Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Fitness monitor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Soozier A90-256 Check Discounted Price | L:51.25" W:26.75" H:63.75" | 264 lbs | 13 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Odometer, Speed, Calories, Pulse, Scan, Goals |
The Soozier A90-256 2-in-1 trainer is one of the fitness machines released by Aosom Fitness in 2021. It’s a 2-in-1 trainer similar to the XTERRA EU100, combining an upright exercise bike and an elliptical trainer. It’s not a motorized machine, so you don’t need a power cord or a power adapter for it.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 51.25L x 26.75W x 63.75H inches (130L x 68W x 162H cm)
- Assembled weight: 77 lbs (35 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 13 lbs (5.8 kg)
- Supported weight: 264 lbs (120 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Stride: 13 inches (33 cm)
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Exercise meter: Time, distance, odometer, speed, calories, pulse, goals, scan
Frame construction
The Soozier A90-256 dual trainer features a steel frame combining oval, rectangular, and cylindrical tubing in its construction. All the steel parts are coated with a durable paint finish gray in color, this being the only color available for this model. The unit also integrates several plastic parts in its construction. The most notable ones are the covers of the drive and resistance elements, the pedals, and the console casing.
The unit is not extremely large. With all the parts assembled, it is only 51.25″ (130 cm) long, and 26.75″ (68 cm) wide. However, it is recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance all around it for easy access and safe usage.
The unit has a step-through design. There is a bit of a gap between the base of the front upright mast of the machine, and the drive unit. This type of design allows for an easy entry and exit.
The trainer is not super heavy either. Its net weight is only 77 lbs (35 kg), so it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Once it is assembled, it can be moved even easier as its front base stabilizer incorporates a set of small wheels. Also, the rear stabilizer features polygonal caps that can be rotated and serve as floor levelers.
Seat and handlebars
The Soozier A90-256 dual trainer is equipped with a pretty standard seat, similar to the ones in upright bikes. The saddle is built on a tough, yet flexible shell, made from nylon material. It has a layer of foam padding on top and also has a bit of contouring for extra breathability.
The seat assembly is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post has seven adjustment positions while its front-to-back offers a few extra inches of adjustment. The applicable inseam range for it is 29.25″ – 34.25″ (74 – 87 cm). Thus, the machine should be able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’3″ (153 – 190 cm) with no problem. It is also rated for a maximum user weight limit of 264 lbs (120 kg).
The trainer is equipped with two sets of handlebars. One is fixed, the other is mobile. The fixed handlebars have their grips curved up and feature metallic pulse sensors. The mobile handlebars connect to the upper section of the machine’s front mast and to the pedals. Therefore, they move for as long as you pedal and you can’t lock them to remain stationary.
Both handlebar sets feature PVC foam grips for improved contact. It’s also important to mention that none of the handlebars are adjustable and the moving ones reach approx. 63.75″ (162 cm) above the floor.
Pedal construction, stride length, and step-up height
The Soozier A90-256 elliptical trainer and upright bike machine features a set of durable pedals. As we’ve mentioned above, the machine is rated for a maximum weight limit of 264 lbs (120 kg) which also applies to the pedals, not just the seat.
The pedals trays are made from a durable thermoplastic material. They have a textured surface and foam inserts for improved foot stability. They also have front and side guards to prevent foot slippage. They’re pretty large, approx. 14.25″ (36 cm) long, and 5.5″ (14 cm) wide so they can accommodate athletic footwear of all sizes.
The machine provides a pretty neutral elliptical path. This being said, it promotes a natural position and motion when using it as an elliptical. On the other hand, when using it as an upright bike, the position is a bit awkward especially for a short person as they may not be able to reach the fixed handlebar properly.
The Soozier A90-256 offers a stride of approx. 13″ (33 cm). The pedal step-up height is approx. 5″ (13 cm), while at their highest point, the pedals raise at approx. 15″ (38 cm) above the floor level. Therefore, it is recommended to place and use this machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.
Drive system
The Soozier A90-256 dual trainer is equipped with a 13-lb (5.8 kg) flywheel which is completely concealed by the drive system’s ABS guards. Although it’s not a super-heavy flywheel, it does have a perimeter-weighted design so it provides a pretty consistent momentum.
The flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, you can pedal in reverse on this fitness machine. This way, you can focus different muscle groups. It is important to mention, though, that coasting is not possible. If you stop pedaling, the flywheel will also stop, and the fitness monitor won’t record extra calories or distance units.
The machine uses a belt drive system. It integrates a poly-v belt designed for superior traction. As opposed to a chain drive, the belt does not require lubrication, so you don’t have to worry about removing the pedals and the guards for periodic maintenance. The belt also contributes to the overall smoothness of the ride as it generates less vibration than a chain.
The unit’s crankset is pretty durable as well. The pulley is made from a durable thermoplastic material. The crank arms are cylindrical with a chrome finish. They connect to the pedal bars and it is recommended to lubricate their joints during assembly.
Resistance system
This Soozier elliptical and exercise bike machine is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. Therefore, you don’t need to connect it to an external power source. But this also means that the machine cannot adjust the resistance automatically and does not have pre-set workout programs.
The unit’s resistance system consists of an internal magnetic brake attached to the flywheel system. The brake connects to the tension knob on the front mast of the machine through a steel cable. Thus, when you turn the knob, the magnets move closer or farther from the flywheel which increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty.
The machine offers 8 levels of resistance. The first level delivers a fairly light pedaling difficulty, great for recovery training, muscle toning, or simply put, a light cardio workout. Conversely, the 8th tension level provides considerably more resistance for a more intense workout, stamina development, and weight loss.
Of course, the main advantage of the magnetic resistance system is that the brake does not touch the flywheel. Therefore, there is no internal wear and tear and you don’t have to worry about replacing brake pads. Also, since there is no internal friction, the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet.
Fitness monitor
The Soozier A90-256 2-in-1 trainer comes with a fitness monitor similar to the one included with the Marcy ME-1017E. It features an LCD display that tracks time, speed, distance, total distance, calories, and pulse. Speed and distance are shown in imperial units. The pulse reading function is grip only. In other words, the monitor can only read your pulse if you hold on to the integrated sensors. You cannot sync it with a Bluetooth chest strap or other types of heart rate transmitters.
The monitor unit does not have online connectivity or pre-set workout programs. However, it does have a workout goal function. You can set up a workout goal for time, distance, or calories burned. Once a goal is selected, the unit will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero.
The unit has three buttons. These are Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to view or select the scan mode that automatically rotates them. The Set button covers the workout goal function. And finally, the Reset button clears all the data on the display to zero, except the odometer.
The monitor unit requires two AA batteries as a power source. It begins recording your workout data as you begin pedaling and also automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the machine for more than four minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The base unit of the machine with the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. However, you still need to attach the two base bars, the pedals, the front mast, the handlebars, and the fitness monitor. This may take more than one hour of your time, but the task is pretty straightforward. Plus, the manual provides clear assembly instructions, and all the necessary tools for the task are included.
Once the unit is assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about its maintenance. The joints may require periodic lubrication, but other than this, you only have to keep the machine clean. The internal parts do not require any lubrication.
The Pros
- Double functionality – exercise bike and elliptical;
- Sturdy construction – can hold users up to 264 lbs (120 kg);
- Adjustable stabilizers and transport wheels;
- Four-way adjustable seat;
- Large, textured pedals with side guards for improved foot stability;
- Fixed handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Zero-friction magnetic resistance;
- 8 levels of resistance;
- Quiet belt drive system;
- Fitness monitor included – it can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- Device holder integrated into the fitness monitor;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Tools for assembly are included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No bottle holder;
- No backlight on the fitness monitor;
- No online connectivity.
Summary
The Soozier A90-256 is a 2-in-1 fitness machine combining an elliptical trainer and an upright exercise bike. It features an 8-level magnetic resistance system, a 4-way adjustable seat, a set of large pedals, and a fitness monitor that tracks the most important workout metrics. It’s also a pretty sturdy machine rated for a maximum user weight limit of 264 lbs. It’s a fairly decent trainer for cardio training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.