| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Fitness monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HITOSPORT S300R Check Discounted Price | L:36" W:18.5" H:38.2" | 300 lbs | 18 lbs | Friction, felt-pad | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Pulse, Odometer, Scan |
We’ve already covered the HITOSPORT S703B indoor cycle, so in this post, we’re going to address the S300R model. This is a smaller exercise bike and comes with a lighter flywheel. However, it has the same standard resistance system and the same type of fitness monitor. It’s an affordable indoor cycling bike for home use and should be able to withstand most spin workouts.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 36L x 18.5W x 38.2H inches (91L x 47W x 98H cm)
- Flywheel weight: 18 lbs (8.1 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive system: Belt
- Resistance: Friction, felt pad
- Fitness monitor: Time, speed, distance, total distance, calories, pulse, scan
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holders
Frame construction
The HITOSPORT S300R features a frame design similar to the VIGBODY HL-5230S. It’s a triangular frame with
the main tube and the front fork slightly curved for improved sturdiness and aesthetics. The Seat tube is welded both to the longitudinal base bar and to the main frame tube which considerably improves the bike’s sturdiness as well.
Needless to say, the bike’s frame is made of steel tubing. All the steel parts are coated with a rust-resistant and abrasion-resistant paint finish. The only exception is the flywheel which is chrome-plated. The drivetrain cover and the protective side panels of the flywheel are made from ABS material. They combine black and red colors but there is also a different version of this bike (the S300B) which has them in blue and black. There is no other difference between the S300R and S300B bikes than the color of the ABS covers.
The HITOSPORT S300R is a fairly small indoor cycling bike compared to other models. It is only 36″ (91 cm) long, and 18.5″ (47 cm) wide, so it should fit pretty well even into a small room or apartment. However, it’s still recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access and safe usage.
The bike is not too heavy either. Its exact weight is not specified, but considering that it has a lighter flywheel than the S703B, it probably weighs around 60-65 lbs (27 – 29 kg). This being said, it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Also, once it is assembled, the bike is even easier to move as its front stabilizer features transport wheels.
Seat and handlebars
The HITOSPORT S300R includes a saddle with a generous layer of foam cushioning. It has a median
groove for improved breathability. Its top cover is made of durable vinyl material which is easy to maintain. It is approx. 10.6″ (27) long, and 7.8″ (20 cm) wide so it provides plenty of contact surface.
The seat is built on a durable nylon shell. It has a set of suspension springs at the rear in order to adapt better to your movement during seated workouts. It also has a standard collar-type attachment system. This can be a plus in case you’ll ever want to replace it as compatible options are widely available.
The seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its post is not too long, though; it only offers an adjustment span of approx. 3″ (7.6 cm), from 31.9″ to 35″ (81 – 89 cm), but its horizontal slider adds two more inches of front to back adjustment. These being said, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’2″ (153 – 188 cm) with no problem. It’s also rated for a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg).
The bike is equipped with a multi-grip handlebar. It offers the possibility to adopt a cruising grip, a standard grip, and a climbing grip. It also has a small loop bar in the middle which allows a close grip, in case you don’t attach the fitness monitor.
The side grips of the handlebar feature PVC foam covers for improved contact. They integrate metallic pulse sensors and the included fitness monitor does have a pulse reading function. A multi-function tray is included with the bike as well; it attaches to the handlebar and offers the possibility to store a tablet or phone to it, as well as two hydration bottles.
Drive system
As we’ve mentioned above, the HITOSPORT S300R is equipped with a lighter flywheel than the S703B model. 
It only weighs 18 lbs (8.1 kg). However, it still has a perimeter-weighted design which is meant to provide improved inertia and a consistent pedaling motion.
The bike’s flywheel and drive system allow pedaling in reverse. However, when pedaling backward, the resistance remains constant, given the amount of friction the brake generates. Also, coasting is not possible on this bike. That’s because the pedal will spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning.
The bike is equipped with a belt drive system. It uses a poly-v belt which means that you don’t have to worry about its lubrication. It also generates less vibration than a chain contributing to the overall smoothness of the ride.
The bike’s crankset features oval steel arms similar to road bikes. The exact Q-factor (spacing between the pedals) is not specified. However, it is pretty narrow so the bike won’t put any extra lateral stress on your knees during pedaling.
The included pedals are metallic, made of an aluminum alloy. They have an anti-slip design and adjustable toe cages. They do not have SPD elements but their threads are 9/16″ standard so compatible replacements are widely available.
Resistance system
Similar to the other current HITOSPORTS indoor cycling bikes, the S300R model features a standard
friction resistance system. It is equipped with a wool felt pad brake attached under the main tube of the frame, above the flywheel. It is connected to the tension knob on top of the main frame tube. Therefore, when you turn the knob clockwise, the brake applies more friction on the flywheel which increases the pedaling difficulty.
The bike has no pre-determined tension settings like many other exercise bikes with a magnetic resistance system. You simply turn the knob until the brake provides the desired pedaling difficulty. As a general idea, you can tighten the brake on the flywheel up to the point you can barely pedal.
Since the bike’s brake requires manual action and the fitness monitor is battery-powered, you don’t need any adapter or external power source for this exercise bike. Also, the tension knob can be used as an emergency brake. You can press it down to immediately stop the flywheel from spinning, if necessary.
As opposed to a magnetic brake, the friction brake requires some maintenance. For example, in order to provide a smoother flywheel motion, the brake pad may require a bit of lubrication. Also, when it wears out, it must be replaced.
Fitness monitor
This HITOSPORT indoor cycling bike is equipped with a basic fitness monitor. It tracks time, speed, 
distance, calories, and pulse. It also has an odometer function. Speed and distance are shown in kmh and kilometers; there is no option for setting them to mph and miles. Also, the unit is not telemetric. This means it can only track your pulse if you hold on to the sensors integrated into the handlebars.
The monitor unit does not have any pre-set programs or goal settings. It also does not have Bluetooth connectivity and you cannot sync it with any fitness apps. It only has one button which allows you to select the workout metric that you want to view. It also has a Scan Mode; when the Scan Mode is selected, the monitor rotates all the workout metrics showing each one for six seconds.
As we’ve mentioned above, the monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries which are included. It powers on automatically when it detects activity on the bike. It also has a sleep mode; it turns off after a few minutes if inactivity on the bike to save battery.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s frame with all the drive and resistance elements comes already assembled. However, there still are several parts that need user assembly. You will have to attach the two base stabilizers, the pedals, the seat post, the seat, the handlebar post, the handlebar, and the fitness monitor. The manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions and all the tools for it are included.
For maintenance, you only have to keep the bike clean and wipe the perspiration that may have dropped on it during exercising as it might deteriorate the paint. The brake pad may require lubrication. It’s also recommended to periodically inspect the bike for loose bolts or parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 300 lbs;
- Transport wheels on the front base bar;
- Adjustable levelers on both base stabilizers;
- Four-way adjustable seat;
- High-comfort saddle with thick foam padding;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Multi-function device holder;
- Solid crankset, can support just about any spin workout;
- Metallic pedals with toe cages and standard threads;
- Friction resistance for high-difficulty pedaling;
- Perimeter-weighted flywheel for improved inertia;
- Smooth and quiet belt drive;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, pulse, and calories burned;
- Batteries for the monitor are included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the assembly tools are included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No RPM reading function;
- Speed and distance are shown only in metric units (kmh and kilometers);
- No backlight on the fitness monitor.
Summary
The HITOSPORT S300R is an indoor cycling bike made for home use. It is equipped with a friction resistance system, an 18-lb perimeter-weighted flywheel, a 4-way adjustable seat, and a fitness monitor that tracks the most important workout metrics. It’s a great bike for spin workouts, interval workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. It’s also an affordable exercise bike, currently available for less than $200.