| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ECHANFIT CBK1901P Check Discounted Price | L:41.34" W:21.3" H:48.03" | 300 lbs | 35 lbs | Manual magnetic | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, Pulse, Scan |
The ECHANFIT CBK1901P is one of the ECHANFIT indoor cycling bikes released in 2020. It is a newer version of the CBK1901 that we’ve already reviewed. It comes with several improvements over the previous version, though. For example, it includes a saddle with extra cushioning, a slightly heavier flywheel, and a smaller handlebar with superior ergonomics.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 41.34L x 21.30W x 48.03H inches (105L x 54W x 122H cm)
- Shipping weight: 91.5 lbs (41.5 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 35 lbs (~16 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Fitness meter: Time, distance, speed, calories, pulse, scan
- Extras: Bottle holder, device holder
Frame construction
Although the ECHANFIT CBK1901P is an indoor cycling bike made for home use, its frame features a construction
and durability similar to at least a light-commercial model. The bike has a triangular frame made of thick, ovalized steel tubing with the main bar slightly curved for improved sturdiness and aesthetics. The whole frame is painted black with a durable, corrosion-resistant coating. The only exceptions are the handlebar post, the seat slider, and the flywheel. These parts are chrome plated.
The ECHANFIT CBK1901P is a bit smaller than the previous version. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 41.3″ (105 cm) long, and 21.3″ (54 cm) wide. This being said, it can fit pretty well even into a small room. However, it is recommended to assign at least two feet of clearance all around it, for ease of access and safe usage.
The fully assembled bike is pretty heavy. It weighs approx. 90 lbs (40 lbs), which is more than twice the weight of the average road bike. All this weight provides superior stability. Plus, both base bars of the bike are equipped with adjustable and rubberized levelers.
Despite its weight, the bike can be moved with ease once it is assembled. Its front base features a set of large, silicone wheels which facilitate its relocation. By using these wheels, you will only handle approx. 35% of the bike’s total weight.
One last aspect to mention here regards the short bar that connects the seat tube with the main tube of the frame. This particular element can be used for stretches or step-up/step-down exercises which may be required by certain spin workouts. This particular feature is a plus; not all spin bikes have it.
Seat and handlebars
The ECHANFIT CBK1901P features a four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back) seat. Its upright bar offers
approx. 6″ (15.24 cm) of adjustment, from 34.65″ (88 cm) above floor level, to 40.55″ (103 cm). Also, its horizontal slider adds approx. 3″ (7.5 cm) of front to back adjustment. This being said, the bike should be able to accommodate comfortably users between 5’3″ and 6’6″ (160 – 198 cm). Taller persons should still be able to use this exercise bike, but they may not benefit from a complete leg extension. Also, the bike is rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg), which evidently applies to the seat too.
The bike’s saddle is designed for superior comfort. First of all, it is larger than the average race seat, so it provides extra contact surface. It integrates a thick layer of foam cushioning and its top is contoured for improved breathability. It has a large cropping in the center for extra breathability. Its rear section features two springs which enable it to flex and adapt to your movement as you ride. It’s also important to mention that its attachment system features a standard collar with a bolt and nut. Therefore, if you will ever need to replace it, compatible options are widely available.
As we’ve mentioned above, the CBK1901P is equipped with a smaller handlebar than the previous version, but it delivers extra comfort. It has a multi-grip design, offering the possibility to adopt a climbing grip, an aero grip, or a standard grip. It also has drop-down grips, a feature that many other spin bikes don’t have.
The side grips of the handlebar integrate pulse sensors and the included performance monitor has a pulse reading function. The whole handlebar is covered by a layer of rubber-foam material for extra comfort. It’s also four-way adjustable just like the seat. Its slider offers approx. 3″ (7.5 cm) of adjustment, while its upright post has an adjustment span between 43.3″ – 48.03″ (110 – 122 cm).
Drive and resistance
The bike is equipped with the same manual magnetic resistance system as the previous version. However, 
its flywheel is a bit heavier. It weighs 35 lbs (~16 kg). It has a perimeter-weighted design for improved inertia. It is also bi-directional; therefore, you can pedal in reverse if you want to diversify your workouts. However, coasting (or free-wheeling) is not possible on the bike as the pedals continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake placed above the flywheel and connected to the tension knob on top of the main frame tube. Since it’s a manual brake, you don’t need to connect the bike to a power source. By simply turning the knob, the magnets move closer or farther from the flywheel which adds or reduces the pedaling difficulty.
The bike’s brake is stepless. It does not have pre-determined tension levels. You simply turn it until you get the desired pedaling motion. As a general idea, if the knob is tightened to its maximum, the bike provides quite a high pedaling difficulty, simulating a steep climb.
Similar to most other exercise bikes with a magnetic resistance system, the ECHANFIT CBK1901P is equipped with a belt drive. This type of transmission comes with a few advantages. For example, you don’t have to lubricate the belt. It also generates less vibration than a chain.
As we’ve mentioned above, the bike is designed to support any spin workout. It is equipped with a heavy-duty crankset with solid steel arms and should be able to withstand pedaling while standing up as long as the user doesn’t exceed the maximum specified weight capacity (300 lbs).
The included pedals are also metallic, made of aluminum alloy. They feature toe cages and adjustable straps. They don’t have SPD elements for spin shoes. Their threads are standard 9/16, so replacements for them are widely available, in case you want to replace them with SPD pedals.
Performance monitor
The bike includes the same performance monitor as the previous version. It’s a pretty basic unit, without 
any workout programs. It features an LCD display that tracks time, distance, speed, calories burned, and pulse. It’s not telemetric, so you cannot sync it with a Polar or ANT+ HR strap; it can only read your pulse if you hold on to the sensors integrated into the handlebar grips.
The performance monitor unit features only one button. By pressing it repeatedly, you can scroll through the workout metrics and select the one that you want to view. The unit has a Scan Mode which you can also select by repeatedly pressing the button. When the Scan mode is ON, the unit automatically rotates all the metrics, showing each one for a few seconds. You can also press and hold the button to clear all the values on the monitor to zero.
The performance monitor unit is battery-powered and the batteries for it are included. It starts up when you press the button or when you begin pedaling. It also has a sleep mode; if it doesn’t detect any activity on the bike for a few minutes it automatically turns off.
Assembly and Maintenance
The ECHANFIT CBK1901P requires some assembly. However, the flywheel, the magnetic brake, the crankset, and the belt are already attached to the frame. You only have to add the two base bars, the seat post, the seat, the pedals, the handlebar post, the handlebar, and the performance monitor. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. The manual provides pretty clear instructions and a basic toolkit for the task is also included.
For maintenance, all you have to do is keep the bike’s frame clean, wipe the sweat from the frame at the end of the workout, and periodically check for loose bolts and parts. Since the drivetrain uses a belt, it doesn’t need lubrication. Also, the brake is magnetic and doesn’t touch the flywheel, so there’s no wear and tear. Thus, you don’t have to worry about brake pad replacements as it would be the case for a spin bike with a friction resistance system.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame similar to the frames of light commercial spin bikes;
- Excellent weight capacity – can support users up to 300 lbs;
- Aesthetic design;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both bases;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Stepping bar above the crankset;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- High-comfort saddle with thick cushioning and a median groove for improved breathability;
- Multi-grip handlebar with drop-down grips and aero grips;
- The handlebar is also 4-way adjustable;
- Silent belt drive;
- Bi-directional, perimeter-weighted flywheel;
- Frictionless magnetic resistance;
- Exercise meter included – it can track time, distance, speed, pulse, and calories burned;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the fitness meter;
- The pulse reading function is not too accurate.
Summary
The ECHANFIT CBK1901P is an indoor cycling bike made for home use. It features a heavy-duty construction similar to commercial spin bikes. It is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system, a 35-lb perimeter-weighted flywheel, and a basic performance monitor that tracks the most important workout metrics. It’s a bike designed to support any spin workout, great for high-intensity cardio, interval training, stamina development, and weight loss. In all, it’s an excellent exercise bike, a great alternative to any commercial spin bike, and also considerably more affordable.