| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Bike computer | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Endurance B2U Check Discounted Price | L:41" W:24" H:55" | 400 lbs | Magnetic, 15 levels | Speed, Time, Distance, Pulse, Calories, SCAN | Frame: Lifetime Parts: Lifetime Labor: 1 year |
The Body-Solid Endurance B2U upright bike doesn’t offer a large array of features for the price. Its console is rather basic, it doesn’t have a sound system or cooling fan, doesn’t offer preset programs, nor does it have any online connectivity features.
However, there’s a good reason we’ve chosen it for our upright bike reviews category here. This exercise bike does offer something that other models in this price range do not have. It has an extremely sturdy construction, being even sturdier than several other commercial grade bikes. It can also support riders up to 400 lbs with no problem. Therefore, if you weigh more than 300 lbs, which is the weight capacity offered by most bikes in this price range, this Body-Solid upright exercise bike may be the best choice for you.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 41L x 24W x 55H inches (104L x 61W x 140H cm)
- Assembled weight: 121 lbs (54.9kg)
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs (181 kg)
- Seat: 2-way adjustable
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 15 levels
- Console: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse
- Amenities: Bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts lifetime / Labor 1 year
Frame construction
The Body-Solid Endurance B2U has one of the sturdiest frame constructions that you can find in an upright bike. It’s made of thick square steel bars, except for the base tubes which are cylindrical. The only PVC parts of this bike are the side protective covers of the resistance and 
drive elements, which complete the machine’s overall compactness. All the steel parts feature a corrosion-resistant powder coating, black or gray for the frame, while the upright post of the seat has a chrome coating.
The Endurance B2U is not a very large fitness machine. It’s only 41″ (104 cm) long, and 24″ wide (61 cm), which means it can fit well even in a smaller room. However, it is recommended to maintain at least two feet of clearance all around it, for safe operation.
This upright exercise bike is considerably heavy compared to other models. Its net weight is approx. 121 lbs (54.9 kg). This weight is quite a plus because it plays an important role in the bike’s overall stability and sturdiness. You can be sure that it won’t rock, wobble or move around even if you engage in a more demanding workout. Also, despite its weight, its relocation shouldn’t be a problem, as the front base bar is equipped with two transport wheels. By pressing the handlebar forward and leaning the bike on its wheels, you will be handling less than half of its total weight.
The bike’s stability is also enhanced by its rear adjustable stabilizers. These allow you to perfectly level it on all types of floors. However, due to the impressive weight, it is recommended to place the bike on a mat especially on wooden floors, in order to prevent damage.
Seat and handlebars
The Endurance B2U exercise bike from Body-Solid is equipped with an extra large seat, designed to offer much more comfort than the seats present on most spin bikes. It integrates a consistent layer of cushioning and should accommodate well even larger users. Its comfort can also be 
improved by an extra gel cover.
The seat is only two way adjustable, which can be seen as a minus. Several other bikes which are less expensive, such as the Schwinn M717 170 or the Sunny ASUNA 4200 offer front to back adjustability as well. The upright post of the seat has 14 adjustment positions. Therefore, it can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 195 cm) with no problem. Taller users should still be able to use this bike but they may not benefit from a full leg stretch.
The seat’s height is very easy to adjust. It has a large knob on the right side, which can easily be gripped and turned.
The handlebar is non-adjustable. It has a multi-grip design, being covered by a sheet of rubber-foam material in order to provide a comfortable and secure grip. Its lower part of the handlebar is equipped with a set of EKG metallic sensors. So, by holding onto them, the bike’s console can monitor your pulse.
Drive and resistance
This exercise bike features a belt drive system. This means that its transmission shouldn’t require any maintenance. Also, a belt drive is quieter than a chain drive, so the bike’s operation generates almost no noise whatsoever. This being said, the Endurance B2U can be quite an excellent choice for a cardio training machine if you live in an apartment building. 
The bike is equipped with a balanced flywheel, which is slightly heavier than for other upright bikes. Its weight is not specified, but as a general idea, it delivers a consistent momentum and a steady, smooth pedaling motion.
The crankset is also a very sturdy part. Its arms are made of solid steel and should be able to support even the heaviest users in a standing up pedaling routine. However, keep in mind that this is an upright bike, not a spin bike. In other words, it’s designed for seated workouts only and not spin workouts. Therefore, especially if you weigh more than 300 lbs, repeated standing up workouts may lead to damage to the bike’s drive system.
The pedals supplied with the Endurance B2U are weighted, made of heavy-duty nylon material. They have standard threads, so replacements for them are widely available.
This exercise bike features a manual magnetic resistance system. This means you don’t have to connect it to a power source in order to make resistance available. Its resistance system consists of a magnetic brake, connected to the tension dial on the console mast through a steel wire. As you turn the dial clockwise, the brake will come closer to the flywheel generating more resistance.
There are 15 resistance levels available. The first 1-3 levels offer the possibility to perform light workouts, perfect for warm-ups, or for users with disabilities. The 4-10 levels promote a mid-range workout, while the top 5 resistance levels simulate a very steep climb, giving you the possibility to undertake high-intensity workouts, for stamina and strength development.
Console
As we’ve mentioned above, the Endurance B2U upright bike from Body-Solid comes with a rather basic console, equipped with an LCD display which can track time, distance, speed, calories burned and pulse. Distance and speed are shown by default in miles and MPH, but the
unit can also be set to show them in metric units.
The console is very easy to operate. It has four buttons: MODE, +, – , and RESET. The MODE button toggles On and Off the unit’s SCAN function, which rotates all the values showing each one onscreen for several seconds. By toggling the SCAN function off, you can select any of the workout metrics to be shown on screen at all time. The MODE button also covers the unit’s navigation function throughout all the values.
The unit has a Countdown mode for each one of the workout values. For example, you can select a specific target for distance, calories or any of the other values, by using the + / – keys, and set it up to countdown to zero beginning with the selected value.
Evidently, the RESET button covers the unit’s reset function. By pressing it, all the values will be cleared to zero.
The unit cannot track your pulse via a chest strap transmitter, only through the sensors built-in the handlebars. It requires two AA batteries. It starts when you press the RESET button, or when you begin pedaling. It also turns off automatically after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike.
Assembly and Maintenance
Several users have complained that the user manual doesn’t exactly provide the best assembly instructions. But on the other hand, the bike isn’t too difficult to assemble. Most of it comes ready-assembled. Its core with the belt, resistance and drive elements is fully assembled. Thus, you will only have to add the base tube, the seat, the pedals, the console mast, connect the tension wire to the tension knob, mount the handlebars and the console. This shouldn’t take more than one hour.
Maintenance requires keeping the bike clean, and periodically check for loose bolts and parts. The internal parts come pre-lubricated from the factory and shouldn’t require any maintenance for a long period of time.
The Pros
- Heavy-duty frame made to support users up to 400 lbs;
- Heavy structure, won’t wobble or move when you exercise;
- Compact, aesthetic design;
- Transport wheels included;
- Adjustable stabilizers included;
- Large padded seat for optimal comfort;
- 14 adjustment positions on the seat bar – the bike can accommodate users up to 6’5″;
- 15 levels of magnetic resistance;
- Easy-to-use console that tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Countdown function for each one of the workout values;
- Almost completely silent operation;
- Bottle holder included;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- The console unit doesn’t have any preset programs;
- No backlight on the display;
- No online connectivity;
- No tablet holder;
- No sound system, cooling fan or other amenities.
Summary
The Body-Solid Endurance B2U is an extremely solid upright bike, with a commercial construction and a max. weight capacity of 400 lbs. It offers 15 levels of manual magnetic resistance, being perfect for light to intense cardio training, muscle toning, intervals, stamina and leg muscle strength development, and weight loss.
The bike’s price/feature ratio isn’t exactly the best, as it doesn’t offer horizontal seat adjustability, the console doesn’t have preset workouts or online connectivity. However, it’s one of the sturdiest upright bikes that you can find at the moment, so it’s safe to say that it offers a decent price/value ratio.