| Unit | Size | Resistance | Fitness meter | Other accessories | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MaxKare Under Desk Bike Check Discounted Price | L:23.6" W:21.8" H:12.6" | Manual magnetic, 16 levels | Time, Speed, RPM, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Scan | Resistance ropes | 2 years |
The MaxKare Under Desk exercise bike offers a similar range of features as the LifePro FlexCycle. However, it lacks the Bluetooth and Zwift connectivity but does offer 16 levels of resistance rather than 8. It’s also slightly larger than the LifePro model.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 23.6L x 21.8W x 12.6H inches (60L x 55W x 32H cm)
- Assembled weight: 18.5 lbs (8.3 kg)
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 16 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, speed, RPM, distance, total distance, calories, scan
- Accessories: Resistance ropes with D-handles
- Warranty: 2 years limited
Frame construction and accessories
The MaxKare Under Desk exercise bike is constructed on a steel frame. However, most of the frame is sealed by 
several large covers. These are made of a durable thermoplastic material. The steel parts in the bike’s construction are coated with a rust-resistant paint finish black in color, while the plastic covers are silver and black to match the frame and for improved aesthetics.
The protective casing of the bike’s drive and resistance mechanism features a handle at the top. This evidently improves the portability of the bike. The unit is also not too heavy. With all the parts assembled, it weighs approx. 18.5 lbs (8.3 kg), so it can easily be carried by only one person.
The fully assembled bike is not too large. It is approx. 23.6″ (60 cm) long, and 21.8″ (55 cm) wide. This being said, it should fit under any standard desk. Also, the maximum pedal elevation is approx. 10″ (25 cm). Therefore, if the desk top is at least 11″-12″ (27-29 cm) above your knees while you are seated normally, you shouldn’t hit it with your knees when pedaling.
The bike’s base stabilizers rest on rubber pads to provide an improved grip on the floor. The unit’s front base stabilizer is slightly longer than the rear one. It features two anchor points to which you can attach the included resistance ropes. These are equipped with standard D-handles. They offer the possibility to execute several exercises such as tricep extensions, seated rows, or bicep curls.
Resistance system
The MaxKare Under Desk exercise bike is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This means
that you don’t need a power cord or an adapter for it. But on the other hand, it also means that the resistance adjustment is done exclusively by hand from the bike’s tension dial. The bike cannot adjust the resistance automatically and does not have pre-set workout programs like some of the motorized exercise bikes.
The bike’s resistance consists of a magnetic brake attached to the internal flywheel system and to the tension knob. When you turn the knob clockwise, the brake moves closer to the flywheel which increases the resistance. Conversely, when you turn the knob to the left, the magnets move away from the flywheel which reduces the pedaling difficulty.
The main advantage of a magnetic resistance system is that the brake does not touch the flywheel. Therefore, there is no friction and the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet. There is also virtually no wear and tear on the brake as is the case with a friction brake.
As opposed to many other under desk bike models, the MaxKare offers 16 levels of magnetic resistance. This considerably improves micro-adjustability. The first levels deliver a fairly light pedal tension. The 15-16 levels, on the other hand, provide considerably more resistance, offering the possibility to burn more calories.
Drive system
The MaxKare Under Desk exercise bike is equipped with a durable crankset featuring oval arms, coated with 
a black paint finish. The pedals do not have weight elements. They’re made of a durable thermoplastic material with a metallic internal rod. They also have adjustable Velcro straps.
Evidently, since it’s an under-desk bike, it is not meant for standing on the pedals. That’s why MaxKare does not provide a maximum weight limit for it. So, as long as you are seated, no matter how much you weigh, you should be able to use this bike with no problem.
The weight of the internal flywheel is not specified. However, since the bike’s total weight is only 18.5 lbs (8.3 kg), the flywheel probably doesn’t weigh more than 6 lbs (2.7 kg). It is perimeter-weighted, though, to provide a more consistent momentum and a more stable pedaling motion
The flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, it allows you to pedal in reverse so you can put some diversity into your workouts. When pedaling in reverse, the fitness monitor continues to track your calories, distance traveled, etc. However, it is important to mention that you cannot coast on this bike. If you stop pedaling, the flywheel also stops spinning.
Like many other exercise bikes with a magnetic resistance system, this MaxKare under desk bike uses a belt drivetrain. This means you don’t have to go through the hassle of removing the plastic guards to lubricate it periodically as would be the case with a chain drivetrain. The belt also delivers slightly less vibration than a chain and contributes to the overall smoothness of the ride.
Fitness monitor
The MaxKare Under Desk exercise bike is equipped with a basic fitness monitor. It features an LCD display
divided into two sub-sections. It tracks time, speed, RPM, distance, total distance, and calories burned. Speed and distance are shown in metric units (km/h and kilometers), and there is no option for changing this to English units. Also, the bike lacks a pulse reading function.
The fitness monitor is very easy to use. It does not have pre-set programs, goal functions, or online connectivity. It only has one button. By pressing the button repeatedly, you can change the metrics that appear on the display and select the ones you want to view. This way, you can also select the Scan Mode which automatically rotates all the metrics, showing each one for a few seconds. The button also has a Reset function. You can press and hold it for a few seconds to clear all the values to zero.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires one AAA battery which is included. The front cover with the monitor pops out so you can insert the battery. The unit turns off automatically if it does not detect any pedal movement for several minutes. It turns back up when you press the button or when you begin pedaling.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the bike comes pre-assembled. All you need to do for assembly is attach the two base stabilizers, the pedals, and the two elastic ropes. This shouldn’t take longer than 15 minutes. The included manual provides clear assembly instructions and a multi-tool for the task is also included.
Once the bike is assembled, maintenance doesn’t require much. You only have to keep it clean and periodically check for loose bolts and parts. It’s important to mention, though, that the bike is for indoor use only. If kept outside, moisture may eventually damage the internal parts and the monitor.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction and compact design;
- Built-in carrying handle;
- Durable pedals with straps;
- Resistance ropes with handles included;
- Frictionless magnetic resistance for a whisper-quiet workout;
- 16 levels of resistance;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, speed, RPM, odometer, and calories burned;
- Battery for the monitor is included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenace required;
- Multi-tool for assembly is included;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No backlight on the fitness monitor;
- No pulse reading function.
Summary
The MaxKare Under Desk exercise bike is a light-capacity fitness machine for use at home or at the office. It is equipped with a 16-level magnetic resistance, a fitness monitor that tracks all the important workout metrics, and a set of elastic ropes for arm exercises. It’s great for recovery training, muscle toning, stamina improvement, stress reduction, and improving cardiovascular fitness.