| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bladez Fusion GS II Check Discounted Price | L:47.5" W:20" H:43" | 275 lbs | Felt-pad | Time, Speed, Distance, Odometer, Calories, SCAN | Frame:lifetime Parts:1 year Wear:1 year Console:1 year Labor: 90 days |
Although the Fusion GS II indoor cycle may look just about the same as the previous model, there are quite several differences between the Bladez Fusion GS and Bladez Fusion GS II. These include an improved handlebar design, different location for the water bottle holder, subtle changes within the frame construction, and a little better console. But what’s important is that quality and sturdiness for the second generation was kept. The GS II model is a solid bike, offering superior micro-adjustability possibilities, and an accessory that many other bike models in this price range or even more expensive don’t offer: a performance monitor.
This Bladez Fitness bike is not an authentic spin bike, but nonetheless, it can support just about any spin training routine as a gym spin bike, as long as the user is under the maximum allowed capacity.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 47.5L x 20W x 43H inches (120.6L x 51W x 109.2H cm)
- Assembled weight: 95 lbs (43 kg)
- Flywheel weight 40 lbs (18 kg)
- Supported weight: 275 lbs (125 kg)
- Handlebars: 4-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With toe cages
- Drive mechanism: Chain
- Brakes: Direct-contact, top-to-down felt pad
- Resistance: Adjustable
- Bottle holder: Yes
- Computer: Basic
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 1 year / Console 1 year / Wear parts 1 year / Labor 90 days
Frame
As we’ve mentioned within the introductory part of this post, there are a few differences in the frame construction of the Bladez Fitness Fusion GS II bike, in comparison to the previous model. Two of the most important ones involve the bend of the fork and the design of the handlebar tube. The GS II features a fork bent at a slightly higher angle, connecting to the main frame tube behind the brake knob. The handlebar tube is ovalized, not square as in the first, GS model. These two changes don’t necessary bring any improvements to the bike’s effectiveness and sturdiness, but these new lines do improve the bike’s aspect.
The bike’s bases are finished with simple, small plastic caps, featuring adjustable stabilizers. The design of the stabilizers is different from the ones used in the first model, making the adjustment a bit more difficult for the rear ones, as they don’t feature an easy, side-adjustment knob. But still, leveling the bike is far from being difficult.
This bike doesn’t have an extremely large footprint, like a treadmill or elliptical. It takes 47.5″L x 20″W (120.6 x 51 cm) of floor space, making an excellent choice for a fitness machine to use in a small apartment. The front base features caster wheels which facilitate the transport or handling of the assembled bike.
Overall, the bike isn’t extremely heavy. But it’s a couple of pounds heavier than the previous model, with a weight of 95 lbs (43 kg). On the other hand, it’s heavy enough to provide the required stability for intense workouts.
Last but not least, the frame, including the bases and the posts of the seat and handlebars, are made of thick steel tubing. The frame and its bases are double coated with anti-corrosive paint, offering quite an appealing finish to the bike. The only available color for the frame is red, while the seat and handlebar posts feature a chrome finish.
Seat and handlebars
The bike’s seat is similar to your average road speed bike, or indoor spin bike seat. It has a slim design, with little padding. In other words, if you’re not used to this type of bicycle seat, you will find it a bit uncomfortable during your first sessions. This pretty much goes to most indoor 
cycling bike seats, even the most expensive ones. But after using the bike regularly for at least a few weeks, any discomfort generated by the seat should subside. However, the seat is pretty standard and you should easily find a replacement for it. Or you can add a gel cushion.
The seat is 4-way adjustable: up/down, and fore to aft. At maximum height adjustment, it stands at 39.5″ (cca 1 m) above floor level, while at minimum setting, its height is cca 33″ (84 cm). Step-up height is 5″ (12.7 cm). These being said, the Bladez Fusion GS II can accommodate users with an inseam between 28″ (71 cm), and up to 35″ (86.3 cm). Differently put, the height user range for this bike is between 5′ and 6’2″ (152.4 – 188 cm).
There is also a difference in the seat design of the GS II model and GS I. The seat on the GS II features a smaller connection bar to the adjustment bar. This adds a lot of sturdiness to the seat, the GS II model being probably able to hold users even heavier than 275 lbs. However, this is the maximum given weight capacity, as the bike isn’t too heavy and large itself, such as the Spinner NXT model for example. Thus, it may wobble and move under a heavier user than the maximum specified 275 lbs weight capacity.
The major and most visible improvement over the Bladez GS model, brought by this second model, is the handlebar construction. The Bladez Fusion GS II features a multigrip handlebar, with the middle aerobars tilted at a higher angle than the lateral handlebars. This expands the workout posture spectrum quite a little bit, over the previous model. Of course, the GS II model also offers 4-way adjustability for the handlebar, just as for the seat. Also, the new handlebar design features adjustment knobs rather than adjustment levers, which are considerably more durable.
Drive and resistance systems
This indoor cycle model is chain-driven, also featuring a heavy, 40 lbs, perimeter-weighted flywheel. Thus, it supplies a smooth and quiet pedaling motion, with a really consistent momentum. It also features a 3-piece crankset, with solid steel crank arms, being able to support stand-up, climbing routines. The pedals are standard, steel-made, featuring toe cages and 
straps. They do not have cleats for spin shoes, but since they’re standard pedals, you should be able to easily find replacements, in case you wish to use clipless pedals.
One of the important factors relating to the bike’s drive system is the Q-Factor. This model features quite a comfortable Q-Factor of 7.25″ (184 mm), quite a bit narrower than the Keiser M3 for example, and similar to the one in most mountain bikes. This aspect may be important to know for some users, as bikes with a wider Q-Factor may result in extra stress on the knees.
One last aspect to mention regarding the drive system of this indoor cycling bike is the fact that you can pedal backwards. Resistance will, of course, be maintained if you pedal in reverse. But since it’s not a road bike, you cannot coast on it.
When it comes to resistance, the Bladez Fusion GS II features a simple, top-to-down felt pad brake system. You adjust the bike’s resistance simply by turning the adjustment knob situated on the main tube of the bike. The resistance is exclusively manual, the bike’s console has no involvement at all within its adjustment.
Overall, the bike’s resistance is excellent. Just as in any exercise bike with a friction resistance system, you can basically adjust it up to the point where you can barely pedal. And this being said, you can be sure that using it can offer quite a challenge.
Console
The performance monitor, or the fitness meter supplied with this indoor cycle has a little more to offer than the basic models. Also, it’s an accessory that even some of the most expensive bikes,
such as the Schwinn AC Performance, don’t offer out of the box, only as an additional and rather expensive purchase.
First of all, this unit displays time, speed, calories, distance and total distance (odometer function). You can select any of the values mentioned to be shown on screen at all time. However, there’s also a SCAN function which will cycle through all the values indicating each one for a few seconds.
The console is extremely easy to use. It has 3 buttons, MODE, SET and RESET. The MODE button is used to cycle through the mentioned values, while the SET button is used to preset a goal for any of these values and work towards it. Once the goal is achieved, the console will notify you with a beep.
The console also starts up when it detects movement on the pedals, and will self-stop after several minutes of inactivity on the bike. It uses two AA-type batteries, which are included.
Assembly and Maintenance
This exercise does not come fully assembled, however the elements that would be more difficult to assemble such as flywheel, chain, crankset and tension system, are already connected to the frame. You only need to attach the bases to the main frame, the seat and handlebars with their posts, the pedals, and finally the console. The whole operation shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. Assembly is pretty much straightforward, and you’ll also receive the hard copy of the user’s manual which supplies clear instruction for it. Tools for assembly are also supplied.
The bike doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. Just as for any bike, it’s best to oil the chain every few months. Also, the resistance pad may require a bit of lubrication at first in case it squeaks when it comes in contact with the flywheel. For this, it’s best to use a silicone-based lubricant. Finally, when the brake pad wears out completely (which should take more than a year, at least), it should be replaced.
The Pros
- Sturdy and stable frame construction;
- Superior micro-adjustability;
- Multi-grip handlebar, with angled aerobars;
- Perimeter-weighted, heavy flywheel, for a consistent momentum, and smooth pedaling;
- Chain drive, which can basically last a lifetime;
- Quiet drive system;
- Solid crankset, solid enough for all-range of spin workouts;
- Narrower Q-Factor than the previous model, resulting in a lesser impact on the knees;
- Pedals with toe cages, and standard threads, which can easily be replaced, if needed;
- Fitness meter included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Not an extremely heavy bike, easy to transport;
- Really easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty package, a lot better than in other bikes in this price range.
The Cons
- Seat not very comfortable, at least not to seasoned users.
Final Conclusions
The Bladez Fitness Fusion GS II has the construction and sturdiness of a spin bike, but on a smaller scale, actually being a model intended for home use. But as long as the user weighs less than the maximum specified weight, it can withstand any spin workout. In other words, it’s a bike that can help you burn a consistent amount of calories, achieve a great cardio workout, improve stamina and strength. It simply offers excellent value for the price, being rated by most users as a 4.5-5 stars indoor cycling bike.