| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Flywheel | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Efitment IC029 Check Discounted Price | L:39" W:20" H:41" | 265 lbs | Friction | 29 lbs | Speed, Time, Distance, ODO, Calories, Pulse, Scan |
The IC029 is one of the light-capacity indoor cycling bikes from Efitment. It offers a basic range of features but does come with a fitness meter, an accessory that many other exercise bikes do not include. As opposed to the other Efitment bikes, such as the IC033 or IC031, this one also has a lighter flywheel.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 39L x 20W x 41H inches (99L x 51W x 104H cm)
- Assembled weight: 63.5 lbs (29 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 29 lbs (13 kg)
- Supported weight: 265 lbs (120 kg)
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive mechanism: Belt
- Resistance: Friction
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, odometer, calories, pulse, scan
- Warranty: 3 years
Frame construction
The Efitment IC029 indoor cycling bike features a steel frame, coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint. The color
used is gray. Also, the seat post and the handlebar post have the same type of coating; they’re not chromed.
The bike isn’t very large compared to other models. With the frame all set-up, it’s approx. 39″ (99 cm) long, and 20″ (51 cm) wide. Also, with the handlebar extended all the way up, its highest point reaches approx. 41″ (104 cm) above floor level. Of course, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the bike, to be able to perform all the spin workouts without any hindrance.
The bike isn’t too heavy either. Fully set-up, it weighs approx. 63.5 lbs (29 kg), which still is quite a bit more than the average road bike. This being said, the unit provides an excellent stability for any workout.
The section between the base of the seat tube and the main oblique frame tube is connected by a horizontal small bar. This can serve as a step-up point in order to facilitate entry and exit. However, it can also serve as a stretching point or step-up point for various spin workouts. Other exercise bikes, such as the JOROTO X3 for example, do not have this feature.
The base tubes of the bike are cylindrical. The rear one is equipped with polygonal caps which can be rotated giving you the possibility to level the unit on an uneven floor. Also, even though the fully assembled bike isn’t too heavy, its front base is equipped with a set of small wheels to facilitate relocation if needed.
Seat & handlebars
The Efitment IC029 includes a standard bike saddle. It doesn’t have air cell cushioning, but on the other hand, it’s larger and more
flexible than the average slim spin seat. It also integrates a thin layer of padding. So, we can safely say that it provides an optimal level of comfort.
Since the seat’s attachment system is standard, replacements for it are widely available. Plus, you can always improve its comfort by adding a gel seat cover.
The seat is 4-way adjustable (up, down, forward, backward). Its upright post has several adjustment holes, while the front-back slider also provides a few inches of adjustment. These being said, the seat can accommodate users up to 6’1″ (185 cm), offering full leg extension possibilities. Also, the bike’s weight load rating is 265 lbs (120 kg), so the seat should be able to support users up to this weight without a problem.
This indoor cycling bike is equipped with a multi-grip handlebar. It integrates a loop aero bar in the middle, which is directly welded to the main handlebar. The side grips are covered by a layer of rubber-foam material in order to provide better comfort. Plus, they have stainless steel pulse sensors, and the included exercise meter can track your pulse through them.
Unlike the seat, the handlebar is only 2-way adjustable (up, down). It has several adjustment holes, and as we’ve mentioned above, its maximum height can reach approx. 41″ (104 cm).
Drive system
One of the most important elements within the drive system of a spin bike is the flywheel. The Efitment IC029 is equipped with a
lighter flywheel than the other Efitment indoor cycling bike models. It weighs 29 lbs (13 kg). However, it’s perimeter-weighted, which means it can still provide a pretty decent inertia and momentum. The flywheel itself is made of steel with a chrome coating; however, its side covers are made of ABS material.
The bike’s drive system features a belt transmission. This comes with a few advantages. First of all, the pedaling motion is very quiet. The belt generates less vibration than a chain. And ultimately, it doesn’t need any lubrication.
Since the bike has a simple, standard drive system, pedaling in reverse is possible. However, you cannot coast on it as on a road bike.
The bike’s crankset is durable enough to support users up to 265 lbs (120 kg) even if pedaling while standing up on the pedals. The crank arms are made of solid steel, while the pedals are also made of a metallic alloy. They’re standard pedals, featuring toe cage for extra foot stability. However, they do not integrate SPD clips for spin shoes.
Resistance system
This Efitment exercise bike features a standard friction resistance system. It integrates a felt pad which is attached under the front
frame tube and connected to the resistance knob on top of this tube. It comes in contact with the flywheel in a top-down manner, and as you tighten the knob, it applies more friction to the flywheel, which leads to a higher pedaling difficulty.
There aren’t any distinct tension levels marked on the resistance knob as for magnetic exercise bikes. You simply tighten the knob until the bike delivers the amount of resistance that fits your needs.
The tension knob has a double function. It can also act as an emergency brake. It integrates a steel spring, and you can press it down to immediately stop the flywheel from spinning. In most cases, this is recommended, because the pedals continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning.
Exercise meter
The Efitment IC029 includes a fitness meter which is a bit above basic since it also has a pulse reading function. Other types of units
cannot read your pulse. However, the unit is not telemetric. In other words, it can only read your pulse through the sensors incorporated into the handlebar.
The unit has an LCD display (without backlight) which can track the most important workout metrics, including time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It’s very easy to operate. It has only one button which allows you to toggle ON/OFF its Scan Mode. During Scan Mode, the unit cycles all the metrics showing each one for a few seconds. By pressing the button repeatedly, you can select any of the metrics to be shown on the screen all the time. Also, by pressing and holding the button for 3 seconds, all the values on the meter will be reset to zero.
Since its a rather basic unit, it doesn’t have any programs, nor it has goal settings. The speed is indicated in MPH, while the distance is shown in miles.
The unit requires 2 AAA-type batteries, which are included. It has an Auto On/Off function. In other words, it starts up when you begin pedaling and also has a sleep mode to which will enter after 4 minutes of inactivity on the bike.
Assembly & Maintenance
This Efitment exercise bike comes partially assembled. To be more specific, the flywheel, the crankset, the belt, and the resistance pad are already attached to the main frame. You only have to connect the base bars, the seat, the handlebars, the pedals, and the console. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. All the necessary tools are included. Also, the manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions.
Since the bike has a belt drive system, its transmission doesn’t need lubrication. Therefore, in terms of maintenance, you only need to periodically check for loose bolts and parts, and re-tighten them if needed.
The Pros
- Fairly sturdy frame – can hold users up to 265 lbs;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels included;
- Step-up bar above the crank;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- 2-way adjustable handlebar;
- Standard saddle, easy to replace if needed;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the handlebar;
- Smooth, almost silent belt drive;
- Inertia-enhanced flywheel;
- Friction resistance for a wide range of tension levels;
- Exercise meter included – it can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Device holder;
- Easy to assemble;
- Assembly tools are included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No LED backlight on the meter display;
- The calorie reading isn’t too accurate.
Summary
The Efitment IC029 is an entry-level indoor cycling bike featuring a standard friction resistance system, a 29 lbs perimeter-weighted flywheel, and a 4-way adjustable seat. It also includes a fitness meter to keep an eye on your workout stats and heart rate. It has a fairly sturdy construction, being able to hold users up to 265 lbs. It can support most spin workouts, it’s great for cardio training sessions, stamina development, and weight loss. And finally, it’s one of the most affordable cycle trainers that you can get at the moment.