Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Exercise meter |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Body Xtreme BXF004 Check Discounted Price | L:42.1" W:20.1" H:45.3" | 250 lbs | 40 lbs | Friction | Time, Speed, Distance, Total distance, Calories, SCAN |
The Body Xtreme BXF004 has several features in common with the BXF002 that we’ve previously reviewed here. It comes with the same elastic bands for arm workouts, the aluminum bottle, and the workout towel. It has a similar weight capacity and flywheel. However, it has a different frame construction with a shock absorption element for the seat bar, similar to the Ancheer SP-4013. It’s also a budget exercise bike with a durable construction and also comes with an exercise meter.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 42.1L x 20.1W x 45.3H inches (107L x 51W x 115H cm)
- Shipping weight: 97 lbs (44 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 40 lbs (18.1 kg)
- Supported weight: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With toe cages
- Drive mechanism: Chain
- Resistance: Friction
- Fitness meter: Time, distance, odometer, speed, calories, pulse, SCAN
- Accessories: Bottle holder, aluminum bottle, resistance bands, cooling towel
- Warranty: 6 months
Frame construction and accessories
The Body Xtreme Fitness BXF004 indoor cycling bike features a durable frame made of steel tubing and coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint. The colors used for the paint finish are black and blue aqua, while the seat and handlebar posts are aluminum made and have their natural polish.
This bike is rated for a user weight capacity of 250 lbs (113.3 kg). It’s not an extremely large trainer, being approx. 42″ (107 cm) long, and 20″ (51 cm) wide with all the parts assembled. Therefore, it can fit well even in a smaller room. However, it’s recommended to leave a workout area of at least two feet all around it, to be able to perform all the spin workouts (including the ones that require you to repeatedly mount and dismount) without any difficulty.
This Body Xtreme Fitness exercise bike is not extremely heavy, but it is still considerably heavier than the average mountain bike, for example. It weighs over 90 lbs (41 kg), a weight that adds a lot of stability to it. Plus, both base bars of the bike are equipped with metallic, adjustable stabilizers, so you can perfectly level the unit on any type of floor.
This indoor cycling trainer doesn’t have a folding design but is equipped with a set of transport wheels situated on its front base. These facilitate its relocation, and you won’t have to handle more than half of the unit’s total weight when taking it to its storage location.
As we’ve mentioned above, just as the BXF002 model this trainer comes with three main accessories. The first to mention here is the bottle holder which attaches to the main bar of the frame. A durable aluminum water bottle is also included.
Another feature that many other exercise bikes do not have is the set of elastic bands attached to the front base of the bike. They’re equipped with D-handles and rubberized grips, giving you the possibility to perform various exercises for the arms while using the bike or off the bike. And finally, the box also includes a workout towel with the Body Xtreme logo embroidered on it.
Seat and handlebars
One of the most important features to mention with regards to the Body Xtreme BXF004 is the shock absorption seat mechanism. The tube that sustains the seat bar integrates a steel spring which considerably reduces the stress on your lower back during your workout. It’s a great feature to have especially if you’re new to spinning, as the seats of most spin bikes are not meant for shock absorption.
The included saddle integrates a generous layer of foam padding, especially in its rear part. It features a longitudinal groove to promote airflow during riding and a healthy blood circulation. It’s 4-way adjustable, the upright post offering several adjustment positions, while the horizontal slider also provides a few inches of fore/aft travel. Differently put, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ (153 cm) and 6’2″ (188 cm) with no problem, promoting a full leg extension.
The bike is equipped with a multi-grip handlebar which has a loop aero bar in the middle. The exercise meter comes attached to this bar, but there’s still room for a close grip. You can also remove the meter if you want the full use of this middle bar. The side grips feature a rubber-foam layer providing excellent hand adherence and optimal comfort.
The handlebar is only 2-way adjustable. Its upright post offers several adjustment positions, the total elevation being approx. 50″ (127 cm) above floor level.
Resistance system
The Body Xtreme Fitness BXF004 is equipped with a friction resistance system. The main resistance elements are the felt pad attached under the main tube of the frame above the flywheel and the tension knob to which the brake pad is connected.
The bike’s resistance system is completely manual. Therefore, you don’t have to connect the bike to a power circuit, and the console plays no role in resistance adjustment.
In order to increase the resistance, you simply have to turn the tension dial clockwise; this way, the brake pad will generate more friction and add resistance to the pedals.
The bike’s tension dial can also be used as an emergency brake. By pressing it down, you can immediately stop the flywheel. This feature is quite important as the pedals continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning. So, in case you need to promptly interrupt your workout, it’s recommended to use the emergency brake.
Last but not least, the bike’s resistance knob doesn’t have any tension levels marked on it. You basically tighten it until you get the resistance that feels adequate to your workout. It’s also recommended to lubricate the flywheel with a bit of silicone lubricant, especially if the brake pad generates too much noise when in contact with the flywheel.
Drive system
The first element of the unit’s drive system to mention here is the flywheel. This Body Xtreme Fitness BXF004 indoor cycling trainer is equipped with a 40 lbs (18.1 kg) flywheel like most other spin bikes. The flywheel is perimeter-weighted which means that it is designed for an aggressive inertia. It delivers a very smooth and consistent momentum. It’s also bi-directional, so you can pedal in reverse if you want.
The bike integrates a classic chain drive system. It uses a standard bike chain for its transmission. This type of transmission comes with two main benefits. One, it’s extremely durable and with proper care, it will last a lifetime. And two, in case it sustains damage or gets rusty, you can find a replacement for it in any bike shop. Of course, the main downside of a chain drive is that you have to periodically lubricate the chain, but this is far from being a difficult task.
Since it’s an exercise bike designed to support spinning workouts, the Body Xtreme BXF004 is equipped with a durable crankset. The crank arms are made of solid steel and can hold users up to 250 lbs (113.3 kg) in complete standing up pedaling routines.
The included pedals are also heavy duty, made of metallic alloy. They have adjustable toe cages for an extra thrust during pedaling and improved foot stability. They do not have SPD elements for spin shoes, but on the other hand, they have standard 9/16 threads so you can easily find compatible replacements for them.
Exercise meter
The Body Xtreme Fitness BXF004 trainer includes a fitness meter featuring a large LCD display which tracks the most important workout metrics – time, distance, total distance (odometer), speed, and calories. It’s very easy to operate; it only has one button which toggles ON/OFF its SCAN function which rotates the workout metrics showing each one of them for a few seconds. It also covers the unit’s reset function; by pressing and holding it down for a few seconds you can clear all the values to zero.
The unit’s distance and speed are shown in metric units only. Also, as opposed to the meter included with the Body Xtreme BXF002, this one does not track your heart rate. The handlebars don’t have pulse sensors and the unit is not telemetric, so it cannot communicate with any type of HR chest strap.
The exercise meter unit uses 1.5V batteries. It has a sleep function to which will enter after several minutes of inactivity on the bike. You can start it up either by pressing the button or by pedaling.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike comes partially assembled. The flywheel, chain, brake system, and crank come already attached to the main frame. Therefore, you only need to add the base bars, the seat, the handlebars, the console, the pedals and the elastic bands. The manual provides very clear assembly instructions and a basic toolkit with all the tools required for the assembly is included.
Since the bike uses a chain drive, the main aspect of its maintenance is lubricating the chain. The brake pad may require some lubrication as well. Other than this, it’s recommended to periodically check for loose parts and re-tighten them if it’s the case.
The Pros
- Sturdy steel construction – can support users up to 250 lbs;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both bases;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Heavy-duty metallic pedals with toe cages on the other;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Shock absorption spring for the seat;
- 2-way adjustable handlebars;
- Quiet, smooth and durable chain drive;
- Inertia-enhanced, 40 lbs flywheel;
- Friction resistance with basically limitless settings;
- Exercise meter that can track time, distance, speed, calories;
- SCAN and odometer functions on the console;
- Resistance bands for arm exercise included;
- Bottle holder with aluminum bottle included;
- Workout towel included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- The pedals don’t have SPD clips for spin shoes;
- Only metric units for the speed and distance readings;
- No pulse reading feature.
Summary
The Body Xtreme Fitness BXF004 is an indoor cycling trainer designed for spin workouts. It features a friction resistance system, chain drive, a basic console, also being equipped with elastic bands for arm exercises. It has a durable frame construction which can support users up to 250 lbs, and its seat is equipped with a shock absorption system. It’s an excellent trainer for light to intense cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. And finally, it’s one of the most affordable and most complete indoor cycling bikes available at the moment.