| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Exercise meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Body Xtreme BXF008 Check Discounted Price | L:46" W:22" H:44" | 240 lbs | 40 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Pulse, Speed, Calories, SCAN |
If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to the Keiser M3i, one of the best choices that you can make is the Body Xtreme BXF008. This indoor cycling bike features a similar resistance system, a sturdy construction, and does actually come with a heavier flywheel than the Keiser. It’s also a relatively new bike, being available since 2017.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 46L x 22W x 44H inches (117L x 56W x 112H cm)
- Assembled weight: 97 lbs (44 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 40 lbs (18.1 kg)
- Weight capacity: 240 lbs (109 kg)
- Handlebars: 4-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With toe cages
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness meter: Time, distance, speed, calories, pulse, SCAN
- Accessories: Resistance bands, workout towel
- Warranty: 6 months
Frame & accessories
The Body Xtreme Fitness BXF008 features a durable frame construction made of ovalized and cylindrical steel tubing. It’s actually an X-frame type with two welding points of the top part to the base, an aspect that leads to superior sturdiness. The main frame is double coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint. The main color used is black, while the Body Xtreme logo is painted white and orange. The adjustment posts of the handlebars and seat are coated with a chrome finish. Overall, the bike has quite an aesthetic design which can also serve as a motivation factor.
The only major ABS parts within the unit’s construction are the covers of the crank and belt. These don’t affect its overall sturdiness, their role being protective and cosmetic.
This Body Xtreme exercise bike isn’t extremely large. With the frame fully assembled, it is approx. 46″ (117 cm) long, and 22″ (56 cm) wide. This being said, it can fit well in a smaller room. However, in order to be able to perform spin workouts that require you to mount and dismount repeatedly, it is recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance all around it.
Compared to other spin bikes, such as the Star Trac Spinner Blade, for example, this indoor cycling trainer is not as heavy. However, it does weigh over 90 lbs, which is more than twice the weight of the average mountain bike. This weight adds to the unit’s overall stability. Plus, both its base bars are equipped with adjustable levelers that have rubber pads. Therefore, you can perfectly stabilize the unit on any type of floor.
There are two main accessories included with this exercise bike (apart from the console). One is the workout towel which is included with most other Body Xtreme equipment. The other 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.
Seat & handlebars
The Body Xtreme Fitness BXF008 is equipped with a foam-padded saddle which is thicker and slightly wider than the average spin bike seats. Therefore, it provides more comfort and 
cushioning. It also has a double-stitched, durable upholstery. Plus, it features a standard design, so in case you’re not happy with it, replacements that are compatible with this bike should be easy to find.
The seat can be adjusted up, down, forward, and backward with ease, as it features two large knobs. It can also be slightly tilted up or down, but in order to do this, you will need tools. Both its upright and horizontal adjustment bar offer several inches of travel. So, these being said, the bike can accommodate users between 4’10” and 6’2″ (147 – 188 cm). It’s also durable enough to withstand users up to 240 lbs (109 kg).
The bike’s handlebar is also 4-way adjustable (up, down, forward, backward) just as the seat. It features a multi-grip design, with a small loop aero bar in the middle to which the fitness meter is attached. It promotes a parallel grip, a racing grip, or a horizontal grip. It incorporates pulse sensors so that the meter can track your pulse. Also, its main grips are covered by a layer of rubber foam for extra comfort.
Resistance & drive
The Body Xtreme Fitness BXF008 features a manual magnetic resistance system. It consists of a small magnetic brake which is attached to the resistance dial situated on the front tube of the
frame. Since the resistance is manual, the bike doesn’t have to be connected to a power source.
When you adjust the resistance from the tension dial, the magnetic element changes its position in relation to the flywheel, increasing or decreasing the intensity of the magnetic field, which adds or reduces the pedaling difficulty.
There are 8 resistance levels available. The first one is fairly light, great for warming up or muscle toning. Conversely, the top resistance setting simulates a steep climb.
The bike is equipped with a fairly heavy flywheel. It weighs 40 lbs (18.1 kg) and it is inertia-enhanced. Other bikes with a rear-drive and magnetic resistance only have a balanced flywheel, not a perimeter-weighted one like this Body Xtreme model. Therefore, the flywheel generated a very consistent momentum. It’s also bi-directional; in other words, it gives you the possibility to pedal in reverse.
Like most other exercise bikes with a magnetic resistance, this one uses a belt drive system. Therefore, its transmission doesn’t require lubrication. It’s also whisper-quiet and generates much less vibration than a chain drive.
The bike features a durable crankset, with solid steel crank arms and metallic alloy pedals. The crankset is designed for spin workouts, so it supports the total weight of the user in a complete standing up posture, as long as they don’t exceed the 240 lbs (109 kg) weight capacity. The pedals do not have SPD elements, but they do have toe cages with straps so you can secure your feet in place if needed.
Exercise meter
The meter included with this exercise bike is similar to the one on the NexHT exercise bike. It’s a
basic meter but does track all the important workout metrics. Its LCD display shows pulse, distance, total distance (odometer), time, speed, and calories burned. The unit is not telemetric. Therefore, it can only track your pulse via the sensors integrated into the handlebar; it does not work with any Polar or other types of HR transmitters.
The meter unit is battery-powered and quite easy to operate. It only has one button; to start it up, you either push the button or begin pedaling. It also has an auto shut down function which is initiated if there is no activity on the bike for a few minutes.
The button allows you to toggle ON and Off the unit’s SCAN function, which rotates the workout values, showing each one for several seconds. As you stop the SCAN function, you can select time, speed or any of the other workout statistics to be shown on screen all the time. The button also covers the unit’s RESET function. By pressing and holding it for a few seconds it will clear all the values to zero.
Assembly & Maintenance
Most of the bike comes pre-assembled. The flywheel with all the other drive and resistance elements are already attached to the frame. Therefore, you only need to add the base bars, the handlebars, the seat, the pedals, and the meter. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. The manual provides very clear assembly instructions and all the necessary assembly tools are included.
Since it’s a magnetic exercise bike, its brake pads don’t require replacement, and you don’t have to lubricate the belt. So, the maintenance required for this bike is minimal. Basically, all you have to do is check for loose parts and bolts from time to time, and keep liquids away from the console.
The Pros
- Durable frame – can hold users up to 240 lbs;
- Aesthetic design;
- Bases with adjustable, rubberized levelers;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- 4-way adjustable handlebar, with a multi-grip design;
- 40 lbs inertia-enhanced flywheel for a smooth pedaling motion and solid momentum;
- Heavy-duty crank made for standing up spin workouts;
- Durable, metallic alloy pedals with toe cages;
- Frictionless, wear-free, magnetic resistance with 8 level settings;
- Smooth and quiet belt drive, great for apartment use;
- Fitness meter that tracks time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse;
- Elastic bands for arm workouts;
- Workout towel;
- Tablet holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- The display of the meter doesn’t have backlight;
- No bottle holder.
Summary
The Body Xtreme BXF008 is a home use indoor cycling bike offering 8 levels of magnetic resistance and elastic bands for arm exercises. It has a bi-directional 40 lbs flywheel and a weight capacity of 240 lbs. It excels in micro-adjustability and also includes a basic fitness meter, an accessory that many other spin bikes do not include. It’s perfect for medium to intense cardio workouts, interval training, stamina and leg strength development, and for weight loss. And finally, it’s quite an affordable trainer, offering an excellent value for the price.