| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Performance monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HMC 5006 Check Discounted Price | L:42.5" W:21" H:48.5" | 330 lbs | 44 lbs | Manual magnetic | Time, Speed, Distance, Odometer, Calories, RPM |
The HMC Athlete 5006 is pretty close to the features and sturdiness of a light-commercial indoor cycling bike but costs only about a third of one’s average price. It’s a heavy-duty stationary bike designed to support any spin workout. Also, as opposed to many other similar models, the HMC 5006 includes a set of elbow rests, a step-up bar, and a basic fitness meter.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 42.5L x 21W x 48.5H inches (108L x 53W x 123H cm)
- Assembled weight: 134 lbs (60.7 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 44 lbs (20 kg)
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Manual magnetic
- Performance monitor: Time, distance, total distance, speed, RPM, and calories
- Extras: Elbow supports, bottle holder
- Warranty: 1 year
Frame construction
The HMC Athlete 5006 indoor cycling trainer features a durable frame made of steel tubing. The frame has
a triangular design for maximum sturdiness. Also, all the bars in the bike’s construction are ovalized for a smooth, professional aspect.
As we’ve mentioned above, it also integrates a step-up bar. This is the small horizontal bar that connects the main oblique tube of the frame with the seat post. Not only that this bar can help getting up on the bike, it can also serve as a support point for stretching or as a key element in certain spin workouts that require you to repeatedly mount and dismount. Not all spin bikes have this feature, so it’s quite a plus.
The bike’s main frame is double-coated with a corrosion-resistant matte black finish. The only exceptions are the seat and handlebar posts which have a chrome finish. However, the bike also integrates several ABS plastic parts. For example, the drivetrain covers and the flywheel side covers are plastic-made.
The fully assembled bike is not extremely large compared to other fitness equipment. It is only 42.5″ (108 cm) long, and 21″ (53 cm) wide. Also, with the handlebar extended to its maximum point, the bike’s height reaches 48.5″ (123 cm). Although it has a small footprint, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access and unhindered usage.
The bike weighs over 100 lbs with all the parts assembled. This weight provides superior stability. Plus, its base bars are equipped with adjustable stabilizers.
Although the bike is heavy, once it is assembled, it is pretty easy to move. Its front base integrates a set of large wheels which facilitate its relocation. By using the wheels to relocate it, you won’t be handling more than 35% of its total weight.
Seat and handlebars
The HMC Athlete 5006 indoor cycling bike comes with a race-type saddle. It is approx. 10″ (25.4 cm) long,
and 5.9″ (15 cm) wide, providing plenty of contact surface. Although it is not too thick, it does integrate two parallel layers of foam cushioning. It also has a longitudinal groove for improved breathability.
The saddle features a standard collar-type attachment system. This means that you should be able to find a compatible replacement in just about any bike shop in case you will ever need to replace it.
The bike’s seat assembly is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post has an adjustment span of approx. 9″ (22.8 cm), from 35″ (88.9 cm) above floor level, to 44″ (111.7 cm). Also, its horizontal slider offers approx. 5″ (12.7 cm) of adjustment. This being said, the bike should be able to accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm). It is also rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 330 lbs (150 kg).
The bike’s handlebar is also four-way adjustable. Its upright post has an adjustment span of approx. 3.5″ (8.8 cm), while its front-to-back slider adds approx. 2″ (5 cm) of extra adjustment.
The handlebar features a multi-grip design with an aero riser feature and a small loop bar in the center. It does not integrate pulse sensors like the Sunny Health & Fitness Pro II SF-B1995, for example, and the included exercise meter does not have a pulse reading function either. It is fully covered by a layer of EVA material for an improved and comfortable grip. Plus, the package also includes two elbow rests.
Drive and resistance
The HMC Athlete 5006 exercise bike is equipped with a heavy-duty crankset with chrome-plated arms and 
aluminum alloy pedals. As we’ve mentioned above, the bike is rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 330 lbs (150 kg) and this weight should also apply to the crankset and pedals. The pedals do not have SPD elements for spin shoes but they do have toe cages with adjustable straps. They also have standard (9/16) threads, so replacements for them are widely available.
The bike is equipped with a belt drivetrain. It uses a poly-v PK5 belt resistant to stretching. This type of drive system comes with a few advantages. For example, as opposed to a chain drive, you don’t have to lubricate it. Also, it contributes to the overall quietness and smoothness of the ride.
The HMC Athlete 5006 indoor cycling bike features an extra-heavy, 44-lbs (20 kg) flywheel with a perimeter-weighted design for improved inertia. The flywheel is also bi-directional. Therefore, you can pedal in reverse if you want to diversify your training. However, coasting or “free-wheeling” is not possible on this bike. When pedaling in reverse you will benefit from the same resistance.
The HMC 5006 exercise bike is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This means you don’t need an adapter or an external power source for it. But on the other hand, the bike cannot adjust the resistance automatically like the NordicTrack S15i, for example.
The resistance system consists of a magnetic brake connected to the tension knob on top of the main tube of the frame. By turning the knob clockwise, the magnetic brake pad moves closer to the flywheel which increases the pedaling difficulty. The tension knob can also be pressed down to instantly stop the flywheel from spinning, if necessary.
The bike’s resistance system does not have pre-determined tension levels. You simply turn the knob until you get the desired pedaling difficulty. But as a general idea, with the brake pad very close to the flywheel, the bike delivers a pretty high level of difficulty, simulating a steep climb.
Performance monitor
The exercise monitor included with the HMC 5006 indoor cycle covers the basic requirements. However, 
as opposed to other units, its display is divided into 5 sub-sections in order to show up to 5 workout metrics at once, which is quite a plus. It tracks time, distance, speed, RPM, and calories burned. It also has an odometer function. But as we’ve mentioned above, it does not have a pulse tracking function and cannot communicate with a wireless HR chest strap.
The performance monitor unit is fairly easy to use. It only has one button. You can press this button to change between speed/RPM, and distance/odometer. It also has a reset function. By pressing and holding it for a few seconds you can clear all the values on it to zero. It does not have pre-set programs or goal functions.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It starts up when you begin pedaling or when you press the button. It also automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the bike for a few minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s core frame with the flywheel, crankset, drivetrain, and magnetic brake, comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the two base bars, the seat and handlebar posts, the saddle, the handlebar, the elbow rests, the performance monitor, and the pedals. The task is pretty straightforward; it shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes and the manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions. All the necessary tools for the assembly are included.
Since it’s a belt-drive bike, its transmission does not require any lubrication. Therefore, all you have to do for maintenance is periodically check for loose bolts and parts. Also, since the bike uses a magnetic brake, you don’t have to worry about its wear and tear, or about replacing the brake pad.
The Pros
- Heavy-duty steel frame – 330 lbs weight capacity;
- Aesthetic design;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both bases;
- Transport wheels included;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Cushioned saddle with a median groove for breathability;
- Multi-grip handlebar with an aero riser feature and EVA coating;
- Elbow rests included;
- Smooth and silent belt drive;
- Extra-heavy, 44-lbs, perimeter-weighted flywheel;
- Magnetic resistance, with zero friction;
- Performance monitor included – it can track time, distance, total distance, speed, RPM, and calories burned;
- Bottle holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- The monitor unit doesn’t have backlight.
Summary
The HMC Athlete 5006 is a heavy-duty indoor cycling bike designed for spin workouts. It is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system, a 44-lb flywheel, and offers superior micro-adjustability. It is designed for a weight capacity of 330 lbs which is not bad for a home-use bike. It also includes a basic performance monitor. In all, it’s an excellent exercise bike, great for high-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, intervals, and weight loss.