Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Fitness meter | Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Exerpeutic LX905 Check Discounted Price | L: 47" W: 22" H: 50" | 275 lbs | Friction, Leather pad | Speed, Time, Distance, Calories, RPMs, Pulse, SCAN, Goal functions, Recovery test | 1 year limited |
Although the Exerpeutic LX905 is not an authentic spin bike, it’s definitely an indoor cycle trainer built to support spin workouts. It features an extremely sturdy construction, and comes with a fitness computer which is slightly superior to a basic model. It’s not the most affordable indoor cycle, but it still costs half the price of the most basic spin bike. Therefore, if you’re looking for a decent indoor cycling bike, which is also equipped with a fitness computer, this Exerpeutic model is definitely one to put on your list.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 47L x 22W x 50H inches (120L x 56W x 127H cm)
- Assembled weight: 112 lbs (50.8 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 40 lbs (18.1 kg)
- Max. weight capacity: 275 lbs (124.7 kg)
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With toe cages
- Drive mechanism: Chain
- Resistance: Friction, leather pad
- Fitness meter: speed, distance, time, RPMs, calories, pulse
- Accessories: Bottle holder
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The frame of the Exerpeutic LX905 indoor cycle trainer features a similar construction to the IRONMAN H-Class 520. It’s a heavy, steel-made frame, weighing over 100 lbs. This weight is quite a plus, as it considerably adds to the overall stability of the bike, making possible various intense spin workouts. But nonetheless, it’s still easy to handle and transport when fully assembled, as the front base features silicone wheels. By leaning the bike forward on its wheels, you’ll basically handle less than 50% of its total weight.
The bike’s stability is also enhanced by its adjustable foot stabilizers, with rubber caps. These supply an excellent grip to the floor, preventing the bike from sliding sideways or fore and aft, during a more intense workout. Also, due to these stabilizers it’s not necessary to place the bike on a rubberized mat.
This Exerpeutic exercise bike doesn’t have an extremely large footprint. It takes only 47″L x 22″W (120 x 56 cm) of floor space, which means it’s an excellent fit for a small room or apartment. It does require at least 1′ of clearance on each side though, for safe operation.
One last aspect to mention here regards the paint finish. The main frame and bases are double coated with corrosion and scratch resistant paint, while the posts of the seat and handlebar have a chrome finish. The paint on the frame is silver, and so far this is the only color available.
Seat and handlebars
The seat supplied with the Exerpeutic LX905 exercise bike is a pretty standard spin bike seat. It features a slim design, it doesn’t integrate air cell cushioning, and for an untrained user, it might be a bit uncomfortable at first. But it does have a standard mount, so you can easily find a replacement for it. Or, you can apply a gel cover or sheepskin cover on top of it, for extra comfort.
The seat is 4-way adjustable (up, down, forward and backward). Its bar is long enough to accommodate users up to 6’3″ (190 cm). Also, at its lowest setting, it can fit 5′ (152 cm) tall users.
The handlebar features a multi-grip design. It has built-in, unified aerobars for resting your forearms, and also integrates pulse sensors. It’s fully covered by rubber foam material, supplying optimal comfort. As opposed to the seat, the handlebar assembly is only vertically adjustable, and not fore to aft.
Both seat and handlebar feature large adjustment knobs, easy to grip, turn and pull. Thus, adjusting the bike for your height takes less than a minute.
Drive and resistance systems
The drive and resistance of the Exerpeutic LX905 are quite similar to the Spinner S1 model. It features a chain drive system, very smooth and quiet, generating a pedaling feel similar to a road bike. The chain comes pre-lubricated with industrial grade lubricant, thus it shouldn’t require any lubrication at least for a while.
The flywheel supplied is heavier though than the one on the Spinner model, weighing 40 lbs (18.1 kg). It’s a perimeter-weighted flywheel, which provides a consistent momentum, and a smooth, steady pedaling motion. Reverse pedaling is also possible. But when pedaling in reverse, the tension applied onto the flywheel by the resistance pad is still present. Thus, reverse pedaling can also provide a decent workout. Coasting is not possible, as the transmission is simple, and does not integrate a derailleur or anything similar to a road bike. Also, when pedaling in reverse, the fitness computer will continue to track your workout statistics.
As we’ve mentioned above, this bike features a solid construction, definitely being capable to support spin workouts. It is equipped with an extremely sturdy crank assembly, which can support users up to 275 lbs (125 kg) for complete standing up workout routines. The pedals supplied with the bike are standard, aluminium alloy pedals, with toe cages. They don’t integrate clips for spin shoes, but they can be replaced with Shimano XT or Eggbeater pedals.
This Exerpeutic indoor cycling bike is equipped with a standard top-to-down leather brake pad system. In other words, you don’t have to connect it to a power source in order to benefit from resistance. The brake pad is connected to the resistance knob on top of the main tube of the bike. There are no tension levels specified on the knob though. To add resistance, you simply tighten the knob as you pedal, until you find the most suitable tension.
The resistance adjustment knob doubles as an emergency brake. In case you need to stop the flywheel (and the pedals) from spinning, you simply need to push the knob down. The resistance pad can be tightened onto the flywheel up to the point you can barely pedal. In other words, this bike gives you the possibility to simulate a really steep climb workout. Conversely, the lowest resistance setting is not exactly the lightest pedaling, as the flywheel does weigh 40 lbs (cca 18 kg).
Fitness computer
The fitness computer unit supplied with the Exerpeutic LX905 is a bit superior to the average, basic fitness meter. That’s because it features a 6-panel display, and can show 6 fitness parameters at once. It can indicate speed, distance, time, calories burned, RPMs and pulse. It offers goal setting functions for time, distance and calories, and also has a Recovery Test program which can evaluate your level of fitness.
Evidently the computer can read your pulse via the stainless steel sensors integrated in the handlebars. However, it is not a wireless unit, and cannot work with Polar or other Bluetooth HR chest strap transmitters. The unit also has a SCAN function, and can indicate time->distance->calories->pulse->RPM->speed in a sequence.
The computer unit is fairly easy to operate. First of all, it requires 2 AAA-type batteries (which are included). It features 4 buttons: RESET, SET, RECOVERY and MODE. The SET button allows you to input values for time, distance, calories and pulse. RESET is evidently for clearing values. MODE is used for confirming a certain value given to one of the stats. And finally, the RECOVERY button covers the unit’s recovery test.
Assembly and Maintenance
Although some of the parts come ready-assembled, some assembly is still required. Basically, you will have to connect the base tubes to the main frame, mount the seat and handlebars, the pedals and the console. This operation is far from being difficult though, and shouldn’t take more than 45 min, one hour tops. A manual that provides clear assembly instructions is supplied, along with a Multi Hex tool with Phillips screwdriver and an Allen wrench.
Maintenance requires the periodic lubrication of the chain. Also, in some cases, the resistance pad may require a bit of lubrication, which can be done with a bit of silicone lubricant applied onto the spinning flywheel.
The Pros
- Solid frame, similar in construction with the frames of commercial spin bikes;
- Bases with adjustable, rubberized stabilizers;
- 4-way adjustable seat (up, down, front, back);
- 2-way adjustable handlebar (up, down), with a multi-grip design, and aerobars for elbow resting;
- Perimeter-weighted (40 lbs) flywheel, for a smooth pedaling motion and solid momentum;
- Heavy-duty crank, made for spin workouts;
- Durable, aluminium pedals, with toe cages for an extra forward leg thrust;
- 6-panel fitness computer included, which can track speed, time, distance, calories, pulse and RPM.
- Bottle holder included;
- Really easy to assemble, tools and manual included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Smooth and quiet operation, great for apartment use.
The Cons
Fitness computer display doesn’t have backlight, thus its reading might be difficult in a darker room.
Bottom Line
The Exerpeutic LX905 is an indoor training cycle designed for spin workouts. It features friction resistance, a heavy flywheel for a consistent momentum, an extremely sturdy crankset, and excellent micro-adjustability. As opposed with many other exercise bike models in this price range, this particular one comes with a fitness computer, which can be quite a motivation factor, also helping you track your progress. It’s an excellent bike for weight loss, cardio training, interval training, building stamina, or simply for keeping your muscles toned. And finally, it has a construction and range of features almost similar to a gym grade bike, but costs half the price. Thus, we can safely say that it has a fairly decent price / value ratio.