| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Drive | Resistance | Perfomance monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SOVNIA Indoor Cycle Check Discounted Price | L: 40.2" W: 21.7" H: 47.8" | 285 lbs | Belt | Friction, Felt-pad | Time, Distance, Odometer, Speed, Calories, Scan |
The SOVNIA Fitness indoor cycle that we’re going to cover in this post is the 2021 version, which comes with several improvements over the previous versions. In terms of features, it is similar to the MaxKare cycle or the Cycool C1 but has a different fitness monitor. It’s a bike made for home use with a manual friction resistance system.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 40.2L x 21.7W x 47.8H inches (102L x 55W x 121H cm)
- Shipping weight: 75 lbs (34 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 35 lbs (15.8 kg)
- Supported weight: 285 lbs (129 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive mechanism: Belt
- Resistance: Friction, felt pad
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, odometer, calories, scan
- Warranty: 24 months limited
Frame construction
The SOVNIA Fitness indoor cycle features a pretty standard triangular frame combining oval and
rectangular tubes in its construction. The main frame features a black/white double-coating finish while the seat and handlebar posts have a gray paint finish. The flywheel is chrome-plated with plastic side panels. The cover of the drive belt is also made of durable thermoplastic material.
The bike’s frame integrates a step-up bar. This is the small tube that connects the seat tube to the main oblique tube. Not all spin bikes have this feature and it’s quite a plus especially for certain spin workouts that require the user to dismount, do stretches, and step on / step down the frame.
The SNOVIA bike is made for home use, so it’s not too bulky. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 40.2″ (102 cm) long, and 21.7″ (55 cm) wide. Its highest point, with the handlebar extended to maximum, is approx. 47.8″ (121 cm). Some clearance should be left all around it, though. Two feet of space on each side and one foot of space at the front and rear should do.
The bike is not too heavy. The specified gross weight (packaged weight) for it is 75 lbs (34 kg), so its net weight is probably around 70 lbs (31.7 kg). This being said, its transport may require two persons of a box trolley. However, once it is assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person. That’s because its front stabilizer features a set of small wheels. Also, both its base stabilizers have integrated adjustable levelers.
Seat and handlebars
The SOVNIA Fitness exercise bike features a 4-way adjustable seat. Its upright post offers approx. 13.5″ (34 cm) 
of adjustment for an applicable inseam range of 25″ to 38.5″ (63 – 98 cm). Its horizontal slider adds a few inches of front-to-back adjustment as well. Thus, the bike can accommodate comfortably users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm). Taller persons should still be able to use this bike but they may not benefit from a complete range of motion. Also, the seat can support users up to 285 lbs (129 kg).
The included saddle is fairly large, approx. 10.6″ (27 cm) long, and 7.8″ (20 cm) wide. It integrates a thick layer of cushioning for improved comfort while its top cover is made of durable vinyl material. There are two suspension springs integrated at the rear of the saddle which enable it to flex, in order to adapt better to your movement during seated workouts. And finally, it has a middle cutout which improves breathability.
The bike’s handlebar is only two-way adjustable (up, down). It does not have a horizontal slider like the seat. It offers approx. 4.5″ (11 cm) of upright adjustment. A device holder is included for it; this accessory attaches to the base bar and should be able to accommodate most tablets.
The handlebar features a multi-grip design. It offers the possibility to adopt a cruise grip, a climbing grip, and a standard grip. It has a small loop bar in the center which also allows for a close grip. Its side grips feature PVC covers for improved comfort and contact. However, they do not have pulse sensors as is the case for other bikes, such as the OVICX Q200, for example.
Resistance system
The SOVNIA indoor cycling trainer is equipped with a standard friction resistance system with manual adjustment.
This means you don’t need an external power source for the bike or a power adapter. But on the other hand, the bike cannot automatically adjust the resistance and the included fitness monitor does not have pre-set workout programs.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a standard felt pad brake attached under the main oblique tube of the bike and connected to the tension knob. To adjust the resistance, you have to tighten or loosen the knob so that the brake pad applies more or less friction to the flywheel.
The main advantage of the felt pad friction resistance is that you can basically tighten the brake up to the point you can barely pedal for an extremely hard difficulty level. But on the other hand, the brake pad requires lubrication and will eventually wear out, so you will have to replace it.
The bike’s brake does not have pre-determined tension levels as is the case for bikes with a magnetic resistance system. You simply tighten or loosen the brake knob until you obtain a satisfying pedaling difficulty. The tension knob can also be pressed down in case you may need to instantly stop the flywheel from spinning.
Drive system
First of all, the SNOVIA indoor cycle integrates a pretty heavy, 35-lb (15.8 kg) which is not bad for a home-use bike. 
The flywheel is perimeter-weighted, designed to provide improved inertia. As we’ve mentioned above, it is chrome-plated with plastic side covers for improved aesthetics.
The flywheel is bi-directional. Therefore, you can diversify your workouts by alternating reverse pedaling sessions with forward pedaling sessions. However, it’s important to mentions that coasting is not possible on the bike and when pedaling in reverse you will get the same resistance as when pedaling forward, given by the amount of friction that the brake applies on the flywheel.
The bike integrates a belt drive system. It is equipped with a poly-v belt which is concealed by a large plastic guard. Just as any other bike belt-drive, it comes with a series of advantages. First of all, you don’t need to lubricate it. Second of all, it delivers a very smooth pedaling motion as it generates less vibration than a chain. And finally, it contributes to the quietness of the ride.
The SNOVIA bike is equipped with a heavy-duty 3-piece crankset featuring solid steel, oval arms similar to road bikes. The included pedals are also made of aluminum alloy so pedaling while standing up shouldn’t be a problem. In fact, the bike should be able to withstand just about any type of spin workout. The pedals have adjustable straps but do not have SPD elements for spin shoes. Their threads are 9/16 (standard), though, so compatible replacements are widely available.
Fitness monitor
The SNOVIA Fitness indoor cycling bike is equipped with a basic fitness monitor, similar to the one included with
the VIGBODY HL-S801. It features an LCD display that tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories burned. It does not have RPM or a pulse reading function. It also does not have pre-set programs or online connectivity.
The unit is easy to use. It only has one button. By pressing the button, you can scroll through the workout metrics and select the one that you want to view. A Scan Mode is also available. In Scan Mode, the unit rotates all the metrics showing each one for approx. 6 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 fitness monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries which are not included. It starts up when you begin pedaling or when you push the button. It also automatically turns off after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s main frame comes pre-assembled. The flywheel, the brake, the crankset, and the belt are already attached to the frame. You only have to add the two base bars, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the pedals, and the performance monitor. This shouldn’t take more than 20-30 minutes of your time. The task is pretty straightforward, the manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions, and all the necessary tools are included.
Since the bike has a belt drive system, its transmission does not require lubrication. The brake pad may require a bit of silicone lubricant in order to provide a smoother flywheel motion. 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 285 lbs;
- Adjustable levelers on both base bars;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- High-comfort cushioned saddle with rear springs and a median groove for extra ventilation;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Smooth, almost silent belt drive;
- Perimeter-weighted 35-lbs flywheel for a consistent momentum;
- Standard friction resistance;
- Performance monitor included – it can track time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No goals function;
- The fitness monitor does not have a backlight.
Summary
The SOVNIA Fitness indoor cycling bike is a fitness machine made for home use. It’s a bike designed for spin workouts, featuring a 35-lb flywheel, a friction resistance system, a high-comfort seat, and a fitness monitor that tracks the most important workout metrics. It’s a bike for users of all levels, great for high-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina and strength development, and weight loss.