| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Exercise meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TechFit B470 Check Discounted Price | L:43" W:20" H:53" | 265 lbs | 15.4 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, Pulse Scan, Goals |
The TechFit B470 is a pretty standard magnetic upright exercise bike. In terms of features, it can be compared with the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B2952, or the Reebok ZJET 430. It’s a trainer made for home use, but offers a fairly decent construction.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 43L x 20W x 53H inches (109L x 50.5W x 135H cm)
- Flywheel weight: 15.4 lbs (7 kg)
- Assembled weight: 63 lbs (28.5 kg)
- Weight capacity: 265 lbs (120 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Exercise meter: Time, distance, odometer, speed, calories, pulse, scan, goals
Frame construction
The TechFit B470 upright bike combines steel and ABS plastic parts in its construction. Of course, its
main frame is made of steel tubing. All the steel parts feature a durable powder coating which renders it resistant to corrosion. The color used is black, this being the only version available, at least for the moment. The main ABS parts are the two side sections that cover the drive and resistance elements. They also cover most of the longitudinal bar of the frame.
Like most other upright exercise bikes, the TechFit B470 isn’t a large trainer. With all the parts assembled, it takes only 43″L x 20″W (109 x 50.5 cm) of floor space. However, it is recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access.
In terms of aesthetics, the bike looks pretty good. Its front upright bar and the seat post are ovalized which adds extra sturdiness, while the base bars are triangular. Both base bars are equipped with adjustable, chrome-finished levelers which allow you to perfectly stabilize it on any type of floor. Also, the bike has a pretty low center of gravity which improves stability as well.
The bike isn’t extremely heavy. With all the parts assembled, it weighs approx. 63 lbs (28.5 kg). But nonetheless, its front base features a set of silicone wheels which facilitate its relocation if necessary.
Seat and handlebars
The TechFit B470 upright bike is equipped with a fairly large seat. It is approx. 12″ (30 cm) wide
, so it provides plenty of contact surface. Its top features a durable neoprene cover and integrates a thin layer of padding. It is also contoured for extra breathability.
The seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post offers several adjustment positions while its horizontal slider adds a few extra inches of front to back adjustment. This being said, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’3″ (153 – 190 cm). It is also durable enough to support users up to 265 lbs (120 kg).
The seat is easy to adjust. Both its upright bar and front-back slider have large knobs that are easy to grip and turn. Thus, you can adjust the seat to your size in less than a minute.
The bike’s handlebars are non-adjustable. The whole handlebar assembly attaches directly to the front upright post via two bolts. It doesn’t have an adjustment knob like the TechFit B380 model, for example. But on the other hand, it offers extra grip possibilities. Also, its side grips have metallic pulse sensors and the console can track your heart rate.
Drive and resistance
The TechFit B470 upright bike integrates a 15.4 lbs (7 kg) flywheel. Of course, since it’s an upright 
bike, its flywheel is not as heavy as for spin bikes, but does have a perimeter-weighted design. This structure adds extra inertia and consistency to the pedaling motion.
The flywheel allows pedaling in reverse. However, since the bike has a simple drive system without a derailleur like road bikes, you cannot coast on it. So, when pedaling in reverse, you will benefit from the same resistance as when pedaling forward. This offers you the possibility to add diversity to your workouts and focus different muscle groups.
The bike’s drive system uses a heavy-duty, poly-v belt. As opposed to a chain-drive, the bike’s belt drive doesn’t require lubrication. It also delivers a smoother pedaling motion, and there is no noise generated during pedaling.
The TechFit B470 is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. Therefore, you don’t have to connect it to a power outlet and there’s no need for an adapter. But on the other hand, since the resistance is mechanical, the console cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake which is connected to the tension dial on the right side of the front mast. By turning this knob, the brake moves either closer or farther from the flywheel, which increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty.
There are 8 tension levels available, pre-determined on the tension dial. The first level delivers a fairly light pedaling difficulty which makes it perfect for anyone who requires recovery training or has joint problems. Conversely, the 7-8 levels provide enough resistance to simulate a hill climb.
Last but not least, the bike is equipped with a durable crankset, featuring solid steel arms. However, since it’s an upright bike, it is not meant for spin workouts and standing up on the pedals is not recommended.
The included pedals are made of durable nylon material. They are self-adjusting; in other words, they’re weighted, and will always turn face-up if you remove your feet from them. They feature a non-slip surface and adjustable straps.
Console
As we’ve mentioned above, the TechFit B470 does not have an automatic resistance system. Therefore, 
its console doesn’t have preset programs. It also does not have Bluetooth connectivity and is not compatible with any fitness apps available online.
The bike’s console features a large LCD display divided into multiple sub-sections. It tracks all the important workout metrics, including time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse. It does not have an internal pulse rate receiver, though. Therefore, it cannot communicate with any wireless HR chest strap transmitters. So, you need to use the sensors integrated into the handlebars if you want to benefit from a pulse reading.
The console is fairly easy to use. It has three buttons – Set, Mode, and Reset. The Set button allows you to enter set-up mode and set a target value for time, distance, or calories. If a target is selected for any of these workout metrics, the console will show the remaining value until you complete your target.
The Mode button allows to select any of the workout metrics to be displayed on the top larger window. Or, you can select the Scan Mode which rotates all the metrics on the top display, showing each one for several seconds. The Reset button allows you to clear all the values on the console to zero.
The console is battery-powered. It requires two AA batteries as its power source; these are not included. It starts up when you begin pedaling, or when you press the mode button. It also automatically turns off after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the bike comes pre-assembled. All the drive and resistance elements are already attached to the main frame and covered by the ABS side panels. Therefore, all you need to do for assembly is attach the two base bars, the seat post, the saddle, the front upright bar, the handlebars, the console, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. All the assembly tools are included, and the manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. All the internal components are pre-lubricated from the factory, and since the bike has a belt drive system, it doesn’t require any lubrication. Thus, for maintenance, all you have to do is wipe the dust from the frame and periodically check for loose parts and bolts.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – can support users up to 265 lbs (120 kg);
- Aesthetic design;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both bases;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Pulse sensors incorporated into the handlebar;
- 4-way adjustable, large seat;
- Balanced flywheel for a steady pedaling motion;
- Quiet belt drive;
- Zero friction magnetic resistance;
- 8 resistance settings;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
- Exercise meter included – it can track time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- No tablet holder;
- No bottle holder;
- No backlight on the exercise meter.
Summary
The TechFit B470 is an upright exercise bike designed for home use. It features a manual magnetic resistance system with 8 levels, a large seat for extra comfort, and excellent adjustability. It’s also equipped with a large console that tracks time, distance, calories, pulse, and speed. It also offers target functions for time, distance, and calories burned. It’s a pretty decent upright bike, great for light to medium-intensity cardio workouts, weight loss, muscle toning, and building stamina.