ProForm 400 SPX Indoor Cycling Bike

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Flywheel weight	Resistance	Fitness meter
ProForm 400 SPX Check Discounted Price	L: 50" W: 21.25" H: 45"	250 lbs	40 lbs	Friction	Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, Scan, Goals

The ProForm 400 SPX indoor cycling bike is not much different from the 350 SPX model but does offer several extra features. For example, it includes an exercise meter and has a different handlebar design. But nonetheless, it offers the same weight capacity and flywheel weight.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 50L x 21.25W x 45H inches (127L x 54W x 114H cm)
• Assembled weight: 90 lbs (41 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 40 lbs (18.1 kg)
• Supported weight: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
• Seat: 4-way adjustable
• Drive: Chain
• Resistance: Friction, felt-pad
• Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, odometer, calories, scan, goals
• Extras: Bottle holder
• Warranty: Frame 5 years / Parts 90 days / Labor 90 days

Frame construction

The ProForm 400 SPX is definitely an indoor cycling bike designed for spin workouts. It features a heavy-duty construction similar to the light-commercial models. It has a triangular frame for improved sturdiness and most of the bars in its construction are ovalized for improved aesthetics.

The bike offers excellent stability. Not only that it has a low center of gravity, it is also pretty heavy. Its net weight is 90 lbs (41 kg), which is more than twice the weight of most mountain bikes. Plus, both its base bars are equipped with adjustable stabilizers which allow you to perfectly level it on any type of floor.

Most spin bikes don’t take a lot of usage space and the ProForm SPX 400 makes no exception. With the frame fully assembled, it is 50″ (127 cm) long, and 21.25″ (54 cm) wide. It is recommended, though, to allow at least two feet of clearance on each side of it, and at least one foot of clearance at the front and rear for safe usage.

The bike’s frame is coated with a heavy-duty powder finish, resistant to abrasion and corrosion. The color used is black, with the ProForm logo painted red. These are the only colors available for this bike.

Seat and handlebars

The ProForm 400 SPX is equipped with a 4-way adjustable seat. Its horizontal slider offers several front-to-back inches of adjustment, while the upright post has multiple adjustment notches. This being said, the bike can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete leg extension. Also, the seat is durable enough to support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg).

The included saddle is slightly wider than the average race bike saddle, so it provides more contact surface and comfort. It has a bit of flex to it so it adapts better to your movement during exercising. It also integrates a layer of padding and has a central cutout for extra breathability.

One last aspect about the bike’s seat regards its attachment system. It’s a collar-based seat that attaches to its slider through a bolt and a nut. Therefore, you can also tilt it forward or backward. Plus, if you will ever need to replace it, compatible options are widely available.

The included handlebar features a multi-grip design. It has one small (loop-type) aero grip at the middle, and an additional one to which you can attach the exercise meter. It is fully covered by a layer of rubber foam to provide a better grip.

As opposed to other indoor cycling bikes, such as the Leikefitness 80499 model, for example, the ProForm 400 SPX does not have pulse sensors integrated into its handlebar grips. Also, the handlebar is only 2-way adjustable (up, down); it does not have a horizontal slider as the seat.

Resistance and drive

The ProForm 400 SPX indoor cycle is equipped with a standard friction resistance system. This means you don’t have to connect the bike to a power source, and you don’t need a power adapter for it. Also, the included bike computer cannot automatically adjust the resistance.

The bike’s resistance system consists of a brake pad (felt) attached to the tension knob on top of the main bar of the frame. By turning this knob clockwise, the pad applies more friction to the flywheel which increases the pedaling load.

The tension knob does not have levels pre-determined on it. You simply tighten it until you get the right resistance.

The bike has a chain drive system. This type of transmission comes with its pros and cons. For example, with proper lubrication it can last a lifetime; also, it’s a standard bike chain, so in case you will ever need to replace it, you can find a compatible one in any bike shop. As a disadvantage, it requires periodic lubrication which may be a hassle.

Since it’s a bike designed to support spin workouts, the ProForm 400 SPX is equipped with a heavy-duty, 3-piece crankset. Its crank arms and pedals can hold users up to 250 lbs (113 kg) in complete standing up position. The pedals are made of metallic alloy as well; they feature adjustable toe cages but do not have SPD clips for spin shoes.

Last but not least, the bike is equipped with a 40 lbs (18.1 kg) flywheel which is perimeter-weighted for improved inertia. The flywheel has a chrome finish and ABS plastic side panels. It is also bi-directional, so you can pedal in reverse.

Exercise meter

This ProForm exercise bike is equipped with a basic fitness meter. It features an LCD display that tracks time, distance, speed, calories burned, and an odometer function. It cannot read pulse and the bike doesn’t have any pulse sensors.

The meter unit features two buttons – Mode and Set. The Mode button allows you to scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to view. You can also select the Scan Mode which rotates all the metrics showing each one for a few seconds. The Set button allows you to select workout goals for time, distance, and calories. When a goal is selected, the meter shows the remaining value of the selected goal and counts down until it reaches zero.

The meter unit requires two AAA batteries which are not included. It starts up when you press one of the buttons, and also automatically shuts off if it doesn’t detect any pedaling activity for four minutes.

Assembly and Maintenance

The bike’s frame comes pre-assembled; all the important drive and resistance elements are also attached to it. Therefore, you only need to attach the two base bars, the seat, the handlebar, the exercise meter, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes of your time. The manual provides all the necessary assembly instructions and all the tools for it are included.

Since it’s a chain-drive bike, the most important maintenance aspect for it is the chain lubrication. The brake pad may also need lubrication if it emits squeaking noises when in contact with the flywheel. Other than this, it is recommended to periodically inspect the bike for loose bolts and parts, and keep it clean.

The Pros

• Sturdy construction – can support users up to 250 lbs;
• Adjustable stabilizers on both bases;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• 4-way adjustable seat;
• Multi-grip handlebar;
• Durable chain drive;
• Bi-directional (40 lbs), perimeter-weighted flywheel;
• Standard friction resistance;
• Durable metallic pedals with toe cages;
• Fitness meter included;
• Goal settings on the fitness meter;
• Bottle holder included;
• Easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• No pulse reading function;
• No backlight on the fitness meter.

Summary

The ProForm 400 SPX is an indoor cycling bike made for home use. It features a commercial-grade frame construction, a heavy (40 lbs) perimeter-weighted flywheel, and is equipped with a friction resistance system. It also included an exercise meter with target functions for time, distance, and calories. However, it does not have a pulse reading function. It’s an excellent exercise bike for spin workouts, weight loss, muscle toning, and building stamina. It’s also pretty affordable in comparison with a light-commercial spin bike.