| Unit | Size | Resistance | Fitness meter | Other accessories | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LifePro FlexCycle Check Discounted Price | L:20.9" W:17.5" H:13.2" | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | RPM, Count, T-Count, Time, Distance, Calories, Bluetooth | Resistance bands, Hand pedals, Tether strap | Lifetime |
The LifePro FlexCycle is a similar exerciser to the LifePro FlexStride under desk elliptical that we’ve already reviewed here. However, as its name suggests, it is an exercise bike, not an elliptical trainer. It’s a small, portable, and also affordable exerciser, great for using at home or at the office during working hours.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 20.9L x 17.5W x 13.2H inches (53L x 44W x 33H cm)
- Assembled weight: 18.1 lbs (8.2 kg)
- Pedals: With straps
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness monitor: RPM, time, count, total count, distance, calories, scan, Bluetooth, Zwift compatible
- Extras: Resistance bands
- Warranty: Lifetime
Frame construction and parts
The LifePro FlexCycle features a steel frame coated with a durable, black paint finish. However,
most of it is covered by the two plastic guards of the drive and resistance elements. These are made of a tough thermoplastic material and have a built-in handle for the easy portability of the unit.
Both base bars of the bike rest on rubber pads for an improved grip on the floor. The front base stabilizer is slightly longer than the rear one and has two built-in anchor points to which you can attach the two included resistance bands for arm exercises. These consist of two elastic cords with standard D-handles. They offer the possibility to perform curls, rows, and several other exercises.
Like most other under desk bikes or elliptical machines, the LifePro FlexCycle is a fairly small unit. With all the parts assembled, it is 20.9″ (53 cm) long, and 17.5″ (44 cm) wide, while its highest point is 13.2″ (33 cm). The maximum pedal height is approx. 11″ (27 cm), so this being said, the bike should fit under most standard desks, and you shouldn’t hit your knees on the top board.
Since it’s a small, under desk exercise bike, the FlexCycle is also pretty light. Its net weight is only 18.1 lbs (8.2 kg) so it can easily be carried by only one person.
Drive system
The LifePro FlexCycle is equipped with a perimeter-weighted flywheel for improved inertia. Its exact
weight is not specified, but since the net weight of the unit is only 18 lbs (8.2 kg), the flywheel probably doesn’t weigh more than 7-8 lbs (3.1 – 3.6 kg). It delivers a smooth and steady motion. It is bi-directional, so you can pedal in reverse if you want, but coasting on the bike is not possible. If you stop pedaling, the flywheel will also stop spinning.
The bike is equipped with a belt drive system. This means you don’t have to go through the hassle of removing the plastic guards to lubricate it periodically as would be the case with a chain drivetrain. The belt also delivers slightly less vibration than a chain and contributes to the overall smoothness of the ride.
The FlexCycle under desk exercise bike features a pretty tough, three-piece crankset. Evidently, the crank arms are slightly shorter than for a road bike. The crankset and the pedals are not meant for pedaling while standing up. That’s why LifePro does not specify a certain weight limit for the bike, as you must remain seated while pedaling.
The pedals are made of durable thermoplastic material and have a metallic center. They are weighted, so they always turn face-up if you remove your feet from them. Their surface is textured for an improved grip and they’re equipped with adjustable straps so you can secure your feet on them if necessary.
A set of hand pedals are included with the bike, in case you want to exercise using your arms. These are thinner than the foot pedals and have ergonomic grips for a comfortable hand positioning. They also have straps for hand stability.
Resistance system
The bike is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. Thus, you don’t need an adapter or an
external power source for it. But on the other hand, since it does not have an internal motor, it cannot adjust the resistance automatically, and the included console does not have pre-set workout programs.
The resistance system consists of a magnetic brake attached to the flywheel assembly and to the tension dial under the fitness monitor. As you turn this dial clockwise, the magnetic brake moves closer to the flywheel which increases the intensity of the created magnetic field. This leads to an increased pedaling difficulty. Conversely, if you turn the dial counterclockwise, the magnetic brake moves away from the flywheel which decreases the pedaling load.
The bike makes available 8 levels of magnetic resistance. The first level of resistance is fairly light, great for a fitness warm-up and recovery training. On the other hand, the pedal tension provided by the 8th difficulty setting is considerably distinguishable from the 1st level. However, the bike is meant for light workouts and recovery training, so it won’t provide the same workout level as a spin bike.
Fitness monitor
The fitness monitor unit included with the LifePro FlexCycle under desk exercise bike features an LCD 
display that tracks time, distance, RPM, count, total count, and calories burned. The display has two sub-sections; the top one always shows your RPM (revolutions per minute), while the bottom section shows the other workout metrics. The count metric shows the revolutions per workout, while the t-count metric indicates the total of revolutions performed on the bike since the first use. The distance is shown in miles and there is no option for meters or kilometers. Also, the unit does not have a pulse reading function.
The monitor unit is easy to use. It only has one button. By pressing the button, you can scroll through the workout metrics shown on the bottom section of the display and select the one that you want to view. This way, you can also select the Scan Mode which rotates all the metrics showing each one for a few seconds. The button also has a reset function. You can press and hold it for a few seconds to clear all the metrics to zero.
As we’ve mentioned above, this under desk exercise bike is not motorized so it does not have pre-set workout programs and cannot adjust the resistance automatically. However, it does have built-in Bluetooth connectivity and comes with a QR code. It is compatible with Zwift and other apps, so you can create a personalized workout plan, track your calories burned online, set up workout goals, and more, depending on the features of the app you will be using.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries which are included with the bike. It starts up when you begin pedaling or when you press the button. It also turns off automatically after four minutes of inactivity on the bike.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the bike with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. You only need to attach the front and rear stabilizers, the pedals, and the two resistance bands. This shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes. The task is fairly simple, and the manual provides clear assembly instructions. Also, a basic multi-tool is included with the bike.
Once the bike is assembled, maintenance doesn’t require much. You only have to keep it clean and periodically check for loose bolts and parts. Also, the bike is for indoor use only. If kept outside, moisture may eventually corrode the internal parts. And finally, the unit comes with a lifetime warranty, but in order to activate it, you must register it on the official site within two weeks from purchase.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction and compact design;
- Built-in carrying handle;
- Weighted foot pedals with straps;
- Pedals for arm exercises included as well;
- Resistance bands with handles included;
- Tether strap included;
- Frictionless magnetic resistance for a whisper-quiet workout;
- Fitness monitor that tracks RPM, time, distance, count, t-count, and calories burned;
- Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with various apps such as Zwift;
- Batteries for the monitor included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenace required;
- A multi-tool for assembly is included;
- Lifetime warranty.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- The monitor display does not have backlight.
Summary
The LifePro FlexCycle is an under desk exercise bike made for home use or office use. It is equipped with an 8-level manual magnetic resistance system, and a fitness monitor that tracks time, distance, RPM, count, t-count, and calories burned. The monitor unit is also Bluetooth enabled so you can sync your bike with various apps such as Zwift for online progress tracking and workout planning. In all, it’s a great exercise bike for light exercising, recovery training, stamina and strength improvement, stress reduction, and improving cardiovascular fitness.