Ironman Triathlon X-Class 510

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Resistance	Console	Warranty
Ironman Triathlon X-Class 510 Check Discounted Price	L:44" W:26" H:49"	300 lbs	Friction	Included	Frame: lifetime Parts: 5 years Labor: 5 years Electronics: 2 years Wear: 2 years

It’s a given that most exercise bikes made for 24/7 use within the premises of a gym, are typically more expensive than bikes designed for home use. However, if you look hard enough, you can find models that offer the quality and design of a gym-grade spin bike, but for a more affordable price. One of the models that fall in this category is the Ironman Triathlon X-Class 510.

This particular indoor cycling bike not only that offers an almost complete array of features, it is also one that can satisfy users of all levels. As its name suggests, it does supply the training setting required by a triathlon trainee. The only aspect that tells it apart from the heavy-duty, commercial bikes, is it user maximum capacity of 300 lbs. Therefore, if you’ve already put this bike on your shopping list, it’s important that you know each and every aspect regarding it, in minute detail. So, here’s what this baby can do for you.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 44L x 26W x 49H inches (112L x 66W x 124.5H cm)
• Assembled weight: 127 lbs (57.6 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 44 lbs (20 kg)
• Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Handlebars: Adjustable horizontally and vertically
• Seat: Adjustable horizontally and vertically
• Pedals: Hybrid, SPD clipless and toe straps
• Drive mechanism: Belt
• Resistance: Friction
• Bottle holder: Yes
• Performance monitor: Yes
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 5 years / Labor 5 years / Electronics 2 years / Wear parts 2 years

Frame

The Ironman Triathlon X-Class 510 features an extremely sturdy frame, made of thick steel tubing, with solid welding points. All tubes in the frame are rectangular, and this is quite a plus for their grip on the handlebar and seat posts. Being shaped in this manner, the inserted said posts are nearly impossible to turn sideways during a consistent workout. Also, the whole construction of the frame is extremely rigid; this frame won’t bend or flex, no matter how you work out. Its main part is double coated with anti-corrosive paint, and currently, the only available color is orange.

There is a slightly different design in the frame of this bike, than in most other indoor cycles. To begin with, it takes 44″L x 26″W (112 x 66 cm) of floor space. And this being said, it’s important to mention that most indoor cycling bikes are 20″-22″ (51-56 cm) in width. Therefore, a 26″ (66 cm) width, along with its assembled weight of 127 lbs (cca 58 kg), this Ironman bike model supplies enhanced stability. Even during the hardest, stand-up spin sessions, you can be sure that it won’t rock or tip.

The main frame of the bike rests on two solid bases, finished with caps, and stabilizing, adjustable rubber feet. The front base is also furnished with transport, silicone wheels, helping a lot with the relocation of the unit.

Seat

Generally, spin bikes aren’t built for comfort, and most of them feature a rather slim seat, without a lot of cushioning. Well, when it comes to this bike, things are quite different. First of all, it offers one of the best seats that you can have with an indoor cycling bike. Second of all, the seat features a new design, using a unique cushioning system, consisting of multiple individual air chambers. This unique structure helps with the even distribution of the user’s weight, and considerably reducing any stress. And third off all, the seat is contoured, which not only enables it to adapt better to the user’s body, it also ensures a minimum of airflow, resulting in superior comfort.

When it comes to adjustability, the seat offers vertical and fore to aft. adjustment possibilities. There are no markings on the seat post; you basically tighten the knob at the height that’s most comfortable. Height-wise, it can accommodate users between 5′ – 6’4″ (152 – 193 cm). Taller users can also exercise on this machine. However, depending on the length of their inseam, they may not benefit from a full leg stretch.

Handlebars

Just like the seat, the handlebar assembly can be adjusted up, down, forth and back. There is no angle adjustability though. However, the handlebar features a multi-grip design, also incorporating elbow rests. Although it may seem a pretty insignificant feature, the elbow rests considerably improve the comfort of the handlebar, for the aero posture. Many other exercise bikes simply do not have this, and without proper positioning, hands may become numb during a longer aero posture workout period.

The whole handlebar assembly is coated with a rubber foam fabric, supplying an ergonomic grip.

Resistance type

One of the reasons the Triathlon X-Class 510 is more affordable than other exercise bike models of this caliber, is its pretty simple, friction brake system. It consists of an up-to-down, pretty thick and resistant felt pad. This pad is meant to last for at least two years of use, even with daily, prolonged workout sessions. But once it wears out, it requires replacement, and you must order it from the manufacturer.

The brake is pretty effective though. It also comes with its own advantage. If on the magnetic brake bikes the top resistance settings may be found too weak by some of the most trained athletes, in this case the brake pad can actually be tighten to the point you can barely pedal. There are no resistance settings on the adjustment knob, but you hardly need any. In order to adjust resistance, you simply turn the knob up to the point the amount of resistance supplied feels comfortable to you.

The resistance knob also fulfills the purpose of emergency brake. In case the flywheel needs to be stopped swiftly, you simply push the knob down.

Drive type

First of all, the Ironman X-Class 510 bike features a belt-drive system, involving a precision, high-torque, heavy-duty belt, which promotes a smooth and quiet pedaling motion. The smoothness of the ride is also backed up by the heavy, 44 lbs (20 kg), balanced flywheel, which ensures a consistent momentum. The flywheel is powered by a heavy duty 3-piece, steel crank assembly, which can withstand a user up to 300 lbs (136 kg) in complete stand-up workout posture.

The bike’s Q-factor is slightly wider than in standard bikes, but it’s far from being incomfortably wide. Therefore, the pedaling motion feels right at home, without any bit of awkwardness.

The crank arms are finished with hybrid pedals. In other words, on one side they feature toe clips for athletic shoes, while on the other side, they’re Wellgo clipless pedals, and will accommodate spin shoes with cleats. The pedals supplied with the bike have standard threads. Therefore, they can be replaced by various other pedals.

Console

There are so many indoor cycling bikes out there, and some of them even high side of the price, models such as Schwinn AC Performance Plus for example, which are not supplied with a bike computer. The Triathlon X-Class 510 does feature a performance monitor. Even though it’s not the most advanced one, it will still help you keep track of your workout data during each session. It tracks time, speed, distance, calories, RPM and heart rate. It does not have any preloaded training programs, but it does have Set Target function for distance, time and calories.

One of the features that sets this console apart from the basic type, is its bluetooth connectivity. You can connect it to your smart device via bluetooth, and with the free iOS/Android app available, you can keep track of your progress.

Operating the console is pretty easy. It has only 5 buttons: Up, Down, Mode, Reset and Bluetooth. The Mode button is used to confirm the selection of values, while the Up/Down arrows are used to increase/decrease target values. Needless to say, the Reset key reboots the console. The Bluetooth key turns on the Bluetooth function.

The console is powered on when you commence pedaling, and it will enter sleep mode after 4 minutes of inactivity on the bike. It requires 4x AA alkaline batteries, which are supplied with the box.

Accessories

Apart from the performance monitor, the Ironman Triathlon X-Class 510 indoor trainer cycle comes with a fair amount of other accessories. The first to mention is a mat for floor protection and noise reduction. The mat has a surface of 79″L x 35.4″W (200.6 x 90 cm), it’s made of waterproof PVC and it has a foldable pattern.

Another useful accessory is the MyCloudFitness 122kHz chest strap, compatible with the console. It’s actually great that this accessory does come with the bike, as the handlebars do not feature pulse sensors. Therefore, the only way to track your pulse, is via this HR chest strap. The strap uses a CR2032 battery, which is included as well.

The box also includes a basic bottle holder, which must be mounted between the aero bars, under the console. Bottle is not included with this accessory, though.

Finally, the console features a tablet tray. Thereby you can safely place your tablet on your handlebar, and enjoy your online streams, or read your favorite book as you pedal.

Assembly and Maintenance

Most of the bike comes already assembled, therefore the assembly process takes about 6-7 main steps, and 30 minutes, tops. All you need to do is place the bike’s body on its bases, mount the seat with its gliding rail, the handlebars with their gliding rails, pedals, and then connect the console. The mat comes in a separate box, and would be for the best to begin assembling the bike directly on the mat. Pedals require a little bit of greasing before installation. All the tools necessary for the assembly task come with the box. Also, the box contains a hard copy of the user’s manual, which gives you pretty clear directions regarding assembly and use.

Since it’s bike with a belt-drive, the maintenance of the drive system doesn’t require much. However, the brake pad may require lubrication in case it emits squeaky noises when it touches the flywheel. Also, once it’s worn out, it will require replacement, and you’ll basically have to order a new one from the manufacturer.

The Pros

• Solid frame, built like a tank, with an innovative design;
• Bases with adjustable, rubber levelers;
• 4-way adjustable seat (up, down, front, back);
• 4-way adjustable handlebar (up, down, front, back), with a multi-grip design;
• Elbow rests incorporated within the handlebar;
• One of the most comfortable seats for a cycling bike;
• Adjustable resistance;
• Heavy, balanced flywheel for a smooth pedaling motion and solid momentum;
• Heavy-duty crank, able to support any user up to the maximum listed weight, in upright pedaling position;
• Hybrid pedals, clipless on one side, with toe clips on the other;
• Console included;
• Bluetooth connectivity for progress tracking, via the free app for iOS and Android;
• Mat included;
• HR chest strap included;
• Media tray;
• Bottle holder;
• Really easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Quiet, great for apartment use;
• Super warranty plan.

Minuses

• Brake pad will wear out after a while, and will require replacement. Even though it should last for at least 2 years of use, with daily, heavy use it may wear out sooner;
• No preset programs built-in the console;

Bottom Line

If you have any fitness goals that can be achieved via a spin bike, the Ironman Triathlon X-Class 510 will without a doubt help you achieve them. The only aspect that puts this bike into the home-use category, rather than the commercial-grade category is the fact that it can only support users up to 300 lbs. It still is a pretty solid indoor cycle, which incorporates top-quality, heavy-duty components. It also excels in micro adjustability, and comes with an impressive array of accessories, which other, much more expensive bikes do not offer. All in all, a bike with an outstanding price/quality ratio.