Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Fitness monitor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RHYTHM FUN Bike Check Discounted Price | L: 39" W: 22" H: 45" | 270 lbs | 35 lbs | Magnetic | Time, Distance, Odometer Speed, Calories, Bluetooth, Goals, Scan |
The RYTHM FUN indoor cycle is one of the fitness machines released in 2020. In terms of design, it can be compared with the HouseFit HB-8304C. However, it has a heavier flywheel and Bluetooth connectivity. It’s also a bit more expensive than the HouseFit model due to the Bluetooth feature.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 39L x 22W x 45H inches (99L x 56W x 114H cm)
- Assembled weight: 57 lbs (26 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 35 lbs (15.8 kg)
- Supported weight: 270 lbs (122 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive mechanism: Belt
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, odometer, calories, Bluetooth
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame 5 years / Parts 1 year
Frame construction
The RHYTHM FUN indoor cycling bike features a steel frame with a triangular design with precision-welded joints. All the frame tubes are oval, for improved sturdiness and aesthetics. All the steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is gray, this being the only color available for this bike (at least for the moment). The only exception is the flywheel which is chrome-plated.
The bike also integrates several plastic parts. The most notable ones are the drivetrain cover, the brake cover, and the side guards of the flywheel.
The bike is a bit smaller than other spin bikes. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 39″ (99 cm) long, and 22″ (56 cm) wide, while the top of the handlebar reaches approx. 45″ (114 cm) above the floor. It is recommended, though, to allow at least 24″ (61 cm) of clearance all around the bike, for easy access.
The bike is also fairly light. Its net weight is 57 lbs (25 kg). This being said, the packaged unit can be carried by only one person. Once it is assembled, the bike is even easier to relocate as its front base is equipped with two transport wheels. Also, both base stabilizers have adjustable levelers with large rubber pads.
Seat and handlebars
The RHYTHM FUN indoor cycling bike comes with a pretty standard saddle. Its top consists of a thick layer of high-density foam which is also contoured for improved comfort. Its inner shell is made from durable nylon material. The saddle is not too large though; it is 10.7″ (27 cm) long, and 6.5″ (16.5 cm) wide.
The base of the saddle features a standard, collar-type attachment system. This being said, it is easy to remove and you can also adjust its angle a little. This also makes the bike compatible with a wide array of saddles.
The bike’s seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post offers multiple levels of adjustment and has an adjustment span of 6″ (15 cm), for an applicable inseam range of 26″ – 33″ (66 – 84 cm). Its horizontal slider adds a few extra inches of front-to-back adjustment. It can also support users up to 270 lbs (122 kg).
The bike is equipped with a multi-grip handlebar. It offers the possibility to adopt a climbing grip, an off-road grip, a standard grip, and a parallel grip. It also has a long loop bar in the middle for a leaned-forward aero grip.
The handlebar post has several adjustment positions as well but does not have a horizontal slider like the seat. Its grips feature PVC foam sleeves for improved contact. However, it does not integrate pulse sensors, and the fitness monitor included with the bike cannot read your pulse.
Resistance system
The RHYTHM FUN indoor cycling trainer is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This being said, you don’t need a power cord or adapter for it. But on the other hand, the fitness monitor does not have pre-set programs and does not adjust the resistance automatically.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake attached to the frame above the flywheel. It is connected to the tension knob on top of the frame. Therefore, when you turn the knob, the magnets change their position in relation to the flywheel which increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty.
The magnetic brake also has a small felt pad at the front. Therefore, you can press the tension knob all the way down to stop the flywheel from spinning. This is actually necessary as the flywheel provides high inertia and trying to stop it from the pedals may result in injuries.
The bike’s brake does not have any pre-determined tension levels. You simply turn the knob until you get the desired pedaling difficulty. As a general idea, on the highest difficulty level, with the magnets at their closest to the flywheel, the bike provides a pretty consistent resistance, simulating a steep climb.
Drive system
The RHYTHM FUN exercise bike is equipped with a 35 lbs (15.8 kg) flywheel. This is actually a medium-range flywheel as most commercial-grade spin bikes have flywheels heavier than 40 lbs (18 kg). But nonetheless, the bike’s flywheel has a perimeter-weighted design for improved inertia.
The flywheel is also bi-directional. Thus, you can pedal in reverse if you want. However, you cannot coast on this bike as is possible on a road bike; when pedaling in reverse, the resistance remains constant and the pedals will spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning.
The bike is equipped with a pretty sturdy crankset featuring flattened crank arms similar to road bikes, painted black. The included pedals are made of aluminum alloy. They don’t have SPD elements for spin shoes but do have toe cages. Their threads are standard 9/16 so you can always replace them, though.
Like most other stationary bikes with a magnetic brake, the RHYTHM FUN bike features a belt drive system. This type of transmission comes with a few advantages. One, you don’t have to ever lubricate it. Two, it delivers a very smooth pedaling motion. And three, it generates almost no noise when it is in use.
Fitness monitor
The RHYTHM FUN indoor cycle is equipped with a fitness monitor that offers a few features more than a basic model. To begin with, it has an LCD display that tracks time, speed, distance, total distance, and calories burned. It does not show RPM and does not have a pulse reading function. Speed and distance are shown in MPH and miles.
The monitor unit does not have pre-set programs but does allow you to select workout targets for time, distance, and calories burned. If a target is selected for any of these workout metrics, the unit will count down from the selected target until it reaches zero. The Set button covers the target-setting function. The Mode button allows you to scroll through the metrics and select the one you want to view or select the scan mode. The reset button clears all the values to zero, except the odometer (total distance).
The bike also integrates a Bluetooth sensor and you can sync it with your phone or tablet. The Bluetooth sensor connects to the fitness monitor and is compatible with Kinomap and Zwift. These apps are available for both iOS and Android phones. They offer various extra features including training videos, virtual cycling games, scenic rides, as well as tracking your fitness progress online. The Zwift app requires a subscription.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires two AA batteries which are included. It begins tracking your data when you begin pedaling. It also automatically turns off if it does not detect flywheel movement for more than four minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s main body with the flywheel, magnetic brake, crankset, and belt, comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the two base bars, the seat, the handlebars, the fitness monitor, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes of your time. The manual provides clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
For maintenance, you only have to keep the bike clean. The drivetrain does not require lubrication. It is also recommended to periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Durable steel construction – can support users up to 270 lbs;
- Aesthetic design;
- Transport wheels;
- Adjustable stabilizers;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Smooth and almost silent belt drive, which makes the bike perfect for apartment use;
- 35 lbs perimeter-weighted flywheel for improved inertia;
- Frictionless magnetic resistance;
- Integrated felt pad for emergency braking;
- Durable pedals with toe cages and standard threads;
- Fitness monitor with device holder – it tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories burned;
- Target settings for time, distance, and calories;
- Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with the Zwift and Kinomap apps;
- Bottle holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No LED backlight on the display.
Summary
The RHYTHM FUN indoor cycling bike is a fitness machine made for home use. It features a manual magnetic resistance system, a 35-lbs flywheel, a 4-way adjustable seat, and a fitness monitor that tracks the most important workout metrics. It also has Bluetooth connectivity and you can sync it with apps like Kinomap or Zwift. It’s a bike designed for spin workouts, stamina development, weight loss, and interval training.