| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Fitness meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Efitment IC038 Check Discounted Price | L: 46.5" W: 21" H: 57" | 275 lbs | 28.7 lbs | Manual magnetic | Time, Distance, Odometer, Speed, Calories, Pulse Scan |
The Efitment IC038 is a lighter version of the IC031 that we’ve already covered here. It’s also one of the newer indoor cycling bikes released by Efitment in 2020.
Although the name chosen for this particular bike is “Electric Force”, its resistance system is not motorized and does not automatically adjust the pedaling difficulty. Also, the bike does not require an external power source.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 46.5L x 21W x 47H inches (118L x 53W x 119H cm)
- Assembled weight: 89 lbs (40.3 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 28.7 lbs (13 kg)
- Supported weight: 275 lbs (125 kg)
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive mechanism: Belt
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, odometer, calories, pulse
- Warranty: 3 years
Frame construction
The Efitment Electric Force IC038 indoor cycling bike features a heavy-duty frame construction designed to
support any spin workout. It has a triangular frame made of ovalized and precision-welded steel tubing for improved sturdiness. As opposed to the Efitment IC037 model, the IC038 has a lesser curvature for its main bar and a straight median base bar.
The bike’s main frame is coated with a durable paint finish highly resistant to corrosion. The color used is metallic gray, with the exception of the seat and handlebar posts which are chrome-plated. These are the only colors available for this exercise bike. The flywheel is also chrome-plated with side ABS covers.
Similar to most other spin bikes, the Efitment IC038 is not an extremely large fitness machine. With all the parts assembled, it is only 46.5″ (118 cm) long, and 21″ (53 cm) wide. It is recommended, though, to allow at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access.
The bike is not as heavy as a commercial-grade indoor cycling trainer, such as the pooboo C511, for example. However, it does weigh approx. 89 lbs (40.3 kg) which is twice the weight of the average road bike. Plus, it has a low center of gravity, so it provides superior stability.
The bike’s base bars are equipped with adjustable levelers. Thus, you can easily stabilize your bike on an irregular floor. Also, the front base integrates a set of large silicone wheels which facilitate the bike’s relocation, if necessary.
One last aspect to mention here regards the small horizontal bar that connects the seat tube to the main oblique tube. This bar can serve as a step-up point or a stretching point for certain workouts. Not all spin bikes have this feature, so it’s quite a plus.
Seat and handlebars
The Efitment IC038 indoor cycle is equipped with a seat designed for superior comfort. To begin with, it is
a bit wider than the slim spin or race seats and integrates a thick layer of cushioning to alleviate the stress on your tailbone. Not only that, the rear section of the saddle features two suspension springs which enable it to flex and adapt to your movement during seated workouts. The top of the saddle is contoured and has a central cutout for improved breathability. Also, the seat cover is made of durable, double-stitched faux leather.
The bike’s seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post features 9 adjustment positions while its horizontal slider has 5 extra positions. Therefore, the bike can accommodate users with an inseam between 26.5″ and 37″ (67 – 94 cm). Differently put, it should fit users between 5’0″ and 6’4″ (153 – 193 cm). It’s also designed to support users up to 275 lbs (125 kg).
One last aspect to mention here about the bike’s saddle regards its connection system. The saddle features a standard, collar-type attachment system. Therefore, not only that it’s easy to remove, replacement options for it are widely available. Therefore, in case you will ever need or want to replace the bike’s seat, you should be able to find a compatible one in just about any bike shop.
As opposed to the seat, the bike’s handlebar only offers up/down adjustability. Its post has 6 adjustment positions, the increments being approx. 1″ (2.5 cm). The handlebar offers multiple grip possibilities. The sidebars allow a climbing grip, an off-road grip, and a standard grip. The handlebar assembly also features a long, loop-type aero bar which can also serve as a tablet holder, or you can attach a tablet holder to it.
The entire handlebar assembly is covered by a layer of rubber-foam material for a secure and comfortable grip. The side grips integrate metallic pulse sensors, a feature that not all the spin bikes have. Also, the included exercise meter has a pulse reading function.
Resistance and drive
The Efitment Electric Force IC038 indoor cycling bike is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system, 
similar to the pooboo LD-501. It consists of a magnetic brake pad attached to the tension knob on top of the main bar of the frame. As we’ve mentioned above, the bike is not motorized (the name of the bike “Electric Force” may be a little misleading), so you can only adjust the resistance manually. By turning the knob clockwise, the brake moves closer to the flywheel which increases the intensity of the created magnetic field. This leads to an increased pedaling difficulty.
The bike’s brake system is “stepless”. Differently put, it doesn’t have pre-determined tension levels like most magnetic upright bikes. Therefore, you simply turn the knob until you find the desired pedaling difficulty.
The tension knob also acts as an emergency brake. In case you need to stop the flywheel from spinning, you can press the knob down.
The bike is equipped with a slightly lighter flywheel than most spin bikes with a friction resistance. It’s still pretty heavy, though; it weighs 28.7 lbs (13 kg). It is also perimeter-weighted for enhanced inertia which is pretty important for spin workouts.
The flywheel allows reverse pedaling. However, you cannot coast on the bike. So, when pedaling in reverse, you will benefit from the same resistance as when pedaling forwards.
Like most other exercise bikes equipped with a magnetic resistance system, the Efitment Electric Force IC038 features a belt drive system. A belt transmission comes with a few advantages. For example, it generates less vibration than a chain and promotes a very smooth and quiet pedaling motion. It also doesn’t require periodic lubrication.
Since it’s a bike designed for spin workouts, the IC038 features a solid crankset. Its crank arms are steel-made and the pedals are also made from aluminum alloy. Therefore, they can support users up to 275 lbs (125 kg) while standing up with no problem. The pedals don’t have SPD clips for spin shoes, but do have adjustable toe cages. They also have standard 9/16 threads, so compatible replacements are widely available.
Exercise meter
The Efitment Electric Force IC038 features a basic exercise meter. In other words, the unit cannot adjust the
bike resistance, does not have preset workout programs, and it is not compatible with any online fitness apps. It is battery-powered; it uses two AAA batteries which are included. It features an LCD display that tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse.
The unit is not telemetric. Therefore, it can only track your pulse if you hold on to the sensors integrated into the handlebars. It does not work with any wireless HR chest straps or armbands. Also, speed and distance are displayed in MPH and miles. There is no option for metric units.
The meter unit only has one button. By pressing it repeatedly, you can scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to view. In the same way, you can select its Scan Mode. When this function is selected, all the workout metrics are shown in a sequence, each one appearing on the display for 4 seconds. The meter can also be reset by pressing and holding the button for a few seconds.
The exercise meter unit also has a sleep mode function. If it doesn’t detect any activity on the bike for 4 minutes it will automatically turn off to save battery. It starts up when you begin pedaling, or when you press the button.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the bike comes pre-assembled. However, some of the parts still require user assembly. You will have to attach the two base bars, the pedals, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar, and the exercise meter. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes of your time. The manual provides very clear, step-by-step instructions and schematics. Also, a basic toolkit is included.
Since the bike features a magnetic resistance system and a belt drive system, it doesn’t require transmission lubrication or brake pad replacement. In fact, the bike’s maintenance doesn’t require much. You only have to keep it clean and periodically check for loose parts.
The Pros
- Heavy-duty construction – can support users up to 275 lbs;
- Appealing design;
- Bases with adjustable stabilizers;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Cushioned and contoured saddle for extra comfort;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Perimeter-weighted flywheel for improved inertia;
- Heavy-duty crankset;
- Aluminum alloy pedals with toe cages for foot stability;
- Multi-grip handlebar with integrated aero bars;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the side handlebar grips;
- Frictionless magnetic resistance;
- Fitness meter included – it can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Quiet operation, great for apartment use;
- Bottle holder included;
- Really easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the fitness meter;
- No target settings;
- The handlebar is only up/down adjustable.
Summary
The Efitment Electric Force IC038 is a heavy-duty indoor cycling bike made for home use. It features a manual magnetic resistance system, a 28.7 lbs flywheel, a high-comfort cushioned saddle, and basic exercise meter. It’s an excellent bike for high-intensity cardio workouts, interval training, stamina and strength development, muscle toning, and weight loss. It’s not one of the most affordable indoor cycling trainers but definitely costs considerably less than a light-commercial model, so it offers excellent value for the price.