| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Performance monitor | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Phoenix 99607 Check Discounted Price | L:36" W:21" H:61" | 250 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Calories, Speed, RPM, Pulse, Goals, Recovery, BMI | Frame: 2 years Parts: 90 days |
The Phoenix 99607 is a pretty old upright bike model but it’s still available at the moment. It’s an exercise bike made for home use similar in terms of features with the Reebok ZJET 430. It’s a bit better than your average basic trainer as its performance monitor offers functions as BMI and Recovery. It also has a seat with superior micro-adjustability.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 36L x 21W x 61H inches (91L x 53W x 155H cm)
- Shipping weight: 70 lbs (31.7 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Exercise meter: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, goals, scan, BMI, recovery
- Warranty: Frame 2 years / Parts 90 days
Frame construction
The Phoenix 99607 features a steel frame combining cylindrical and oval tubing in its construction. They’re 
coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish light-gray in color, with the exception of the seat post which is made of stainless steel. Of course, the drive and resistance components are concealed by two large and durable plastic covers, also gray and black to match the rest of the unit.
Similar to most other recumbent bikes, the Phoenix 99607 is not a very large fitness machine. With all the parts assembled, it is only 36″ (91 cm) long, and 21″ (53 cm) wide. Therefore, it should fit pretty well even into a small room or apartment. It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access.
The bike isn’t too heavy either. It weighs less than 70 lbs (31 kg) so one person shouldn’t have too much trouble putting it together. Once the bike is assembled, it can easily be transported via the wheels integrated into its front base bar. Also, the rear base bar is equipped with a set of adjustable levelers.
Seat and handlebars
The Phoenix 99607 upright exercise bike comes with a fairly large saddle made of high-density foam with
a thin layer of padding. It has a standard collar-type attachment system to its slider. Therefore, in case you will ever need to replace it, compatible options should be available in most bike shops.
The bike’s seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post has multiple adjustment positions while its horizontal slider offers a few extra inches of front to back adjustment. This being said, the bike should be able to accommodate users up to 6’2″ (188 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete leg extension. Also, the seat is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 250 lbs (113 kg).
The bike’s handlebar has a multi-grip design. It is also angle-adjustable which is quite a plus as many upright bikes in this price range do not have this feature. The attachment system of the handlebar is equipped with a small knob that allows you to loosen it, adjust it to the desired angle, and then re-tighten it.
The whole handlebar assembly is covered by a layer of high-density foam for improved comfort. Its side grips also integrate stainless steel pulse sensors. Thus, by holding on to them, the performance monitor can track your pulse.
Resistance and drive
The Phoenix 99607 Mag Trac bike is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. Therefore, you 
don’t need a power adapter for it, or an external power source. But on the other hand, the bike cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
The resistance system consists of a magnetic brake that is attached to the tension knob on the front mast of the bike through a steel cable. As you turn the knob, the cable pulls or loosens the brake changing its position in relation to the flywheel. Needless to say, this increases or decreases the pedaling resistance.
The bike makes available 8 levels of resistance. The first level provides a very light pedaling difficulty. For this difficulty level, the brake barely adds any resistance, so you will basically be working out only with the weight of the flywheel. Conversely, the 8th tension level provides considerably more resistance, simulating a hill climb and offering the possibility to perform a more intense workout.
The weight of the internal flywheel is not specified. However, considering that the bike’s overall weight is close to 70 lbs, the flywheel probably doesn’t weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg). It has a perimeter-weighted structure, though, in order to provide a steady pedaling motion, and a consistent momentum.
The Phoenix 99607 is an upright exercise bike made for seated workouts only; it does not support spin workouts. Thus, standing up on the pedals is not recommended. However, it is equipped with a pretty durable crankset featuring self-leveling pedals with adjustable straps.
Performance monitor
The Phoenix 99607 Mag Trac upright exercise bike is equipped with a fairly decent performance monitor. 
Although it does not offer features like online connectivity, sound system, or pre-set workout programs, it still has quite a few more features than the average basic unit.
First of all, the monitor has an LCD display divided into 6 windows, so you can view up to 6 workout metrics simultaneously. It shows time, distance speed, calories, pulse, and RPM. It is not telemetric, though. This means it can only track your pulse if you hold on to the integrated sensors. It cannot read pulse from a wireless HR chest strap.
Although it doesn’t have pre-set programs, the performance monitor unit does offer target settings for time, distance, calories, and heart rate. If a goal is selected for time, distance, and calories, it will countdown from the selected value until you reach your goal. If a target is selected for pulse, it will notify you if you fall below or exceed the selected value, in order to keep you in the desired HR interval.
BMI and Recovery functions are also available. The BMI function calculates your body fat percentage based on your age, gender, height, and weight. In order to use it, you will have to input this data when prompted. The Recovery function requires the usage of the pulse sensors. This function detects how long it takes your pulse to return to normal after the workout and based on the result, it gives you a fitness rating between F1 (excellent) and F6 (poor).
The monitor unit is fairly easy to operate. It has five buttons. These are Measure, Recovery, Mode, Up, and Down. The Measure button is for the BMI function, the Recovery button covers the Recovery function, Mode allows you to enter setup mode, and the Up/Down keys to set up goal values.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It starts up automatically when it detects pedal movement, or when you press the Mode button. It also turns off automatically if it does not detect any activity on the bike for a few minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s drive and resistance mechanisms are already assembled, attached to the base frame, and concealed by the side covers. You only need to attach the front mast, the handlebars, the performance monitor, the seat post, the seat, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than an hour of your time. The included manual provides clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
Once the bike is assembled, there isn’t much maintenance to be carried out. The internal mechanism is pre-lubricated, and since the bike has a belt drive system, the transmission does not 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 construction – it can support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg);
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Multi-grip and angle adjustable handlebar;
- Pulse sensors incorporated into the handlebar;
- 4-way adjustable 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, RPM, calories, and pulse;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- BMI function;
- Recovery function;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble;
- Decent warranty.
The Cons
- No device holder;
- No bottle holder;
- No backlight on the performance monitor.
Summary
The Phoenix 99607 is an upright exercise bike made for home use. It is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system, a 4-way adjustable seat, an angle-adjustable multi-grip handlebar, and a performance monitor with goal functions, recovery, and BMI functions. It’s a fairly decent trainer for light to medium-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, recovery training, stamina development, and weight loss. It’s also an affordable bike, currently available for less than $250.