| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MaxKare Indoor Cycle Check Discounted Price | L:47.4" W:20.6" H:43.7" | 275 lbs | 35 lbs | Friction, felt-pad | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, RPM, Scan |
This MaxKare indoor cycling bike is one of the models released in 2020. It’s a pretty standard indoor cycle made for spin workouts. As opposed to the MaxKare model with the 40 lbs flywheel, this particular one features a friction resistance system, not a magnetic one. It also lacks the pulse reading function.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 47.4L x 20.6W x 43.7H inches (120L x 52W x 111H cm)
- Shipping weight: 81.4 lbs (37 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 35 lbs (15.8 kg)
- Weight capacity: 275 lbs (125 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Friction
- Performance monitor: Time, speed, distance, calories, RPM, scan
- Extras: Bottle holder, phone holder
Frame construction
The MaxKare 35 lbs flywheel indoor cycle features a triangular frame made of steel tubing. All the steel
bars in its construction are oval for improved aesthetics and the joints are precision-welded for extra sturdiness. The main frame is double-coated with a black paint finish resistant to corrosion. The seat post and the handlebar post with their sliders have a gray paint finish, while the flywheel is chrome plated with side ABS panels. The bike also has two other major ABS parts. These are the cover of the brake system and the drivetrain guard
Similar to most other spin bikes, this MaxKare indoor cycling bike is not a large fitness machine. With all the parts assembled, and with its seat and handlebar extended to their maximum points, it is approx. 47.4″ (120 cm) long, and 20.6″ (52 cm) wide. Also, its highest point is approx. 43.7″ (111 cm) when the handlebar is extended all the way up.
The bike is fairly heavy. Its boxed weight is approx. 81.4 lbs (37 kg), so its net weight should definitely be considerably higher than the weight of the average road bike. All this weight adds stability to the bike. Plus, its rear stabilizer is equipped with adjustable levelers.
Although the packaged bike may require two people for transport, once it is assembled, it is fairly easy to move. Its front stabilizer integrates a set of wheels so you can easily relocate it if needed.
One last aspect to mention here regards the small horizontal tube that connects the seat tube and the main inclined tube of the frame. This can be used as a step-up element in certain spin workouts, or as a support point for leg stretching. Not all spin bikes have this feature so it is a plus.
Seat and handlebars
This MaxKare exercise bike includes a seat designed for high comfort. Its top integrates a thick layer of 
foam cushioning with a durable vinyl cover (black). It has a median groove for improved ventilation. It also has two springs at the rear which improve its flexibility, allowing it to adapt to your movement during pedaling.
The saddle is fairly large. It is approx. 10″ (26 cm) long, and 7.5″ (19 cm) wide, so it provides plenty of contact surface. Its connection system to its slider features a standard collar with a bolt and nut. Therefore, it is easy to replace, if needed, and compatible options are widely available.
The bike’s seat assembly is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post has several adjustment holes, while the horizontal slider provides a few extra inches of fore-to-aft adjustment. This being said, the applicable user weight for this MaxKare exercise bike is 4’11” to 6’3″ (150 – 190 cm). Also, the bike is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 275 lbs (~125 kg).
The bike’s handlebar is also four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back) just like the seat. Its slider is rectangular for improved stability. It has a multi-grip design offering the possibility to adopt a climbing grip, a racing grip, and a standard grip. It also has a loop bar in the middle which allows a close grip. The performance monitor support is directly welded to this small loop bar.
The bike’s handlebar does not integrate pulse sensors. Its side grips feature high-density foam sleeves for extra comfort. Both the seat and the handlebar have large knobs easy to grip and turn for quick adjustment.
Drive and resistance
As the title suggests, this MaxKare indoor cycle is equipped with a 35 lbs flywheel. It’s a bit lighter than the
average (40 lbs) flywheel equipped on most commercial spin bikes. However, it does have the perimeter-weighted structure for improved inertia. The flywheel is also bi-directional. This means you can pedal in reverse if you want, but coasting on the bike is not possible.
The bike’s drivetrain uses a poly-v belt. This type of drive system comes with a few advantages. First of all, it delivers a very smooth motion because it generates less vibration than a chain. Second of all, you won’t have to deal with problems like stiff chain links. And third of all, it does not require periodic lubrication.
Since it’s a bike made for spin workouts, it is equipped with a heavy-duty 3-piece crankset featuring 6.7″ (170 mm) crank arms. These are steel-made and the pedals are made of aluminum alloy, so they should be able to support any user up to the max. weight limit while standing up on the pedals.
The pedals are equipped with toe adjustable toe cages. They don’t have SPD clips for spin shoes, but their threads are standard 9/16 so replacement options are widely available. Also, the pedal Q-factor (spacing between the pedals) is pretty narrow, approx. 5.5″ (~140 mm). This means that your feet won’t be too far apart when pedaling so you shouldn’t experience any lateral stress on the knees or ankles.
This MaxKare indoor cycling bike is equipped with a standard friction resistance system with manual action. This being said, you don’t need an adapter or an external power source for it. But on the other hand, the bike cannot change the resistance automatically.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a felt pad brake pad attached to the main tube of the frame and to the tension knob on top of this tube. As you turn the knob clockwise, the brake pad applies more friction to the flywheel which increases the workout load. The tension knob can also be pressed down to immediately stop the flywheel from spinning.
The resistance system doesn’t have pre-determined steps or levels. You simply turn the knob until you get the pedaling difficulty that fits your needs. As a general idea, you should be able to tighten the tension knob up to the point you can barely pedal.
Performance monitor
This MaxKare exercise bike is equipped with a fairly basic performance monitor. It features an LCD
display (without backlight) that tracks time, distance, speed, RPM, and calories burned. As we’ve mentioned above, the bike doesn’t have integrated pulse sensors, and the performance monitor does not have a pulse reading function. Therefore, you cannot sync it with a wireless HR strap or a fitness bracelet.
The monitor unit is very easy to use. It only has one button (Mode). By pressing the button repeatedly, you can scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to view. In the same way, you can select the unit’s Scan Mode. If the Scan Mode is selected, the unit will rotate all the workout metrics showing each one for a few seconds.
The performance monitor is battery-powered. It begins calculating RPM, calories, speed etc. when you start pedaling or when you press the button. It also turns off automatically after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike. And finally, it integrates a small device holder that can serve as support for your phone. However, it does not have any ports (AUX or USB) to connect your phone to it, and does not have Bluetooth.
Assembly and Maintenance
Similar to most other spin bikes, this MaxKare indoor cycle does require some assembly. However, the flywheel, the crankset, the belt drive, and the brake come pre-assembled. You only need to add the two base stabilizers, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the performance monitor, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. The included booklet provides clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
For maintenance, you only have to keep the bike clean, wipe any sweat drops that may fall on the frame at the end of the workout, and periodically inspect the bike to make sure it still functions properly. The drivetrain does not require lubrication.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 275 lbs;
- Adjustable stabilizers;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- 4-way adjustable handlebar;
- High-comfort saddle with rear springs and a median groove for extra ventilation;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Smooth, almost silent belt drive;
- Perimeter-weighted 35-lbs flywheel for a consistent momentum;
- Standard friction resistance;
- Performance monitor included – it can track time, distance, speed, RPM, and calories;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- No backlight on the fitness monitor.
Summary
This MaxKare indoor cycling bike is a mid-range trainer designed for spin workouts. It features a durable, triangular frame construction, a standard friction resistance system, and a 35-lb perimeter-weighted flywheel. It offers superior micro-adjustability and also includes a basic exercise meter with an integrated device holder. It’s an excellent bike for training at home, great for high-intensity cardio, interval training, stamina and strength development, muscle toning, and weight loss.