| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Flywheel weight | Fitness meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SNODE 8731B Check Discounted Price | L:43" W:20" H:46.5" | 287 lbs | Manual magnetic | 35 lbs | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, Pulse, Goals, Bluetooth, Zwift capable, Kinomap capable |
The SNODE 8731B is one of the indoor cycling bike released by SNODE in the second part of 2020. It’s a magnetic resistance exercise bike made for spin workouts. Although it’s not a commercial model, it comes with a Bluetooth console that is compatible with apps like Zwift and Kinomap.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 43L x 20W x 46.5H inches (109L x 51W x 118H cm)
- Shipping weight: 90.4 lbs (41 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 35 lbs (15.8 kg)
- Supported weight: 287 lbs (130 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive system: Belt
- Resistance: Manual magnetic
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, goals, scan, Bluetooth, Body Fat function
- Extras: Tablet holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The SNODE 8731B indoor cycle features a heavy-duty frame made of oval steel tubing for improved aesthetics
and sturdiness. The frame design is not a full triangle as for the average spin bike. The seat tube is actually reinforced with an additional tube at the rear.
The main frame of the bike is double-coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this model (at least for the moment). The seat and handlebar posts have a light gray paint finish, while the flywheel is chrome-plated with plastic side panels. Two other notable non-metallic parts (made of durable thermoplastic material) are the covers of the magnetic brake and the drivetrain.
Like most other spin bikes, the SNODE 8731B is not a very large fitness machine. It is approx. 43″ (109 cm) long, and 20″ (51 cm) wide, while its maximum height, with the handlebar set to its highest position, is 46.5″ (118 cm). It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access and safe usage.
The bike is pretty heavy. With all the parts assembled, it weighs approx. 90 lbs (41 kg). This being said, its should be moved by two persons while packaged. However, once it is completely assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person as its front stabilizer is equipped with a set of small transport wheels. Also, both base stabilizers have adjustable levelers.
Seat and handlebars
The SNODE 8731B includes a fairly large saddle. Its shell is made of a sturdy, yet flexible plastic 
material (probably nylon). It is covered by a layer of vinyl material and integrates a thin layer of foam padding. It is not too soft, but not too hard either. It also lacks the median groove that various other bicycle seat models have. This being said, it is a saddle made for optimal comfort. But nonetheless, its attachment system is a standard collar with a bolt and nut. Thus, you can easily replace it, if needed, and compatible models should be available in most bike shops. Also, its overall comfort can be improved with a gel seat cover.
The bike’s seat offers four-way adjustability (up, down, front, back). Its upright post has 10 adjustment positions while its horizontal slider adds a few extra inches of front to back adjustment. The seat assembly is designed for an inseam length of 36.8″ (93.4 cm). Thus, the bike should be able to accommodate comfortably, users up to 6’5″ (196 cm), allowing a complete leg extension. It is also rated for a maximum user weight limit of 287 lbs (130 kg).
The bike’s handlebar only offers two-way adjustability (up, down). Its upright post offers several inches of adjustment but has fewer adjustment positions than the seat. A tablet support is included with the bike. This accessory attaches to the lower part of the handlebar.
The handlebar features a multi-grip design. It offers the possibility to assume a climbing grip, a standard grip, and a racing grip. Also, in case you won’t install the tablet holder, you can also use the center loop bar for a close grip. Its side grips integrate pulse sensors and the included performance monitor can track your pulse if you hold on to them. They have high-density foam sleeves for an improved and comfortable grip.
Resistance and drive
The SNODE 8731B indoor cycling trainer is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. 
This means that the included performance monitor cannot automatically adjust the resistance. It also means that the bike does not require an adapter or an external power source.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake attached to the main tube of the frame right above the flywheel. This brake is connected to the tension knob on top of the frame. Therefore, when you turn the knob clockwise, the magnets move closer to the flywheel which increases the pedaling difficulty.
The bike’s magnetic brake is stepless. In other words, the tension knob does not have pre-determined levels. You simply turn the knob until you get the desired pedaling difficulty. Also, the knob can be pressed down to immediately stop the flywheel from spinning.
This SNODE exercise bike is equipped with a mid-range flywheel. It weighs 35 lbs (15.8 kg) and has a perimeter-weighted design. This type of flywheel construction is great for spinning workouts as it provides superior inertia and a consistent momentum. It also allows reverse pedaling, but coasting is not possible on this stationary bike. The pedals continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning.
The integrated drivetrain consists of a heavy-duty poly-v belt. This type of drive system contributes to the overall smoothness of the ride as the belt generates less vibration than a chain. It also eliminates the need for periodic lubrication, so it’s pretty much hassle-free.
The bike is equipped with a 3-piece crankset featuring solid steel arms. The pedals are made of aluminum alloy with rubber inserts on the sides for improved footing. They have adjustable toe cages but do not have SPD elements for spin shoes. However, their threads are standard (9/16), so compatible replacements of all kinds are widely available. Also, since the bike is designed to support all spin workouts, the crank and pedal assembly should be able to support standing up pedaling with no problem.
Performance monitor
As we’ve mentioned above, the SNODE 8731B includes a Bluetooth enabled performance monitor that
is compatible with the Zwift and Kinomap apps. If you have one of these apps installed on your smartphone or tablet, you should be able to sync the monitor unit with your device for a virtual cycling experience, compete with friends, and track your progress online.
But nonetheless, if you don’t want to use any of these apps or the Bluetooth connection, the monitor does offer the basic functions of a bike meter. To begin with, it has an LCD display divided into 6 sub-sections in order to show as many workout metrics as possible at once. It tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It’s not telemetric, so it cannot read pulse from a wireless HR chest strap.
Although the monitor unit does not have pre-set workout programs, it does have goal settings for time, distance, and calories. If a goal for any of these metrics is selected, the unit will countdown from the selected value until it reaches zero. It also has a Body Fat calculator function with its own quick key. In order to use this function, you will have to input your data such as weight, height, and age, and hold on to the pulse sensors.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It starts up when you begin pedaling or when you press one of the buttons. It also automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the bike for more than a few minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
Most of the bike’s frame comes pre-assembled. The flywheel, the magnetic brake, the crankset, and the belt are already installed as well. You only have to attach the two base bars, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the pedals, the device holder, and the performance monitor. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes of your time. The task is pretty straightforward, the manual provides clear step-by-step assembly instructions, and all the necessary tools are included.
Since the bike has a belt drive system, its transmission does not require lubrication. In fact, once the unit is assembled, it doesn’t require too much maintenance at all. You just need to keep it clean and periodically check for loose parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – can hold users up to 287 lbs;
- Aesthetic design and compact construction;
- Transport wheels on the front base bar
- Adjustable stabilizers on both base bars;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- 2-way adjustable handlebar;
- Multi-grip handlebar with pulse sensors;
- Smooth, almost silent belt drive;
- Metallic pedals with toe cages and standard threads;
- Perimeter-weighted flywheel for high inertia;
- No friction, magnetic resistance system;
- Performance monitor included – it can track time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- Body Fat calculator function;
- The monitor is Bluetooth enabled and compatible with apps like Zwift and Kinomap;
- Bottle holder included;
- Device holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Assembly tools are included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No front-to-back adjustability on the handlebar;
- No SPD clips on the pedals.
Summary
The SNODE 8731B is an indoor cycling bike made for spin workouts. It’s equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system, a 35-lb perimeter-weighted flywheel, and a 4-way adjustable seat. It also includes a Bluetooth enabled fitness monitor compatible with the Zwift and Kinomap apps. It’s a great bike for high-intensity cardio workouts, interval training, stamina and strength development, and of course, for burning a lot of calories. And finally, it is considerably more affordable than a commercial spin bike offering excellent value for the price.