| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Performance monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
KT20 KTSB-636 Check Discounted Price | L:42.7" W:20.5" H:43" | 275 lbs | 13 lbs | Friction | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Odometer, Pulse, Scan, Goals |
The KT20 KTSB-636 is one of the indoor cycling bikes released in 2021. It’s an exercise bike made for home use, similar in terms of features to the Ativafit IC-702. However, it comes with a lighter flywheel and has a different type of seat assembly.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 42.7L x 20.5W x 43H inches (108.5L x 52.3W x 109H cm)
- Shipping weight: 55 lbs (25 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 13 lbs (6 kg)
- Supported weight: 275 lbs (125 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive mechanism: Belt
- Resistance: Friction
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, odometer, calories, pulse, scan, goals
- Warranty: 12 months limited
Frame construction
The KT20 KTSB-636 indoor cycling trainer features a steel frame made of rectangular and oval tubing
for improved sturdiness. Although the frame has a triangular design, it is not a conventional model as the seat has a coil suspension system at the base.
All the steel frame parts are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. However, the flywheel and the drivetrain have large plastic covers. The paint finish on the main frame is black, while the seat and handlebar posts are gray. The plastic covers combine red and black for improved aesthetics.
Since it’s a bike made for home use, the KTSB-636 is not too large. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 42.7″ (108.5 cm) long, and 20.5″ (52.3 cm) wide. However, it is recommended to allow some clearance all around it (at least two feet on each side), for ease of access and safe usage.
The bike is not too heavy either. It wights approx. 55 lbs (25 kg). Therefore, it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Also, once it is assembled, it can easily be relocated as its front base stabilizer is equipped with a set of small wheels. Conversely, its rear stabilizer features two adjustable levelers.
Seat and handlebars
As we’ve mentioned above, the KT20 KTSB-636 indoor cycle features a seat equipped with a suspension
system at the base. This consists of a spring that reduces the impact of the ride. On top of that, the saddle also has two suspension springs at the rear which enables it to bend according to the movement of the user.
The saddle is fairly large, approx. 10.2″L x 7.6″W (26 x 19.5 cm), so it provides plenty of contact surface. It has a thick layer of internal foam cushioning. Its cover is made from durable vinyl material, so it’s easy to maintain. It also has a median cutout for improved breathability.
The seat is 4-way adjustable (front, back, up, down). Its upright post offers several inches of adjustment while its horizontal slider adds a bit of front-to-back adjustment as well. This being said, the bike should accommodate comfortably users between 4’11” and 5’9″ (150 – 175 cm). Taller persons should still be able to use this bike but they may not benefit from a complete leg extension. Also, the bike is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 275 lbs (125 kg).
As opposed to the seat, the bike’s handlebar only offers two-way adjustability (up, down). It lacks the horizontal slider. It features a multi-grip design offering the possibility to adopt a climbing grip, a standard grip, and a close grip. It also has a loop bar in the middle which may offer a different close grip, in case you won’t install the fitness monitor.
The side grips of the handlebar feature PVC foam sleeves for improved contact. They also have integrated pulse sensors, and the fitness monitor can track your pulse.
Drive system
The KT20 KTSB-636 indoor cycling bike is equipped with a perimeter-weighted flywheel which is concealed
by a set of large plastic guards. Although it only weighs 13 lbs (6 kg), the perimeter-weighting improves inertia and adds consistency to the ride.
The flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, you can pedal in reverse on this bike. However, as opposed to most road bikes, coasting is not possible on this exercise bike. Also, when pedaling in reverse, the resistance remains constant.
The bike is equipped with a belt drive system. It integrates a heavy-duty poly-v belt, therefore, you don’t have to worry about its lubrication. Also, the belt delivers a very smooth pedaling motion as it generates less vibration than a chain drivetrain.
The exact Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) of the bike is not specified. However, it’s definitely narrower than 200 mm (7.8″). Therefore, your feet aren’t too far apart on the pedals and the pedaling motion doesn’t generate any extra lateral stress on the knees.
The bike features a 3-piece crankset with solid steel arms, painted black. The pedals are made of aluminum alloy, featuring adjustable toe cages. They do not have SPD elements for spin shoes but do have 9/16 threads so compatible options are widely available.
Resistance system
The KT20 KTSB-636 exercise bike is equipped with a standard friction resistance system with manual action. 
This means you don’t need an adapter or an external power source for it. But on the other hand, the bike cannot automatically adjust the resistance, and the included exercise meter does not have workout programs.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a felt brake pad attached to the frame above the flywheel and connected to the tension dial on top of the main frame tube. It is completely concealed by the front plastic guard. When you turn the dial, the brake pad applies more or less friction to the flywheel which increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty.
The bike’s tension dial does not have pre-determined resistance settings (or clicks) like magnetic bikes. You simply tighten the pad on the flywheel until you get the desired pedaling difficulty. The tension dial also has the function of an emergency brake; you can press it down to instantly stop the flywheel from spinning.
Fitness monitor
This KT20 exercise bike comes with a fitness monitor similar to the one included with the Stamina 345 recumbent
bike. It features an LCD display that tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It does not have an RPM or watts reading function. The pulse reading function is grip only, the unit cannot track your pulse from a wireless transmitter. So, in order for it to read your pulse, you must keep your hands on the sensors integrated into the handlebar.
The bike does not have pre-set programs, Bluetooth connectivity, nor it is compatible with any fitness apps. However, you can create workout goals for time, distance, and calories. If a goal for any of these metrics is selected, it will show the remaining value until the goal completion.
The monitor features three buttons. The Mode button covers the metric selection function. It also allows you to select the scan mode which rotates all the metrics showing each one for approx. 6 seconds. The Set button covers the goal-setting function. And finally, the Reset button clears all the values on the unit to zero, except the odometer (total distance).
The unit requires two AAA batteries as a power source, which are included. It starts counting distance, speed, etc. when you begin pedaling. It automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the bike for more than four minutes. It also integrates a device holder.
Assembly and Maintenance
Although the included manual doesn’t offer super-comprehensive assembly instructions, the assembly task for this bike isn’t too difficult. The main body of the bike comes pre-assembled. You only have to add the two base bars, the pedals, the seat, the handlebars, and the fitness monitor. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. All the necessary tools for the task are included.
For maintenance, the bike’s brake pad may need lubrication and replacement after it completely wears out. Other than this, you only need to keep the bike clean and periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 275 lbs;
- Small footprint;
- Adjustable levelers on the rear stabilizer;
- Transport wheels on the front base bar;
- Four-way adjustable seat;
- High-comfort saddle with thick foam cushioning and a center cropping for improved breathability;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the handlebar;
- Solid crankset, can support just about any spin workout;
- Perimeter-weighted (13-lbs) flywheel for improved inertia;
- Metallic pedals with toe cages and standard threads;
- Quiet belt drive;
- Standard friction resistance;
- Performance monitor included – it tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories burned;
- Goal setting function for time, distance, and calories;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the assembly tools are included.
The Cons
- The monitor display does not have backlight;
- No RPM or watts reading.
Summary
The KT20 KTSB-636 is an indoor cycling bike made for home use. It is equipped with a friction resistance system, a 13-lb flywheel, a belt drivetrain, and a fitness monitor that tracks all the important workout metrics. It’s a fairly sturdy exercise bike, great for spin workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, interval training, and weight loss. It’s also quite an affordable bike, currently available for less than $150.