| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel | Resistance | Fitness meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Merax Red1 Check Discounted Price | L:40" W:23.6" H:43" | 330 lbs | 22 lbs | Friction | Time, Distance, Odometer, Speed, Calories, SCAN |
The Merax indoor cycling trainer is one of the most affordable exercise bikes for spinning workouts and with an included fitness meter, along with the XtremePowerUS and the L NOW LD-506. It’s a rather small trainer, not recommended to users over 6’0″, but does have a durable construction. And so far, most users have granted it a 5-star rating.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 40″L x 23.6″W x 43″H (102L x 60W x 109H cm)
- Assembled weight: 107 lbs (48.5 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 22 lbs (10 kg)
- Supported weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive mechanism: Belt
- Resistance: Friction
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, odometer, calories, SCAN
- Extras: Bottle holder
Frame construction
To begin with, there are two models for the Merax bike, the Red1 and the Yellow. They’re basically identical in specs, the paint finish is the only difference between them. The model that we’re addressing here is the Red1, which has a Black/Red paint finish combo.This paint finish is rust-resistant and scratch-resistant, and as opposed to different other bikes, the seat post 
and the handlebar post are also painted black, not chrome plated.
Needless to say, since it’s a bike made for spin workouts, its frame is made of steel tubing. It has a very sturdy construction, being actually rated for a maximum user weight of 330 lbs (150 kg).
As we’ve mentioned above, this exercise bike is rather small compared to other models. It’s total length, beginning with the rear base bar and ending with the tip of the handlebars, is 40″ (102 cm). Its base length is actually smaller, being only 35″ (89 cm), while its width is 23.6″ (60 cm). These being said, since it’s a small fitness machine, it can fit well into a small room or apartment.
Although it’s a rather small exercise bike, the Merax Red1 is not exactly feather-light. It weighs over 100 lbs, which is more than twice the weight of the average road bike. However, it’s front base has wheels, so relocating it once you have finished your workout shouldn’t be a problem.
The bike’s weight plays an important role in its stability. Since it’s a small bike, its center of gravity is pretty low. Plus, both its base bars have adjustable stabilizers. So, in conclusion here, stability shouldn’t be a problem for it, even if you engage in a more demanding workout.
Seat and handlebars
The Merax Red1 indoor cycling bike includes a seat designed to provide more comfort than the average spin bike seat. For example, more expensive bikes, such as the BodyCraft SPR or the 
Sunny ASUNA Sabre 7100, come with slim seats. The saddle of the Merax bike is 11″ (28 cm) long, has a very generous layer of foam cushioning, and two springs for extra shock absorption. It has a median groove to promote airflow and a healthy blood circulation. And on top of that, it has a standard attachment system to its bar, so, in case you want to replace it, compatible models are widely available.
The seat is 4-way adjustable (up, down, forward, back). However, even though it has multiple adjustment positions, the bike is not made for very tall users. If you’re over 6’0″ (183 cm), even with the seat and the handlebars locked at their highest positions, you may not benefit from a complete leg extension. On the other hand, the bike can accommodate short users, starting at 4’8″ (143 cm).
The bike’s handlebar is only 2-way adjustable (up, down). It offers several inches of adjustment, though, enough to help adapt the bike’s dimensions perfectly to your size. It has a multi-grip design, with a loop aero bar welded directly to the main bar assembly. The side handlebars feature a layer of rubber foam to promote a more comfortable and secure grip.
In case you’re wondering, the bike’s handlebar does not integrate pulse sensors, and the meter cannot track your pulse.
Drive and resistance
The Merax indoor cycling bike is equipped with a mid-range flywheel; it weighs only 22 lbs (10 kg). For many commercial bikes, the flywheel starts at 40 lbs. However, the 22 lbs (10 kg) is 
heavy enough to deliver a consistent momentum. Also, the flywheel is perimeter weighted for a smooth motion, and bi-directional, allowing you to pedal in reverse.
Coasting on the bike is not possible, though. When pedaling in reverse, the resistance generated by the brake remains constant. This gives you the possibility to focus different groups of muscles.
The bike uses a poly-v belt for transmission. Thus, you won’t have to worry about lubricating it. Also, there’s less vibration generated by a belt drive, and very little to no noise resulted when pedaling. These being said, the bike’s usage is very smooth and quiet.
The crank equipped on the Merax indoor cycling trainer is a heavy-duty 3-piece part, featuring solid steel arms. It’s solid enough to support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg) while standing up on the pedals. The pedals are made of metallic alloy, being very durable as well. They don’t have SPD elements for spin shoes but do have toe cages which should provide enough foot stability during pedaling, if needed.
The Merax Red1 exercise bike has a fairly basic friction resistance system. It consists of a felt pad connected to the adjustment knob on the main tube of the frame, pad which comes in contact with the flywheel in a top-to-down manner. As you tighten the knob, the resistance pad will also tighten onto the flywheel generating more drag and offering the possibility of a more consistent workout.
The tension knob doesn’t have any levels specified on it. You simply turn it until the brake pad generates the resistance that you require for your workout. Also, the resistance knob doubles as an emergency brake. By pressing it down, you can automatically stop the flywheel from spinning.
Fitness meter
The meter unit included with the Merax indoor cycling bike is quite similar to the one for the XtremePowerUs bike. However, this one does not have a pulse reading function. 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.
The meter unit is quite easy and straightforward to operate. It only has one (MODE) button. The 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 MODE button also covers the unit’s RESET function. By pressing and holding it for a few seconds it will clear all the values 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 function, to which will enter after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike.
Assembly and Maintenance
The Merax indoor cycling bike comes partially assembled. The drive and resistance elements are already attached to the main frame. All you have to do is attach the seat, handlebars, pedals, and the fitness meter. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. A basic toolkit for the assembly is included, as well as a manual that provides very 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 300 lbs;
- Bases with adjustable stabilizers;
- Transport wheels included;
- Extra comfortable seat for an indoor cycle, featuring a thick layer of padding, contoured surface and a longitudinal groove;
- Balanced flywheel for a smooth pedaling motion and solid momentum;
- Heavy-duty crank, able to support any user up to the maximum listed weight, in upright pedaling position;
- Metallic pedals with toe cages for extra thrust and standard threads;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- 2-way adjustable handlebar;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Bottle holder included;
- Fitness meter included;
- Quiet operation, great for apartment use;
- Really easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- The meter unit doesn’t have backlight;
- A rather small bike, not recommended to users over 6’0″ (183 cm).
Summary
The Merax Red1 indoor cycling trainer is a model designed for spinning workouts. It features a sturdy frame, a 22 lbs flywheel, friction resistance, and a 4-way adjustable seat. It also has a fitness meter which can track speed, distance, total distance, time, and calories burned. It’s an indoor cycling trainer perfect for interval training, light to intense cardio, muscle toning, building stamina and leg muscle strength, and of course, for losing weight. Finally, it’s one of the most affordable bikes in this spec range, currently priced under $200.