| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Fitness monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Endurance ESB250 Check Discounted Price | L: 47" W: 20" H: 46" | 350 lbs | 44 lbs | Friction | N/A |
The Body-Solid Endurance ESB250 is the bigger version of the ESB150. It has a different frame construction, though, a higher weight capacity, and a heavier flywheel. The first model was released in 2009, but this is one of the newer versions, the one released in 2020. It’s a commercial-grade indoor cycling bike and also comes with a special warranty for clubs and gyms.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 47L x 20W x 46H inches (119L x 51W x 117H cm)
- Assembled weight: 139 lbs (63 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 44 lbs (20 kg)
- Supported weight: 350 lbs (159 kg)
- Handlebars: 4-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive mechanism: Belt
- Resistance: Friction, top-down leather pad
- Fitness monitor: No
Frame construction
The Body-Solid ESB250 features a heavy-duty triangular frame, with a similar construction to the Sunny SF-B1110 model. However, the frame tubes are thicker and more
durable, offering a much higher weight capacity. The bike can actually hold users up to 350 lbs (159 kg). Its frame is made of oval steel bars, with precision-machined welding points. Its main frame section is actually one-piece, the only other frame parts that need to be attached to it with screws are the base bars.
Like most commercial-grade spin bikes, the ESB250 is quite a heavy unit. With all the frame and parts fully assembled, it weighs 139 lbs (63 kg), which is almost four times the weight of the average mountain bike. Evidently, all this weight considerably improves its sturdiness and stability. Therefore, even if you’re close to its maximum weight load capacity, you can be sure that the bike won’t wobble or move when you pedal.
The bike’s stability is enhanced by its adjustable levelers. They are equipped with large rubber pads which improve their grip on the floor.
Although the bike is considerably heavy, its relocation shouldn’t be a problem, once it is assembled. Its front base is equipped with two large transport wheels. By using these wheels to relocate it, you won’t be using more than half of its total weight.
Compared to other spin bikes, the Endurance ESB250 is a bit larger. However, it’s not an extremely large fitness machine; it cannot be compared to the size of a commercial treadmill or elliptical. It takes approx. 47″L x 20″W (119 x 51 cm) of floor space. It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for safe operation.
The bike’s frame and base bars are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant and scratch-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, as opposed to the older model which had a gray finish. The Endurance logo is painted white. These are the only colors available for it. The seat post, the handlebar post, and the flywheel are chrome plated.
Seat and handlebars
The Body-Solid ESB250 features a 4-way adjustable seat (up, down, front, back). It also allows a bit of tilting back and
forth, if necessary. Its horizontal slider offers a few inches of adjustment, while its upright adjustment bar has more than 10 adjustment positions. Due to the seat adjustment system, the bike can accommodate users from 5’0″ (153 cm) and up. The seat assembly is also durable enough to hold users up to 350 lbs (159 kg).
The saddle itself is designed for optimal comfort. It is slimmer than most upright bike seats. It integrates a layer of foam padding, though, which is thicker at the rear. It also has a groove in the middle for improved air circulation during exercising. However, it’s a standard seat with a collar-type attachment system, so in case you want a different one, compatible options are widely available.
The handlebar is also 4-way adjustable, just like the seat. Its upright bar offers 7 adjustment positions. It features a multi-grip design, with a loop aero bar in the middle which is pretty long, offering plenty of space to rest your elbows during a cycling grip.
The handlebar is fully covered by a layer of rubber foam material which provides a secure and comfortable grip. It does not integrate pulse sensors, though. A bottle holder is also included with the bike; you can attach this accessory to the front section of the handlebar.
Resistance system
Like most spin bikes, the Endurance ESB250 features a manual, top-to-down friction resistance system. This 
means you don’t have to connect the bike to a power source. The main elements of the resistance system are a large rubber/leather pad attached to the main tube of the frame and to the tension dial on top of this tube. As you turn the dial, the pad applies more or less friction to the flywheel, increasing or decreasing the resistance.
Since it’s a standard friction resistance system, it doesn’t have distinct tension levels. You can basically turn the knob until the brake pad delivers the tension that you feel comfortable with. As a general idea, you can tighten the pad up to the point you can barely pedal.
The bike’s tension knob also fulfills the role of an emergency brake. You can press it down to immediately stop the flywheel from spinning. This feature is actually necessary, as the pedals continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning.
It’s also important to mention that the bike’s brake pad may generate a squeaking noise when in contact with the flywheel; this can easily be remedied with a little silicone lubricant applied on the edge of the flywheel. The pad will also wear out after a while, and it will require replacement. However, since it’s a standard pad, replacement options are widely available.
Drive system
The first aspect that we’re going to focus on here is the flywheel. The Endurance ESB250 comes with an
extra-heavy, 44 lbs (20 kg) flywheel, which is perimeter-weighted, in order to deliver a highly aggressive inertia. This being said, it delivers a very consistent momentum, but the pedaling motion is very stable and smooth.
The bike is equipped with a belt drive system, using a heavy-duty, poly-v belt which provides superior traction. Just as any belt-drive, it offers three main advantages. One, it generates less vibration than a chain; two, it doesn’t require lubrication; three, the pedaling motion is whisper-quiet.
Another important element of the bike’s drive system that we must cover here is the crankset. As we’ve mentioned above, the bike can support users up to 350 lbs (159 kg) and this also stands for its crank and pedals. So, even if you weigh this much, you should be able to pedal while standing up on the pedals without a problem.
The pedals included with the bike are dual-sided, with toe cages and straps for normal athletic shoes on one side, and pro-style clipless elements for spin shoes on the other side. They’re made of durable metallic alloy, and also feature standard threads (9/16) so you can easily find replacements for them if needed.
One last aspect to mention here regards the bike’s Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals). Although this dimension is not specified in the manual or on the official website, it is very clear that this indoor cycling trainer features a very narrow Q-Factor. This means your feet are positioned on the pedals naturally, without being too far apart, and this way, there is no additional lateral stress on the knees and ankles.
Assembly and Maintenance
This Body-Solid exercise bike comes partially assembled. The flywheel, the brake, the belt, and the crankset are already assembled, attached to the frame. Therefore, you only have to attach the bike’s bases, the seat, and the handlebars. The manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions, and a basic toolkit is also included.
Since the bike has a belt-drive, it doesn’t require lubrication. The brake pad may require a bit of silicone lubricant in case it generates a squeaking sound when in contact with the flywheel. Other than this, it is recommended to periodically inspect the bike for loose parts and bolts.
The Pros
- Heavy-duty, 2″ x 5″ steel frame – can support users up to 350 lbs;
- Small footprint in comparison to other fitness equipment;
- Transport wheels;
- Adjustable stabilizers;
- 4-way adjustable, multi-grip handlebar;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Spin saddle with rear cushioning and a longitudinal groove for extra airflow;
- Long aero bar, providing plenty of space for elbow resting;
- Smooth and almost silent belt drive, which makes the bike perfect for apartment use;
- 44 lbs flywheel, inertia-enhanced and bi-directional;
- Friction resistance, which basically offers tension up to the point you can barely pedal;
- Dual-sided pedals – toe cages on one side, clipless on the other;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No fitness monitor;
- No online connectivity.
Summary
The Body-Solid Endurance ESB250 is a commercial-grade bike designed to support any spin workout. It features a 44 lbs flywheel and a standard friction resistance system. It excels in micro-adjustability and offers an impressive, 350 lbs weight capacity. It’s great for mid-range to high-intensity workouts, interval training, endurance and strength development, muscle toning, and weight loss. In all, it’s an exceptional indoor cycling trainer, offering an excellent value for the price.