| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Circuit Fitness AMZ-955BK Check Discounted Price | L:45" W:20" H:45.5" | 300 lbs | 40 lbs | Friction, felt-pad | 2 years limited |
The Circuit Fitness AMZ-955BK is one of the new indoor cycling trainers released by IMPEX Fitness at the beginning of 2019. It’s pretty much a standard indoor cycle, designed to support all spin workouts. Although it has “Club Trainer” painted on the side, it’s not a commercial-grade bike. It is pretty close, though, to the sturdiness of a light-commercial model. So, we can safely say that it is an excellent alternative to the more expensive commercial spin bikes.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 45L x 20W x 45.5H inches (114L x 51W x 115H cm)
- Assembled weight: 101 lbs (46 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 40 lbs (18 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With straps
- Drive: Chain
- Resistance: Friction, felt-pad
- Exercise meter: No
- Accessories: Bottle holder, phone holder
- Warranty: 2 years limited
Frame construction
As we’ve mentioned above, the Circuit Fitness AMZ-955BK is an indoor cycling trainer designed for spin
workouts. It has a sturdy frame made of steel tubing. Most of the bars in its construction are rectangular, with the exception of the base bars which have a cylindrical layout, for improved aesthetics. Both base bars of the bike are equipped with adjustable, metallic stabilizers which offer the possibility to perfectly level the unit on any type of floor. Plus, the front base has a set of small wheels which ease the bike’s relocation.
The only non-metallic major parts in the bike’s construction are the chain cover and the side panels of the flywheel. These are made of durable ABS material, featuring the same black/yellow colors as the rest of the bike.
The bike’s frame features a corrosion-resistance powder coating. The color used is black, with the “Circuit Fitness” logo painted yellow. The only exceptions are the seat and handlebar posts which are chrome plated. These are the only colors available for this exercise bike.
An important aspect to mention with regards to the frame construction is the horizontal bar that unites the seat tube to the main oblique tube. This bar not only that reinforces the whole structure of the frame, it can also serve as support for leg stretching, or as a step-up element required in certain spin workouts. Many indoor cycling bikes, don’t have this feature, so it’s quite a plus.
This Circuit Fitness indoor cycling bike isn’t extremely large. Fully assembled, it is approx. 45″ (114 cm) long, and 20″ (51 cm) wide. This being said, it can fit pretty well even into a smaller room. However, a clearance of at least two feet all around it is recommended.
The fully assembled bike if considerably heavy, compared to a road bike. It weighs approx. 101 lbs (46 kg) which is actually more than twice the weight of the average road bike. This weight, plus the user’s weight, lead to improved stability. Also, its stability is improved by the low center of gravity. These being said, you can be sure that the bike won’t rock even if you engage in a more intense spin workout.
Seat and handlebars
The Circuit Fitness AMZ-955BK Club Revolution Cycle offers great micro-adjustability when it comes to its seat.
Its upright post has multiple adjustment notches, while its horizontal slider also allows several inches of front to back adjustment. Therefore, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’4″ with (153 – 196 cm). Also, the bike’s weight capacity is 300 lbs (136 kg), so, as long as you don’t exceed this weight, it should hold you with no problem.
The included saddle is designed for extra comfort. Many other spin bikes include a very slim seat without too much cushioning. That’s because most spin workouts require standing up on the pedals for at least 1/3 of the duration of the workout. But nonetheless, the saddle included with the AMZ-955BK integrates a thick layer of cushioning and has two large springs at the rear which allow it to slightly change along with your pedaling motion. It also has a central cutout which improves its overall breathability.
As opposed to the seat, the bike’s handlebar only offers upright adjustment. It does not have a horizontal slider. It features a multi-grip design, with two long aero bars in the middle, while the side grips are curved inward close to the top. The whole handlebar assembly is completely rubberized in order to provide a more secure grip and optimal comfort.
The handlebar is not equipped with pulse sensors and the bike does not have a pulse reading function. Therefore, in case you want to track your pulse, you will have to use a separate device. It does have a small device holder which can serve as support for your smartphone.
Both the seat and the handlebars can easily be adjusted. They have large knobs easy to grip and pull. Therefore, you can adjust the bike to your size in less than a minute, which can be quite convenient in case multiple persons use it.
Resistance system
The Circuit Fitness AMZ-955BK features a standard friction resistance system with manual action. This being
said, it does not require an external power source, nor it does have an internal motor. Its resistance system consists of a felt brake pad attached to the tension dial on top of the oblique frame bar. By turning this dial clockwise, the brake pad applies more friction to the flywheel, which results in more drag and an increased pedaling difficulty.
The tension dial does not have pre-determined levels or “clicks” as it is the case for many bikes with a magnetic resistance system. You simply tighten it until you get a satisfying pedaling difficulty. The tension dial can also act as an emergency brake. You can press it down to stop the flywheel which may actually be necessary especially if you have been pedaling at a high speed.
An important aspect to mention here is that the brake pad will wear out over time, and after a while, it should be replaced. Also, it may emit a burning scent due to the friction and may also emit a squeaking noise when in contact with the flywheel. However, these issues can be solved with ease, by applying a few drops of silicone lubricant on the edge of the flywheel.
Drive system
The most important element that we must mention here is the flywheel. The AMZ-955BK bike is equipped 
with a 40 lbs (18 kg) flywheel, an adequate weight for spin workouts. It is chrome-plated with ABS side panels. It features a perimeter-weighted design in order to provide a high-inertia and a consistent pedaling feel.
The unit’s flywheel allows reverse pedaling as well. However, coasting is not possible on this bike. Whether you pedal normally or in reverse, the pedal will continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning.
The transmission involves a standard bicycle chain which is concealed by the two ABS covers. This being said, the bike’s transmission should be lubricated at least once every few months. But on the other hand, a chain transmission comes with several advantages. First of all, it can last a lifetime. And second of all, in case by some reason it breaks or sustains severe rust, replacements for it are highly available, in any bike store.
Since it’s a bike designed for spinning, the Circuit Fitness AMZ-955BK Deluxe Revolution Cycle features a heavy-duty crankset. It has solid steel crank arms and metallic pedals which can withstand the full weight of the user (up to 300 lbs). The pedals have a non-slip design and adjustable toe cages. However, they do not have SPD clips for spin shoes. Their threads are 9/16″, though, so replacements for them are widely available.
Assembly and Maintenance
Most of the bike comes pre-assembled. The crankset, the chain, the chain cover, the flywheel, and the brake system, are already attached to the main frame. Therefore, you only have to add the two base bars, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. A basic toolkit for assembly is included and the manual offers very clear assembly instructions.
For maintenance, it is recommended to lubricate the bike’s chain every few months with an oil-based or silicone-based lubricant. The brake pad may also require lubrication. Other than that, you only have to keep the bike clean, and periodically re-tighten any loose parts if it’s the case.
The Pros
- Heavy-duty steel frame – can support users up to 300 lbs;
- Durable paint finish;
- Aesthetic design;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable stabilizers on all bases;
- Tough, metallic pedals with toe cages;
- Multi-grip handlebar with long aero bars;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Durable chain drive;
- Heavy, 40 lbs flywheel, with a perimeter-weighted design for enhanced inertia;
- Basically limitless resistance settings;
- Bottle holder included;
- Device holder included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Really easy to assemble;
- All the tools required for the assembly are included.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No fitness meter.
Summary
The Circuit Fitness AMZ-955BK Deluxe Club Revolution Cycle is an exercise bike designed for spin workouts. It features a heavy, inertia-enhanced flywheel and a friction resistance system. It has a 4-way adjustable seat with a cushioned, comfort saddle. It’s a sturdy trainer, pretty close to the constitution of a light-commercial grade bike, but it is considerably more affordable. It’s an excellent indoor cycle for users of all levels, for intense cardio training, weight loss, intervals, and building stamina.