| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Fitness meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VIGBODY HL-M01 Check Discounted Price | L:35.2" W:20" H:47.6" | 286 lbs | 18 lbs | Friction | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Scan |
The VIGBODY HL-M01 is one of the indoor cycling bikes released in 2020. It’s a rather small bike compared to other models but it’s built pretty well and should be able to withstand most types of spin workouts. It also has a slightly different construction than the average spin bike, featuring a perfectly vertical seat post, which reminds of an upright bike.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 35.2L x 20W x 47.6H inches (90L x 51W x 121H cm)
- Shipping weight: 53 lbs (24 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 18 lbs (8.1 kg)
- Supported weight: 286 lbs (130 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive mechanism: Belt
- Resistance: Friction
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, odometer, calories, scan, goals
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The VIGBODY HL-M01 features a triangular frame combining oval and rectangular steel tubing in its 
construction. The main frame features a black paint finish while the seat and handlebar posts are painted in light gray. The flywheel is chrome-plated. The paint coating is double-layered for improved corrosion resistance and chip resistance.
Of course, the bike also integrates several parts made from a durable thermoplastic material. The most notable ones are the cover of the belt and the side covers of the flywheel.
This VIGBODY exercise bike is considerably less bulky than other spin bikes, such as the pooboo D770, or the DERACY model. It is only 35.2″ (90 cm) long and 20″ (51 cm) wide, so it should fit pretty well even into a small room. It still is recommended, though, to allow at least a few feet of clearance all around it for unhindered usage and ease of access.
The bike is not too heavy. The packaged unit weighs approx. 53 lbs (24 kg) so it can be carried by only one person. Once it is fully assembled, it is easy to move as its front base stabilizer has two small wheels. Also, both base stabilizers integrate adjustable levelers.
Seat and handlebars
The VIGBODY HL-M01 comes with a high-comfort saddle. To begin with, this saddle is pretty large so it 
provides plenty of contact surface. It integrates a thick layer of foam cushioning and also has two suspension springs at the rear which enable it to adapt better to the rider’s motion during exercising. Plus, it has a large cutout in the middle for improved breathability.
The seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post has 6 adjustment positions while its horizontal slider offers a few extra inches of front-to-back adjustment. Therefore, the bike should be able to accommodate comfortably, users between 4’11” and 6’0″ (150 – 183 cm). Taller users should still be able to use this bike, but they may not benefit from a complete leg extension. Also, the bike is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 286 lbs (130 kg).
One last aspect to mention here about the bike’s seat regards its attachment system. The included saddle features a collar-type connection system which is pretty standard. Therefore, if you will ever need to replace it, compatible options should be available in any bike shop.
The bike is equipped with a multi-grip handlebar. It offers the possibility to adopt a climbing grip, a racing grip, and a standard grip. It also has a small loop bar in the middle which allows a close grip. Its side grips feature high-density foam sleeves for improved contact and comfort. However, the handlebar does not include pulse sensors and the included fitness monitor cannot track pulse.
The bike’s handlebar is only two-way adjustable (up, down). It does not have a horizontal slider similar to the seat. It offers an adjustment span between 40.3″ and 47.6″ (102 – 121 cm) above floor level which is not bad for a small bike.
Resistance system
The VIGBODY HL-M01 is equipped with a standard friction resistance system. It is not motorized, which
means you don’t need an adapter or an external power source for it. It also means that the bike cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a felt-based brake pad attached under the main oblique tube of the frame, and to the bike’s tension dial. When you turn the dial clockwise, the brake pad applies more friction to the flywheel which increases the pedaling difficulty.
Needless to say, the resistance generated by this indoor cycling bike is not as smooth as for a magnetic resistance bike, such as the HouseFit HB-8304C, for example. That’s because the brake pad comes in contact with the flywheel in order to create drag. However, the smoothness of the ride can be improved by lubricating the brake pad.
The bike does not have any pre-determined tension levels. You simply turn the knob until the pad generates the desired resistance. As is the case with most bikes with a friction resistance system, you can basically tighten the pad up to the point you can barely pedal.
Drive system
This VIGBODY exercise bike is equipped with an 18-lb flywheel. Although it’s not as heavy as for other spin
bikes, such as the Sunny SF-B1876 for example, it still is perimeter-weighted. This design is meant to improve inertia and add consistency to the ride.
The bike features a belt drive system. It is equipped with a 430J6 poly-v belt which provides excellent traction. Since it’s a belt, not a chain, you don’t need to lubricate it. It also generates slightly less vibration than a chain.
The bike is equipped with a 3-piece crankset featuring a pulley made of tough thermoplastic material. The crank arms are steel-made, oval-shaped, similar to the ones in road bikes. They are durable enough to support pedaling while standing up as long as the user does not exceed the specified 286 lbs (130 kg) weight limit.
The included pedals are made of aluminum alloy. They are equipped with adjustable toe cages. They do not have SPD clips for spin shoes. However, they have standard (9/16) threads so compatible replacements are widely available.
Fitness monitor
The VIGBODY HL-M01 is equipped with a fairly basic fitness monitor. It does not have pre-set workout
programs, online connectivity, and it’s not compatible with any fitness apps. It also does not have a pulse reading function. It tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories burned. It also has goal settings for time, distance, and calories.
The monitor unit features three buttons. These are Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to select any of the workout metrics to view on the unit’s display or select the Scan Mode. When this mode is selected, all the metrics rotate in a sequence, each one appearing on the display for a few seconds. The Set button allows you to select workout goals, and finally, the Reset button gives you the possibility to clear all the values on the display to zero.
The unit is battery-powered. A pack of AAA batteries is included with the bike. The unit automatically turns on when you begin pedaling (or you can wake it up by pressing one of the buttons). It also automatically turns off to save battery after 4 minutes of inactivity on the bike.
One last notable feature to mention here is the device holder. This accessory consists of a small shelf integrated at the bottom of the monitor unit. It is large and solid enough to accommodate any smartphone or tablet. However, it’s important to mention that the fitness monitor unit does not have any connection ports for your device.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body 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 pedals, and the fitness monitor. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes of your time. The manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions and schematics. Also, all the necessary tools for assembly are included.
For maintenance, the lubrication of the brake pad may be required. A few drops of silicone lubricant applied on the flywheel’s edge should cover it. Other than this, you only have to keep the bike clean and periodically check for loose parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 286 lbs;
- Small footprint;
- Four-way adjustable seat;
- High-comfort saddle with thick foam padding and a median groove for extra breathability;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Solid crankset, can support just about any spin workout;
- Metallic pedals with toe cages and standard threads;
- Standard friction resistance;
- Perimeter-weighted flywheel for improved inertia;
- Smooth and quiet belt drive;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories burned;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- Little maintenance required;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the assembly tools are included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the fitness meter;
- No pulse reading function.
Summary
The VIGBODY HL-M01 is an indoor cycling bike made for home use. It is equipped with a friction resistance system, an 18-lb flywheel, and a high-comfort saddle. It offers 4-way adjustability for the seat and a fairly decent user weight limit of 286 lbs. It also included a fitness monitor that tracks the main workout metrics. In all, it’s a decent trainer for high-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, interval training, stamina development, and weight loss.