Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel | Resistance | Fitness meter |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
NexHT 89104A Check Discounted Price | L:41.3" W:19.7" H:46" | 280 lbs | 24.3 lbs | Friction | Time, Distance, Odometer, Speed, Calories, Pulse, SCAN |
The NexHT indoor cycling bike is an affordable training bike designed for spinning workouts. It’s a trainer designed for home use, not a heavy-duty model such as the BodyCraft SPT-Mag, for example. However, it does offer decent aerobic training possibilities, and also has a fitness meter.
There are two NexHT bike models at the moment, a black-white model and a blue-black model. In terms of specs, they’re identical. However, to be clear, in this post we’re addressing the white model, which has the part number 89104A.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 41.3L x 19.7W x 46H (105L x 50W x 117H cm)
- Assembled weight: 68 lbs (30.8 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 24.3 lbs (11 kg)
- Supported weight: 280 lbs (127 kg)
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive mechanism: Belt
- Resistance: Friction
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, odometer, calories, pulse, SCAN
- Extras: Bottle holder
- Warranty: 1 year
Frame construction
The NexHT Fitness exercise bike is one of the lightest exercise bikes designed for spin workouts. Although it has a steel frame, its total assembled weight is only 68 lbs (~31 kg). However, the bike has a low center of gravity which improves its stability. On top of that, its rear base features polygonal rotating caps which act as stabilizers. Also, the bike’s front base has a set of small wheels to provide ease of transport once it is assembled.
The bike isn’t extremely large. Its base is approx. 34″ (86 cm) long and 19.7″ (50 cm) wide. However, the bike’s total length from the tip of the handlebars and all the way to the back of the seat, when both are set at their highest settings, is 41.3″ (105 cm). This being said, the exercise bike should fit even in a small room or apartment.
As we’ve mentioned above, the bike’s paint finish combines the colors white and black. Its powder coating is rust-resistant and abrasion-resistant. The handlebar and seat posts feature a chrome coating which is also corrosion-resistant.
Seat and handlebars
Since it’s an affordable exercise bike, the NexHT 89104A is equipped with a standard seat. This seat is slightly wider than the average spin seat and integrates a thin layer of padding. Thus, it should provide a bit more comfort. Nonetheless, its comfort can be improved by a gel cover or sheepskin seat cover. Also, due to its standard connection system to the post, you should be able to find a larger, more cushioned seat that is compatible with the bike, if you feel that the included one doesn’t deliver enough comfort.
The seat not only adjust up and down, it also has a horizontal slider which allows its fore/aft adjustment. Its upright adjustment span is approx. 6″ (15 cm), while the horizontal slider will also give you a few more adjustment inches.
The bike’s handlebar is only 2-way adjustable (up, down). It offers an adjustment span of approx. 4″ (10 cm). It has a triple-grip design and is coated with a sheet of rubber foam material in order to provide optimal comfort and a secure grip. It also integrates a set of stainless steel pulse sensors so the bike’s meter can track your heart rate, a feature which some of the most expensive training bikes don’t have.
Given the adjustment spans of the seat and handlebars, the bike can accommodate users with an inseam up to 31″ (78 cm). Differently put, it’s not exactly the best choice for tall users. If you’re over 5’7″ (170 cm), you may not benefit from a complete leg extension while seated, even if the seat is adjusted to its maximum height and back settings.
Resistance system
The NexHT 89104A indoor cycling bike has a standard friction resistance system which involves a felt pad attached to the tension knob on the bike’s main tube. When you turn the knob clockwise, the felt pad applies more friction to the flywheel, which results in increased pedal resistance.
The tension knob doesn’t have any resistance levels marked on it. You simply tighten it until you obtain the convenient pedal tension. You can basically tighten it up to the point you can barely pedal.
The resistance pad is considered a consumable part. It should last for at least one year even if the bike is used daily. However, spin bike brake pads are widely available. Also, in case the brake pad generates a squeaking noise when in contact with the flywheel, applying a bit of silicone lubricant on the edge of the flywheel may solve the problem.
The tension knob also acts as an emergency brake. It integrates a steel wire spring, and by pressing it down you can instantly stop the flywheel, if necessary.
Drive system and elements
When it comes to drive elements, the most important ones are the flywheel, the crank, the pedals and the transmission. As we’ve mentioned above, the NexHT 89104A indoor cycling trainer is a light capacity exercise bike. Thereby it is equipped with a lighter flywheel than other bikes. Its flywheel weighs only 24.3 lbs (11 kg), while other models, such as the Efitment IC031 or the Goplus trainer, have 40 lbs (18.1 kg) flywheels. But nonetheless, the bike’s flywheel is perimeter weighted; in other words, it’s designed to deliver a more aggressive inertia, providing a consistent momentum. The pedaling motion is also very smooth and steady.
The bike has a belt drive system. It uses a durable rubber belt. The advantages of a belt drive are that it doesn’t require lubrication, it generates almost no noise, and generates less vibration during pedaling. The belt is covered by a guard made of ABS material attached to the frame via five screws.
The NexHT exercise bike features a durable crankset with steel crank arms which can support a weight load up to 280 lbs (127 kg). Differently put, as long as you don’t exceed the bike’s 280 lbs weight capacity, you should be able to pedal while standing up on the pedals without any problem.
The pedals included are not the usual metallic pedals found in most spin bikes, so they may not be as durable. They’re similar to the ones used for upright bikes, such as the ActionLine A81829 for example. They’re made of ABS material and have a weight element for self-leveling. They don’t SPD clips only straps. But on the other hand, they have standard 9/16 threads, so you can easily find replacements for them.
Exercise meter
The fitness meter unit included with this exercise bike is almost identical to the one of the XtremepowerUS model. It’s a unit a little above basic, as it can also monitor your pulse. Along with the pulse reading, it can also track distance, total distance (odometer), time, speed, and calories burned.
As a bit of a downside here, the speed and distance are shown only in km/h and km; the unit cannot be set to MPH and miles. Also, it is not telemetric and cannot read your pulse via an HR Polar transmitter, only via the EKG sensors in the handlebars.
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 main body of the bike comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the base bars, the pedals, the handlebar, the exercise meter, and the seat. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 min. The assembly task is pretty straightforward, the manual provides clear assembly instructions, and the required tools for assembly are included.
In terms of maintenance, you don’t have to do much. The resistance pad may require a bit of lubrication from time to time. Since the bike uses a belt drive, the belt doesn’t require lubrication. Also, it’s recommended to periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy steel frame – can support users up to 280 lbs;
- Small footprint in comparison to other fitness equipment;
- Adjustable stabilizers;
- Transport wheels;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- 2-way adjustable handlebar;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Pulse sensors incorporated into the handlebar;
- Smooth and quiet belt drive;
- Bi-directional flywheel with a perimeter-weighted structure for a consistent momentum and steady motion;
- Friction resistance, which basically offers tension up to the point you can barely pedal;
- Bottle holder included;
- Fitness meter, which tracks speed, time, distance, total distance, calories, and pulse;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- Not a bike for tall users – if you’re over 5’7″ you may not benefit from a full leg extension when seated;
- ABS (not metallic) pedals – but they have standard threads, so more durable options are widely available;
- Exercise meter doesn’t have backlight.
Summary
The NexHT 89104A is an indoor cycling bike designed for spinning workouts. It features a sturdy frame, a 24.3 lbs flywheel, friction resistance, and a 4-way adjustable seat. It also has a fitness meter which can track speed, distance, total distance, time, calories and pulse. It’s a great bike 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 exercise bikes, offering excellent value for the price.