| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Exercise meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Life Fitness IC1 Check Discounted Price | L: 43.3" W: 21.7" H: 43.3" | 287 lbs | 40 lbs | Friction | Time, Distance, Speed, RPM, Calories, Pulse, SCAN |
The Life Fitness IC1 is a pretty standard indoor cycling bike but offers a few features that other spin bikes don’t have. For example, it has a different handlebar design and a 3-window display exercise meter. Although it’s not a commercial-grade bike, it definitely offers the sturdiness of at least a light-commercial one. For reference, this is the Life Fitness exercise bike part number IC-LFIC1B-01.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 45.3L x 21.7W x 43.3H inches (115L x 55W x 110H cm)
- Assembled weight: 112 lbs (51 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 40 lbs (18 kg)
- Supported weight: 287 lbs (130 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive system: Belt
- Resistance: Friction
- Fitness meter: Time, distance, cadence, pulse, calories burned
- Extras: Bottle holder
- Warranty: 2 years limited
Frame construction
The Life Fitness IC1 indoor cycle features a heavy-duty frame made of thick steel tubing. It combines ovalized
and rectangular tubes in its construction for improved sturdiness and aesthetics. The main frame section is double-coated with a corrosion-resistant and abrasion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, with the “Life Fitness” logo painted white, these being the only colors available for this bike. The seat post, the handlebar post, and the flywheel have a chrome finish.
The fully assembled bike is fairly heavy. Its net weight is approx. 112 lbs (51 kg) which is more than twice the weight of most road bikes. All this weight adds plenty of stability. Plus, both base tubes are equipped with adjustable and rubberized levelers.
Although the bike is heavy, once it is assembled, it is easy to move. Its front base integrates a set of wheels. So, by using these wheels, you won’t be handling more than 35% of the bike’s total weight.
Similar to other spin bikes, the Life Fitness IC1 is not an extremely large fitness machine. It is 45.3″ (115 cm) long, and 21.7″ (55 cm) wide. It is recommended, though, to leave at least 24″ (61 cm) of clearance on each side for ease of access.
It’s important to mention that the bike’s frame features a step-up bar; again, another element that other spin bikes don’t have. This is the small oblique bar that connects the seat tube with the main frame tube. It can be used in certain spin workouts or as support for stretching and other exercises.
Seat and handlebars
The Life Fitness IC1 is equipped with a standard spin seat. It’s not too slim, though, and has a generous layer 
of cushioning especially in its rear section. Its top is made of durable vinyl material and also has a central groove for improved breathability.
The seat’s attachment system to the adjustment slider features a standard collar with a bolt and nut. This being said, in case you will ever need or want to replace it, compatible options are widely available.
The bike’s seat offers four-way adjustability (up, down, front, back). Its upright post has 15 adjustment positions while the horizontal slider adds several inches of front to back adjustment. This being said, the bike is designed to accommodate users between 5’1″ and 6’6″ (155 – 198 cm). It is also rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 287 lbs (130 kg).
As we’ve mentioned above, the Life Fitness IC1 has a slightly different handlebar design than your average spin bike. To begin with, it offers multiple grips, including standard, climbing, aero, and parallel. It also has a curved bar at the center to which the exercise meter attached. This bar offers an extra grip.
The bike’s handlebar assembly is covered by a layer of urethane material. Its lowest bar integrates a set of metallic pulse sensors. So, by holding on to them, the exercise meter can monitor your pulse rate.
Drive and resistance
The Life Fitness IC1 indoor cycling bike is equipped with a standard friction resistance system. This means
you don’t have to connect it to a power source. But on the other hand, it also means that it doesn’t automatically adjust the resistance and does not have pre-set workout programs.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a felt brake pad attached to the tension knob on top of the main tube of the frame. By turning the knob clockwise, the brake pad applies more friction to the flywheel which increases the pedaling difficulty.
The bike’s resistance system is stepless. This means the tension knob doesn’t have pre-determined tension levels or clicks on it. You simply tighten it until you get the desired pedaling difficulty. As a general idea, the brake pad can be tightened on the flywheel up to the point you can barely pedal, simulating a very steep climb.
The bike integrates a perimeter-weighted, 40 lbs flywheel. This perimeter-weighted design improves inertia adding consistency to the ride which is quite important for spin workouts.
The flywheel allows reverse pedaling as well. However, since the bike’s drivetrain has a simple transmission, coasting or free-wheeling is not possible on this bike. The pedals continued to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning, and when you’re pedaling in reverse, you will get the same resistance as when pedaling forward.
The bike’s tension knob also has an emergency brake function. You can press it down to stop the flywheel from spinning, if needed. This may actually be necessary especially if you’ve been pedaling at a high speed.
The bike’s drivetrain uses a poly-v belt resistant to stretching. This being said, it doesn’t require any lubrication. Also, a belt generates less vibration than a chain and contributes to the overall smoothness of the ride.
The Life Fitness IC1 is equipped with a 3-piece crankset featuring solid steel arms. It is designed to support any spin workouts as long as the user doesn’t exceed the specified 287 lbs (130 kg) weight limit. The included pedals don’t have SPD elements for spin shoes, but they do have adjustable toe cages. They also have standard 9/16 threads, so in case you will ever need to replace them, compatible options are widely available.
Last but not least, the bike has a pretty narrow Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals). It is 6.81″ (173 mm), so that your feet have a natural positioning on the pedals, without being too far apart. This eliminates the lateral stress on the knees and ankles.
Exercise meter
Although the included meter isn’t too fancy, as it doesn’t have Bluetooth or online connectivity, it still is 
better than the average basic unit. To begin with, its LCD display is divided into three sub-sections, so you can see up to three workout metrics at once. It tracks time, distance, speed, RPM, calories burned, and pulse.
Speed and distance can be set either to metric units (km/h, kilometers) or English units (MPH, miles). However, the meter unit is not telemetric. In other words, it can only read your pulse if you hold on to the sensors integrated into the handlebars. It cannot communicate with a wireless heart rate chest strap.
The meter unit is easy to use. It only has two buttons – Flow and Reset. The Flow button allows you to scroll through the workout metrics to select the ones you want to view, or select the Scan Mode to rotate time, distance, and calories on the bottom display section. The Reset button clears all the values to zero.
The unit is battery-powered. It requires two AA batteries which are included. It starts up when it detects flywheel movement or when you press the Flow button. It also automatically turns off to save battery.
Assembly and Maintenance
Most of the bike comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the two base bars, the seat post, the seat, the handlebar post, the handlebars, the exercise meter, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. The manual provides clear assembly instructions and a basic toolkit is included.
Since the bike’s drivetrain uses a belt, not a chain, it doesn’t require periodic lubrication. However, the bike’s brake pad may require a bit of silicone lubricant, especially if it squeaks when it contact with the flywheel. Other than this, you only have to inspect the bike periodically and re-tighten any potential loose bolts or parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction, similar to light-commercial bikes;
- Can support users up to 287 lbs;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both base bars;
- Transport wheels on the front base bar;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- High-comfort saddle with a central groove and a collar-based attachment system;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the handlebar;
- Smooth, almost silent belt drive;
- Inertia-enhanced, 40 lbs flywheel;
- Friction resistance for a wide array of pedaling difficulty levels;
- Heavy-duty pedals with toe cages;
- Narrow Q-Factor (173 mm) for reduced lateral impact on the joints;
- Exercise meter included – it can track time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, and pulse;
- Easy to assemble;
- Tools for assembly are included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No SPD elements on the pedals (only toe cages);
- The exercise meter doesn’t have online connectivity;
- The pulse reading function is not too accurate.
Summary
The Life Fitness IC1 is a heavy-duty indoor cycling bike designed to support any spin workout. It is equipped with a friction resistance system, a comfortable seat, and an exercise meter that can track all the important workout metrics. It offers great micro-adjustability and comfort factors. It’s a great exercise bike for intense cardio workouts, intervals, leg muscle strength development, stamina development, and weight loss. It’s not exactly an affordable bike, but definitely offers excellent value for the price.