| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Doufit EB-05 Check Discounted Price | L:41" W:20" H:44" | 264 lbs | 20 lbs | Friction, felt-pad | Time, Distance, ODO, Speed, Calories, Scan |
If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to a spin bike, the Doufit EB-05 is definitely one that you can put on your list. It’s one of the models released in 2020. In terms of features, it can be compared to the Yosuda L-001A but has a slightly different design and a longer step-up bar.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 41L x 20W x 44H inches (104L x 51W x 112H cm)
- Assembled weight: 62 lbs (28 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 20 lbs (9 kg)
- Supported weight: 264 lbs (120 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Friction, felt-pad
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, total distance, calories, scan
- Accessories: Bottle holder
Frame construction
The Doufit EB-05 indoor cycle features a standard triangular frame made of oval steel tubing. The only
rectangular bar in its construction is the longitudinal base bar. The frame joints are precision-welded and all the steel bars of the main frame are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, with the exception of the seat and handlebar posts which have a gray finish.
The bike’s frame integrates a step-up bar element. Not all spin bikes have this feature. It is the horizontal bar that connects the seat tube with the main inclined tube. It can be used as support for stretching or for certain spin workouts that require you to repeatedly step on and off the frame.
The fully assembled bike is not too large. It is approx. 41″ (104 cm) long, and 20″ (51 cm) wide. Also, its highest point is given by its handlebar when it is extended to its maximum length reaching approx. 44″ (112 cm) above floor level. It is recommended, though, to leave a clearance of at least two feet all around the bike for ease of access and safe usage.
Considering that the bike only has a 20 lbs (9.0 kg) flywheel, it is not too heavy. It only weighs approx. 62 lbs (28 kg) so it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Once it is assembled, it’s even easier to relocate as its front base stabilizer is equipped with a set of transport wheels.
Last but not least, this Doufit exercise bike has adjustable levelers on both its base stabilizers. Thus, you can perfectly level it on any type of floor and a workout mat shouldn’t be necessary. Also, the bike has a pretty low center of gravity which considerably enhances its stability.
Seat and handlebars
The Doufit EB-05 indoor cycling trainer includes a pretty standard bike saddle. Its shell is made of a solid 
plastic material (either polypropylene or nylon). It integrates a thin layer of foam padding and has a top red/black cover made of vinyl material. These being said, the saddle isn’t extremely soft and cushioned but it is flexible and also has two springs at the rear which allow it to adapt to your movement.
The saddle has a standard collar-type connection system to the slider. Therefore, it can easily be removed when necessary. Also, compatible options for it are widely available; you should be able to find a compatible saddle in any bike shop in case you will ever want to replace it.
The bike’s seat assembly is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post offers an adjustment span of approx. 10″ (25 cm), from 30″ (76) above floor level, to 40″ (101 cm). Its horizontal slider adds a few extra inches of front to back adjustment. Therefore, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 4’9″ to 5’7″ (144 – 170 cm). Taller users should also be able to use this bike but they may not benefit from a complete range of motion. Also, the seat should be able to support users up to 264 lbs (120 kg).
Unlike the seat, the bike’s handlebar is only two-way adjustable (up, down). It offers an adjustment span of approx. 4″ (10 cm). It has a multi-grip design, offering the possibility to adopt a climbing grip, a racing grip, and a standard grip. It also has a small loop bar in the middle to which you can attach the performance monitor and hold it with a close grip.
The bike’s handlebar features high-density foam sleeves for an improved grip. It does not have pulse sensors. The included performance monitor also does not have a pulse reading function. Both the seat and the handlebar have large adjustment knobs that are easy to grip and turn so you can quickly adjust them to the desired positions.
Drive and resistance
One of the main drive elements of a spin bike is the flywheel. Typically, for a gym-grade bike, the flywheel
weighs 40 lbs (18 kg) or more. It is not the case for the Doufit EB-05 model. Its flywheel weighs only 20 lbs (9 kg). But nonetheless, it has a perimeter-weighted structure for improved inertia which is great for spin workouts.
The flywheel is chrome-plated. It has side panels made of ABS material for improved aesthetics. It is also bi-directional. This being said, you can pedal in reverse if you want. But it is important to mention that you cannot coast on it. For as long as it is spinning, the pedals will also spin.
The Doufit EB-05 indoor cycling bike is equipped with a heavy-duty 3-piece crankset featuring long steel arms. The pedals are made of aluminum alloy with toe cages for improved foot stability. They are solid enough for standing up on them (as long as you don’t weigh more than 264 lbs). They don’t have SPD elements for spin shoes but they have 9/16 threads so you can always opt for a different set.
The bike is equipped with e belt drive system. It uses a poly-v drive belt. This means it doesn’t require periodic lubrication. It also means that the pedaling motion is slightly smoother than for a chain bike as the belt generates less vibration.
The bike has a standard friction resistance system with manual action. This means you don’t need an adapter or an external power source for it. However, the bike also cannot automatically adjust the resistance.
The resistance system consists of a cotton felt brake pad attached to the main frame tube above the flywheel. The brake pad is connected to the tension knob above the frame tube. By turning the knob clockwise, the pad applies more friction to the flywheel which increases the pedaling difficulty.
The bike’s brake doesn’t have clicks or pre-determined levels. You simply tighten or untighten it until you get the desired pedaling difficulty.
Performance monitor
The Doufit EB-05 indoor cycle comes with a basic performance monitor. It features an LCD display which
indicates time, distance, speed, and calories burned. It also has an odometer function. It does not integrate a telemetric receiver, so it cannot read your pulse from a wireless chest strap. Also, as we’ve mentioned above, the grips of the handlebar do not have pulse sensors. So, in case you want to monitor your pulse during your workouts, you will have to use a separate device. Speed and distance are shown in metric units (kmh and kilometers). There is no option for English units.
The monitor unit is very easy to use. It only has one button. By pressing the button repeatedly you can select any of the workout metrics to view on the display, or you can select the Scan Mode which rotates all the metrics, showing each one for a few seconds. By pressing and holding the button, you can reset all the metrics to zero. There are no preset programs, and you cannot select targets for time or distance.
The performance monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries which are not included. It starts up when you begin pedaling or when you push its button. It also turns off automatically if it does not detect any activity on the bike for more than a few minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s main body comes pre-assembled. The flywheel, the belt, the brake, and the crankset are already attached. You only have to add the two base stabilizers, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the pedals, and the performance monitor. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes of your time. All the necessary tools are included and the manual provides fairly clear assembly instructions.
Once the bike is assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. All you have to do is keep the frame clean, wipe any sweat that might drop on it at the end of the workout, and periodically check if all the parts still function properly. The belt doesn’t require lubrication, but the brake pad will require replacement when it wears out.
The Pros
- Durable frame – can support users up to 264 lbs;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable levelers on both base bars;
- Small footprint;
- Step-up bar at the base of the seat tube;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Smooth and almost silent drive, which makes the bike perfect for apartment use;
- Perimeter-weighted flywheel for improved inertia;
- Friction resistance, which basically offers tension up to the point you can barely pedal;
- Durable metallic alloy pedals with toe cages;
- Exercise meter included which can track time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories burned;
- Bottle holder included;
- Device holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No backlight on the fitness monitor.
Summary
The Doufit EB-05 is an indoor cycling bike made for home use. It is equipped with a friction resistance system, a 20-lb flywheel, belt drive, and a 4-way adjustable seat. It also comes with a performance monitor that tracks time, distance, speed, total distance, and calories burned. It’s a bike designed for spin workouts, great for light to intense cardio training, interval training, weight loss, and stamina development. It’s also one of the most affordable exercise bikes made for spin workouts, currently under $200.