| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spinner Edge Check Discounted Price | L: 55" W: 20" H: 48" | 350 lbs | 43 lbs | Friction | N/A |
The Spinner Edge is an authentic Mad Dogg Athletics spin bike. It’s a light commercial trainer, offering an impressive weight capacity, and a heavier flywheel than the Spinner S5, or Spinner S3. It’s a bike designed to support all kinds of spin workouts, perfect for users of all levels. Although it’s an older bike model (it was released in 2012), it’s still available in 2018 as it’s one of the best spinning bikes.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 55L x 20W x 48H inches (140L x 51W x 122H cm)
- Assembled weight: 121 lbs (54.8 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 43 lbs (19.5 kg)
- Supported weight: 350 lbs (158.7 kg)
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: Dual-sided
- Drive mechanism: Chain
- Resistance: Friction, leather pad
- Fitness meter: No
- Accessories: Bottle holders, 4 workout DVDs
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
Since it’s a light commercial exercise bike, the Spinner Edge features a heavy-duty steel frame, with ovalized bars and a low center of gravity, which results in exceptional sturdiness and stability. Plus, when it comes to stability, both its bases integrate large, adjustable stabilizers with rubber caps, so you can perfectly level it on all types of flooring. 
The Spinner Edge is a fairly heavy exercise bike. With the frame fully assembled it weighs over 120 lbs (~55 kg). This is approx. three times the weight of the average road bike. All this weight also plays an important role in its stability. So, these being said, even if you engage in the most demanding spin workout, you can be sure that it won’t rock or wobble.
Despite its weight, the bike isn’t too difficult to handle once it is assembled. Its front base bar is equipped with two large silicone wheels which facilitate its relocation.
This spin bike isn’t an extremely large fitness machine. It’s footprint is actually 43″L x 20″W (109 x 51 cm). However, the slider of the seat can extend backward for quite a few inches. So, the maximum length of this exercise bike is approx. 55″ (140 cm). It is recommended, though, to assign a workout area of at least 6′ x 4′ (183 x 122 cm) for this bike; this way, you will be able to perform just about any spin workout without any hindrance.
The bike’s frame integrates a step-up bar with a pad above the crank. Not all exercise bikes made for spinning have this element. This gives you the possibility to perform certain spin exercises that require you to step on and step off the frame, in order to focus different groups of muscles and add diversity to the workout.
One last aspect to mention here regards the bike’s paint finish. The Spinner Edge features an industrial quality double coating finish which is highly resistant to rust and chipping. The seat and handlebar posts feature a chrome plating, which is also corrosion-resistant. But nonetheless, even though the paint finish is rust-resistant, the bike is made for indoor use only. If used or stored outside, moisture may damage some of its other parts and screws which are not corrosion protected.
Seat & handlebars
Since it’s a spin bike, the Spinner Edge does not have a very comfortable seat. It comes with a standard spinning seat, featuring a slim design, without cushioning. So, these being said, if
you’re new to spinning, it will take some time and pain to get used to it. However, the bike’s saddle has a standard design, so you can easily find a cushioned, more comfortable replacement. Also, a gel cover can considerably improve its comfort.
The bike’s seat is 4-way adjustable (up, down, backward, and forward). Both its horizontal slider and its upright post offer plenty adjustment positions. Therefore, the bike can accommodate users between 4’10” and 6’8″ (147 – 203 cm). The seat assembly is also durable enough to support users up to 350 lbs (~158 kg).
The bike’s handlebar assembly is only 2-way adjustable. This may be a minus for a model in this price range, as there are more affordable bikes, such as the Efitment IC031 or the Fitness Reality X-Class 710, which offer horizontal adjustment for the handlebar. But nonetheless, the Spinner Edge is equipped with a large, multi-grip handlebar, with a loop aero bar in the middle and a dual bottle holder. The handlebar is urethane dipped; the urethane cover provides a secure, comfortable grip.
Drive system
The main drive elements of an indoor cycling bike are the crankset, the transmission, and the flywheel. The Spinner Edge is equipped with a heavy-duty crankset featuring reinforced crank arms which can withstand users up to 350 lbs (~158 kg) in a full standing up exercising routine.
The pedals are dual-sided; on one side, they’re equipped with adjustable toe cages for extra thrust, while on the other side they have SPD clips for spinning shoes. They’re made of a heavy-duty metallic alloy and they also have standard threads, so you can easily find replacements for them if necessary.
This exercise bike features a narrow, 155 mm Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals). This is quite an important feature for spinning, as your feet are positioned naturally on the pedals. Thus, the pedaling motion doesn’t generate extra lateral stress on the joints.
The bike’s transmission is chain-based. A chain drive comes with several advantages. First of all, it’s extremely durable; with proper care, it can last a lifetime. Also, the bike uses a standard bike chain, so in case you need to replace it, you can find one in just about any bike store, or on any website specialized in bike parts. Of course, the main downside of a bike chain is that it requires lubrication. This is done in several easy steps.
The Spinner Edge is equipped with a fairly heavy flywheel. It weighs 43 lbs (19.5 kg) and this weight enables it to generate a very consistent momentum. Plus, it’s perimeter weighted, and due to this fact, it produces an aggressive inertia, while the pedaling motion is very smooth.
Evidently, the flywheel is bi-directional. You can pedal in reverse if you want to diversify your workouts. However, when changing the way you pedal, from normal to backward of vice-versa, it’s recommended to use the bike’s emergency brake.
Resistance system
The Spinner Edge features a standard friction resistance system. It consists of a leather pad
attached to the dial on the main tube of the bike. By turning the dial clockwise, the brake pad induces more friction to the flywheel, which results in more resistance.
The bike’s resistance system doesn’t have predetermined settings. There are no “clicks” on the resistance dial such as for magnetic exercise bikes. You simply tighten it until you obtain a satisfactory level of resistance.
The resistance dial has a double function. Not only that allows you to adjust the bike’s resistance, it also fulfills the role of an emergency brake. By pressing it down, you can immediately stop the flywheel from spinning, which may be required during certain workouts.
Accessories
Unfortunately, the Spinner Edge bike doesn’t come with a fitness meter, and there are more affordable bikes with a decent construction that actually include one. A good example is the L-NOW LD-582. However, a set of 4 DVD with spin workouts is included with this indoor cycling trainer.
The DVDs cover various spin workouts. In case you’ve never been to a spin class before, the workouts on them are quite educational, motivational and entertaining. They’re quite great to train with. They actually generate the atmosphere of a real spin class, and will considerably help with your results. The DVDs include Ultimate Energy, Train and Tone, Turn and Burn, and Maximum Results workouts.
Assembly and Maintenance
The core of the bike comes pre-assembled. You only have to connect the base bars to the main frame, add the seat and handlebar posts, then the seat and the handlebar, and finally the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes. All the tools for assembly are included, and the manual provides very clear step-by-step assembly instructions.
The primary maintenance aspect is the lubrication of the chain. You can use any oil-based lubricant for it, or simply use standard bike chain oil. The resistance pad may also require lubrication if it emits a squeaky noise when in contact with the spinning flywheel. Using silicone-based lubricant for it can eliminate the problem. Last but not least, a periodic check for loose bolts and parts is also recommended.
The Pros
- Heavy-duty frame for superior sturdiness and stability;
- Superior weight capacity – 350 lbs;
- Adjustable base stabilizers, with large rubber pads;
- Transport wheels included;
- Solid crank assembly;
- Heavy-duty, dual-sided pedals, with SPD clips on one side and toe cages on the other;
- Comfortable, 155mm Q-Factor, reducing stress on knees and ankles;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- 2-way adjustable handlebars;
- Durable chain drive;
- High-inertia, heavy flywheel (43 lbs);
- Basically limitless resistance settings;
- Bottle holder included;
- 4 free DVDs with different spin workouts included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Really easy to assemble.
The Cons
- Exercise meter is not included;
- No horizontal slider for the handlebar.
Summary
The Spinner Edge is an authentic light commercial spin bike. It features a heavy-duty frame which can support users up to 350 lbs. It is equipped with a standard friction resistance system, an aggressive inertia flywheel, and offers excellent micro-adjustability for the seat. It’s an excellent indoor cycle trainer for users of all levels, perfect for medium to intense cardio training, interval training, stamina development, and weight loss. Finally, it’s not an affordable exercise bike but does offer great quality and value for the price.