| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Drive | Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Phoenix 98623 Check Discounted Price | L:42.3" W:24" H:42.5" | 250 lbs | 39.6 lbs | Chain | Friction |
The Phoenix Revolution Cycle Pro II is a pretty standard indoor cycling bike. In terms of features, it can be compared with the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B901 but includes a bottle holder with bottle. Just as the Sunny bike, it does not include a performance monitor, though. For reference, this is the Phoenix cycle part number 98623.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 42.3L x 24W x 42.5H inches (107L x 61W x 108H cm)
- Assembled weight: 113 lbs (51.2 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 39.6 lbs (18 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive: Chain
- Resistance: Friction
- Fitness meter: N/A
- Extras: Bottle holder with bottle
Frame construction
The Phoenix Revolution Cycle Pro II features a durable steel frame made of rectangular steel tubing. The
main frame is coated with a black, corrosion-resistant paint finish, while the seat post, the handlebar post, and the flywheel have a chrome finish. The flywheel has ABS side covers while the drivetrain is shielded by a metallic casing.
The bike’s frame features a step-up bar. This is the short bar that connects the seat tube with the main oblique tube. It can serve either for easier mounting and dismounting or for stretching and different spin workouts that require you to repeatedly step on and off the bike. This short bar is a plus, as not all spin bikes have it.
The fully assembled bike isn’t too large. It is approx. 42.3″ (107 cm) long, and 24″ (61 cm) wide. It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access.
Although it’s not a large exercise bike, the Phoenix 98623 is quite heavy. Its net weight is approx. 113 lbs (51.2 kg) which is more than three times the weight of the average road bike. This being said, it provides superior stability. You can be sure that it won’t rock even if you engage in the most demanding spin workouts.
The bike is pretty easy to move despite its weight. Its front base features a set of wheels that facilitate its relocation. The front base is also equipped with adjustable stabilizers while the rear base rests on two large rubber pads.
Seat and handlebars
The Phoenix Revolution Cycle Pro II is equipped with a race saddle. This is a bit slimmer than the average 
bike saddle and doesn’t have too much cushioning. It does have a layer of foam padding, but as a general idea, it may not be too comfortable for a beginner.
On the other hand, the saddle features a standard, collar-based attachment system to its post. This means you can easily replace it, if necessary, and compatible options should be widely available in any bike shop.
The bike’s seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post features several adjustment positions while its horizontal slider adds a few extra inches for front-to-back adjustment. This being said, the bike can accommodate users between 5’2″ and 6’5″ (157 – 196 cm) with no problem. It is also sturdy enough to support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg).
The bike’s handlebar features a multi-grip design. It allows a standard grip, a race grip, a parallel grip, or a climbing grip. It also has a small loop bar in the middle to which you can attach a phone holder or an exercise meter. These accessories are not included, though.
The bike’s handlebar is fully covered by a layer of rubber foam material for an improved grip and extra comfort. However, it does not have pulse sensors.
Resistance system
The Phoenix Revolution Cycle Pro II is equipped with a friction resistance system. However, its brake is similar
to a regular bike brake, with two felt pads that hug the flywheel from each side as opposed to many other bikes that have only one top-down brake pad. The brake is attached to the knob on top of the main tube of the bike through a steel cable. As you turn this knob clockwise, the two brake pads apply more friction to the flywheel and increase the pedaling difficulty.
The bike’s brake is stepless. It does not have pre-determined tension settings or “clicks”. You simply turn the knob to tighten the brake until you get the desired pedaling resistance. As a general idea, the bike can be tightened up to the point you can barely pedal.
The bike’s brake also has a small lever attached to it. This particular element serves as an emergency brake. If you press it down, the brake will tighten onto the flywheel instantly stopping it from spinning. This is actually necessary in case you’ve been pedaling at a high speed and you need to stop. That’s because the flywheel is pretty heavy and the pedals keep spinning for as long as the flywheel is spinning.
Drive system
The Phoenix Pro II is equipped with a standard chain drive. This type of drive system comes with several 
advantages. First of all, it uses a regular bike chain, so in case you will ever need to replace it, you should be able to find one in any bike shop. Second of all, with proper maintenance, the chain can last a lifetime, as opposed to a belt drive that can stretch or deteriorate after several years of use.
The bike is equipped with a heavy flywheel. It weighs 39.6 lbs (18 kg) and has a perimeter-weighted design. This type of construction is meant to generate extra inertia which is quite important for spinning. It also improves motion stability.
The flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, you can pedal in reverse if you want. Also, since the bike doesn’t have a derailleur, you cannot coast on it. So, when pedaling in reverse, you will benefit from the same resistance as when pedaling forward. Therefore, you can alternate sessions in order to focus different muscle groups.
The bike is equipped with a heavy-duty 3-piece crankset. Its arms are made of solid steel painted black like the rest of the frame. The pedals are made of metallic alloy with a chrome finish. They have rubber inserts and toe clips for extra foot stability. They do not have cleats for spin shoes but their threads are standard (9/16), so replacements are widely available.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s frame comes pre-assembled, with the flywheel, chain, crankset, and brake already attached. You only have to add the two base bars, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebars, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes of your time. The task is pretty straightforward and the manual provides clear assembly instructions. All the tools for assembly are included as well.
Since the bike has a chain drive system, the lubrication of the chain is necessary. It should be lubricated with chain oil every few months. Other than this, you should only keep the bike clean, replace the brake pads when they completely wear out, and periodically check for any loose or broken parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy steel frame – 250 lbs weight capacity;
- Durable paint finish;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the front base;
- Durable steel crank and metallic pedals with toe clips;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Race saddle with standard collar system, easy to replace (if necessary);
- Heavy-duty chain drive system;
- Heavy (39.6 lbs) perimeter-weighted flywheel for extra inertia;
- Standard friction resistance;
- Bottle holder with a bottle included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Really easy to assemble;
- All the tools required for the assembly are included.
The Cons
- No performance monitor;
- No SPD elements for spin shoes on the pedals.
Summary
The Phoenix Revolution Cycle Pro II is an indoor cycling bike designed for home use. It is equipped with a friction resistance system, a 39.6-lb flywheel, chain drive, and a four-way adjustable seat. It’s an excellent trainer for intense cardio training, muscle toning, strength and stamina development, interval training, and weight loss. Although it does not include a performance monitor, it’s a pretty decent exercise bike, a great alternative to a commercial spin bike.