| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BodyCraft U1000g Check Discounted Price | L:48" W:27" H:58" | 400 lbs | 29 lbs | Magnetic, Self-powered, 30 levels | 10 programs, 4 user profiles, |
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty, commercial-grade upright bike, the BodyCraft U1000g is definitely one that you should put on your list. This trainer can be compared to the Precor UBK 835 in terms of features; however, it has an LCD display with touchscreen technology, similar to a tablet. It’s not exactly a new bike from BodyCraft. It was released in 2017, but it’s still available and continues to benefit from a positive feedback from users.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 48L x 27W x 58H inches (122L x 69W x 147H cm)
- Net weight: 157 lbs (71 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 29 lbs (13 kg)
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs (181 kg)
- Seat: Pneumatic, 2-way adjustable
- Resistance: Eddy current, self-powered, 30 levels
- Console: 10 programs, 4 user profiles
- Amenities: Tablet holder, bottle holder, elbow pads
- Warranty:
Commercial: Frame 10 years / Parts 5 years / Labor 1 year
Residential: Frame lifetime / Parts 10 years / Labor 2 years
Frame construction
The BodyCraft U1000g features a heavy-duty steel frame with an elegant design. The crank, resistance and transmission elements are
concealed by two large ABS side covers. The main steel tubes of the frame are double-coated with a paint finish which is resistant to corrosion and abrasion. The only exception is the seat post which has a chrome plating finish. The color used for the other parts of the frame is dark gray, this being the only color available for this cycle.
This BodyCraft exercise bike is considerably heavy. With all the parts assembled, it weighs approx. 157 lbs (71 kg). Evidently, all this weight delivers an excellent stability. Even if you’re close to the maximum 400 lbs (181 kg) weight capacity, it should not wobble or rock during usage.
The unit’s stability is also enhanced by the adjustable levelers. Each base bar has two rubberized levelers which allow you to perfectly stabilize the unit on any type of floor. They also prevent floor scratching, but it is recommended to place and use the bike on a mat.
Compared to other lighter upright exercise bikes, such as the JOROTO MB20 or the Diamondback 510UB, the BodyCraft U1000g is slightly larger. It’s approx. 48″ (122 cm) long, and 27″ (69 cm) wide. Therefore, it requires a usage surface of at least 80″ x 50″ (203 x 127 cm).
Despite its impressive weight, the bike isn’t extremely difficult to move, once it was assembled. Its front base bar features two large wheels which facilitate its relocation. Therefore, by pressing the handlebar down and using these wheels to move the bike, you won’t have to handle more than half of its total weight.
Seat and handlebars
The BodyCraft U1000g is equipped with an extra-large comfort seat. Not only that it’s approx. 14″ (34 cm) wide, providing plenty of
contact surface for any user, it is also contoured and integrates a thick layer of foam cushioning.
However, the seat cushioning is not even the best part about it. Its adjustment system is the element that takes the cake. Even though it’s only 2-way adjustable (up, down), it uses an air pressure system which gives you the possibility to perfectly adapt its height to your inseam while you are seated. This can be done by simply pulling the lever on its right side up which unlocks its post, find the correct height, then release the lever.
The seat post has 20 height adjustment positions. This being said, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’6″ (153 – 198 cm) with no problem. Also, the whole seat assembly is sturdy enough to support users up to 400 lbs (181 kg).
The bike’s handlebar assembly is non-adjustable. It is attached to a thick front mast which delivers superior sturdiness. It offers a multi-grip design including a standard grip, a racing grip, and a parallel grip. It is equipped with elbow pads, a set of accessories that many other upright bikes do not have. It also has rubberized grips for increased hand adherence and comfort.
The lower part of each handlebar integrates a metallic grip pulse sensors. By holding onto these sensors, the console can monitor your heart rate. However, the console is also telemetric and can communicate with various HR belt transmitters.
Drive and resistance
The BodyCraft U1000g exercise bike is equipped with a 2-stage poly v belt drive system and integrates two pulleys. One of the pulleys
is larger, connected to the crank arms and pedals; the other is intermediary, between the main pulley and the bike’s magnetic flywheel. A 1092J8 v belt connects the larger pulley to the smaller mid-pulley, and another 762J8 standard belt connects the smaller pulley to the flywheel. This type of drivetrain leads to a very smooth pedaling motion, and also adds a bit of extra difficulty to the ride.
The bike is equipped with a set of durable, steel crank arms. They can support pedaling while standing up, especially if the user isn’t too heavy, but considering that this is an upright bike, it is recommended only for seated workouts.
The included pedals have a metallic core and a weight element which enables them to always turn face-up when you remove your feet from them. They have a non-slip surface and adjustable straps so you can perfectly secure your feet on them during exercising.
This BodyCraft exercise bike uses a self-powered eddy current resistance system. This means most of the energy required for powering up the console and the resistance elements is generated by your pedaling. It integrates a quiet ComGen Generator and a flywheel assembly with a magnetic brake. As you select a certain difficulty level from the console, the brake amplifies or reduces the magnetic pull, generating more or less pedal resistance.
The bike makes available 30 distinct tension levels. The resistance is automatic. This means some of the onboard programs will auto-adjust the resistance if selected. The first few levels deliver very little tension, being great for users with certain disabilities or recovery training. Conversely, the top tension levels simulate a steep climb.
The internal flywheel assembly is fairly heavy for an upright bike. It weighs approx. 29 lbs (13 kg). Therefore, it provides a more consistent momentum and adds steadiness to the ride.
Last but not least, due to the magnetic brake and belt drive system, the usage of the bike is really quiet, almost completely silent.
Console
Although the console included with the BodyCraft U1000g exercise bike doesn’t have an integrated sound system as the Schwinn 170, 
nor it is compatible with any online fitness apps, it still offers an impressive range of features. To begin with, it has a touchscreen LCD display WSVGA type, with a 16.2M color range. Most of its functions can be accessed just as on a tablet, but the unit also has four buttons, such as Up/Down for increasing and decreasing resistance, a home button, and a Go button for the Quick Start Program.
The console display covers all the important workout metrics. It indicates distance, time, speed, RPM, Watts, pulse, and calories burned. For speed and distance, you can select between English and Metric units. For the pulse reading, you can use the integrated sensors, or opt for a Polar T34 heart rate telemetry chest strap (not included).
The unit makes available 10 workout programs. These are Quick Start, Manual, Random, Interval, Hill Climb, Strength, Target HR, HR Interval, Fat Burn & Cardio. As we’ve mentioned above, the Quick Start program can be accessed directly from the Go button on the console. It allows you to adjust the resistance as you like during pedaling.
The Random program automatically generates a program for you in case you want to try something new with every ride. The Interval, Hill Climb, and Strength are preset profile programs. The Fat Burn, Target HR, Cardio, and HR interval are all programs that depend on your heart rate. For example, the Fat Burn and Cardio target an HR of 70% for fat burn, and 80% for cardio. During an HR-based program, the console will auto-adjust the resistance to keep you within the selected HR interval.
The console also offers 4 user profiles. Each user can set up a program of their liking with their own personal data input such as age, weight, program duration, resistance settings, and more. For each user profile, you can set up a password to make sure that no one else may change your settings.
Last but not least, the console has two tablet holders. One consists of a small shelf under the display of the unit. The other is at the back of the console and is extendable.
Assembly and Maintenance
The core (base) section of the bike with all the drive and resistance elements, comes pre-assembled. The seat is also already attached. Therefore, you only have to connect the two base bars, the adjustable stabilizers, the console mast, the handlebars, the console, the pedals and several small covers. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. All the necessary tools are included. Also, the manual provides very clear, step-by-step assembly instructions and schematics.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. Basically, you only have to check for loose bolts and parts, and keep the unit clean.
The Pros
- Commercial grade construction, sturdy frame – can support users up to 400 lbs;
- Elegant design;
- Fairly small footprint;
- Transport wheels included;
- Adjustable, rubberized stabilizers on both bases;
- Extra-heavy unit, providing superior stability;
- Two sets of grip heart rate sensors within the handlebars;
- Elbow pads on the handlebars;
- Air-pressure adjusting system for the seat;
- High-comfort, large saddle, integrating a thick layer of cushioning;
- Automatic, eddy current resistance
- Self-powering system;
- Two-stage drive system for an extra-smooth pedaling motion;
- 30 levels of resistance;
- 10 workout programs;
- 4 user profiles;
- English and metric units on the console;
- Extendable and fixed tablet holders;
- Bottle holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Great warranty package.
The Cons
- No online connectivity;
- No sound system;
- The seat is only 2-way adjustable.
Summary
The BodyCraft U1000g is a commercial-grade, heavy-duty upright bike. It features a self-generating eddy current resistance system with 30 tension levels. It is equipped with an LCD touchscreen console which offers 10 workout programs to keep you motivated. It also excels in ergonomics featuring a multi-grip handlebar with elbow pads, and an air-assisted adjustment system for the seat. It’s an excellent exercise bike for users of all levels, for light to intense cardio training, weight loss and stamina development. Since it’s a commercial bike, is not exactly cheap, but its quality, durability, and included warranty definitely match its price.