| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Net weight | Resistance | Exercise meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SNODE Pole Star Check Discounted Price | L: 39" W: 18" H: 45" | 280 lbs | 77 lbs | Manual magnetic | Time, Distance, Speed, Pulse, Calories, Scan |
The SNODE Pole Start is one of the indoor cycling bikes released in 2020. It’s a bike made for home use similar in terms of features to the JOROTO XM15. However, it has a slightly different design and includes a larger device holder.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 39L x 18W x 45H inches (99L x 46W x 114H cm)
- Assembled weight: 77 lbs (35 lbs)
- Supported weight: 280 lbs (127 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Fitness meter: Time, distance, speed, calories, pulse, SCAN
- Extras: Bottle holder, tablet holder
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The SNODE Pole Star indoor cycle features a steel frame combining oval and rectangular tubing in its
construction. Its median base bar has a stronger curvature than other similar exercise bikes, such as the Efitment IC037. All the steel parts in its construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used for the main frame is white, while the color used for the seat post and handlebar post is gray. The flywheel is chrome-plated with ABS side panel covers.
Compared to other indoor cycling bikes, the SNODE Pole Star is a bit smaller. It is only 39″ (99 cm) long and 18″ (46 cm) wide, while its maximum height reaches approx. 45″ (114 cm) when the handlebar is fully extended. It still is recommended, though, to allow about two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access and correct usage.
The fully assembled bike is also fairly light compared to other spin bikes. It only weighs 77 lbs (35 kg). However, this still is about twice the weight of the average road bike, so it provides plenty of stability. Plus, both its base stabilizing bars feature adjustable levelers, while the front base bar is equipped with a set of transport wheels.
One last aspect to mention here regards the small rectangular bar above the crank that unites the seat post to the main frame post. This can be used as a step-up element if needed, as well as support for stretching or for certain spin workouts that require you to repeatedly mount and dismount. Not all spin bikes have this feature so it is a plus.
Seat and handlebars
The SNODE Pole Star indoor cycle includes a pretty standard saddle. It is approx. 10.6″ (27 cm) long, 
and 7.4″ (18.7 cm) wide. Its base shell is made of heavy-duty nylon material covered with a thick layer of foam and with another layer of vinyl material on the outside. It is also contoured for improved airflow.
The bike’s seat assembly is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). The upright post has more than 10 adjustment holes while the horizontal slider adds a few inches of front to back adjustment. This being said, the bike should accommodate users with an inseam between 29″ and 39″ (73 – 99 cm). Differently put, the bike should accommodate users between 5’2″ and 6’4″ (157 – 193 cm). It is also rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 280 lbs (127 kg).
The seat has a collar type attachment system. This means that you can also slightly adjust its angle. It also means that it can easily be replaced, if necessary, and compatible options are widely available.
The bike has a multi-grip handlebar. It offers the possibility to adopt a climbing grip, a standard grip, and a racing grip. It also has a small loop bar in the middle which allows a close grip. The device holder attaches to this particular bar. This accessory is made of durable thermoplastic material and can support most tablets and most types of hydration bottles.
Unlike the seat, the handlebar only offers two-way adjustability (up, down). Its adjustment span is 5″ (12.7 cm), between 40″ and 45″ (101 – 114 cm) above floor level. Its side grips feature high-density foam sleeves for extra comfort. They also integrate metallic pulse sensors.
Drive and resistance
The SNODE Pole Star indoor cycling trainer is equipped with a perimeter-weighted flywheel. This design
improves inertia and renders the pedaling motion more consistent. Its exact weight is not specified, but considering that the weight of the whole bike does not exceed 80 lbs, the flywheel should be between 20 – 35 lbs (9 – 15.8 kg).
The flywheel is bi-directional. This means you can pedal in reverse. But since the drive system has a simple construction, you cannot coast on the bike. When pedaling in reverse, you will get the same resistance as when pedaling forward. Also, the pedals continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning.
The bike is equipped with a magnetic resistance system. Its adjustment is manual, so the bike does not require an external power source and cannot automatically adjust the resistance. Also, the performance monitor does not have pre-set workout programs.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake pad placed above the flywheel, connected to the bike’s frame, and the tension knob on top of the main tube of the frame. By turning this knob clockwise, the magnets move closer to the flywheel which increases the strength of the magnetic field leading to greater pedaling difficulty. The front of the brake assembly also has a small rubber pad. Thus, you can press the knob down and the rubber pad comes in contact with the brake in order to stop the flywheel from spinning.
Unlike other exercise bikes with a magnetic resistance system, this SNODE bike does not have pre-determined tension levels. You simply turn the knob until you get the desired pedaling difficulty. As a general idea, when the brake is tightened all the way to the right, it provides a fairly decent pedaling difficulty simulating a steep climb.
The bike’s drivetrain uses a poly-v belt covered by a durable thermoplastic guard. Needless to say, since it’s a belt, not a chain, you don’t have to lubricate it. Plus, it delivers a smooth pedaling motion as it generates less vibration than a chain.
Last but not least, the bike is equipped with a 3-piece crankset featuring crank arms similar to road bikes. The pedals are metallic with adjustable toe cages. They do not integrate SPD clips for spin shoes but their threads are standard (9/16″) so compatible replacements of all kinds are widely available for this bike.
Performance monitor
The SNODE Pole Star indoor cycling trainer is equipped with a fairly basic performance monitor.
It features an LCD display that tracks time, distance, speed, calories burned, and pulse. As we’ve mentioned above, it does not have pre-set programs. It does not have online connectivity or target settings. Also, the pulse reading function only works if you hold on to the integrated sensors. The unit cannot read your pulse from a fitness band or a wireless HR chest strap.
The monitor unit is easy to use. It only has one button that covers all its functions. By pressing it repeatedly, you can scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to view. This way you can also select the Scan Mode which rotates all the metrics showing each one for a few seconds. The button also has a reset function. If you press it and hold it for a few seconds, you can clear all the values on the monitor to zero.
The monitor is battery-powered. It starts up when you begin pedaling. It also automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the bike for a few minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the bike comes pre-assembled. The flywheel, the drivetrain, the crankset, and the brake are already attached to it. You only need to add the two base stabilizing bars, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the pedals, the performance monitor, and the device holder. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes of your time. The task is straightforward, the manual provides pretty decent assembly instructions, and all the necessary tools are included.
The bike has a belt drive system so its drivetrain does not require lubrication. The brake is magnetic, so the brake pad doesn’t wear out. Thus, in terms of maintenance, you only have to keep the bike clean, and periodically check if all the moving parts function properly, and all the fixed parts are still holding tight.
The Pros
- Sturdy steel frame – can support users up to 280 lbs;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both bases;
- Transport wheels on the front base bar;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Cushioned saddle with collar-based attachment system, easy to replace if necessary;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Smooth and silent belt drive;
- Bi-directional, perimeter-weighted flywheel for a consistent momentum;
- Durable metallic pedals with adjustable toe cages and standard 9/16″ threads;
- Zero friction magnetic resistance;
- Exercise meter included – it can track time, distance, speed, pulse, and calories burned;
- Device holder/bottle holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the performance monitor;
- The pulse reading is not too accurate.
Summary
The SNODE Pole Star is an indoor cycling bike made for home use. It offers a weight capacity of 280 lbs and can support most spin workouts. It’s equipped with a perimeter-weighted flywheel, a manual magnetic resistance system, a belt drive system, a four-way adjustable seat, and a basic performance monitor. It’s a fairly decent stationary bike for medium to high-intensity workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.