| Unit | Size | Assembled weight | Supported weight | Resistance | Fitness monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MaxKare Upright Bike Check Discounted Price | L:33.5" W:21.3" H:50.4" | 44 lbs | 220 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Odometer, Speed, Calories, Pulse, Scan |
This MaxKare exercise bike is one of the most affordable non-folding upright bikes at the moment. In terms of construction, it is similar to the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B910. It has a console without goal settings but on the other hand, its seat is four-way adjustable.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 33.5L x 21.3W x 50.4H inches (85L x 54W x 128H cm)
- Assembled weight: 44 lbs (20 kg)
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, speed, distance, total distance, calories burned, pulse, scan
- Extras: Device holder
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The MaxKare upright bike features a frame made of steel tubing. Most of its base part, along with the drive and 
resistance elements, is covered by several guards made of durable thermoplastic material. All the frame steel parts are coated with a durable, rust-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this bike, at least for the moment.
The bike is not extremely large. With all the parts assembled, its footprint is only 33.5″L x 21.3″W (85 x 54 cm), so it should fit well even in a small room. It is recommended, though, to allow some clearance all around it (at least two feet), for ease of access and safe usage.
The bike does not have a step-through design like the Tunturi F40, for example. However, its drive unit is not too high above the floor level so stepping over it shouldn’t be a problem.
The bike is fairly light as well. Its net weight is approx. 44 lbs (20 kg), so it can easily be carried and assembled by only one person. Also, its front base stabilizer integrates a set of two small wheels which facilitate its relocation. Conversely, its rear base stabilizer is equipped with two polygonal caps which can rotate and act as floor levelers.
Seat and handlebars
The MaxKare upright exercise bike comes with a pretty standard bicycle saddle, similar to the one included with
the Stamina 1308. Its top is made of high-density foam material, so it has a bit of flex to it. It integrates a layer of foam padding and has a median groove for improved breathability.
The bike’s seat is four-way adjustable. Its upright post has several adjustment notches while its horizontal slider offers approx. 3″ (7.6 cm) of front-to-back adjustment. This being said, the bike is designed to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’1″ (153 – 185 cm). The seat assembly is also sturdy enough to support users up to 220 lbs (100 kg).
The bike’s handlebar features a multi-grip design. It gives you the possibility to adopt a standard grip, a climbing grip, and a close grip. It has a layer of rubber-foam material on top in order to provide a better grip and optimal comfort. Also, its side grips integrate pulse sensors while the included bike computer can track your pulse rate.
The handlebar is non-adjustable. Its upright post does not have any adjustment holes, and the handlebar itself attaches to it via several screws, so you cannot adjust its angle as is the case for the TechFit B380, or the Phoenix 99607.
Resistance system
The MaxKare upright bike is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This means that you don’t need 
a power adapter for it and you don’t have to connect it to a power source. However, since the bike does not have an internal motor, it cannot adjust the resistance automatically, and its console does not have pre-set programs.
As is the case for any exercise bike with a magnetic brake, the components of the braking mechanism do not touch, so the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet. There is no physical drag, and the wear and tear of the components is virtually zero.
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’s resistance system makes available 8 tension levels. The first level is basically given just by the weight of the flywheel alone. Conversely, if you select the 8th level of resistance, the bike delivers quite a bit of difficulty, great for anyone who wants to burn more calories and improve stamina.
Drive system
Most exercise bikes with a magnetic resistance system have a belt drive system, as the action of a metallic
chain may interfere with the magnetic brake. This is also the case for the MaxKare upright bike. Its internal transmission uses a poly-v belt, designed for improved traction and resistant to stretching. Since it’s a belt, not a chain, you don’t have to lubricate it periodically.
The bike’s internal flywheel features a perimeter-weighted design. This type of construction is meant to generate superior inertia and a consistent pedaling motion. Its exact weight is not specified. However, since the bike’s total weight is only 44 lbs (20 kg), its internal flywheel probably doesn’t weigh more than 10 lbs (4.5 kg).
This MaxKare exercise bike is equipped with a pretty durable crankset featuring cylindrical steel arms with a chrome finish, and weighted pedals. However, since it’s not a spin bike, standing up on the pedals is not recommended. Even if the pedals can support your whole weight, pedaling while standing up may cause damage to the internal parts or cause the pedals to wear out more quickly.
The included pedals feature a metallic axis but their main surface is made of tough, textured thermoplastic material. The weight elements enable them to always rotate face-up if you remove your feet from them. They also have adjustable straps.
Fitness monitor
The MaxKare upright exercise bike includes a basic fitness monitor. As we’ve mentioned above, it does not
have pre-set programs, goal functions, or Bluetooth connectivity. It has a standard LCD display that tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It is not telemetric. Therefore, it can only read your pulse if you hold on to the integrated sensors; it cannot communicate with any wireless device, such as a smartwatch, fitness band, or HR chest strap.
The monitor unit is very easy to use. It only has one button. By pressing this button repeatedly, you can select the workout metric that you want to view. There is also a Scan Mode; if the Scan Mode is selected, the monitor rotates all the metrics automatically, showing each one for a few seconds. The button also covers the unit’s reset function. You can press and hold it for a few seconds to clear all the values on it to zero.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires two AA batteries which are included. It starts up when you begin pedaling or when you press the button. It also automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the bike for more than four minutes.
Last but not least, a device holder is integrated into the monitor unit. This consists of a small shelf below the display which can provide support for your smartphone or tablet. However, the unit does not have a USB port or any other ports for connecting your device to it.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main base unit of the bike comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the two base stabilizers, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the performance monitor, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. The manual provides very clear instructions for it, and all the necessary tools are included.
Once the bike is assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. Its internal parts don’t require any lubrication. So, basically, you only have to keep your exercise bike clean and periodically check for any potential loose or broken parts.
The Pros
- Compact construction, small footprint;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the handlebar;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Large, padded saddle;
- Quiet belt drive;
- Zero friction magnetic resistance;
- 8 resistance settings;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Scan mode available on the fitness monitor;
- Device holder included;
- All the necessary tools for the assembly are included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- No backlight on the exercise meter;
- The handlebar is non-adjustable;
- No bottle holder.
Summary
The MaxKare upright exercise bike is a fitness machine made for home use. It is equipped with an 8-level manual magnetic resistance system, a 4-way adjustable seat, and a fitness monitor that tracks all the important workout metrics. Its frame is sturdy enough to support users up to 220 lbs. It’s also a fairly small and light unit, easy to assemble and handle. It’s a great bike for light cardio training, muscle toning, and even weight loss. And finally, it’s one of the most affordable upright bikes at the moment.