Circuit Fitness AMZ-594U Upright Bike

Unit	Size	Shipping weight	Supported weight	Resistance	Console
Circuit Fitness AMZ-594U Check Discounted Price	L:37.5" W:22" H:54"	79 lbs	300 lbs	Eddy current, 24 levels	15 programs

The Circuit Fitness AMZ-594U is one of the exercise bikes released in the second part of 2019. It is basically the upright version of the Circuit Fitness AMZ-587R that we have already reviewed here. These two bikes have the same console and automatic resistance system. They’re also designed for the same user weight capacity.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 37.5L x 22W x 54H inches (95L x 56W x 137H cm)
• Shipping weight: 79 lbs (35.8 kg)
• Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Drive: Belt
• Resistance: Eddy current, 24 levels
• Console: 15 programs, BMI, Recovery
• Extras: USB charging port, sound system, bottle holders, tablet holder
• Warranty: Frame 2 years

Frame construction

The Circuit Fitness AMZ-594U upright exercise bike features a sturdy steel frame with ABS covers for the drive and resistance elements. It has a compact construction with a fairly small footprint of 37.5″ long (95 cm) and 22″ (56 cm) wide. However, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for safe usage.

The main body of the bike has a step-through design. Not all upright bikes have this feature, so it’s quite a plus especially for users with certain disabilities because it considerably eases the positioning of the user on the seat.

The net weight of the bike is not specified, but considering that its shipping weight is 79 lbs (35.8 kg), it probably weighs more than 70 lbs (31.7 kg). This is considerably more than the weight of the average road bike. Plus, it has a low center of gravity which adds a lot of stability.

Speaking of stability, both base tubes of the bike are equipped with adjustable levelers. They allow you to perfectly stabilize the unit on any type of floor. Plus, the levelers rest on rubber pads that improve the unit’s grip on the floor preventing it from sliding. Therefore, it’s not necessary to place and use the bike on a mat.

The front base bar is equipped with transport wheels. Although the bike is not heavy, these still improve its portability. By using these wheels you won’t have to handle more than 50% of its total weight.

Last but not least, all the metallic bars in the composition of the bike’s frame are powder coated with a durable paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this bike.

Seat and handlebars

The Circuit Fitness AMZ-594U includes a saddle designed for extra comfort. First of all, it integrates approx. 1.4″ (3.5 cm) of foam cushioning, a bit more than for other bikes. The top cover is made of durable, double-stitched faux leather. It is contoured for extra breathability. It is also fairly large, approx. 10.5″ (26.6 cm) wide, and 11″ (28 cm) long, offering plenty of contact surface.

The saddle has a standard (collar-based) attachment system. This is also a plus because if you will ever need to replace it, compatible options are widely available.

The bike’s seat offers 4-way adjustability (up, down, front, back). Its upright post features 9 adjustment positions and offers a total adjustment span of 10″ (25 cm), from 28″ (71 cm) above floor level to 38″ (96.5 cm). Also, its slider offers approx. 4″ (10 cm) of front-to-back adjustment. Therefore, the bike should be able to accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem. Also, the seat can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg).

The AMZ-594U upright bike is equipped with a multi-grip handlebar. It is fully rubberized to provide a superior grip and extra comfort. Also, its side grips incorporate metallic pulse sensors and the console has a pulse reading function.

The bike’s handlebar is adjustable. It attaches to the upright post through a knob which allows you to adjust its angle. However, the upright post of the handlebar is non-adjustable.

Drive and resistance

The Circuit Fitness AMZ-594U upright bike is equipped with an automatic magnetic resistance system (or eddy current brake). This means you have to attach it to a power outlet. An adapter is included with the bike. It also means that the console can adjust the bike’s resistance automatically, depending on the program in use.

The bike’s resistance system consists of an internal magnetic brake and a servo motor. As you adjust the resistance from the console, the brake increases the pull of the magnets on the brake which increases the pedaling load.

Just like the recumbent version, the AMZ-594U exercise bike makes available 24 distinct resistance settings. The first few levels offer a light pedaling difficulty great for users who require recovery training. Conversely, the tension levels above 20 deliver considerably more resistance simulating a steep climb.

Most magnetic exercise bikes have a belt drive system and the AMZ-594U is no exception. It is equipped with a poly-v drive belt that delivers a very smooth and quiet pedaling motion. Also, since it’s a belt drive and not a chain, it does not require lubrication.

The weight of the internal flywheel is not specified, but considering the overall weight of the bike, it should be around 20 lbs (9 kg). It has a balanced structure for a bit of extra inertia and a steady pedaling feel. It is also bi-directional, so you can pedal in reverse if you want.

The bike’s crankset is equipped with solid steel arms. However, since this is an upright bike, standing on the pedals is not recommended even if it can support you with no problem. That’s because the pedals are made of ABS material and too much pressure may damage them. On the other hand, the pedals are self-leveling; they also have adjustable straps and a textured surface for improved foot stability.

Console

As we’ve mentioned above, the Circuit Fitness AMZ-594U exercise bike has the same console as the AMZ-587R recumbent bike. To begin with, it features an LCD display with LED backlight that tracks multiple workout metrics including time, distance, RPM, speed, watts, calories, and pulse. Speed and distance can be shown either in metric or English units. However, it is not telemetric and does not have a Bluetooth function. Therefore, you cannot sync it with any HR chest strap or HR armband transmitter. So, in order to track your pulse, you must hold on to the sensors integrated into the handlebars.

The console is not compatible with any fitness apps but does offer 15 distinct workout programs. The first one is the Manual mode. If selected, the Manual mode gives you the possibility to select workout targets for time, distance, calories, and pulse.

The next 12 workout programs are divided into 3 categories: Beginner, Advanced, and Sporty. Each one has 4 preset programs. Their workout profiles are shown on the console section right above the display.

The 14th and 15th programs are for Cardio and Watts. The Cardio program has 3 preset HRC values (55%, 75%, and 90%), but also gives you the possibility to set a custom HRC value. The Watts program is designed for constant work, great for losing weight and toning muscles.

A Recovery function and a BMI program are also available. They both have quick selection controls on the console. The BMI function calculates your body fat percentage based on your height, weight, and gender input. This is not bad if you want to keep an eye on your weight loss progress. The Recovery function helps you establish your fitness level. It measures the amount of time it takes your pulse to return to normal after the workout and based on it, it will rate your performance between F1 (excellent) and F6 (poor).

Apart from the workout programs and the aforementioned fitness-oriented features, the console also has several amenities. First of all, it integrates two speakers so you can connect your smartphone or tablet so you can listen to your music through the console. The top side of the console has a foldable tablet holder. On the lower section, there is a cup or bottle holder. And finally, a USB charging port for your device is also available.

Assembly and Maintenance

The bike’s base unit comes pre-assembled. Thus, you only have to attach the two base bars, the front upright bar, the console, the handlebars, the pedals, the seat post, and the seat. The task is pretty straightforward and shouldn’t take more than an hour. The manual provides clear assembly instructions and a set of basic tools is also included.

Once the bike is fully assembled, you only have to keep it clean and periodically check for any potential loose parts. The internal parts do not require any lubrication.

The Pros

• Solid construction, 300 lbs weight capacity;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Adjustable stabilizers on both bases;
• Adjustable multi-grip handlebar;
• Pulse sensors;
• 4-way adjustable seat;
• Large, cushioned saddle;
• Silent belt drive;
• Zero friction eddy current resistance;
• Power adapter included;
• 24 resistance settings;
• Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
• Mid-range console which tracks time, distance, total distance, RPM, watts, calories, and pulse;
• LED-backlit display;
• 15 workout programs;
• Recovery function;
• BMI function;
• Goal setting functions for time, distance, calories, and pulse;
• Foldable tablet holder;
• Bottle holder included;
• Sound system;
• USB charging port;
• Little maintenance required;
• Easy to assemble.

The Cons

• A hydration bottle is not included;
• No online connectivity.

Summary

The Circuit Fitness AMZ-594U is an upright exercise bike made for home use. It features a 24-level eddy current resistance system, a comfortable 4-way adjustable seat, and a large LCD console with 15 programs and multiple other functions. It’s an excellent trainer for light to medium-intensity cardio workouts, interval workouts, muscle toning, and weight loss.