Unit | Size | Net weight | Supported weight | Resistance | Console |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bladez 200U Check Discounted Price | L:38.5" W:24" H:54.5" | 60.5 lbs | 275 lbs | Eddy current, 16 levels | 23 programs |
The Bladez Fitness 200U upright bike can be compared to the Tunturi Cardio Fit E35. It’s an exercise bike equipped with an automatic resistance system, which means its resistance adjustment is done digitally, from the console. It’s not one of the newest trainers of this type; it has been released a few years ago but it is still available to this day from BH Fitness.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 38.5L x 24W x 54.5H inches (98L x 61W x 138H cm)
- Assembled weight: 60.5 lbs (27 kg)
- Weight capacity: 275 lbs (125 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Resistance: Motorized-magnetic, 16 levels
- Console: 23 programs
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 1 year / Labor 1 year
Frame construction
Like most upright bikes, the Bladez 200U features a steel frame but its construction also incorporates several ABS parts. However, the ABS parts fulfill mostly a protective and cosmetic role. The most notable ABS parts in the bike’s construction are the covers of the flywheel and the other internal parts.
The bike’s main frame features a durable paint finish, which is resistant to corrosion. The color used is black. The only exception is the seat post which is chrome plated.
The bike has a pretty small footprint, but still is a few inches wider than other models, so it provides extra stability. It is approx. 38.5″ (98 cm) long, and 24″ (61 cm) wide. It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access and usage.
With the frame fully assembled, the bike is not extremely heavy. It weighs approx. 60.5 (27 kg) which is a bit more than the average road bike. This being said, its assembly and transport shouldn’t be too difficult. Plus, its front base features a set of wheels which facilitate its relocation if needed.
Last but not least, the bike’s base tubes have a triangular shape, with their widest side on the floor. This also adds stability. Also, the rear base is equipped with a set of adjustable stabilizers while the front base tube rests on two rubberized pads.
Seat and handlebars
The Bladez Fitness 200U includes a pretty standard saddle. It is not extremely wide like the seat of the Exerpeutic GOLD 500 XLS, however, it still provides more contact surface than the slim seat included with most spin bikes. It integrates a layer of foam padding and its median area features a small groove which is meant to add a bit of breathability while seated.
The saddle has a standard attachment system to its slider. This being said, you should be able to find a replacement for it in any bike shop if you will ever want to replace it.
The seat offers four-way adjustability (up, down, front, back). Its upright post has 9 adjustment positions with approx. 1″ (2.5 cm). Its horizontal slider offers a few extra inches of front-to-back adjustment. Therefore, the bike should be able to accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm), allowing a complete leg extension. Also, the whole seat assembly is durable enough to support users up to 275 lbs (125 kg).
The bike’s handlebar offers the possibility to adopt up to three different grips. As opposed to the seat, it is non-adjustable. It is fixed on the front upright post via two bolts.
The handlebar is fully covered by a layer of high-density foam in order to provide optimal comfort and a secure grip. It integrates two metallic pulse sensors, a feature that not all upright bikes have. Plus, the console is also telemetric.
Drive and resistance
The Bladez Fitness 200U upright bike integrates a perimeter-weighted flywheel for a consistent momentum. Its exact weight is not specified, but since the bike does not weigh more than 60.5 lbs (27 kg), its flywheel is also not too heavy. Its weight should be between 10 – 20 lbs (4.5 – 9.0 lbs). But nonetheless, it provides a steady pedaling motion.
The bike’s drivetrain uses a heavy-duty belt. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about its lubrication. Unlike a chain drive, a bike’s belt does not require periodic maintenance. It also provides a very quiet pedaling motion and less vibration than a chain drive.
The Bladez 200U bike is equipped with a durable crankset and a large internal pulley. However, since it is an upright bike, it is not made for spin workouts. Therefore, standing up while pedaling is not recommended.
The included pedals are made of ABS material with a metallic center. They have weight elements which enable them to always turn face-up if you remove your feet from them. They are also equipped with adjustable straps so you can perfectly stabilize your feet on them.
The Bladez Fitness 200U upright exercise bike is equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system. This means the bike needs to be connected to a power outlet. A US standard adapter with cable is included with it. Also, the resistance adjustment can only be done from the console and depending on the program in use, the bike can automatically adjust the pedal resistance.
The bike’s resistance system consists of an internal servo motor and a magnetic brake. As you select a certain resistance level from the console, the motor will adjust the position of the brake in relation to the flywheel which increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty.
Similar to the ProForm 135 CSX, the Bladez 200U makes available 16 levels of resistance. The first few levels deliver a fairly light pedaling difficulty; they’re great for anyone who requires recovery training or has joint problems. Conversely, the top resistance levels provide considerably more pedal tension simulating a hill climb, promoting a higher burn and a superior cardio training.
Console
The Bladez Fitness 200U exercise bike is equipped with a mid-range console. Differently put, it has a large LCD display with blue LED backlight, and preset programs, but does not offer online connectivity. Its display tracks all the important workout metrics, including time, distance, speed, RPM, calories burned, and pulse. The speed and distance readings are shown in imperial units only (MPH and miles); you cannot set it to km/h and kilometers. Also, for the pulse reading, you can either use the integrated sensors or use a Polar HR chest strap.
The console has 23 built-in workout programs. The first one (P1) is the Manual program which allows you to adjust the resistance as you like from the Up/Down buttons as you pedal. The programs from P2 to P13 are preset workout programs. They offer various types of rides, including Steps, Hills, Rolling Hills, Valley, Fat Burn, Ramp, Mountain, Intervals, Random, Plateau, SpeedPlay, and Precipice. For each one of these programs, you can set up distance, duration, a calorie goal, and a pulse interval.
The P14 – P17 programs are User Setting Programs. In other words, the console offers the possibility to create and save four different programs, and re-use them every time you like. The P18 – P22 programs are Heart Rate Control Programs. The first four have maximum preset HRC values, these being 55%, 65%, 75%, and 85%, while the P22 program offers the possibility to select a custom HRC value. If one of the HRC programs is in use, the bike will auto-adjust the resistance in order to keep you in the selected HR interval.
The last program (P23) is the Body Fat Program. This program gives you the possibility to calculate your body fat ratio based on your height and weight input. And finally, the console also has a Recovery function. This function can be run at the end of your workout to verify your level of fitness. The console will give you a fitness rating between F1 (excellent) and F6 (poor) based on the amount of time your heart takes to return to a normal BPM after your workout.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the bike comes already assembled. You only have to add the two base tubes, the front upright bike, the handlebar, the console, the seat post, the seat, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. All the necessary tools for the task are included, and the manual provides clear assembly and usage instructions.
Once the bike is fully assembled, its maintenance doesn’t require much. All you have to do is remove the dust if it’s the case, keep liquids away from the console, and check for loose bolts and parts before each workout.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame for a home use bike – can support users up to 275 lbs;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- 3-grip handlebar;
- Pulse sensors incorporated into the side grips of the handlebar;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Perimeter-weighted flywheel for a steady pedaling motion;
- Silent belt drive;
- Zero friction eddy current resistance;
- Power adapter included;
- 16 resistance settings;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
- Mid-range console with a LED-backlit LCD display;
- 23 workout programs;
- Recovery function;
- Goal setting functions for time, distance, calories, and pulse;
- BMI calculator;
- Tablet holder included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No bottle holder;
- No online connectivity.
Summary
The Bladez Fitness 200U is a mid-range upright bike made for home use. It features an eddy current motorized resistance system with 16 tension levels, a console with 23 workout programs, and a 4-way adjustable seat. In all, it’s an excellent trainer for light to medium intensity workouts, muscle toning, weight loss, interval training, stamina development, and recovery training.