AFG 7.3AIC Indoor Cycle Trainer

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Resistance	Console	Warranty
AFG 7.3AIC Check Discounted Price	L: 51" W: 24" H: 45"	300 lbs	Friction	Time, Speed, Distance, RPM, Calories, Pulse	Frame: 2 years Parts: 1 year Labor: 1 year

The AFG 7.3AIC is one of the most inclusive indoor cycling trainers from Advanced Fitness Group. It definitely has the features of a commercial bike, but it costs a few $100s less than spin bikes like the Star Track Spinner Blade or Schwinn AC Performance. It also includes a fairly decent fitness meter, an accessory that not all the commercial bikes include.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 51L x 24W x 45H inches (129.5L x 61W x 114H cm)
• Assembled weight: 115 lbs (52 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 44 lbs (20 kg)
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
• Seat: 4-way adjustable
• Pedals: With toe cages
• Drive: Belt
• Resistance: Friction
• Fitness meter: RPM, speed, time, distance, calories, pulse
• Warranty: Frame 2 years / Parts 1 year / Labor 1 year

Frame construction

The AFG 7.3AIC features a heavy steel frame, weighing approx. 115 lbs (52 kg) when fully assembled. This weight plays an important role in the bike’s overall stability. On top of that, its base bars are equipped with rubberized adjustable stabilizers, so you can perfectly level it on any surface. These being said, you can be sure that the bike won’t rock or wobble even during the most demanding spin workouts.

Despite the fact that it weighs approx. three times more than the average road bike, this AFG cycling trainer isn’t difficult to move around once it is assembled. Its front base bar is equipped with two large silicone wheels which facilitate its relocation. By using these wheels when moving the bike, you will basically handle less than half of its total weight.

Most spin bikes aren’t extremely large fitness machines, and the AFG 7.3AIC doesn’t make an exception. Its assembled footprint is 51″L x 24″W (129.5 x 61 cm), while the top of its handlebar reaches 45″ (114 cm) above floor level. Advanced Fitness Group recommends a clearance for the bike of at least three feet on each side, six feet at the rear and one foot at the front. However, you should still be able to use it safely with a minimal clearance of two feet all around it.

One of the pluses that this exercise bike offers is the metal plate on the mid-section of the frame, which offers the possibility to perform various step-up/step-down workouts. Many other bikes, especially the ones made for home use, do not have this feature.

As we’ve mentioned above, most of the bike’s frame construction is made of steel. All the steel parts feature a corrosion resistant and scratch resistant powder coating. The main color for the frame is black, this being the only color available. The seat post and slider, as well as the handlebar post, are chrome coated.

Seat and handlebars

The AFG 7.3AIC features a standard spin bike seat, which is not designed for comfort. It does offer the optimal comfort for a spin bike seat as it features a contoured design and integrates a thin layer of padding. The attachment system to the slider bar is standard as well, which means you should easily find a replacement for it in case you want a larger seat. Also, its comfort can be increased by a gel cover or sheepskin cover.

The bike’s seat is 4-way adjustable (front to back, and up/down). It’s designed to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 195 cm). It’s also capable of withstanding users up to 300 lbs (136 kg).

The handlebar assembly features a multi-grip design, with integrated aero bars. It’s only 2-way adjustable (up/down) and offers an adjustment span of several inches, which should be enough even for tall users. It’s urethane dipped, in order to deliver a secure and comfortable grip.

Both seat and handlebars are easy to adjust; they’re equipped with large levers, easy to turn. Therefore, you can set up the desired position for both of them in less than a minute.

Drive and resistance

This AFG indoor cycling bike is equipped with a belt drive. This type of transmission comes with two main advantages. First of all, it generates almost no sound, and second, it doesn’t require lubrication. The belt equipped on the bike is a heavy-duty model, designed for many years of use.

The trainer is equipped with a standard 44 lbs (20 kg) flywheel. This flywheel is precision balanced and perimeter weighted, which means it delivers a steady motion and consistent momentum. It allows bi-directional pedaling. However, keep in mind that it will continue to spin along with the pedals when you stop pedaling; so, if you want to change the way of pedaling, it’s highly recommended to stop it from spinning by using the emergency brake, in order to prevent injuries.

This exercise bike is made to support all spin workouts. Therefore, it goes without saying that its crankset is an extremely sturdy piece. It’s designed to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg) in full stand-up spinning routines.

The pedals included with this indoor cycling trainer are made of a durable metallic alloy. They’re not SPD pedals, but do have toe cages for maximum foot stability and extra thrust. Also, they have standard threads, so replacements for them are widely available. The bike’s Q-Factor is quite comfortable, promoting a natural positioning on the feet. This eliminates the lateral stress on the ankles and knees.

The AFG 7.3AIC indoor cycle trainer is equipped with a standard friction resistance system. The main resistance elements are the brake pad and the knob placed on the top of the main tube of the frame. To add resistance you simply have to turn the knob clockwise, in order to tighten the pad onto the flywheel. You can do this until it generates the resistance that you find suitable for your workout. You can basically apply enough friction onto the flywheel up to the point you can’t pedal anymore.

The resistance knob also acts as an emergency brake. The bike’s pedals will continue to spin for as long the flywheel is spinning. Given the considerable weight of the flywheel, it does generate a consistent momentum, so if you want to begin pedaling in reverse, it would be dangerous to do so without stopping the flywheel first. Therefore, in case you need to interrupt your workout, or you want to reverse your pedaling motion, it’s recommended to use the emergency brake, to prevent any injuries.

Exercise meter

The fitness meter included with the AFG 7.3AIC indoor cycling bike offers quite a bit more than the basic units. First of all, it features a 6-panel display, which means it can show all your workout metrics at once. The unit tracks time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, and pulse. It has time and date functions, and also offers the possibility to set up targets for time, distance and calories. When you set up a target for one of these values, the unit will count down from it to zero.

The bike’s handlebar doesn’t integrate pulse sensors such as the L NOW LD-501, for example. However, it is telemetric, which means it can read your pulse via an HR chest strap transmitter. This accessory is included with the bike.

The meter unit is quite easy to operate. It has two buttons SET and MODE/RESET. The SET button allows you to enter the unit’s set-up mode and adjust values, while the MODE key fulfills the confirmation role. By pressing and holding the MODE/RESET key all the values on the unit will be reset to zero.

The meter is battery powered. It requires a 3V (CR2032) battery, which is included.

Assembly and Maintenance

The only parts that require assembly are the bike’s base tubes, the seat post, the seat slider, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the console and the pedals. The manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions and the tools for it are included. Therefore, the whole task shouldn’t take more than 30-40 min.

In terms of maintenance, the transmission does not require any since it is a belt-driven bike. However, the brake pad may need a bit of lubrication, if it emits squeaking noises when in contact with the flywheel. For that, applying a bit of silicone lubricant on the flywheel should do the trick. Other than that, you will need to periodically inspect the joints, bolts and nuts of the bike, to make sure they’re still tight in their places.

The Pros

• Sturdy frame construction, designed for spin workouts;
• High weight capacity (300 lbs);
• Elegant design;
• Bases with adjustable stabilizers;
• Mid-section step-up plate for various spin workouts;
• Transport wheels;
• 4-way adjustable, padded seat; 
• 2-way adjustable handlebar with a multi-grip design;
• Adjustable, friction resistance;
• Balanced, heavy flywheel, for a consistent momentum and strength training;
• Heavy-duty crank, able to support any user up to the maximum listed weight, in upright pedaling position;
• Durable, metallic pedals with toe cages;
• Fitness meter included;
• HR chest strap transmitter included;
• Bottle holder included;
• Quiet belt drive, great for apartment use.
• Easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required.

The Cons

• Handlebar only 2-way adjustable;
• No SPD elements on the pedals.

Summary

The AFG 7.3AIC is an indoor cycling bike featuring a commercial grade construction, with a weight capacity of 300 lbs. It comes with a telemetric fitness meter and an HR chest strap. It’s equipped with a standard friction resistance system, which offers the possibility to perform highly intense workouts. It’s an outstanding cycle for interval training, stamina and strength development, weight loss, and in general, high-intensity cardio training, being designed to support all spin workouts. Even though it’s not exactly an affordable bike, considering its versatility and the consistent amount of features, we can safely say that it offers excellent value for the price.