| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Performance monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BINHIA S8 Check Discounted Price | L:40" W:21" H:40" | 330 lbs | 36 lbs | Friction, Leather-pad | Time, Speed, Distance, Odometer, RPM, Calories, Pulse, Scan |
The BINHIA S8 is one of the indoor cycling bikes released in 2021. It’s an exercise bike made for home use but definitely has the construction and weight capacity of at least a light-commercial model. In terms of features, it can be compared with the Wonder Maxi WSP6908H bike that we’ve already covered here, but it comes with a simpler fitness monitor.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 40L x 21W x 40H inches (101L x 53W x 101H cm)
- Assembled weight: 69.5 lbs (31.5 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 36 lbs (16.3 kg)
- Supported weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive mechanism: Belt
- Resistance: Friction, leather pad
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, odometer, RPM, calories, pulse, scan
- Warranty: 12 months limited
Frame construction
The BINHIA S8 indoor cycling bike features a steel frame combining oval and rectangular tubes in its 
construction. All the steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. Currently, there are two versions, a light gray one and a black one. The flywheel has a chrome finish for both of them.
The fully assembled bike is not super large. It is approx. 40″ (101 cm) long, and 21″ (53 cm) wide, while its highest point, with the handlebar extended all the way up, is also 40″ (101 cm). It is recommended, though, to allow at least two feet of clearance all around the bike for ease of access and safe usage.
The bike’s base stabilizers are both equipped with adjustable levelers. Thus, it’s not necessary to place it on a mat. The unit is not super-heavy but does weigh approx. 70 lbs (31.5 kg). Once it’s fully assembled, it is easy to move because its front base stabilizer also integrates two small transport wheels.
One last aspect to mention here regards the short bar that connects the seat tube and the main oblique tube of the bike. This bar can be used as a step-up point or a support point for stretches. Not all spin bikes have it, so it is a plus.
Seat and handlebars
The BINHIA S8 indoor cycle comes with a high-comfort saddle, similar to the one included with the MaxKare bike. 
First of all, it integrates a thick layer of cushioning to alleviate the impact on your tail bone. Its cover is made from durable vinyl material which is easy to maintain. It has two suspension springs at the rear which enables it to flex and adapt better to the movement of your body. It also has a cutout in the middle for improved breathability.
It’s also important to mention that the bike’s saddle features a standard collar-type attachment system. Thus, if you will ever need to replace it, compatible options are widely available.
The bike’s seat is four-way adjustable. Its upright post features an adjustment span of approx. 5.1″ (13 cm), from 33.4″ to 37.7″ (84.8 – 95.7 cm) above floor level. Its horizontal slider also adds approx. 2″ (5 cm) of front to back adjustment. Thus, the bike should accommodate users from 5’0″ (153 cm) and up to 6’2″ (188 cm) with no problem. It’s also rated for a maximum user weight limit of 330 lbs (150 kg).
The bike is equipped with a 2-way adjustable handlebar with a multi-grip design. It offers the possibility to adopt a climbing grip, a standard grip, and a racing grip. It also has a small loop bar in the middle to which you can attach the device holder and the fitness monitor, or leave it free in order to adopt a close grip.
The side grips of the handlebar feature a layer of PVC foam for improved contact and comfort. They integrate pulse sensors and the fitness monitor has a pulse reading function.
Resistance system
The BINHIA S8 exercise bike is equipped with a manual friction resistance system. Thus, you don’t need 
a power adapter or an external power source for it. However, the bike cannot adjust the resistance automatically, does not have any pre-set programs, and it is not compatible with any fitness apps.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a leather brake pad attached to the main tube of the frame and to the tension knob on top of this tube. As you turn the knob clockwise, the brake pad applies more friction to the flywheel which increases the workout load. The tension knob can also be pressed down to immediately stop the flywheel from spinning.
Similar to most other spin bikes with a friction resistance, the tension knob does not have any pre-determined settings. You simply tighten it until the pad applies the desired amount of friction; you can basically tighten it up to the point you can barely pedal.
The bike’s brake also has an emergency stop function. You can press it down to immediately stop the flywheel from spinning. This is actually necessary especially if you’ve been pedaling at a high speed due to the increased inertia provided by the flywheel. If, for example, you try to stop the flywheel with your legs, injuries may occur.
Drive system
This indoor cycling trainer is equipped with a 36 lbs (16.3 kg) flywheel which is not bad for a home-use bike. 
The flywheel is perimeter-weighted in order to provide high inertia and a consistent momentum which is great for spinning workouts. As we’ve mentioned above, it has a chrome plating finish and side protective panels made of thermoplastic material.
The flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, it allows reverse pedaling. However, when pedaling in reverse, you will get the same resistance as when pedaling forward. Also, coasting is not possible on this bike as it normally is on any road bike.
The bike is equipped with a heavy-duty 3-piece crankset featuring oval, straight steel arms similar to mountain bikes. The pedals are made of aluminum alloy. They do not have SPD clips for spin shoes but do have adjustable toe cages. Their threads are standard (9/16) though, so compatible replacements are widely available.
The bike is equipped with a belt drive system concealed by a large guard made of thermoplastic material. It uses a stretch-resistant, heavy-duty v-belt, designed to last for many years of use. Since it’s a belt-drive, it doesn’t require any lubrication. It also generates slightly less vibration than a chain drive and contributes to the overall smoothness of the ride.
Fitness monitor
The BINHIA S8 indoor cycle is equipped with a fairly basic fitness monitor. It features an LCD display 
(without backlight) that tracks time, distance, speed, RPM, pulse, and calories burned. Speed and distance are shown in MPH and miles. The pulse reading function is grip contact only. In other words, you will have to hold on to the integrated sensors for it to track your pulse. It cannot read pulse from a wireless HR chest strap.
The monitor unit is very easy to use. It only has one button (Mode). By pressing the button repeatedly, you can scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to view. In the same way, you can select the unit’s Scan Mode. If the Scan Mode is selected, the unit will rotate all the workout metrics showing each one for a few seconds.
The fitness monitor is battery-powered. It requires 2 AAA batteries. It begins tracking your workout data when you start pedaling or when you press the button. It also turns off automatically after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike. When the sleep mode is initiated, all the data is cleared back to zero except the odometer.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s body comes pre-assembled; the flywheel, the belt, the crankset, and the brake are already attached. Therefore, you only need to connect the two base stabilizers, the pedals, the seat post, the seat, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the fitness monitor, and the device holder. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. All the necessary tools are included and the manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions.
For maintenance, the brake pad may require lubrication. A few drops of WD-40, silicone oil and even vegetable oil on the edge of the flywheel should do the trick. This will lead to a smoother pedaling motion. The belt does not require lubrication. So, other than this, you just have to keep the bike clean and periodically inspect it to make sure that it still functions properly and all the parts still hold tight in their places.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 330 lbs;
- Adjustable levelers on both base bars;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- 2-way adjustable handlebar;
- High-comfort, cushioned saddle with rear springs and a median groove for extra ventilation;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Smooth, almost silent belt drive;
- Perimeter-weighted 36-lbs flywheel for a consistent momentum;
- Standard friction resistance – durable leather pad;
- Performance monitor included – it can track time, distance, speed, odometer, RPM, pulse, and calories;
- Large device holder included;
- Bottle holders included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the fitness monitor;
- No goal settings or pre-set workout programs.
Summary
The BINHIA S8 is an indoor cycling bike made for home use. It is equipped with a manual friction resistance system, a 36-lb flywheel, a high-comfort 4-way adjustable seat, and a fitness monitor that tracks all the important workout metrics. It supports any spin workout, it’s a great bike for high-intensity cardio training, muscle toning, stamina development, strength improvement, and weight loss. It’s also affordable, a great alternative to a commercial-grade spin bike.