Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console programs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bluefin Tour 5.0 Check Discounted Price | L:40" W:20" H:50" | 220 lbs | 26.4 lbs | Eddy current, 24 levels | 12 pre-set programs, 3 HRC programs, Bluetooth, Kinomap compatible |
The Bluefin TOUR 5.0 is one of the exercise bikes released in 2020. It’s equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system and also has Bluetooth connectivity. It’s actually one of the most affordable upright bikes with an automatic resistance system and online connectivity at the moment.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 40L x 20W x 50H inches (101L x 50W x 126H cm)
- Shipping weight: 72.5 lbs (32.9 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 26.4 lbs (12 kg)
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Seat: 4-way Adjustable
- Resistance: Eddy current, 24 levels
- Console: 12 pre-set programs, 3 H.R.C programs, goal settings, recovery, Bluetooth
- Extras: Device holder
Frame construction
Most upright exercise bikes within this feature range have a frame made of steel tubing and the Bluefin TOUR 5.0 does not make an exception. All the steel tubes in its construction are coated with a durable paint finish; its color is black, this being the only color available for this bike. The casing of the base frame and the drive system elements is made of durable thermoplastic material.
The bike is not too large. In fact, it has quite a compact footprint; it takes only 40″L x 20″W (101 x 50 cm) of floor space, so it should fit pretty well even in a small room or apartment. However, it still is recommended to leave a clearance of at least two feet all around it for easy mounting, dismounting, and access to it.
Like most other upright exercise bikes made for home use, the Bluefin TOUR 5.0 does not have a step-through design. Its mid-section is not too high above the floor level, so you can easily step over it when you take position on the seat. But nonetheless, if you’re looking for an upright bike with a step-through design, a good example is the Tunturi Competence F40.
The bike is not super heavy. Its net weight is around 70 lbs (31.7 kg). The transport of the packaged unit can be done by only one person, but the usage of a box trolley is recommended. Once it is assembled, it can easily be moved as its front base has transport wheels.
Seat and handlebars
The Bluefin TOUR 5.0 upright bike comes with a pretty standard saddle. It is constructed on a nylon shell with a thick layer of padding. It is also contoured, featuring a median groove for improved breathability.
The seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post offers 9 levels of adjustment while its horizontal slider adds a few inches of front-to-back adjustment. This being said, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’3″ (153 – 190 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete leg extension. Also, the seat is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 220 lbs (100 kg).
The bike’s handlebar offers the possibility to adopt at least three grips (standard grip, cruising grip, and climbing grip). It also offers angle-adjustability just like the handlebar of the Stamina 345, for example. It attaches to the front upright mast of the bike with a knob, which you can loosen to adjust its angle, and re-tighten to secure the handlebar in the desired position.
The handlebar integrates metallic pulse sensors and the console has several functions that involve heart rate. The grips feature rubber foam sleeves for improved and comfortable contact. The front upright bar of the bike is non-adjustable, though. So you cannot adjust the height of the handlebar, just its angle.
Resistance system
The Bluefin TOUR 5.0 exercise bike is equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system. This means that you have to connect it to a power source in order to start up the console, adjust the resistance, or use one of the programs. The box includes an adapter with cable; the connector for the adapter is on the rear base of the bike.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake and a servo motor. The motor makes the connection between the console and the brake. Thus, when you adjust the resistance from the console controls, or when you use a program that automatically adjusts the resistance, the motor changes the magnets’ pulls on the internal flywheel which increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty.
The magnetic brake comes with quite a few advantages over a standard friction brake. For example, the magnets do not touch the flywheel, so it spins freely, offering a very smooth and quiet pedaling motion. On top of that, you don’t have to worry about replacing brake pads or lubricating brake pads.
The bike’s resistance system has 24 levels. This is quite a plus as many other upright bikes with an eddy current resistance system only offer 16 tension levels. The first level of resistance generates a fairly light pedaling difficulty, great for recovery training or muscle toning. Conversely, the 24th tension level offers considerably more resistance, simulating a climb on a steep hill.
Drive system
Although it’s a small and pretty light exercise bike, the Bluefin TOUR 5.0 is equipped with a fairly heavy flywheel. It weighs 26.4 lbs (12 kg) so it provides a pretty consistent momentum. It is also perimeter-weighted for improved motion stability and smooth pedaling.
The flywheel permits pedaling in reverse. This is a plus, as you can alternate forward pedaling sessions with backward pedaling sessions. This way, you can diversify your workouts. It is important to mention, though, that you cannot coast on the bike, as it’s normally possible on a road bike. When you stop pedaling, the flywheel also stops spinning.
The bike is equipped with a fairly sturdy crankset featuring cylindrical steel arms painted black. However, the Bluefin TOUR 5.0 is not a spin bike, so it is not meant for pedaling while standing up. Even if it holds you while completely standing, workouts of this nature are not recommended as they may quickly wear out the crankset parts.
The bike includes a set of weighted pedals. Their internal core is metallic while their outer shell is made from a durable nylon material. They have a textured surface and adjustable straps for improved foot stability.
Console
The Bluefin TOUR 5.0 upright exercise bike is equipped with a multi-function console. To begin with, it features an LCD display with LED backlight for improved readability. It tracks time, speed, distance, RPM, calories, and pulse. It also shows the profiles of the program that’s currently in use as well as various other workout-related messages. Speed and distance can be set either to metric units or British Imperial units.
The console has Bluetooth connectivity. It is compatible with the Kinomap app which is available for both Android and iOS systems. The app is not completely free. Some of its features, such as coaching videos require a monthly subscription. The app also provides various extra workout metrics, a workout summary feature, the possibility to track your progress online, and also a wide selection of scenic virtual rides which sync with the bike.
The console has its own base of built-in programs, so the use of the app and the Bluetooth connection are not necessary. First of all, it has the manual mode that allows you to make manual resistance adjustments as you pedal. Next, it has 12 pre-set programs (P1-P12) which have a variety of profile layouts targeting different types of workouts. It also has 3 heart rate programs set for 55%, 75%, and 90% of your total target heart rate. And finally, it has a Recovery function and offers the possibility to select targets for time, distance, calories, and pulse.
The console does not have a built-in workout fan, but does integrate a tablet holder. It also has a sleep mode function; it will automatically turn off if it does not detect any activity on the bike for more than 4 minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The assembly task for the Bluefin TOUR 5.0 exercise bike is pretty simple. The bike’s base frame with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. You only need to add the two base bars, the seat, the front mast, the console, the handlebars, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than one hour. All the necessary tools for the assembly are included.
For maintenance, you only need to keep the bike clean, and maybe wipe the sweat that may fall onto the frame, at the end of each workout. The internal parts do not require any lubrication.
The Pros
- Compact design, sturdy steel frame;
- Transport wheels integrated into the front stabilizer;
- Four-way adjustable seat with a comfortable saddle;
- Angle-adjustable handlebars;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the handlebars;
- Weighted pedals, with adjustable straps for extra stability;
- Motorized magnetic resistance – 24 levels;
- Multi-function console with a backlit LCD display;
- 12 pre-set programs;
- 3 HRC programs;
- Recovery function;
- Goal settings for time, distance, watts, and calories;
- Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with the Kinomap app;
- Device holder included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the necessary assembly tools are included.
The Cons
- A tablet placed on the device holder will cover the console display;
- No bottle holder.
Summary
The Bluefin TOUR 5.0 is an upright bike made for home use. It is equipped with a 24-level motorized magnetic resistance system, a 26.4 lbs internal flywheel, and a console with multiple workout programs. The console also has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with the Kinomap app. It’s a bike designed for light to medium-intensity cycling workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.