Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Flywheel weight | Exercise meter |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mevem M3 Check Discounted Price | L:38.9" W:18.1" H:42.9" | 280 lbs | Manual magnetic | 18 lbs | Time, Speed, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Goals, Scan |
The Mevem M3 is one of the newest indoor cycling bikes released in 2019. It’s a trainer designed for home use, but does have a pretty decent construction and includes an exercise meter. It is also one of the most affordable indoor cycling trainers with a magnetic resistance system.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 38.9L x 18.1W x 42.9H inches (99L x 46W x 109H cm)
- Flywheel weight: 18 lbs (8 kg)
- Supported weight: 280 lbs (127 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Drive mechanism: Belt
- Resistance: Manual-magnetic
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, odometer, calories, goals
- Extras: Bottle holder, tablet holder
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The Mevem M3 exercise bike features a frame made of steel tubing. It’s a classic V-type frame, but its main tube is slightly curved for an extra aesthetic touch. The steel bars in its construction are pretty thick for a home-use unit; the bike is actually rated for a user weight capacity of 280 lbs (127 kg), which is not bad at all.
The Mevem M3 is slightly smaller than other trainers made for home use. Its footprint is approx. 39″L x 18″W (99 x 46 cm). However, with the seat extended all the way to the back, the unit is a few inches longer. So, as a small conclusion here, you will need a usage area for it of at least 70″ x 50″ (178 x 127 cm).
Since it’s a magnetic exercise bike, it comes with a lighter flywheel than other models. This being said, the unit is considerably lighter as well. It weighs approx. 66 lbs (30 kg), so its transport and assembly shouldn’t be too difficult for only one person.
Once the bike is assembled, its relocation can be done with ease by using its front transport wheels. By using these wheels, you won’t be handling more than 25% of its total weight. Also, the bike rests on four adjustable levelers with large rubber pads. Therefore, a rubber mat shouldn’t be necessary for it.
The bike’s frame is fully coated by a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The color used for the main frame is dark gray, while the tubes of the seat and handlebars are painted in a lighter gray hue. These are the only colors available for this bike.
Seat and handlebars
The Mevem M3 indoor cycling trainer includes a saddle designed made for superior comfort. To begin with, it is considerably larger than the slim seats included with various other spin bikes, such as the Spinner Johnny G, for example. It integrates a thick layer of cushioning, especially in its rear section, and has a central cutout for better heat dissipation. It also has two suspension springs at the rear which enable it to adapt better to the movement of the user during seated pedaling routines.
It is important to mention that the bike’s saddle has a standard (collar-based) connection system to its slider. This being said, in case you will ever have/want to replace it, compatible options are widely available.
The Mevem M3 bike offers four-way adjustability for its seat (up, down, front, back). Its upright post offers multiple adjustment positions, for an inseam between 28″ and 33″ (71 – 84 cm). The horizontal slider also provides a few inches of front to back adjustment. Therefore, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’3″ (153 – 190 cm) with no problem, promoting a complete leg extension during seated exercising routines.
The bike is equipped with a multi-grip handlebar. It features two long side grips and two smaller aero grips. It also has a loop bar in the middle to which you attach the exercise meter. The whole handlebar assembly is covered by a layer of high-density foam to provide a superior grip.
As opposed to the seat, the bike’s handlebar only offers two-way adjustment (up, down). Its adjustment span is between 39.3″ and 42.9″ (100 – 109 cm).
Resistance and drive
As we’ve mentioned above, the Mevem M3 indoor cycling bike is equipped with a manual-magnetic resistance system. This means you don’t need to connect it to a power source in order to adjust the resistance. Also, the console does not play any role in the resistance adjustment and cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a large magnetic bracket attached to the main tube of the frame, right above the flywheel. This magnetic brake is connected to the tension knob on top of the frame tube. Therefore, by turning the knob clockwise, the magnets move closer to the flywheel increasing the intensity of the created magnetic field, which also increases the pedaling difficulty.
The resistance system doesn’t have pre-determined difficulty levels. You simply adjust the brake until you get the desired pedaling difficulty. As a general idea, it provides pretty decent resistance simulating a steep climb. Also, as opposed to a friction resistance system, the tension elements do not touch and the pedaling motion is smoother.
Since the bike’s resistance system is magnetic, a super-heavy flywheel is not necessary. That’s why the bike’s flywheel only weighs 18 lbs (8 kg). It does have a perimeter-weighted design, though, for improved inertia.
The flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, you can pedal in reverse if you want. But since the transmission system is simple, you cannot coast on it as on a regular road bike. The pedals continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning.
The bike is designed to support any spin workout. Therefore, it is equipped with a heavy-duty crankset, with steel crank arms and metallic pedals. The pedals integrate toe cages but do not have SPD clips. Their threads are standard 9/16″ so you can easily find replacements for them in case you want a different set.
Last but not least, the bike’s drive system involves a belt. This type of transmission comes with several advantages. First of all, you won’t ever have to lubricate it. Second of all, it generates considerably less vibration than a chain, and third of all, the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet.
Exercise meter
As we’ve mentioned above, the console does not play any role in the bike’s resistance adjustment. It is only an exercise meter that tracks the main workout stats. It also does not have any preset programs and does not connect online to any fitness apps.
The meter unit features an LCD display which indicates time, distance traveled per session, total distance traveled (odometer), and calories burned. It does not have a pulse reading function. Therefore, in case you want to monitor your pulse during your workouts, you will have to use a separate device.
The meter unit is very easy to use. It has three buttons – Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to see on the display, or select the Scan Mode which rotates all the metrics showing each one for a few seconds. The Set button allows you to set up goals for time, distance, and calories burned. And finally, the Reset button clears all the values on the console to zero if necessary.
Finally, the unit is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries. It starts up when you press the Mode button and also has a self shutdown function which is initiated if the unit doesn’t detect any activity on the bike for more than four minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the bike with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. Thus, you only need to attach the two base bars, the seat, the handlebar, the console, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. The included brochure provides pretty clear assembly instructions and all the tools needed for it are also included.
Since it’s a belt-drive bike, its transmission does not require any lubrication. Therefore, all you have to do for maintenance is periodically check for loose bolts and parts. Also, since the bike’s resistance uses a magnetic brake, you don’t have to worry about replacing it.
The Pros
- Durable frame, sturdy construction for a home use bike;
- Can support users up to 280 lbs;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both bases;
- Transport wheels included;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Thick cushioning, center cutout for breathability, and spring suspension on the seat;
- Multi-grip handlebar with long side grips short aero grips;
- Smooth, almost silent belt drive;
- Bi-directional, perimeter-weighted flywheel;
- Magnetic resistance, with zero friction;
- Exercise meter included – it can track time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories burned;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- Tablet holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- The meter unit doesn’t have backlight.
Summary
The Mevem M3 is an indoor cycling trainer designed for home use. It’s equipped with a manual-magnetic resistance system, a large, cushioned seat, and a multi-grip handlebar. It also includes a fitness meter with goal settings for time, distance, and calories burned. It’s an excellent trainer for all kinds of spin workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. It’s also one of the most affordable magnetic indoor cycling bikes.