| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Exercise meter | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlexiSpot Pro Check Discounted Price | L:38" W:23" H:48" | 300 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Speed, Distance, ODO, RPM, Calories, SCAN | 3 years |
The FlexiSpot Deskcise Pro is one of the few desk exercise bikes that benefit from a highly positive feedback from all users. It’s not one of the newest bikes in this category since it was released in 2017, but so far, it benefits from a 4.5 or a clean 5-star rating on most websites. That’s because it offers a very sturdy build, high versatility and quite a few other features that other bikes don’t have. In this post, we’re going to try and cover them all.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 38L x 23W x 48H inches (96L x 58W x 122H cm)
- Desk dimensions: 20L x 23W inches (51 x 58 cm)
- Assembled weight: 70 lbs (31.7 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Handlebars: Adjustable
- Seat: 2-way adjustable
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Exercise meter: Time, speed, distance, total distance, RPM, calories, SCAN
- Warranty: 3 years
Frame construction
The FlexiSpot Deskcise Pro is technically an upright bike; its frame is designed for seated workouts only. It’s a durable frame which
can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). It is completely covered by a set of durable ABS shrouds which enhance its protection from various external factors. However, the steel parts are also coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish; the color used is white.
The unit is not extremely large. It’s approx. 38″ (96 cm) long, and 23″ (58 cm) wide. This being said, it can fit pretty well in a small room or office. It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for safe access and usage.
The bike’s frame is not foldable. However, the base bars can fold under the main frame in order to save some space.
The fully set up bike isn’t extremely heavy but does weigh approx. 70 lbs (31.7 kg). This weight provides plenty of stability and overall sturdiness. But once it is unboxed and set up, its relocation can be done with extreme ease. All its base points are equipped with transport wheels which facilitate its transport. Also, the wheels lock up under pressure (or differently put, when a user is seated), so the bike doesn’t slide over or move when in use.
Seat & desk
The FlexiSpot Deskcise Pro is equipped with a fairly large saddle which has a high-density foam to and a contoured surface for maximized comfort. It’s not a standard seat, though; it has a specific attachment system to its post in order to offer more stability, and it cannot be replaced by the average standard bike seat. So, if needed, you can increase its comfort by adding a gel bike seat cover.
As opposed to the seat of the Loctek UF6M desk bike, the seat of the FlexiSpot bike is only two way adjustable, up and down. It offers an adjustment span of approx. 30″ – 38″ (76 – 96 cm) from the floor. At its lowest position, the distance between the seat and the farthest pedal is approx. 26″ (66 cm), while at its highest position, the distance is approx. 32″ (81 cm). These being said, the ideal user height for this exercise bike is between 5’1″ and 6’2″ (155 – 188 cm).
The included desktop is made of durable PVC material. It actually has a weight capacity of 99 lbs (~45 kg). It’s large enough to accommodate a laptop, your phone, a cup of coffee and other small accessories. Its dimensions are 20″D x 23″W (51 x 58 cm). It also has a wrist or elbow pad in order to provide an adequate support for various tasks such as writing or drawing.
The desk is 4-way adjustable (up, down, forward, backward). It offers an upright adjustment span between 43″ and 48″ (109 – 122 cm) from the floor level. Also, its horizontal sliding system allows approx. 8″ (20 cm) of back and forth travel, so you can easily find the best position for your size. In case you’re wondering, the desk doesn’t tilt; it’s not angle-adjustable, just up, down, front, and back.
The upright adjustment systems of the seat and desk are pneumatic. This means you can quickly adjust their height by pulling the lever underneath them. You can actually adjust the height of the seat while you are seated.
Resistance & drive
The FlexiSpot Deskcise Pro is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This being said, it doesn’t need to be connected
to a power source. It integrates a small magnetic brake which is attached to the tension knob on the top of the bike’s body. By turning the knob clockwise, the brake adjusts its position coming closer to the flywheel and increasing the intensity of the magnetic field. This leads to an increased pedal difficulty.
There are 8 levels of resistance available. The lowest level delivers almost no pedal tension, offering the possibility of a rather free motion, with a very low impact on the joints. This may be a plus for users with certain disabilities. Conversely, the 8th resistance level doesn’t offer an extreme tension but considerably increases the pedaling difficulty.
Since it’s a magnetic exercise bike, its transmission uses a belt. It’s a heavy-duty poly-v belt designed for a long lifespan. It doesn’t require any lubrication or maintenance and doesn’t generate any sound during pedaling. In fact, the usage of the bike is almost completely silent, being perfectly appropriate for usage in an office with multiple people.
The bike’s internal flywheel is bi-directional. This means it allows you to pedal in reverse. However, coasting is not possible. The weight of the flywheel isn’t specified, but considering the total weight of the bike, it’s probably between 10-20 lbs (4.5 – 9.0 kg). It delivers a very smooth and steady pedaling motion.
The crankset of the bike is fairly durable. But nonetheless, this is an upright bike, not a spin bike. This means it is designed for seated workouts only, not for pedaling while standing up. The pedals are standard; they do not have toe cages, straps, weight elements, or SPD clips. They’re made of durable ABS material.
Last but not least, the bike has a medium Q-factor. The spacing between the pedals is approx. 8″ (200 mm). It may be a bit wide for a short user, but for most users, it should be just about right. Also, since it’s a bike for light workouts, you won’t need to worry about extra stress on the knees and ankles.
Exercise meter
Although it’s an office exercise bike, the FlexiSpot Pro is equipped with a fitness meter. This accessory is integrated into the top
section of the bike’s frame. It features an LCD display which can track time, distance, total distance, RPM, speed, and calories burned.
Unfortunately, the bike is not equipped with pulse sensors, so it cannot track your pulse. It’s not telemetric; it doesn’t work with Polar chest strap transmitter or other HR transmitters. Therefore, if you also want to monitor your pulse, you will have to use a separate device.
The bike’s meter unit is very easy to use. It has only one button that toggles ON/OFF its SCAN function. When the SCAN function is ON, all the workout metrics are shown in a sequence, each on appearing on the display for a few seconds. If you toggle the SCAN function OFF, you can basically lock any of the workout metrics on the display to be shown at all time.
The meter is a fairly basic unit. It does not have any preset workout programs. It starts up when you press its button, but also has a sleep mode to which it will enter after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike, to save battery.
Assembly & Maintenance
The core of the bike comes fully assembled. You only have to attach the desk and the bike should be ready to use. This shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes. The manual provides all the necessary instructions. Also, the tools required for it are included.
Maintenance doesn’t require much, just keep the unit clean. It’s also recommended to periodically check the unit for loose bolts or parts and re-tighten them if necessary. The internal parts do not require periodic lubrication.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 300 lbs;
- Aesthetic design;
- Foldable base bars;
- Self-locking transport wheels;
- Pneumatic upright adjustment for the seat and desk;
- The desk is also adjustable horizontally;
- Large, padded, and contoured seat for maximum comfort;
- Large desk that can accommodate a laptop of any size;
- Bottle holder included;
- Fitness meter which can track speed, time, distance, total distance, RPM, and calories;
- Balanced flywheel providing a smooth and steady pedaling motion with a consistent momentum;
- Smooth and almost silent drive;
- 8 levels of resistance;
- Little maintenance required;
- Little assembly needed.
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No straps on the pedals;
- The exercise meter doesn’t have the backlight;
- No pulse reading function.
Summary
The FlexiSpot Pro is an upright desk cycle equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system, pneumatic adjustment for the seat and desk, and also has a basic exercise meter that can track time, distance, total distance, speed, RPM, and calories burned. It excels in micro-adjustability and comfort. It’s whisper-quiet so it can fit in an office environment without causing any trouble. It’s a great bike for burning a few calories while working, recovery training, muscle toning, and even weight loss. It’s not one of the most affordable desk bikes available at the moment but does offer an outstanding value for the price.