Fuel Fitness FB7 Indoor Cycling Bike

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Flywheel weight	Resistance	Fitness meter
Fuel FB7 Check Discounted Price	L:40" W:21" H:42"	300 lbs	48 lbs	Friction	Time, RPM, Speed, Distance, Calories, Pulse

The Fuel Fitness FB7 is an indoor cycling bike similar by design to the SOLE SB700. It’s a belt drive bike, featuring an extra-heavy flywheel and a friction resistance system. It’s a bike made for spin workouts and light-commercial use. Although it’s not one of the most affordable cycling trainers out there, it still is considerably more affordable than the Peloton bike, or other commercial-grade alternatives.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 40L x 21W x 42H inches (102L x 53W x 107H cm)
• Assembled weight: 141 lbs (64 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 48 lbs (21.7 kg)
• Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Handlebars: 4-way adjustable
• Seat: 4-way adjustable
• Drive mechanism: Belt
• Resistance: Friction
• Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, scan
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 3 years / Electronics 3 years / Labor 1 year

Frame construction

The Fuel Fitness B7 features an X-type frame, similar to the JOROTO X3. It has a heavy-duty construction rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg). Needless to say, all the tubes in the frame construction are made of steel. The tubes of the main chassis are ovalized while the base bars are cylindrical for improved aesthetics. They’re coated with a corrosion resistant paint; the color used is black, while the posts of the seat and handlebars have a silver finish.

As we’ve mentioned above, this indoor cycling bike is equipped with an extra-heavy flywheel. Therefore, its overall construction is quite heavy as well. The fully assembled unit weighs approx. 141 lbs (64 kg). This can be considered a plus, as the weight plays an important role in its stability. Plus, both base bars of the bike are equipped with adjustable and rubberized stabilizers. This being said, it’s not necessary to place and use it on a rubber mat.

Despite its weight, the fully assembled bike is fairly easy to move. Its front base integrates two small transport wheels. Therefore, by using these wheels you won’t be handling more than 30% of its total weight during relocation.

Compared to other fitness machines such as treadmills or ellipticals, the Fuel FB7 bike does not take too much usage space. Its footprint is approx. 40″L x 21″W (102 x 53 cm). Thus, a usage area of 70″ x 60″ (178 x 153 cm) should suffice for it.

Seat and handlebars

The saddle included with the Fuel FB7 bike isn’t extremely large, but still is quite a bit larger and has more cushioning than the average slim seats of many other spin bikes. Its rear part integrates approx. 2″ (5 cm) of foam cushioning, so it definitely provides more comfort during seated workouts than the slim seats. It also has a cutout in the middle in order to improve breathability.

The attachment system of the saddle to its slider is standard, collar-based. This means you can easily replace it if it’s necessary. Also, compatible options should be available in any bike shop.

The bike’s seat offers 4-way adjustability. Its upright post has 11 adjustment positions while the horizontal slider offers several extra inches of front-to-back adjustment. This being said, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm).

The Fuel FB7 indoor cycling bike features a multi-grip handlebar. It doesn’t have drop-down grips as the handlebar of the Sunny SF-B1735 but does have the center loop aero bar. It is fully covered by a layer of rubber foam material to provide a comfortable grip. It also integrates a dual bottle holder.

Just as the seat, the handlebar is 4-way adjustable. Its upright post has 5 adjustment positions, and its horizontal slider provides a few inches of front to back adjustment. Both the seat and the handlebar have lever-based adjustment system, which means it takes only a few seconds to adjust them to fit your size perfectly.

Drive and resistance

The flywheel of the Fuel Fitness FB7 is not perimeter weighted as for other spin bikes, such as the Spinner Johnny G. However, as we’ve mentioned above, it’s an extra-heavy piece; it weighs 48 lbs (21.7 kg), and therefore, it produces a very consistent momentum which is great for spin workouts.

The flywheel is bi-directional. This means you can pedal in reverse if you want, so you can put some diversity into your workouts. It is important to mention, though, that coasting on this bike is not possible. When pedaling in reverse, you will get the same resistance as when pedaling forward, depending on how tight the brake is.

The bike’s drive system uses a heavy-duty poly-v belt (part number SP0749). There are several advantages to this type of drive system. For example, a belt does not require lubrication and generates less vibration than a chain.

Since it’s a bike made for spin workouts, it is equipped with a solid crankset featuring steel crank arms and aluminum pedals. As we’ve mentioned above, the bike’s weight capacity is 300 lbs (136 kg), and this also stands for the pedals and crank arms. In other words, as long as you don’t exceed this weight, you should be able to pedal while standing up on this bike without any problem.

The pedals are equipped adjustable toe clips but do not have SPD clips for spin shoes. However, their threads are 9/16, so in case you want to replace them with SPD pedals, replacement options are widely available.

The Fuel FB7 bike features a friction resistance system with manual action. It consists of a felt pad which is attached to the main frame tube right above the flywheel and connected to the tension adjustment knob. When you turn the knob clockwise, the brake pad applies more friction to the flywheel which increases the pedaling difficulty.

The bike’s brake does not have pre-determined resistance levels. You simply tighten the brake until you get the desired tension level. You can basically tighten the brake up to the point you can barely pedal.

Exercise meter

Although the bike computer unit included with the Fuel FB7 bike does not have preset programs, nor it has online connectivity, it does offer more functions than the average basic unit. To begin with, its display is divided into four sub-sections, which means it can show up to four workout metrics at the same time. It’s an LCD type display and also has backlight. It shows time, RPM, speed, distance, calories burned, and pulse. Speed and distance can be shown in either metric units or imperial units. While for the pulse reading function, you will need a wireless HR chest strap which is not included. Also, it’s important to mention that the bike’s handlebar does not have pulse sensors, so you can only benefit from a pulse reading if you use an optional chest strap.

Although the meter unit does not have workout programs, it does offer the possibility to select targets for time and heart rate. If you select a goal value for time, it will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero. If you select a specific heart rate interval, the meter will beep if you exceed the lowest or highest limit. The unit also has user settings such as bodyweight and gender which you can input for a better estimation of the overall calories burned.

The meter is very easy to use. It requires 2 AAA batteries. It has two buttons which cover all of its functions. The left button allows you to select between speed, distance, time, and clock for the bottom display, or enter setup to input personal data. The right button covers the value selection function.

Assembly and Maintenance

The main frame of the bike with the brake, drive elements, and seat, comes pre-assembled. Therefore, you only need to attach the base bars, the pedals, the handlebar, and the exercise meter. This shouldn’t take more than 20-30 minutes. The manual provides all the necessary assembly instructions along with schematics and photos. Also, a basic toolkit is included.

For maintenance, the periodic lubrication of the brake pad may be required. This can easily be done by applying a bit of silicone spray on the edge of the flywheel. Other than this, it is only recommended to wipe the dust from the frame, keep liquids away from the fitness meter, and periodically check for loose parts.

The Pros

• Sturdy frame, similar to light-commercial bikes;
• Can support users up to 300 lbs;
• Aesthetic design;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Adjustable stabilizers on both bases;
• Superior micro-adjustability – 4-way adjustable seat and handlebars;
• Foam-padded seat with a middle groove for optimal comfort and breathability;
• Multi-grip handlebar covered by rubber foam for optimal comfort;
• Dual bottle holder included;
• Standard friction resistance;
• Extra-heavy, 48 lbs flywheel for a consistent momentum;
• Heavy-duty crank, able to support any user up to the maximum listed weight, in upright pedaling position;
• Durable, aluminum alloy pedals with toe cages;
• Smooth and quiet belt drive;
• Fitness meter included – it can track time, speed, RPM, distance, pulse, and calories;
• Both metric and imperial units for the meter;
• Goal settings for time and heart rate;
• Easy to assemble;
• Assembly tools are included;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• No pulse sensors;
• HR chest strap is not included.

Summary

The Fuel Fitness FB7 is a light-commercial indoor cycling bike. It is built to support almost any spin workout. It features a friction resistance system, a 48 lbs flywheel, belt drive, superior micro-adjustability, and also includes a telemetric fitness meter. It’s an excellent trainer for intense cardio workouts, interval training, strength and stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss. In all, it offers great value for the price.