the main frame. Thus, you only need to attach the two base bars, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the pedals, and the exercise meter. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. A manual with step-by-step assembly instructions is included. A basic toolkit is also included.
Maintenance requires lubricating the seat and handlebar posts so they can slide easier. A periodic check for loose bolts and parts is recommended. The transmission does not require any lubrication as it’s a belt, not a chain. Other than this, you should keep the bike clean and liquids away from the console unit.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 264 lbs;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both base bars;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- 4-way adjustable handlebar;
- High-comfort saddle with rear springs and a center cutout;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the handlebar;
- Smooth, almost silent belt drive;
- Bi-directional, 40-lbs flywheel for a consistent momentum;
- Manual magnetic resistance, with zero friction;
- Exercise meter included – it can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Tablet holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- The fitness meter has no backlight;
- A tablet or phone placed on the media holder will cover the display of the exercise meter.
Summary
This MaxKare indoor cycling bike is a mid-range trainer designed for home use. It features a durable, triangular frame construction, a manual magnetic resistance system, and a 40 lbs flywheel. It offers superior micro-adjustability and also includes a basic exercise meter with a pulse reading function. It’s an excellent bike for training at home, great for high-intensity cardio spin workouts, interval training, stamina development, and weight loss.