Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Flywheel weight | Exercise meter |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maximus Sports Bike Check Discounted Price | L:45" W:20" H:41" | 330 lbs | Friction | 26 lbs | Time, Speed, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Pulse, Scan |
The Maximus Sports indoor cycle is one of the fitness machines released in 2020. In terms of features, it can be compared with the VIGBODY HL-5230 or the UREVO bike. However, it offers Bluetooth connectivity. It’s actually one of the most affordable indoor cycling bikes that can connect to apps like Zwift or FitShow.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 45L x 20W x 41H inches (114L x 51W x 104H cm)
- Flywheel weight: 26 lbs (12 kg)
- Supported weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive mechanism: Belt
- Resistance: Friction
- Fitness monitor: Time, speed, distance, odometer, calories, pulse, scan
- Extras: Device holder, Bluetooth
Frame construction
The Maximus Sports indoor cycling bike features a triangular frame. However, the bars of its front fork and the main tube of the frame are slightly curved. The seat tube intersects the main tube and is also welded to the base longitudinal bar. This considerably improves the overall sturdiness of the frame, that’s why the bike is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 330 lbs (150 kg).
The bike’s frame consists mostly of oval bars. The only rectangular tube is the seat slider while the handlebar tubes are cylindrical. The whole frame is painted black, this being the only color available for this bike. The only exception is the flywheel which is chrome-plated. Also, the bike has several parts made from ABS plastic. The most notable ones are the side covers of the flywheel, the belt cover, the device holder, and the base cap holders.
The bike is not too large. Its footprint is approx. 40″L x 20″W (102 x 51 cm), however, the handlebar extends past the front base of the bike which sets its total length to approx. 45″ (114 cm). Its highest point is given by the handlebar which reaches approx. 41″ (104 cm) above the floor.
The bike is not super-heavy. Its exact weight is not specified, but considering that its flywheel is 26 lbs (12 kg), its total weight should be around 70 lbs (31.7 kg). This being said, it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Also, once it is assembled, it can be easily moved via the small wheels integrated into its front base.
Seat and handlebars
The Maximus Sports bike is equipped with a pretty slim, race-style saddle. This being said, it is not exactly comfortable, especially for unseasoned users. It does integrate a layer of foam padding, though, and has a median groove for improved breathability.
Although it’s not a comfortable saddle, the good news is, it has a standard collar-type attachment system. Thus, you can easily remove it and replace it, while compatible replacements are widely available. Its comfort can also be improved with a gel bike seat cover.
The bike’s seat is four-way adjustable (front, back, up, down). Its maximum height is approx. 35″ (89 cm). This being said, it should be able to accommodate users up to 6’3″ (190 cm) allowing a complete leg extension. However, since the handlebar is placed quite a bit forward, the bike may not provide a very comfortable posture for users under 5’3″ (160 cm).
The bike is equipped with a multi-grip handlebar. It offers the possibility to adopt an off-road grip, a climbing grip, and a standard grip. It also has a small loop bar in the middle, so if you don’t install the device holder, you can also adopt a close grip. The long side grips of the handlebar have PVC foam sleeves for improved comfort. They also integrate pulse sensors.
The handlebar only offers upright adjustability. It has 6 adjustment positions. Its post is rather short, though, and the adjustment span is only approx. 3.5″ (8.8 cm), up to a maximum height of 41.7″ (106 cm).
Resistance system
The Maximus Sports indoor cycling bike is equipped with a standard friction resistance system. The resistance adjustment can only be done manually. Thus, you don’t have to connect it to a power source.
The brake pad is attached under the main tube of the frame and above the flywheel. It connects to the bike’s tension knob. Therefore, when you tighten the knob, the brake pad applies more friction to the flywheel which increases the pedaling difficulty.
Needless to say, since the brake comes in contact with the flywheel, the resistance is not as seamless as for a bike with a magnetic resistance system. But you can improve the smoothness of the ride by applying some silicone lubricant on the edge of the flywheel. This is actually recommended for most spin bikes.
The bike’s tension knob does not have pre-determined settings on it. You can basically tighten it up to the point you can barely pedal. This can actually be a plus as you can perform a strength workout. The tension knob also has the function of an emergency brake. You can press it down to stop the flywheel from spinning.
Drive system
The Maximus exercise bike is equipped with a belt drive system. It uses a poly-v belt designed for improved traction. The belt does not need periodic lubrication so you don’t have to go through the hassle of removing the drivetrain guard for applying lubricant. It also generates less vibration than a chain and cannot catch rust.
The bike features a 26 lbs (12 kg) flywheel. Although it’s not as heavy as other spin bikes, such as the SOLE SB900, it is still perimeter-weighted for improved inertia. As we’ve mentioned above, the flywheel is chrome-plated and has ABS guards for extra protection and aesthetics.
The flywheel and the belt drive allow reverse pedaling. However, unlike for most road bikes, when pedaling in reverse the resistance remains constant, depending on the friction applied by the brake. Also, you cannot coast on the bike; the pedals will spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning that’s why if you want to stop, it is recommended to press the tension knob down to instantly stop the flywheel.
The bike is equipped with a 3-piece crankset. It features flat crank arms similar to road bikes. They’re made of steel and painted black like the rest of the bike. They’re durable enough to support pedaling while standing up. The included pedals are metallic as well. They do not have SPD elements for spin shoes. However, they do have toe cages.
Fitness monitor
The Maximus Sports indoor cycling trainer is equipped with a pretty basic fitness monitor, similar to the one included with the MEVEM M9 bike. It features an LCD display that tracks time, speed, distance, total distance, calories, and pulse. Its speed and distance settings are shown in metric units and you cannot set them to British Imperial units. The pulse reading function is grip only; the unit cannot read your pulse from an HR chest strap.
The monitor unit only has one button. By pressing it repeatedly, you can scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to view. It also has a scan mode; in scan mode, it automatically rotates all the metrics showing each one for approx. 6 seconds. The button also covers the unit’s reset function. You can press and hold it down for a few seconds to clear all the data on it to zero.
The fitness monitor unit does not have pre-set programs or target settings. However, the bike has Bluetooth connectivity. It is not clear if the Bluetooth module is integrated into the fitness monitor or attached to another part of the bike. However, the bike connects via Bluetooth to apps such as Zwift or FitShow which you can download to your phone. These apps offer the possibility to track your progress online, set goals for your workouts, ride with a virtual layout, benefit from spin class videos, and more.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. Two AA batteries for it are included. It begins tracking your data when it detects flywheel movement, and also automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the bike for more than four minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s main frame comes already assembled. The flywheel, the drivetrain, the crankset, and the brake are already in their places. You only need to attach the two base bars, the pedals, the seat, the handlebars, and the fitness monitor. This shouldn’t take more than 40 minutes of your time. All the tools for the task are included.
For maintenance, the brake pad may require lubrication. You will also have to replace it when it wears out. Other than this, you only have to keep the bike clean and periodically check if all the parts still function properly.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – can support users up to 330 lbs;
- Adjustable levelers on both bases;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Multi-grip handlebar with foam sleeves and pulse sensors;
- Alloy pedals with toe cages and 9/16 threads;
- Maintenance-free belt drive system;
- Perimeter-weighted, 26 lbs flywheel for improved inertia;
- Friction resistance with basically limitless settings;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, speed, distance, total distance, calories, and pulse;
- Bluetooth connectivity for apps like Zwift and FitShow;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- No onboard workout programs;
- No goal settings on the fitness monitor;
- The seat is not too comfortable.
Summary
The Maximus Sports indoor cycling bike is a fitness machine made for home use. It is equipped with a 26-lb flywheel, a friction resistance system, a belt drivetrain, and a 4-way adjustable seat. It also includes a basic fitness monitor and connects to apps like Zwift or FitShow via Bluetooth. It is a bike made for spin workouts, interval training, strength training, and stamina development. It’s also an affordable bike, currently available for less than $200.