Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Efitment B015 Check Discounted Price | L:43.5" W:21" H:42.5" | 242 lbs | 17.6 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, Pulse, Scan, Goals |
Although the Efitment B015 is advertised as an upright bike, its construction reminds of the Keiser M3i or the XTERRA MBX2500 which are both indoor cycling bikes. Evidently, it’s an affordable alternative to the Keiser model, an excellent trainer for home use. It’s slightly smaller than the Keiser bike and only has a basic fitness meter, but on the other hand, it is equipped with a heavier flywheel.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 43.5″L x 21″W x 42.5H (110L x 53W x 108H cm)
- Assembled weight: 73.4 lbs (33 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 17.6 lbs (8 kg)
- Supported weight: 242 lbs (110 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Drive system: Belt
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness meter: Time, distance, speed, calories, pulse
- Extras: Tablet holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: 3 years
Frame construction
The Efitment B015 features a V-frame made of steel tubing with a low center of gravity which results in superior stability. Plus, the bike’s weight of 73.4 lbs (33 kg) and its adjustable base stabilizers also come to improve its overall stability.
The bike’s frame features a black powder coating which is resistant to abrasion and corrosion. The only exceptions are the seat tube and the handlebar tube which have a chrome plating finish. Of course, the covers of the belt and flywheel are made of a tough ABS material.
The fully assembled unit is not extremely large. It is only approx. 43.5″ (110 cm) long and 21″ (53 cm) wide. However, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it, for safe access and operation.
As we’ve mentioned above, the fully assembled unit is not extremely heavy; it only weighs approx. 73.4 lbs (33 kg) which is considerably less than for other heavy-duty spin bikes, such as the Spinner P1. But nonetheless, it still weighs more than twice the weight of the average road bike, so its assembly may require two people. However, once the unit is assembled, its relocation can easily be done by using the small wheels incorporated into its front base stabilizer.
Seat and handlebars
The Efitment B015 upright exercise bike includes a standard saddle, which is slightly wider than the average spin seat. It does not integrate any extra cushioning, but its top is made of high-density foam, designed to provide optimal comfort.
The seat attachment system involves a triangular metallic plate; it attaches to this plate via three screws. Therefore, in case you want to replace it with a different bike saddle that has a collar attachment system, you may have to improvise. But nonetheless, the seat is fairly durable, delivers a pretty decent comfort, and you can always improve its comfort by adding a gel seat cover if needed.
The seat offers four-way adjustability (down, up, backward, and forward). Its upright post has six adjustment notches and offers approx. 5″ (13 cm) of adjustment, for users with an inseam between 23″ and 28″ (58 – 71 cm). However, its horizontal slider also offers a few inches of front to back adjustment. Therefore, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’3″ (153 – 188 cm) with no problem, allowing a complete leg extension during pedaling and a satisfying range of motion. Also, the bike is rated for a user weight capacity of 242 lbs (110 kg), so the seat should be able to handle users up to this weight with no problem.
This Efitment exercise bike is equipped with a multi-grip handlebar. It offers the possibility to adopt a standard grip, a parallel grip, a race grip, and a few others. It’s fully covered by a layer of high-density foam in order to provide a comfortable and secure grip.
The center transversal bar of the handlebar assembly features a set of two stainless steel pulse sensors. This being said, the unit’s exercise meter can track your pulse if you hold on to them.
In terms of adjustability, the handlebar only adjusts up and down; it does not have a horizontal slider as the seat. Its post offers several inches of adjustment.
Resistance and drive
The Efitment B15 indoor cycling trainer is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This being said, its braking system does not have an internal motor and the bike does not require an external power source. Also, the console plays no role in the resistance adjustment.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake placed close to the flywheel and attached to the lever on the front tube or the bike. As you press the lever down, the brake moves closer to the flywheel which increases the intensity of the created magnetic field. This ultimately leads to an increased pedaling difficulty.
The bike offers 8 levels of resistance. The first level is great for anyone who requires recovery training or, in general, for light workouts. However, the 8th level does provide quite a bit of difficulty, simulating a steep climb.
Like most other exercise bikes with a magnetic resistance system, the Efitment B015 features a belt drivetrain. It uses a poly-v rubber belt which delivers a very smooth and quiet pedaling motion. As opposed to a chain drive, it saves you the hassle of periodic lubrication. Also, it generates less vibration than a chain drive.
As opposed to most indoor cycling bikes that have a friction resistance system, the B015 is equipped with a balanced flywheel, not a perimeter weighted one. This flywheel weighs 17.6 lbs (8 kg) and provides a consistent momentum. It’s also bi-directional. Therefore, you can pedal in reverse if you want. But when pedaling in reverse, the bike retains its resistance. In other words, when pedaling in reverse you will benefit from the same resistance as when pedaling forward, depending on the level selected by the lever. Also, when pedaling in reverse, the console still tracks your workout metrics.
The bike is equipped with a heavy-duty crankset featuring steel crank arms and metallic alloy pedals. Therefore, as long as you don’t exceed the specified 242 lbs (110 kg) weight capacity, you should be able to stand on the pedals with no problem.
The pedals don’t have SPD clips for spin shoes but do have toe cages with adjustable straps. They have the non-slip design with side lugs. Their threads are standard 9/16, so in case you want to replace them with SPD pedals or any other type of pedals, compatible options are widely available.
Exercise meter
The console included with the Efitment B015 is basically the same console as for the Sunny SF-E3803 elliptical trainer. It’s a rather basic fitness meter featuring an LCD display which can track time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It does not have preset programs, nor it has any online capabilities. It uses two AAA batteries as a power source, it starts up when you begin pedaling, and also turns off automatically after a few minutes of inactivity.
The console features three buttons. These are Set, Mode, and Reset. The Set button gives you the possibility to select a target value for time, distance, and calories. When a goal target is set for one of these metrics, the display will show the remaining amount until you complete the goal.
The Mode button allows you to scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you wish to view. Or, you can select the SCAN mode, and the console will rotate all the workout metrics, showing each one for a few seconds. The Reset button clears all the values on the meter to zero.
The console has a pulse reading function, but it is not telemetric. In other words, it can only read your pulse if you hold on to the sensors integrated into the handlebars. It does not work with Polar or other types of wireless HR chest strap transmitters.
The console unit integrates a tablet holder. This accessory is placed above its LCD display, so if you put your phone or tablet on it, it won’t block the view of your workout metrics.
The top section of the console features a grid with the heart rate zones that you should aim for depending on your age, in order to benefit from a better aerobic output, fat burn, etc. This is a plus, as many other machines only show this grid in their manuals, so you usually don’t have it at hand when exercising.
Assembly and Maintenance
The most important parts of the bike come pre-assembled. In other words, the flywheel, the belt, the crankset, and the brake system are already attached to the main frame. Therefore, you only have to add the base bars, the seat post, the handlebar post, the seat, the handlebar, the console, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. All the necessary tools for the task are included, and the manual provides very clear instructions and schematics.
Once the unit is assembled, maintenance does not require much. It is recommended to wipe any sweat that may drop on the frame at the end of each workout. The internal parts don’t require any lubrication. It’s also recommended to periodically check the bike for loose bolts or broken parts, in order to re-tighten or replace them, if necessary.
The Pros
- Solid V-frame – can hold users up to 242 lbs;
- Aesthetic design;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Multi-grip handlebar with pulse sensors;
- 17.6 lbs balanced flywheel for a smooth pedaling motion and solid momentum;
- Heavy-duty crank made for standing up spin workouts;
- Durable, metallic alloy pedals with toe cages and straps;
- Frictionless, wear-free, magnetic resistance with 8 level settings;
- Smooth and quiet belt drive, great for apartment use;
- Fitness meter that tracks time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- Tablet holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No bottle holder;
- No backlight on the meter display.
Summary
The Efitment B015 is an exercise bike equipped with an 8-level magnetic resistance system, a balanced 17.6 lbs flywheel, and a heavy-duty crank. It offers excellent ergonomics and a 4-way adjustable seat. It also includes a fitness meter with goal functions for time, distance, and calories burned. It’s a fairly decent exercise bike, great for mid-range to high-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, interval training, and weight loss. It’s also an affordable alternative to the more expensive, commercial-grade Keiser M3i.