Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Fitness meter |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Murtisol Indoor Cycle Check Discounted Price | L:50" W:21" H:46" | 275 lbs | 25 lbs | Friction | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Scan |
The Murtisol indoor cycling bike w/25 lbs flywheel features a simpler design than the 40 lbs flywheel version that we’ve already reviewed here. It also offers a lower maximum user weight limit, but it still is a pretty sturdy stationary bike designed for spin workouts.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 50L x 21W x 46H inches (127L x 53W x 117H cm)
- Flywheel weight: 25 lbs (11.3 kg)
- Supported weight: 275 lbs (125 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Friction
- Fitness monitor: Time, speed, distance, calories, scan
- Extras: Bottle holder, device holder
- Warranty: 90 days limited
Frame construction
This Murtisol indoor cycling bike features a triangular steel frame with a double support for the seat post for improved sturdiness. As opposed to the 40 lbs flywheel version, the tubes in its construction are straight, mostly oval-shaped. All the steel tubes are coated with a corrosion-resistant gray paint finish. The seat post, the handlebar post, and the flywheel have a chrome finish.
The bike is not too large. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 50″ (127 cm) long, and 21″ (53 cm) wide. Its footprint is a bit smaller in length. Its highest point, with the handlebar, extended all the way up, is 46″ (117 cm).
The exact weight of the bike is not specified but considering its flywheel is only 25 lbs (11.3 kg), it probably doesn’t weigh more than 70 lbs (31 kg). This being said, it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Plus, once it is assembled, it can easily be moved as its front base stabilizer features two transport wheels.
Although the bike is not super-heavy, it has a low center of gravity. Thus, it provides excellent stability. Plus, both its base stabilizers feature adjustable levelers so it is not necessary to place it on a mat.
Seat and handlebars
This Murtisol indoor cycling bike is equipped with a pretty standard saddle, designed for optimal comfort. Its inner shell is made of durable nylon material while its top is made of high-density foam. It is contoured, with a groove in the middle, to provide improved breathability. It also has a collar-based attachment system which makes it easier to replace; compatible options are widely available.
The bike’s seat assembly is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post offers an adjustment span of approx. 8″ (20.3 cm), while its horizontal slider offers several extra inches of front-to-back adjustment. This being said, the bike should be able to accommodate comfortably users between 5’0″ and 6’2″ (153 – 188 cm). Taller users should still be able to use this bike but they may not benefit from a full leg extension. Also, the bike is designed to support users up to 275 lbs (125 kg).
This Murtisol exercise bike is equipped with a multi-grip handlebar. It offers the possibility to adopt a standard grip, a racing grip, and a climbing grip. Also, its small loop bar in the middle allows a close grip. The whole handlebar is covered by a layer of PVC foam material for improved contact and comfort. However, it’s important to mention that it does not integrate pulse sensors as is the case for other indoor cycling bikes, such as the Wonder Maxi WSP6908H, for example.
As opposed to the seat, the bike’s handlebar is only 2-way adjustable. It lacks the horizontal slider, but does offer several inches of up/down adjustment.
Drive system
As the title suggests, this Murtisol exercise bike is equipped with a 25 lbs (11.3 kg) flywheel. It is not a super-heavy flywheel for a spin bike, but does have the standard perimeter-weighted construction. Therefore it provides superior inertia and a consistent pedaling motion.
The flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, you can pedal in reverse if you want. However, coasting is not possible on this bike, and when pedaling in reverse, you will get the same resistance as when pedaling forward.
The bike’s drivetrain uses a poly-v belt which is concealed by the large thermoplastic guard. As opposed to a chain drive, the belt drive system does not require lubrication. Also, it generates slightly less vibration than a chain.
Although it’s an indoor cycling bike made for home use, the Murtisol 25 lbs flywheel cycle features a pretty sturdy 3-piece crankset designed to withstand most spin workouts. In other words, you should be able to pedal while standing up as long as you don’t weigh more than 275 lbs (125 kg), the specified weight limit of the bike.
The included pedals are made of aluminum alloy. They do not have SPD clips for spin shoes, but they do have toe cages with straps. They also have standard 9/16 threads so compatible replacements are widely available.
Resistance system
This Murtisol indoor cycling bike features a standard friction resistance system with manual action. Therefore, you don’t need a power adapter or an external power source for it. However, this also implies that the bike cannot adjust the resistance automatically and does not offer any pre-set workout programs like the more expensive models.
The resistance system consists of a felt-based brake pad attached under the main tube of the frame and connected to the tension dial on top of this tube. By turning the tension dial clockwise, the pad adds drag to the ride and you benefit from a higher pedaling difficulty.
Unlike other bikes with a magnetic resistance system, this Murtisol bike doesn’t have pre-determined tension levels. You simply tighten the pad on the flywheel until you get the desired pedaling difficulty. Basically, you can tighten the brake pad up to the point you can barely pedal. Also, in order to benefit from a smooth pedaling motion, it is recommended to lubricate the brake pad periodically. Silicone lubricant should be a good choice for it.
Fitness monitor
The Murtisol 25 lbs flywheel exercise bike includes a basic fitness monitor. It does not have a goal-setting function, programs, or online connectivity. It features an LCD display that tracks time, speed, distance, and calories burned. It does not have a pulse reading function, or an RPM reading function.
The monitor unit is very easy to use. It has only one button. By pressing the button repeatedly, you can select the workout metric that you want to view. This way, you can also select the Scan Mode which rotates the four workout metrics showing each one for a few seconds. The button also covers the reset function of the monitor. By pressing and holding it for a few seconds you can clear all the current values to zero.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries. It starts up when you press the button or when you begin pedaling. It also automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the bike for more than four minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the bike comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the two base bars, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the fitness monitor, the bottle holder, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes of your time. All the necessary tools are included and the manual provides clear assembly instructions.
Once the bike is assembled, maintenance doesn’t require much. The brake pad may require lubrication. It is also recommended to keep the bike clean and periodically check for loose bolts or parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – it can support users up to 275 lbs;
- Adjustable levelers on both base bars;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Contoured saddle with a median groove for extra breathability;
- Multi-grip handlebar covered by rubber foam for optimal comfort;
- Standard friction resistance;
- Inertia-enhanced 25-lb flywheel;
- Heavy-duty crank, able to support any user up to the maximum listed weight, in upright pedaling position;
- Heavy-duty, standard pedals with toe cages;
- Maintenance-free belt drive;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, speed, distance, and calories burned;
- Bottle with bottle holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- The display of the fitness meter does not have a backlight;
- No goal settings.
Summary
This Murtisol indoor cycling bike is equipped with a 25 lbs flywheel, a standard friction resistance system, and a fitness monitor that tracks time, distance, speed, and calories burned. It has a 4-way adjustable seat, a durable frame, and a crankset with a maximum user weight limit of 275 lbs. It’s is an exercise bike designed for spin workouts, great for any home gym.