| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Fitness meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Murtisol Indoor Cycle Check Discounted Price | L:50" W:21" H:46" | 330 lbs | 40 lbs | Friction | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Scan |
Murtisol offers several indoor cycling bikes with different features. In this post, we’re going to address the model with a friction resistance system and a 40 lbs flywheel. This is one of the bikes released at the end of 2020. In terms of construction, it can be compared with the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1877.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 50L x 21W x 46H inches (127L x 53W x 117H cm)
- Flywheel weight: 40 lbs (18 kg)
- Supported weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Friction
- Fitness monitor: Time, speed, distance, calories, scan
- Extras: Bottle holder, device holder
- Warranty: 90 days limited
Frame construction
This Murtisol indoor cycling bike features a triangular frame with a curved main tube for improved aesthetics
and sturdiness. It’s made of steel tubing double-coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The only exceptions are the seat post, the handlebar post, and the flywheel which are chrome plated. Also, the bike integrates several thermoplastic parts, such as the drivetrain cover and several other small covers.
Like most other spin bikes, the Murtisol cycle is not a large fitness machine. With all the parts assembled and with the seat extended all the way to the back, it is approx. 50″ (127 cm) long, and 21″ (53 cm) wide. It is also recommended to allow a usage area for it of at least 70″ x 60″ (178 x 152 cm) for safe usage and easy access.
The bike is fairly heavy. Its exact weight is not specified but considering the weight of the flywheel and the frame construction, it should weigh approx. 90 lbs (41 kg). All this weight, plus its low center of gravity, delivers excellent stability. Also, the bike’s base stabilizers feature adjustable levelers.
Despite its weight, the bike is not too difficult to move once assembled. Its front base stabilizer features a set of small wheels. Therefore, by using these wheels when relocating the bike, you won’t have to handle its whole weight.
Seat and handlebars
The Murtisol indoor cycle comes with a saddle similar to the one included with the Schwinn IC4. It’s a bit 
wider than a racing bike seat and integrates a layer of foam cushioning. Its top cover is made of durable vinyl material which is easy to maintain as well. Also, the attachment system of the saddle is collar-based; therefore, if you will ever need to replace it, compatible options should be available in any bicycle shop.
The bike’s seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post offers an adjustment span of 4″ (11 cm) while its horizontal slider adds approx. 3″ (7 cm) of extra front-to-back adjustment. Therefore, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’1″ and 6’5″ (155 – 196 cm) allowing a complete leg extension.
As opposed to the seat, the bike’s handlebar is only two-way adjustable (up, down). Its upright post offers approx. 12.5″ (32 cm) of adjustment, from 40″ to 52.5″ (101 – 132 cm) above floor level. It has a multi-grip design offering a racing grip, a climbing grip, and a standard grip. It also has a loop bar in the middle which offers the possibility to adopt a close grip.
The side grips of the handlebar feature PVC foam sleeves for improved comfort and contact. However, they lack pulse sensors. Also, the included fitness monitor does not have a pulse reading function.
Resistance system
This Murtisol exercise bike is equipped with a standard manual friction resistance system. This being said, 
you don’t need a power adapter or an external power source to adjust the resistance. But on the other hand, the bike cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
The resistance system consists of a felt-based brake pad attached under the main tube of the frame and connected to the tension dial on top of this tube. By turning the tension dial clockwise, the brake pad applies more friction to the flywheel which increases the pedaling difficulty.
Similar to other friction resistance spin bikes, there are no pre-determined tension settings. You simply turn the knob until you get the desired resistance. It’s important to mention that as opposed to a magnetic resistance system, the pedaling motion is not super smooth when the pad is tightened too much. This can be remedied up to a point, though, by applying some lubricant (silicone oil) either on the brake pad or on the edge of the flywheel.
Last but not least, the bike’s tension knob also has the function of an emergency brake. You can press it down to immediately stop the flywheel from spinning. This is actually recommended especially if you’ve been pedaling at a high speed.
Drive system
One of the most important drive elements of a spin bike is the flywheel. This Murtisol exercise bike is
equipped with a heavy, 40 lbs (18 kg) flywheel. It also has a perimeter-weighted structure for improved inertia. Therefore, when pedaling, the bike delivers a steady and consistent pedaling motion, even if the brake does not apply any friction to the flywheel.
Pedaling in reverse is possible on this indoor cycling bike. However, you cannot coast on it. When pedaling in reverse, you will get the same resistance which is quite a plus, as you can alternate workouts in order to focus different muscle groups.
The bike’s drivetrain uses a poly-v belt. A belt drive comes with several advantages. First of all, you don’t have to take the cover apart and lubricate the drivetrain as is the case for a chain drive bike. And second of all, the belt generates slightly less vibration than a chain, and you won’t have to deal with problems such as stuck chain links.
The bike is designed for spin workouts. This means it is equipped with a heavy-duty crankset and a set of metallic alloy pedals. Therefore, as long as you don’t exceed the 330 lbs (150 kg) weight limit, you should be able to pedal while standing up.
The included pedals do not have any SPD clips for spin shoes but they are equipped with adjustable toe cages. Their threads are standard (9/16) so you can replace them with a wide array of pedals, including SPD pedals.
Fitness monitor
This Murtisol indoor cycling bike is equipped with a basic fitness monitor. In other words, it does not
have pre-set programs, online connectivity, or Bluetooth. It features an LCD display that tracks time, distance, speed, and calories burned. It also does not have pulse reading function so you cannot sync it with a chest belt, smartwatch, or fitness band.
The unit is very easy to use. It only has one (MODE) button. By pressing the button repeatedly, you can select the workout metric that you want to view on the display. It also has a Scan Mode; when the Scan Mode is selected, the unit rotates all the workout metrics showing each one for a few seconds. The Mode button also covers the unit’s Reset function. You can press and hold it for a few seconds to clear all the values on it to zero.
The bike’s monitor unit is battery-powered. It begins recording distance traveled, calories burned, etc. when you begin pedaling. It also automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the bike for more than four minutes.
Last but not least, the monitor integrates a device holder. It consists of a small shelf on which you can place your tablet or smartphone. However, since it does not have any online connectivity, you cannot connect your device to it.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main elements of the bike’s drive and resistance systems come already assembled. To be more specific, the flywheel, the crankset, the belt, and the brake pad are already attached. Therefore, all you have to do is attach the base stabilizers, the pedals, the seat, the handlebars, and the console. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. The manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions, and all the required tools are included.
For maintenance, it’s recommended to lubricate the brake pad for a smooth pedaling motion. Other than this, it’s recommended to wipe off the perspiration from the frame at the end of your training sessions, and periodically check the unit for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – it can support users up to 330 lbs;
- Aesthetic design;
- Both base bars have adjustable stabilizers;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Superior micro-adjustability – 4-way adjustable seat, 2-way adjustable handlebar;
- Cushioned, standard seat, with a middle cutout for improved breathability;
- Multi-grip handlebar covered by rubber foam for optimal comfort;
- Standard friction resistance;
- Inertia-enhanced 40-lb flywheel;
- Heavy-duty crank, able to support any user up to the maximum listed weight, in upright pedaling position;
- Heavy-duty, standard pedals with toe cages;
- Maintenance-free belt drive;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, speed, distance, and calories burned;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- The display of the fitness meter does not have backlight;
- No pulse reading function;
- No goal settings.
Summary
This Murtisol indoor cycling bike is equipped with a 40 lbs flywheel, a standard friction resistance system, and a fitness monitor that tracks time, distance, speed, and calories burned. It also offers excellent micro-adjustability and a durable frame and crankset with a maximum user weight limit of 330 lbs. It’s is an exercise bike designed for spin workouts, great for users of all levels.