SNODE Power One 8729 Indoor Cycling Bike

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Flywheel weight	Resistance	Console
SNODE 8729 Check Discounted Price	L:41" W:21" H:46"	280 lbs	40 lbs	Friction, wool pad	Time, Distance, ODO, Speed, Calories, Pulse, Scan

The Snode Power One indoor cycling bike shares many similarities with the Sunny SF-B1735 model. However, it’s a smaller and lighter bike. Also, the exercise meter included with it does not offer the possibility to set up goals and does not have the race function. It’s not a commercial-grade bike but it is designed to support any spin workout.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 41L x 21W x 46H inches (104L x 53W x 117H cm)
• Assembled weight: 90.4 lbs (41 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 40 lbs (18 kg)
• Supported weight: 280 lbs (127 kg)
• Seat: 4-way adjustable
• Drive: Belt
• Resistance: Friction, wool felt pad
• Fitness meter: Time, distance, speed, calories, pulse, odometer, SCAN
• Extras: Bottle holder, tablet holder

Frame construction

The SNODE Power One 8729 features a steel frame with ovalized tubes and a slightly curved main tube for improved aesthetics. The main frame is coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish; the color used is light gray, while the base bars are black. The seat post, the handlebar post, and the flywheel are chrome-plated. The only major non-steel within the bike’s construction is the belt guard; this part is made of durable ABS material.

An important aspect to mention here with regards to the bike’s frame construction is the small horizontal bar that unites the seat tube to the main frame tube. This element not only that improves the overall sturdiness of the frame, it can also serve as a step-up element for certain exercising routines. Not all spin bikes have this element, so it’s a plus.

The fully assembled bike is not extremely large. It is a few inches smaller than other models, such as the JOROTO X3, for example. It is approx. 41″ (104 cm) long, and 21″ (53 cm) wide. This means it can fit pretty well even to a smaller room. It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access.

The bike is not extremely heavy; however, it still weighs more than twice the weight of the average road bike. Its fully assembled weight is ~90 lbs (41 kg). This weight, plus your own weight, results in excellent overall stability.

Speaking of stability, both base bars of the bike are equipped with adjustable stabilizers. They have large rubber pads which also add an excellent grip, preventing the bike from sliding if it’s on a slippery floor. Also, the front base bar features two small wheels which make its relocation easier.

Seat and handlebars

The SNODE Power One exercise bike features a 4-way adjustable seat. Its horizontal slider provides several inches for front-back adjustment, while its upright post has multiple adjustment notches. This being said, the bike’s seat can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’4″ (153 – 194 cm), promoting a complete leg extension and a satisfying range of motion. Also, the whole seat construction is sturdy enough to support users up to 280 lbs (127 kg).

The top section of the saddle is made of polyurethane material which offers superior heat dissipation. It has a central groove for extra breathability. Its rear section has two suspension springs which improve its overall cushioning.

The saddle is fairly large as well. It is approx. 11″ (28 cm) long, 7.9″ (20 cm) wide, and 1.6″ (4 cm) thick. It offers plenty of contact surface and is designed to provide superior comfort, as opposed to most slim spin bike seats.

The SNODE 8729 is equipped with a 2-way adjustable handlebar (up, down). It has a multi-grip deisgn, featuring actually drop-down grips, an element that many other spin bikes do not offer. It also has a central loop aero bar to which the exercise meter attaches. Thus, it can provide a standard grip, close and wide parallel grip, aero grip, or drop-down grip.

The whole handlebar assembly is covered by a layer of high-density rubber material in order to provide a secure grip. Also, its top grips integrate metallic pulse sensors, so that the exercise meter can monitor your heart rate if you hold on to them.

Drive and resistance

The SNODE 8729 Power One exercise bike integrates a 40 lbs flywheel. This is actually the optimal weight for spin workouts. The flywheel is also perimeter-weighted in order to provide a consistent momentum. As we’ve mentioned above, the flywheel is chrome-plated; however, it has ABS side protection panels which also improve the overall aesthetics of the bike.

The bike is equipped with a belt drivetrain. This type of transmission comes with three main advantages. One, the pedaling motion is very quiet. Two, it does not require any lubrication. And three, it generates considerably less vibration than a chain. The belt is covered by a black ABS guard which can easily be removed in case it is ever necessary.

The crankset is a sturdy piece, featuring steel crank arms and metallic pedals. It can support with no problem users up to 280 lbs (127 kg) for any spin workout. The pedals are equipped with toe cages for extra thrust, but do not have SPD clips for spin shoes. However, their threads are standard 9/16″, so replacement options are widely available.

The bike’s drive system offers the possibility to pedal in reverse. However, coasting is not possible. The pedals will spin (either forward or backward) for as long as the flywheel is spinning.

The SNODE Power One indoor cycling trainer features a mechanical friction-based resistance system. This means it does not require an external power source, and the resistance adjustment is done manually.

The resistance system consists of a wool felt pad attached to the tension knob found on top of the main frame bar. By turning the knob clockwise, the brake pad applies more friction to the flywheel, which results in an increased pedaling difficulty. The tension knob also acts as an emergency brake. You can press it down to stop the flywheel if needed.

Similar to other friction resistance spin bikes, the SNODE 8729 doesn’t have pre-determined resistance levels. You simply tighten the brake until you get the pedal tension that suits you best. You can basically tighten the brake up to the point you can barely pedal.

Accessories

Exercise meter. The bike includes a battery-powered, basic fitness meter. It does not have any workout programs, nor it can connect online to any fitness apps. However, it does monitor the main workout metrics including time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It also has an odometer function which keeps track of the total distance you have traveled on the bike from the first use.

The meter unit only shows speed and distance in metric units (km/h and kilometers). It does not have an option for MPH and miles. Also, it can only read your pulse through the sensors in the handlebar. It cannot communicate with wireless HR transmitters.

The exercise meter unit is very easy to use. It only has one button. You can repeatedly press the button to swap between the workout stats, or select the Scan Mode. If Scan is selected, the unit will rotate all the metrics showing each one for several seconds.

The unit also has a sleep mode function. If the bike is not in use for several minutes, it will turn off automatically to save battery.

Bottle holder. The included bottle support is metallic. It attaches at the base of the main frame tube. It is fairly flexible and can accommodate most hydration bottles.

Tablet holder. This accessory attaches to the top of the handlebar. It’s ABS-made and wide enough to accommodate any tablet.

Assembly and Maintenance

The main drive and resistance elements come pre-assembled, attached to the bike’s frame. Therefore, you only have to attach the base bars, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the pedals, the tablet holder, and the exercise meter. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. The box includes all the necessary tools for assembly, and the manual provides clear assembly instructions.

The bike’s maintenance doesn’t require much. The drive elements do not require any lubrication. All you need to do is keep the bike clean and periodically check for loose parts.

The Pros

• Sturdy construction – it can support users up to 280 lbs;
• Aesthetic design;
• Adjustable stabilizers on both bases;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• 2-way adjustable handlebar;
• Multi-grip handlebar with drop-down grips and curved-up grips;
• Pulse sensors integrated into the handlebar;
• 4-way adjustable seat;
• Large saddle with thick cushioning for extra comfort;
• Step-up bar between the seat tube and the main tube of the frame;
• Smooth, almost silent belt drive;
• Perimeter-weighted, 40 lbs flywheel for high inertia;
• Friction resistance for a wide array of pedaling difficulty levels;
• Heavy-duty metallic pedals with toe cages; 
• Exercise meter included – it can track time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
• Odometer function;
• Bottle holder included;
• Tablet holder included;
• Easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required.

The Cons

• Only metric units for speed and distance;
• No backlight on the fitness meter;
• No SPD clips on the pedals.

Summary

The SNODE Power One is a mid-range indoor cycling bike equipped with a 40 lbs flywheel, felt-pad resistance, and a silent belt drive. It’s designed to support spin workouts of all sorts and users up to 280 lbs. It also includes an exercise meter which can track your main workout stats. It’s an excellent trainer for high-intensity cardio workouts, stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss. In all, it offers excellent value for the price.