Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Flywheel weight | Fitness meter |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
SNODE 8722 Check Discounted Price | L:45" W:20" H:45" | 287 lbs | Manual magnetic | 30 lbs | Time, Distance, Odometer, Speed, Calories, Pulse, SCAN |
The SNODE FIR 8722 indoor cycling bike is quite similar to the JOROTO GS60. It has the same frame and flywheel cover, a similar exercise meter, and even includes the elbow rests. However, its flywheel is powder-coated not chrome-plated. It’s a trainer designed for spin workouts, equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. It’s one of the new bikes released by SNODE in the first part of 2019.
Technical Details & Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 45L x 20W x 45H inches (114L x 51W x 114H cm)
- Assembled weight: 90 lbs (41 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 30 lbs (13.6 kg)
- Supported weight: 287 lbs (130 kg)
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive mechanism: Belt
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, odometer, calories, pulse scan
- Accessories: Tablet holder, bottle holder, elbow rest pads
Frame construction
Although it has a rather bulky aspect, the SNODE 8722 isn’t extremely heavy like other indoor cycling trainers, such as the Body-Solid ESB250, for example, which weighs over 145 lbs. It does weigh approx. 90 lbs (41 kg), though, which is more than twice the weight of any road bike. Therefore, this exercise bike provides superior stability.
The unit’s low center of gravity also contributes to its overall stability. Plus, both its bases have adjustable, rubberized levelers. The bike is fairly easy to move, once it is assembled. Its front base has a set of wheels which facilitate its relocation.
Needless to say, since the bike is designed to support most spin workouts, its frame is made of steel tubing. The frame features quite a different design than most other spin bikes. It’s not a V-frame, nor a triangle frame. Its longitudinal base section is actually composed of two bars which hug the flywheel at the front, while the seat tube and the handlebar tube are directly connected by the main bar of the frame.
All the steel parts in the bike’s construction, including the seat and handlebar posts, as well as the flywheel, feature black powder coating which is resistant to corrosion and abrasion. Plus, the two large side belt covers provide extra protection to some of the frame and the top part of the flywheel.
The SNODE 8722 isn’t an extremely large trainer. With the frame fully assembled, it is approx. 45″ (114 cm) long, and 20″ (51 cm) wide. This being said, it shouldn’t need a usage area larger than 70″ x 60″ (177 x 152 cm).
Seat and handlebars
The SNODE FIR 8722 indoor cycle is equipped with a 4-way adjustable seat. Its upright post features multiple adjustment positions, while its horizontal slider also offers several inches of front to back adjustment. This being said, it can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’4″ (153 – 193 cm) with no problem. Also, the seat is designed to support users up to 287 lbs (130 kg).
The bike’s saddle is designed for superior comfort. It’s considerably larger and thicker than the average slim seat that many other spin bikes have. It integrates a consistent layer of foam cushioning and has a set of two suspension springs at the rear for extra shock absorption. Plus, it features a longitudinal cutout which improves the airflow under the user preventing overheating.
The SNODE FIR is equipped with a multi-grip handlebar. It can provide at least four grips, including standard, parallel, aero, and race. It has a center loop aero bar to which you can attach the exercise meter. It is completely covered by a layer of rubber foam material to provide a secure grip.
The bike’s handlebar features a set of elbow rests, a feature that not many exercise bikes include. A tablet holder is also attached at the top of the handlebar post. Plus, the side grips of the handlebar include two metallic pulse sensors.
As opposed to the seat, the handlebar is only 2-way adjustable. It does not have a horizontal slider. Both the seat and the handlebar are very easy to adjust. They have large knobs which are easy to grip and turn, so you can set the bike to your own size in less than a minute.
Resistance and drive
The SNODE FIR bike is equipped with a magnetic resistance system, similar to the Efitment IC035 bike. It integrates a magnetic brake pad which is connected to the tension knob on top of the main frame tube. By turning the knob clockwise, the magnetic brake moves closer to the flywheel which increases the overall drag, adding pedaling difficulty.
Since the bike’s resistance system involves magnets, the resistance elements do not touch. This not only results in a smoother pedaling motion, it also considerably reduces the noise generated by the spinning of the flywheel. Differently put, the pedaling motion is almost completely silent.
The resistance system is manual. This means the bike does not integrate a servo motor, it does not adjust the resistance automatically and does not require an external power source. The only power supply is required by the exercise meter which is battery powered (2 AAA batteries).
The bike’s tension knob does not have any pre-determined resistance settings or clicks. You simply turn it until you get the pedal resistance you’re comfortable with. It does have the emergency brake feature, though; you can press it down to immediately stop the flywheel from spinning.
The bike is equipped with a 30 lbs (13.6 kg) flywheel which is perimeter-weighted for a higher inertia, great for spin workouts. It is bi-directional; thus, you can pedal in reverse if you want.
Like most other exercise bikes with a magnetic resistance system, the SNODE FIR features a belt drive system. It integrates a 5-slot, high-traction belt which is highly resistant to torsion and abrasion. Just as any belt drive system, it does not require lubrication.
As we’ve mentioned above, this exercise bike is made for spin workouts. Therefore, it has a highly durable crankset, with solid steel crank arms and metallic pedals. This being said, as long as you do not exceed the 287 lbs (130 kg) weight capacity, you should be able to pedal while standing up with no problem.
The included pedals do not have SPD clips. They’re only equipped with adjustable toe cages. However, they have standard 9/16 threads, so replacements for them are widely available.
Last but not least, the bike’s Q-Factor (distance between the pedals) is 200 mm (7.8″). This is a bit wider than for most road bikes, but far from being wide enough to result in lateral stress for the knees when pedaling.
Exercise meter
The SNODE 8722 bike is equipped with a basic exercise meter. Its LCD display tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, pulse, and calories burned. The unit is very easy to use. It features only one button. By pressing it repeatedly, you can select one of the values to be shown all the time on the display. You can also select its Scan function and with it set ON, all the values will rotate, each one appearing on the display for a few seconds. The unit’s button can also serve as a reset button. You can press it and hold it for a few seconds to clear all the values on the meter to zero.
With regards to the pulse reading function, the unit is not telemetric. This means it cannot track your pulse through a wireless HR chest belt. In order to benefit from a pulse reading, you can only use the integrated sensors.
As we’ve mentioned above, the meter unit is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries. It starts up when you press the button or when you begin pedaling, and also has a sleep mode to which will enter after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the bike comes already assembled. All the drive and resistance elements are already attached to the main frame and concealed by the side ABS covers. Therefore, you only need to attach the two base stabilizers, the seat post, the seat, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the pedals, the fitness meter, and several other small parts. This shouldn’t take more than one hour. All the tools needed for it are included, and the manual provides very clear assembly instructions.
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
- Fairly sturdy frame – can hold users up to 287 lbs;
- Aesthetic design and compact construction;
- Transport wheels included;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both bases;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- 2-way adjustable handlebar;
- Cushioned saddle with a longitudinal groove for extra breathability and comfort;
- Multi-grip handlebar with elbow rests;
- Smooth, almost silent belt drive;
- Metallic pedals with toe cages and standard threads;
- Perimeter-weighted flywheel for high inertia;
- No friction, magnetic resistance system;
- Exercise meter included – it can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Bottle holder included;
- Tablet holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Assembly tools are included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No LED backlight on the exercise meter;
- No SPD clips on the pedals.
Bottom Line
The SNODE FIR 8722 is an indoor cycling trainer made for spin workouts. It’s equipped with a magnetic resistance system, a 30 lbs flywheel, and a high-comfort seat. It offers superior micro-adjustability and has a pretty sturdy construction for a home use trainer. It also includes a basic fitness meter. In all, 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.