Ironman H-Class 510 Indoor Training Cycle

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Resistance	Console	Warranty
Ironman H-Class 510 Check Discounted Price	L:48" W:20" H:40"	275 lbs	Friction, Leather pad	Included	Frame: lifetime Parts: 3 years Labor: 3 years Electronics: 1 year Wear: 1 years

Along with the X-Class 510 model, the H-Class 510 indoor cycle from Ironman Fitness is definitely one of the best choices that you can make in 2016, for an exercise bike. This model features the construction and almost every aspect of a commercial spin bike, it comes with a fitness computer, while other more expensive models, such as the Schwinn AC Performance don’t, and costs a couple of hundred dollars less. Basically, the only aspect that separates this bike from the commercial grade bikes class is its maximum weight capacity. It’s rated for 275 lbs of user weight, but considering its construction, it probably could bear quite a bit more.

So, let’s see what this Ironman Fitness bike can offer.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 48L x 20W x 40H inches (122L x 51W x 102H cm)
• Assembled weight: 121 lbs (55 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 44 lbs (20 kg)
• Supported weight: 275 lbs (125 kg)
• Handlebars: 4-way adjustable
• Seat: 4-way adjustable
• Pedals: Hybrid, SPD clipless and toe straps
• Drive: Chain
• Resistance: Friction, top-to-down leather pad
• Fitness computer: Included
• Accessories: Bottle holder, rubberized mat
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 3 years / Wear parts 1 year / Electronics 1 year / Labor 3 years

Frame construction

The bike’s frame is steel-made, being quite heavy. It actually weighs 121 lbs (55 kg) which adds a lot of stability to the bike, and a sturdy feel to the ride. In other words, you can be sure that this bike won’t wobble or tip to the side when in use, allowing you to undertake just about any spin workout.

On top of that, both bases feature adjustable stabilizers, while the package also includes a rubberized mat. So, no matter on what type of flooring you will be using your bike, its stability will always be perfect.

Even though the assembled bike is rather heavy, the front base integrates caster, silicone wheels which facilitate its transport, in case you need to relocate it once you’ve finished your workout. It’s not an extremely bulky fitness machine. You can’t compare it with an elliptical such as the Sole E55 or Yowza Miami. It occupies quite less space than such machines, taking only 48″L x 20″W (122 x 51 cm) of floor space. This being said, the bike is quite suitable for a small room or apartment, even though it doesn’t feature a folding frame.

With the exception of the bike’s bases, which attach to the frame with screws, the other joints within the main chassis are industrially welded. Evidently, this is also an aspect that contributes to the machine’s overall sturdiness, rendering it very compact. Last but not least, the whole frame is double coated with anti-corrosive paint, in a silver color. The seat and handlebar posts have a chrome finish though, while the cranks are painted black.

Seat and handlebars

The Ironman H-Class 510 features a pretty average seat, similar to most seats found in seat bikes and road bikes. Since the bike is designed for high-intensity workouts, it doesn’t offer an oversized seat such as the Exerpeutic 500 XLS for example. It’s a slim, contoured seat, with a thin layer of padding, but doesn’t feature air cell cushioning. Differently put, a non-seasoned user may find this seat a little uncomfortable for the first few workouts. But on the other hand, the seat’s attachment system is pretty standard, so you can easily find a replacement if you want. Also, there’s the alternative of adding a sheepskin or gel cover, in order to increase its comfort.

The seat offers 4-way adjustability, meaning that it can be adjusted up / down and fore / aft. There are 14 adjustment holes into the seat post, the distance between them being approx. half an inch (1 cm). Differently put, this bike can offer maximum comfort and a complete leg extension for users between 5’0 and 6’4″ (152 – 193 cm).

The handlebar is also 4-way adjustable, just as the seat. It lacks elbow rests, but on the the other hand it does feature a multi-grip design, integrating aerobars, and pulse sensors.The whole handlebar assembly is covered with rubber foam material, to supply a comfortable, slip-free grip.

Both handlebar and seat are locked into the desired position with large knobs, easy to grip and turn.

Resistance and drive

Like most spin bikes, this Ironman exercise bike model features a friction resistance system, involving a top-to-down leather pad. To adjust resistance you have to turn the knob on the main tube of the frame, in order to apply more or less drag onto the flywheel. The resistance knob doubles as an emergency brake. For example, in case you need to stop the flywheel from moving, you simply have to press the knob down.

The leather pad may require some lubrication, in order to provide an even contact with the flywheel. Also, it’s made to last for at least one year, with daily use.

This Ironman indoor cycling bike uses a pretty heavy, steel flywheel, weighing 44 lbs (20 kg), like the flywheels used by most spin bikes. This flywheel is perimeter weighted, offering a consistent momentum, stable motion and a smooth pedaling feel. It will continue to spin after you have stopped pedaling, thus the pedals will also continue to spin.

Reverse pedaling is also possible, but since it’s an exercise bike, it doesn’t have a derailleur as most road bikes, so you cannot coast on it. So, when pedaling backwards you will benefit from the same resistance. However, if you want to shift the pedaling direction, it’s recommended to completely stop the flywheel before that, using the emergency brake.

This bike uses a chain drive system, quite similar to most road bikes. The pedaling motion is quiet, thus the bike is quite suitable for apartment use. You can be sure you won’t bother the neighbors or the other members of the family when using the bike, because the noise level generated is negligible.

This bike features an extremely sturdy, 3-piece crankset, with steel crank arms designed to hold the entire weight of the user with no problem. As we’ve mentioned above, this bike is made to withstand just about any spin workout that you may want to undertake, including climb routines with high resistance, which involve standing up on the pedals.

Hybrid pedals are supplied with the machine. On one side, they feature toe cages, and on the other side they integrate clips for cleated, spin shoes. They’re also standard 9/16, so you can easily find replacements for them. But since they’re made of stainless steel as well, it will take a very long time until they wear out.

Fitness computer

The Ironman H-Class 510 indoor training cycle is supplied with a fitness computer. This unit has quite a bit more to offer than the average fitness meter. First of all, it can track speed, time, distance, RPM, calories and pulse. And second of all, it gives you the possibility to set up workout targets for time, distance calories and pulse. It has a SCAN function that rotates these values, indicating each one for 6 seconds, then moving to the next and so on. It also has a recovery test program, which measures how quickly your heart rate returns to normal after exercising.

This bike computer unit is telemetry enabled. Not only it can track pulse via the sensors integrated in the handlebar, it can also communicate with a HR chest strap transmitter. It’s compatible with most 5.0 kHz frequency HR transmitter straps. This accessory is not included though.

The computer is easy to use. It features four buttons: MODE, SET, RESET and RECOVERY. Essentially, MODE is the navigation and confirmation button for all values. SET gives you the possibility to setup a value for time, distance, pulse and calories. RESET, as the term suggests, resets all values. And finally, the RECOVERY button accesses the recovery test program.

Last but not least, the computer unit uses 2 AAA-type batteries which are included.

Assembly and Maintenance

The flywheel, pulley, cranks, chain and brake pad come already attached to the main frame of the bike. However, some assembly is still required. You will need to attach the bases of the bike to the frame, the pedals, the seat post, the handlebar post, the seat and handlebar themselves, and finally the console, connecting its wires to the frame wires. A very comprehensive manual is supplied with the bike, along with the tools required for assembly. Overall, the whole assembly task shouldn’t take more than 30-45 min.

The bike however, is rather heavy. Therefore, you might need someone to help you with its transport in the room where it will be in use, especially if there are stairs involved.

Since it’s a chain drive bike, it goes without saying that the chain will eventually require lubrication. It comes pre-lubricated though, and shouldn’t require any lubrication for a long while. Also, the brake pad may require lubrication as well, and for this it’s best to use a 3-n-1 type oil.

The Pros

• Solid frame, built like a tank, similar to the more expensive spin bikes;
• Bases with adjustable, rubber levelers;
• 4-way adjustable seat (up, down, front, back);
• 4-way adjustable handlebar (up, down, front, back), with a multi-grip design;
• Pulse sensors and aerobars integrated in the handlebar;
• Adjustable resistance;
• 44 lbs heavy, balanced flywheel for a smooth pedaling motion and solid momentum;
• Heavy-duty crank, able to support any user up to the maximum listed weight, in upright pedaling position;
• Hybrid pedals, clipless on one side, with toe clips on the other;
• Bike computer included, being able to track speed, time, distance, calories, pulse and RPM, also featuring a heart recovery test;
• Console is telemetry enabled, compatible with 5.0 kHz chest strap HR transmitters;
• Rubberized mat included;
• Bottle holder included;
• Really easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Quiet operation, great for apartment use;
• Super warranty plan.

The Cons

• No tablet holder, but you should be able to install one on the aerobars;
• The display of the computer is not backlit, and may be difficult to read in a room with poor lighting.

Summary

The Ironman Fitness H-Class 510 is one of the best and most inclusive indoor cycling bikes for home use. It offers the sturdiness of a spin class bike, but unfortunately can only support users up to 275 lbs. On the other hand though, it’s a model that covers the full spectrum of workouts that can be carried out on a spin bike. It’s great for stamina and strength training, it can help you achieve superior cardio workouts, and of course, it’s an excellent machine for losing weight. It comes with a fitness computer and a mat as bonus, but costs considerably less than a club bike. Therefore, it’s a bike that offers great value for the money, an investment that you won’t regret.