| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel | Resistance | Fitness meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Merax Deluxe Bike Check Discounted Price | L:40" W:21" H:47.5" | 330 lbs | 30 lbs | Friction | Time, Distance, Odometer, Speed, Calories, Goals, Scan |
If you’re looking for an affordable indoor cycling bike, the Merax Deluxe bike is definitely one to put on your list. Not only that it offers superior micro-adjustability and a comfortable seat, but it also has a pretty decent weight capacity. In terms of features, it can be compared to the L-NOW PooBoo D525 but has a slightly lighter flywheel.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 40L x 21W x 47.5H inches (101L x 53W x 120H cm)
- Assembled weight: 88 lbs (40 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 22 lbs (13.6 kg)
- Supported weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Handlebars: 4-way adjustable
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Friction, felt-pad
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, total distance, calories, scan
- Accessories: Bottle holder
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
To begin with, there are two versions of the Merax Deluxe bike. Both have a
corrosion-resistant black paint finish, but one features blue gaskets, tension knob, and stickers on the frame, flywheel, and belt guard, while the other has red elements. The two versions are the same in terms of specs and features.
The Merax Deluxe exercise bike features a triangular frame with a suspended seat tube, similar to the Body-Solid ESB250 or the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1712. All the tubes in the bike’s construction are made of steel, so the frame offers excellent sturdiness, with a weight capacity of 330 lbs (150 kg).
This Merax indoor cycling trainer is not extremely heavy, though, compared to other models. It only weighs approx. 88 lbs (40 kg). So, this being said, its transport and assembly can be done by only one person. Also, once the unit is assembled, it can easily be moved via the wheels integrated into its front base.
Like most other spin bikes, the Merax Deluxe isn’t a large fitness machine. Its footprint is approx. 40″L x 21″W (101 x 53 cm), while its maximum height is given by the handlebar when it is fully extended, reaching approx. 47.5″ (120 cm) above floor level. It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the bike, for safe access and usage.
One last aspect to mention regards the bike’s stability. Even though it does not have an extra-heavy frame, its center of gravity is pretty close to the ground, which adds stability. Plus, both base tubes of the bike are equipped with adjustable stabilizers featuring rubber pads to prevent the unit from sliding and prevent floor damage.
Seat and handlebars
The Merax Deluxe bike includes a saddle designed to provide extra comfort.
First of all, it integrates a thick layer of foam cushioning, while most spin seats are very slim and rather hard. It has two rear springs that reduce shock and improve the overall flexibility of the saddle, enabling it to adapt better to the user’s movement during pedaling. It also has a center groove which improves breathability.
Along with all the mentioned comfort factors, the bike’s saddle also features a standard attachment system. This being said, in case you will ever want to replace it, compatible options are widely available.
The bike’s seat offers four-way adjustability (up, down, forward, backward). Its upright post offers 5″ (12.7 cm) of adjustment, from 34″ to 39″ (86.3 – 99 cm) above floor level. The horizontal slider adds 2.5″ (6.3 cm) of front-to-back adjustment, as well. Therefore, the bike can accommodate users up to 6’3″ (190 cm), allowing a complete leg extension.
The bike’s handlebar offers 4-way adjustability (up, down, front, back) just like the seat. Its upright post offers 6″ (15.2 cm) of adjustment, from 43″ to 47.5″ (109 – 120 cm) above floor level; also, its horizontal slider adds a few inches of front to back adjustment. It has a multi-grip design, with two long side grips curved upward, and a loop aero bar in the middle. The side grips are covered by a layer of rubber foam material for extra comfort. However, the handlebar does not have pulse sensors, and the bike does not offer a pulse reading function.
Drive and resistance
The Merax Deluxe indoor cycling bike is equipped with a belt drive system. 
Therefore, it provides a very smooth pedaling motion. Also, since the transmission uses a belt, not a chain, it does not require lubrication, while the usage of the bike is very quiet.
Compared to other spin bikes, such as the Spinner P1, the Merax Deluxe only has a 30 lbs (13.6 kg) flywheel. This being said, it doesn’t offer such a heavy momentum as a commercial spin bike. However, the flywheel still is perimeter-weighted in order to provide a more consistent inertia.
The bike’s flywheel is chrome-plated with ABS-made side covers. It is also bi-directional; therefore, you can pedal in reverse to diversify your workouts. However, since the bike’s drive system is simple, you cannot coast on it. When pedaling in reverse, you will get the same pedal resistance as when pedaling normally. Also, the pedals continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning.
Since it’s a bike designed for spin workouts, the Merax Deluxe is equipped with a heavy-duty crankset. Both the crank arms and the pedal should be able to withstand users up to 330 lbs (150 kg). The pedals are made of aluminum alloy. They have adjustable toe cages but do not integrate SPD clips for spin shoes. However, their threads are standard 9/16″, so replacement options are widely available.
The Merax Deluxe is equipped with a friction resistance system which consists of a felt pad attached to the main tube of the bike’s frame, and the tension knob on top of it. This brake is not motorized, so the bike does not require an external power source, while the tension adjustment is done manually.
The resistance mechanism is fairly simple. In order to increase the resistance, you have to turn the tension knob clockwise. This will enable the brake pad to apply more friction to the flywheel, increase the drag, and the overall pedaling difficulty. There are no tension levels specified on the resistance adjustment knob. The resistance can basically be adjusted up to the point you can barely pedal.
The resistance knob also fulfills the function of an emergency brake. You can press it down to immediately stop the flywheel from spinning. This is actually necessary if you have been pedaling at a high speed and you suddenly need to stop, or you want to begin pedaling in reverse.
Exercise meter
The Merax Deluxe indoor cycling trainer is equipped with a basic exercise
meter. It tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories. Speed and distance are shown in metric units (km/h and km), and there’s no possibility to change them in imperial units. Also, as we’ve mentioned above, the bike does not have any pulse sensors, and the meter unit does not have a pulse reading function.
The meter unit is quite easy and straightforward to operate. It has three buttons – Set, Reset, and Mode. The Mode button allows you to toggle ON and Off the unit’s SCAN function, which rotates the workout values, showing each one for several seconds. As you stop the SCAN function, you can select time, speed or any of the other workout statistics to be shown on screen all the time.
The Set button allows you to select a workout goal for time, distance, or calories burned. If a goal is selected, the meter will countdown from the selected value until it reaches zero. The Reset button clears all the values on the meter to zero.
The unit is battery powered. It starts up when you begin pedaling or when you push the button. It also has a sleep mode to which it will enter after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main frame of the bike comes pre-assembled. Also, the flywheel, the belt, the brake system, and the crank are already attached. Therefore, you only need to connect the two base bars, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the exercise meter, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. All the tools for the assembly are included, and the manual provides clear assembly instructions.
Since it’s a belt-drive bike, its transmission doesn’t require lubrication. However, the resistance pad may require a bit of silicone lubricant, especially if it overheats during a more intense workout, or it generates a squeaking sound. Other than that, make sure to keep the bike clean, and periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy, steel construction – can support users up to 330 lbs;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both base bars;
- Extra comfortable seat for an indoor cycle, featuring a thick layer of padding, contoured surface and a longitudinal groove;
- Perimeter-weighted flywheel for improved inertia;
- Heavy-duty crank, able to support any user up to the maximum listed weight, in upright pedaling position;
- Aluminum pedals with toe cages for extra thrust and standard threads;
- Standard friction resistance system;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Multi-grip, 4-way adjustable handlebar;
- Bottle holder included;
- Fitness meter included;
- Quiet operation, great for apartment use;
- Really easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- The exercise meter does not have backlight.
Summary
The Merax Deluxe is an indoor cycling bike designed for home use. It features a standard friction resistance system with a manual action, a belt drive system, superior micro-adjustability, and a cushioned saddle. It also includes a basic fitness meter. It’s an affordable exercise bike that can support most spin workouts. It’s great for light to intense cardio training, interval training, muscle toning, and weight loss.