RIF6 Indoor Cycling Bike

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Flywheel weight	Resistance	Fitness monitor
RIF6 Indoor Cycle Check Discounted Price	L:42" W:19" H:44"	275 lbs	40 lbs	Friction, felt-pad	Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Pulse, Goals, Scan

The RIF6 indoor cycling bike is one of the exercise bikes released in 2021. Although it’s not a bike made for commercial use, it’s pretty sturdy and should be able to support most spin workouts. It’s also considerably more affordable than a commercial model, currently under the price mark of $350.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 42L x 19W x 44H inches (106L x 48W x 112H cm)
• Flywheel weight: 40 lbs (18 kg)
• Supported weight: 275 lbs (125 kg)
• Seat: 4-way adjustable
• Drive system: Belt
• Resistance: Friction
• Performance monitor: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, goals, scan
• Extras: Device holder, bottle holders

Frame construction

The RIF6 indoor cycle features a steel frame combining oval and rectangular tubing in its construction. It is similar up to a point to the Circuit Fitness AMZ-955BK. It’s a triangular frame but its front fork has a sharper angle which leads to a lower center of gravity. Needless to say, this improves the bike’s stability.

The bike is pretty heavy as well. It weighs approx. 101 lbs (45 kg), so the transport of the packaged unit should be done by two people or at least with the use of a box carrier. However, once the bike is assembled, it is easy to move; its front base features a set of small wheels that facilitate its relocation. Also, both base stabilizers have adjustable levelers.

The fully assembled bike is not super large. It is approx. 42″ (106 cm) long, and 19″ (48 cm) wide, while its highest point, with the handlebar, completely extended, is approx. 44″ (112 cm) high. These being said, you will need a usage area for it of at least 70″ x 60″ (178 x 152 cm).

The bike’s frame is double-coated with a durable paint finish highly resistant to corrosion. The color used is black, this being the only color available for the RIF6 bike, at least for now. The only exception is the flywheel; its perimeter section is chrome-plated, not painted.

Seat and handlebars

The RIF6 indoor cycling trainer includes a pretty standard bicycle saddle. Its inner shell is made of a durable plastic material (probably nylon). It integrates a thin layer of foam padding and a high-density top that is flexible and sweatproof. It’s not a super comfortable bike saddle but does offer a bit more contact surface than a slim race seat. It also has a collar-type attachment system which makes it easy to replace while compatible options are available in most bike shops.

The bike’s seat is four-way adjustable. Its upright post offers a 4-inch (10.1 cm) adjustment span while its horizontal slider adds several extra inches of front-to-back adjustment. Therefore, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’2″ (153 – 188 cm). Taller persons should still be able to use this bike but they may not benefit from a complete leg extension.

The bike’s handlebar is only two-way adjustable (up, down). Its upright post offers 5-inch (12.7 cm) adjustment span, from 39″ (99 cm) above floor level, to 44″ (112 cm). It has a multi-grip design; it offers the possibility to adopt a racing grip, a climbing grip, and a standard grip. It also has a small loop bar in the middle which you can hold with a close parallel grip.

The side grips of the handlebar feature high-density foam sleeves for improved comfort. They also have integrated metallic pulse sensors and the included fitness monitor can track your pulse. Both the seat and the handlebar feature large adjustment knobs easy to grip and turn, so you can adjust the bike to the desired user dimensions in less than a minute.

Resistance system

The RIF6 indoor cycling trainer is equipped with a friction resistance system. This means that you don’t need a power adapter or an external power source for it. The resistance adjustments are done manually and the bike cannot automatically increase or decrease the workout load.

The bike’s resistance system consists of a felt pad attached to the main tube of the frame and concealed by a large plastic cover. The bike’s tension knob is connected to this pad, so if you turn it to the right, the pad applies more friction to the flywheel which adds difficulty to the ride. Conversely, if you turn the tension dial counterclockwise, the brake pad moves away from the flywheel and the friction is reduced offering an easier pedaling difficulty.

The tension dial also has the function of an emergency brake. You can press it down to immediately stop the flywheel from spinning. This can be necessary especially if you’ve been pedaling at a high RPM.

It’s also important to mention here that the bike’s brake pad will wear out after a while and will need replacement. This is pretty much the case for any spin bike with a friction resistance system. However, its attachment system is pretty standard and various universal spin bike brake pads should be compatible with this bike. Also, the pad is pretty durable. So, even if the bike is used daily, it should last for at least a year.

Drive system

The RIF6 indoor cycle is equipped with a heavy flywheel. It weighs 40-lb (18.1 kg), similar to the SNODE Power One, or the MaxKare magnetic bike. It is perimeter-weighted for enhanced inertia and stability. It is bi-directional as well, but coasting on the bike is not possible. When pedaling in reverse, you will get the same resistance as when pedaling forward.

The bike features a heavy-duty 3-piece crankset with long steel arms. It is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 275 lbs (125 kg) which applies to the crank and pedals as well. This being said, as long as you don’t exceed 275 lbs (125 kg), you should be able to stand up and pedal with no problem.

The included pedals are made of aluminum alloy. They do not have SPD clips for spin shoes but they do have cages in case you need to keep your feet secure on them. They also have standard threads, so compatible replacements are widely available in case you want to opt for SPD pedals.

The bike’s drive system uses a poly-v belt resistant to stretching and abrasion. This belt drive system comes with several advantages over a chain drivetrain. First of all, you don’t need to worry about its lubrication. Second of all, it generates slightly less vibration than a chain. And third of all, you won’t have to deal with problems such as stiffened chain links.

Fitness monitor

The RIF6 exercise bike includes a fitness monitor. It does not have online connectivity or pre-set programs but does track the most important workout metrics. It shows time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse. It does not indicate RPM. Also, its pulse reading function is grip only. In other words, you will have to hold on to the integrated sensors in order for it to read your pulse. It cannot read pulse from a wireless HR chest strap or smartwatch.

The monitor unit features three buttons. The Set button offers the possibility to select workout targets for time, distance, and calories burned. If a target is selected, the monitor will count down from the selected value showing the remaining value until it reaches zero. The Mode button gives you the possibility to scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to view. You can also select the Scan Mode and all the metrics will rotate in a sequence of approx. 6 seconds. And finally, the Reset button clears all the values on the unit to zero.

The monitor unit is battery-powered. It has an automatic shut down function which is initiated after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike. To wake it up, you can either press one of the buttons or begin pedaling.

Assembly and Maintenance

The main body of the bike comes pre-assembled. The rest of the parts require user assembly. You will have to attach the two base bars, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. The manual provides clear assembly instructions and a basic toolkit is also included.

For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the bike clean and wipe the sweat that may drop on the frame at the end of the workout. The brake pad may require a bit of silicone lubricant in case it generates noise when in contact with the flywheel. It is also recommended to periodically inspect the bike to make sure that all the parts hold tight in their places and still function properly.

The Pros

• Durable steel frame – can support users up to 275 lbs;
• Aesthetic design;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Adjustable stabilizers on both bases;
• Metallic alloy pedals with toe cages;
• Multi-grip handlebar with a loop bar in the center;
• Multi-purpose accessory tray included;
• 4-way adjustable seat;
• Maintenance-free belt drive;
• Heavy, 40-lb flywheel, with a perimeter-weighted design for enhanced inertia;
• Basically limitless resistance settings;
• Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
• Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
• Little maintenance required;
• Easy to assemble;
• All the tools required for the assembly are included.

The Cons

• No backlight on the fitness monitor display;
• No RPM reading function;
• No online connectivity.

Summary

The RIF6 indoor cycling bike is a fitness machine made for home use. It is equipped with a friction resistance system, a 40-lb flywheel, a belt drive system, a basic fitness monitor. It also includes a multi-purpose accessory holder. It’s a fairly decent bike for high-intensity spin workouts, muscle toning, strength and stamina development, interval training, and weight loss. In all, it’s a pretty decent alternative to a commercial spin bike.