Inspire Fitness IC2 Indoor Cycling Bike

Unit	Size	Weight capacity	Flywheel	Resistance	Fitness meter
Inspire Fitness IC2 Check Discounted Price	L:49" W:23" H:51"	400 lbs	53 lbs	Friction, Leather pad	Time, Distance, Speed, RPM, Calories, Pulse, Polar compatible

The Inspire Fitness IC2 is one of the heaviest indoor cycling bikes that you can find at a moment. It’s also one of the models with an impressive weight capacity of 400 lbs (181.4 kg). It’s definitely a heavy-duty exercise bike, designed to support all kinds of spin workouts.

Although it has the same model name as the Schwinn IC2, it has nothing to do with this Schwinn bike model. In fact, it’s a considerably more solid bike than the Schwinn but also costs quite a bit more.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 49L x 23W x 51H inches (124L x 58W x 129H cm)
• Assembled weight: 186 lbs (84 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 53 lbs (24 kg)
• Supported weight: 400 lbs (181.4 kg)
• Handlebars: 4-way adjustable
• Seat: 4-way adjustable
• Drive mechanism: Belt
• Resistance: Friction
• Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, RPM, calories, pulse
• Bottle holders: Included
• Warranty:
  – Commercial: Frame 5 years / Parts 3 years / Wear items 6 months / Labor 1 year
  – In-Home: Frame 5 years / Parts 3 years / Wear items 1 year / Labor 1 year

Frame construction

The Inspire Fitness IC2 exercise bike features a frame made of steel tubing. Its design is similar to the Fitness Reality X-Class 710, without the conventional front fork that holds the flywheel. It also has two longitudinal base bars rather than just one, which greatly improve the overall sturdiness of the frame.

The seat and handlebar posts are made of aluminum, though; they don’t have any coating, featuring the natural aluminum color. The rest of the bike’s frame is electro-plated with a scratch-resistant and rust-resistant finish, black in color. There are only several plastic parts in the bike’s construction. These are the sleeves of the handlebar and seat posts, which are red in color for an aesthetic touch. The belt guard, as well as the flywheel bolt guards, are also made of durable plastic material.

As we’ve mentioned above, the Inspire Fitness IC2 indoor cycling bike is one of the heaviest trainers in this category. With the frame fully assembled, it weighs approx. 186 lbs (84 kg), which is over 4 times more than the weight of the average mountain bike. This weight plays an important role in the bike’s stability, though. So, this being said, even if you engage in the most demanding workouts, it won’t rock or wobble. Its base tubes are equipped with adjustable levelers, which also enhance the bike’s overall stability.

Although the bike is rather heavy, its transport shouldn’t be too difficult once it is assembled. The front base stabilizer integrates two transport wheels which facilitate its movement. The frame is not foldable, though. So, you will have to find a storage place that fits the bike’s fully assembled dimensions.

Speaking of dimensions, the IC2 exercise bike isn’t extremely large. Its maximum length, from the front end of the handlebar to the rear end of the base bar, is 49″ (124 cm). The base length is slightly shorter, being approx. 44″ (112 cm). The bike’s width is 23″ (58 cm). So, these being said, it doesn’t take too much storage space. As for usable space, it is recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance on the sides, and at least one foot of clearance at the front and rear for safe operation.

The section above the rear base is equipped with a calf stretching pad. Even though it may seem to be an insignificant feature, it’s still a plus over many other exercise bikes.

The middle frame bar above the crank assembly is slightly oblique. It doesn’t have a conventional step-up pad attached to it but is extremely durable. Therefore, you can perform any spin workout that requires you to dismount from the bike and step-up / step-off the frame, with no problem. As we’ve mentioned above, the paint finish is extremely durable and it will take a lot of time to wear due to abrasion.

Seat and handlebars

The saddle included with the Inspire Fitness IC2 indoor cycling trainer is slightly wider at the rear than other spin seats. It features a front groove to promote a healthy air flow through, while its rear part integrates a thick layer of cushioning. It features a highly durable, sweat-proof upholstery made of double-stitched faux leather. These being said, although it’s not a seat made for comfort like most spin seats, it still delivers optimal comfort for all the seated workouts.

The saddle has a standard design, though. Thus, you can easily find a compatible replacement seat in case you want one with more cushioning.

The seat’s vertical bar, as well as its horizontal slider, are extremely durable. They’re designed to support users up to 400 lbs (181.4 kg).

The bike offers superior adjustability. Both its seat and handlebars are 4-way adjustable (front, back, up, down). They offer multiple adjustment positions in order to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’7″ (153 – 201 cm). Their adjustment knobs are quite large, easy to grip, pull, and turn, so it shouldn’t take more than a minute to bring the seat and handlebars to your own size.

The bike’s handlebar assembly features a multi-grip construction. It has a loop aero bar in the middle and standard lateral grips, but doesn’t offer the bull-horn grip as the BodyCraft SPR, for example. It’s completely dipped in polyurethane, in order to deliver a secure grip, and minimize abrasion. The two drop-down bottle holders are completely integrated into the handlebar.

Resistance system

The Inspire Fitness IC2 features a standard friction resistance system which consists of a leather brake pad attached to the main frame bar via a metallic sheet, and concealed by a durable PVC cover. The brake pad is connected to the dial on top of the main frame bar, so by turning the dial, the pad will apply more or less friction to the flywheel.

The resistance dial also serves as an emergency brake. By pressing it down, you can instantly stop the flywheel. In case it’s not too tight, the flywheel and pedals will continue to spin after you stop pedaling, so in order to avoid any injuries it is recommended to use the emergency brake to stop the flywheel.

Like most exercise bikes with a friction resistance system, the IC2 doesn’t have any “clicks” or pre-set resistance levels marked on the knob. You simply tighten the pad onto the flywheel until the resistance generated corresponds to your needs. Basically, you can tighten the pad on the flywheel up to the point you can barely pedal.

Drive system

One of the main pluses of this indoor cycling bike is the extra heavy flywheel. It weighs 53 lbs (24 kg), being 3 lbs heavier than the one on the Star Trac Spinner Blade ION. It’s designed to deliver a very solid momentum, and provide workouts for leg muscle strength development.

The flywheel is balanced and coated with an anti-corrosion chrome polish. It generates a smooth and steady motion. It’s also bi-directional, the bike offering the possibility to pedal in reverese. But take note that when pedaling in reverse, the bike retains the resistance as the resistance pad will continue to apply friction on it. Also, in case you’re wondering, you cannot coast on it.

The bike’s crankset is extremely durable. The bike is rated for a weight capacity of 400 lbs (181.4 kg) and the crank/pedal assembly doesn’t make an exception. Even if you weigh this much, you should be able to pedal while standing up with no problem.

The pedals are made of a durable metallic alloy. They’re dual-sided, equipped with SPD clips on one side, and toe cages with straps on the other. The bike’s Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) is not specified, but is notably narrow. This results in a pedaling motion without any lateral stress on the joints, which can lead to longer, pain-free workouts.

Last but not least, this Inspire Fitness exercise bike uses a belt drive system, powered by a poly-v-belt which generates almost no noise during pedaling. Also, as opposed to a chain drive, it doesn’t require periodic lubrication. In fact, none of the internal parts need any maintenance. The belt and crankset are completely enclosed, preventing any damage or outer interference. Also, the belt drive is equipped with an internal tensioning assembly which can be extremely useful if the belt becomes loose.

Exercise meter

Although the Inspire Fitness IC2 is available without the meter unit, the model that we’re addressing here is actually the IC2.2 which includes this accessory. The included fitness meter offers several extra features over the basic models. It has a multi-panel display which tracks time, distance, speed, RPM, calories and pulse. The display integrates blue LED backlight which improves its reading in a dimly lit area.

RPMs are shown in the top area of the display, in a similar way to a car’s tachometer. The mid panels are for calories and pulse, while the bottom panel indicates time.

The bike’s handlebar doesn’t integrate pulse sensors, but the meter unit is telemetric. It is compatible with Polar HR chest strap transmitters and can read your pulse wirelessly if you wear one. However, a Polar strap is not included with the bike.

Assembly and Maintenance

There is very little assembly to be carried out when it comes to this exercise bike. Most of it comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the two base stabilizers to the main frame, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the meter, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes. The manual provides step-by-step instructions for the assembly task. Also, all the tools required for the parts’ assembly are included.

Maintenance requires keeping the bike clean, especially the sliders and posts of the seat and handlebars. These may also require a bit of lubrication. And from time to time, it is recommended to check the bike for loose parts and bolts, and re-tighten them if it’s the case.

The Pros

• Extremely sturdy construction, able to support users up to 400 lbs;
• Aesthetic design;
• Bases with adjustable, rubber levelers;
• Transport wheels;
• Calf stretching pad above the rear base;
• Superior micro-adjustability – 4-way adjustable seat and handlebars;
• Optimally cushioned spin seat, with a longitudinal groove for breathability and durable upholstery;
• Multi-grip handlebar, polyurethane dipped for a secure and non-abrasive grip;
• Standard friction resistance;
• Extra-heavy, 53 lbs flywheel for a consistent momentum and a smooth pedaling motion;
• Heavy-duty crank, able to support any user up to the maximum listed weight, in upright pedaling position; 
• Narrow Q-Factor to eliminate lateral stress on the knees and ankles;
• Dual-sided pedals with clips for spin shoes on one side, toe cages on the other;
• Silent, maintenance-free belt drive;
• Fitness meter included – can track time, speed, RPM, distance, calories and pulse;
• Meter is compatible with Polar HR chest strap;
• Bottle holders included;
• Little assembly required;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• Polar HR chest strap is not included.

Summary

The Inspire Fitness IC2 is a heavy-duty, commercial-grade indoor cycling bike featuring a friction resistance system, an extra-heavy 53 lbs flywheel, and a weight capacity of 400 lbs. It excels in micro-adjustability, comes with dual-sided pedals and also includes a Polar compatible fitness meter. It’s definitely a bike made to support any spin workout, being perfect for medium to intense cardio workouts, interval training, stamina and leg strength development, and for weight loss. Since it’s a commercial-grade bike, it’s not an exactly a cheap one, but it does cost a few $100s less than other models. In all, it’s a solid piece of equipment, offering outstanding value for the price.