| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Elite IC7 Check Discounted Price | L: 53" W: 24" H: 48" | 300 lbs | Friction | Time, Speed, Distance, RPM, Calories, Pulse | Frame: 5 years Parts: 3 years Labor: 1 year |
The Horizon Fitness Elite IC7 indoor cycling bike features almost the same specs as the AFG 7.3AIC. It’s an exercise bike designed to support all spinning workouts, featuring a sturdy frame construction similar to commercial grade bikes, a friction brake, and on top of that, it also comes with an exercise meter.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 53L x 24W x 48H inches (135L x 61W x 122H cm)
- Assembled weight: 115 lbs (52 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 44 lbs (20 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With toe cages
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Manual magnetic
- Fitness meter: RPM, speed, time, distance, calories, pulse
- Warranty: Frame 5 years / Parts 3 year / Labor 1 year
Frame construction
The Horizon Fitness Elite IC7 features a highly durable steel frame designed to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg) for just about any spin workout. All the steel parts in the bike’s construction are double coated with a corrosion-resistant and scratch resistant powder finish. The only parts
with a chrome finish are the seat’s upright bar and horizontal slider, the handlebars upright post, and the step-up pad.
The frame integrates several plastic covers, such as the one for the brake mechanism which extends over the front fork of the bike, also contributing to the bike’s overall aesthetics. The belt guard is also made of heavy-duty PVC material.
One important aspect that requires mentioning here, is the step-up pad situated above the bike’s crank. This pad is reinforced by a metallic plate and offers the possibility to perform several spin workouts that require you to step down and up from the bike, in order to diversify your overall workout and engage multiple muscle groups. Many other spin bikes, such as the ActionLine A84016 Pro or the Sunny SF-B1110 don’t have this feature.
This Horizon Fitness exercise bike offers excellent stability. Both its front and rear base bars are equipped with adjustable stabilizers, so you can basically level it perfectly on any surface. It is pretty heavy, with an assembled weight of 115 lbs (52 kg), and this weight also plays quite an important role in its total stability. Differently put, the bike is built to remain firm, without rocking or moving even if you engage in the most challenging spin workouts. But on the other hand, it is recommended to place it and use it on a rubberized mat to prevent any damage to the floor.
The bike’s relocation isn’t too difficult once it is assembled, despite the fact that it is rather heavy. Its front base features two transport wheels which allow you to safely and easily roll the bike to the desired place, once you have finished your workout.
The Horizon Elite IC7 indoor cycling bike isn’t a large fitness machine. It’s a bit bigger than other models, but it only takes approx. 53″L x 24″W (135 x 61 cm) of floor space. This means it can fit well even in a small room. But on the other hand, it’s recommended to assign a usage area for it with a clearance of at least two feet all around it, especially if you want to perform a wide array of spinning workouts.
Seat and handlebars
The Horizon Fitness Elite IC7 features a road-style saddle with a flat, contoured top, which is well-cushioned, designed to deliver optimal comfort. However, it still is a spinning seat, so if you’re new to spinning, you may still find it a bit uncomfortable at first. 
The seat is 4-way adjustable. Its vertical bar has several adjustment positions and the horizontal slider permits the adjustment of the saddle closer or farther from the handlebars.
The bike’s handlebar is only 2-way adjustable, up and down. It features a multi-grip design, with integrated aero bars. It’s fully covered by a layer of high-density foam, in order to supply a secure grip.
Now, considering the adjustment possibilities offered by the handlebar and seat, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ – 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm). Also, both the seat and the handlebar are easy to adjust. They feature large dials with springs and with a simple pull and turn, you can immediately select the adequate position to your size.
Drive and resistance
The Horizon Fitness indoor cycling trainer is a belt drive bike equipped with a heavy-duty poly-v belt. This means that its operation is almost silent and you don’t have to lubricate it. The belt is guarded by a large PVC shroud with the Elite name on it. 
The flywheel is bi-directional. This means you can pedal in reverse as well. However, the bike doesn’t allow coasting; so, when pedaling in reverse you will benefit from the same resistance as if you would pedal normally.
The bike’s flywheel is one of the heaviest. It weighs 44 lbs (20 kg), and thereby it delivers a very consistent momentum. It’s also perimeter weighted which adds steadiness to the drive, resulting in a very smooth pedaling feel.
Evidently, since this indoor cycling bike features a construction to all the other authentic spin bikes, such as the Spinner S7 for example, its crankset is extremely durable, designed to support spin workouts. This being said, you can pedal while standing up without any problem, as long as you don’t exceed the 300 lbs (136 kg) weight capacity.
The pedals are dual-sided; they have toe cages on one side, but if you don’t want to use them, you can turn them over. However, they do not have SPD clips for spin shoes. Their core is made of metallic alloy, so they’re pedal made to last. Also, they have standard threads, so in case you need to replace them, compatible options are widely available.
As for resistance, this exercise bike is equipped with a friction resistance system. It consists of a brake similar to the standard brakes of road bikes, with two felt pads on each side of the flywheel. The brake is attached to the knob on top of the main bar of the frame. By turning the knob clockwise, the brake will tighten onto the flywheel and the resistance on the pedals will increase.
The are no resistance adjustments specified on the bike’s resistance knob. You can simply tighten the brake up to the point you can barely pedal. The resistance knob also has a small lever which acts as an emergency brake. In case you need to stop the flywheel, you simply press the lever down which will fully tighten the brake onto the flywheel and stop it instantly.
Console
The fitness meter included with the Elite IC7 cycling trainer offers quite a bit more than the basic units. First of all, it features a 6-panel display, which means it can show all your workout 
metrics at once. The unit tracks time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, and pulse. It has time and date functions, and also offers the possibility to set up targets for time, distance and calories. When you set up a target for one of these values, the unit will count down from it to zero.
The console unit is telemetric. This means it can read your heart rate via an HR chest strap transmitter. A compatible HR chest strap is included, but as a general idea, it should work with any Polar chest strap.
The meter unit is quite easy to operate. It has two buttons SET and MODE/RESET. The SET button allows you to enter the unit’s set-up mode and adjust values, while the MODE key fulfills the confirmation role. By pressing and holding the MODE/RESET key all the values on the unit will be reset to zero.
The meter is battery powered. It requires a 3V (CR2032) battery, which is included. It has a sleep function to which will enter after 4 minutes of inactivity on the bike.
Assembly and Maintenance
This exercise bike comes almost fully assembled. You only have to attach the base bars, the pedals, the handlebars and the console. This shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes. All the tools that you’ll need for the assembly are included. Also, the manual’s assembly diagrams will guide you step-by-step throughout the whole process.
For maintenance, it is recommended to periodically check the integrity of the frame and parts; in case some of them are loose, re-tighten them; in case there are broken parts, they should be replaced before re-using the bike. Also, the bike’s brake pads may require lubrication in case they squeak or release a burnt odor when in contact with the flywheel. For this, silicone lubricant is recommended.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame construction, designed for spin workouts;
- High weight capacity (300 lbs);
- Elegant design;
- Bases with adjustable stabilizers;
- Transport wheels;
- Mid-section step-up plate for various spin workouts;
- 4-way adjustable, padded seat;
- 2-way adjustable handlebar with a multi-grip design;
- Adjustable, friction resistance;
- Balanced, 44 lbs flywheel, for a consistent momentum and strength training;
- Heavy-duty crank, able to support any user up to the maximum listed weight, in upright pedaling position;
- Durable, metallic pedals with toe cages;
- Fitness meter included;
- Goal settings available on the fitness meter;
- HR chest strap transmitter included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Quiet belt drive, great for apartment use.
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- The handlebar doesn’t adjust back and forth;
- No SPD clips on the pedals.
Bottom Line
The Horizon Fitness Elite IC7 is an indoor cycling trainer built for all spin workouts. It features a standard friction brake, belt drive, and telemetric exercise meter. An HR chest strap is also included with the bike. It’s an excellent cycle for interval training, strength and stamina development, muscle toning and weight loss. And finally, it’s an expensive bike but does offer excellent value and quality for the price.