| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Flywheel weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spinner S7 Check Discounted Price | L:43" W:18" H:37" | 250 lbs | Friction, Leather pad | 35 lbs | 1 year limited |
The Spinner S7 is an authentic Mad Dog Athletics spin bike. It’s part of the LifeStyle series, along with the Spinner S1 and Spinner S3 models. This being said, the bike is not made for commercial use. It’s a home-use fitness machine and therefore it costs considerably less than a gym grade model.
As opposed to the Spinner S3, this model features a slightly heavier flywheel, comes with dual-sided pedals and with a double bottle holder accessory that attaches to the handlebar.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 43L x 18W x 37H inches (110L x 46W x 94H cm)
- Assembled weight: 100 lbs (45.3 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 35 lbs (15.8 kg)
- Supported weight: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: Dual-sided, with SPD clips and toe cages
- Drive mechanism: Chain
- Brakes: Direct-contact, leather pad
- Resistance: Adjustable
- Performance monitor: No
- Accessories: Bottle holder, 4 workout DVDs
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
Just as any other spin bike, the Spinner S7 features a frame made of steel, coated with corrosion resistant and scratch resistant paint, metallic silver in color, this being the only color available for the S7 model. The only exceptions are the seat and handlebar posts, which feature
a chrome finish.
The S7 model is one of the smallest spin bikes. It is only 43″ (110 cm) long and 18″ (46 cm) wide, which means it can fit easily even in a smaller room or apartment. But nonetheless, even though it’s not a large fitness machine, it does weigh approx. 100 lbs (45.3 kg), weight that adds to the bike’s overall stability. On top of that, both bike’s bases feature adjustable stabilizers with large rubber pads, elements which maximize its stability. This being said, you don’t really have to place it on a rubber mat; however, a mat is always recommended because it will prevent sweat or grease from the chain (if it’s the case) to drop on the floor.
The frame does not fold in any way, but in case you want to relocate the bike, you can use the silicone transport wheels integrated into the front base tube. By leaning the exercise bike onto its wheels you will handle only half of its total weight.
One last aspect to mention here regards the bottle older. As opposed to the S3 model, the S7 comes with a bottle holder that attaches to the handlebar, not to the frame. This bottle holder is similar to the one supplied with the Spinner NXT model.
Seat and handlebars
This spin bike is equipped with a 4-way adjustable seat. The saddle is slightly different than the average spin bike seat. It’s thicker, designed to provide more comfort. It does not integrate air cell cushioning, however, it does have a thick layer of padding. It’s also a standard seat, which
means you can easily find a compatible model if you want to replace it. Its comfort can also be increased via a gel cover.
The bike’s handlebar offers a multi-grip design, integrating unified aero-bars. It’s only 2-way adjustable (up, down), but does offer several adjustment positions. The handlebar is completely rubberized in order to provide a secure and comfortable grip.
Both seat and handlebar are equipped with pop-pins, easy to grip and turn. Therefore, you can adjust the bike’s dimensions in less than a minute.
One important aspect to mention here regards the adjustment span of the seat and handlebars. The manufacturer states that this exercise bike can accommodate users between 4’10” – 6’7″ (147 – 200 cm), which is not wrong. However, the handlebar is rather low for a user over 6’0″. It reaches only approx. 37″ (94 cm). Thus, during certain spin workouts, a tall user may hit the handlebar with the knees. They will be able to perform many other workouts without any hindrance, though. But as a general idea, if you’re taller than 6’0″, you may want to opt for a larger model or a bike model with a handlebar that can be adjusted to a higher position.
Resistance system
The Spinning Spinner S7 indoor cycling bike is equipped with a standard friction resistance system. It consists of a leather pad attached to the resistance knob on the main tube of the bike. The pad comes in contact with the flywheel in a top-to-down manner. By twisting the knob 
clockwise, the pad will generate more friction, increasing the overall resistance during pedaling.
There aren’t any resistance levels specified on the bike’s tension knob, as in bikes with a manual magnetic resistance system such as the Marcy NS-40504U model, for example. You simply tighten the pad onto the flywheel until it generates the resistance that you find suitable for your workout. You can basically apply enough friction onto the flywheel up to the point you can’t pedal anymore.
The resistance knob also acts as an emergency brake. The bike’s pedals will continue to spin for as long the flywheel is spinning. Given the considerable weight of the flywheel, it does generate a consistent momentum, so if you want to begin pedaling in reverse, it would be dangerous to do so without stopping the flywheel first. Therefore, in case you need to interrupt your workout, or you want to reverse your pedaling motion, it’s recommended to use the emergency brake, to prevent any injuries.
Drive system
This Spinning exercise bike is equipped with a chain drive system. This means it supplies a smooth ride, similar to a road bike. It’s also more durable than a belt drive, and since it’s basically a standard bike chain, you can always find a replacement for it in any bike shop.
The flywheel is a medium size one, weighing 35 lbs (15.8 kg). It is a perimeter-weighted flywheel, which means it supplies a steady motion and a consistent momentum.
Since this cycle trainer doesn’t have derailleurs like a road bike, pedaling in reverse is possible. However, resistance remains constant when you backpedal, given by the amount of friction applied onto the flywheel. Differently put, you cannot coast on this bike. The pedals will continue to spin for as long the flywheel is spinning.
Since it’s an indoor cycling bike designed to support spin workouts, the crankset equipped on it is extremely durable, featuring solid steel crank arms. It can support users up to 250 lbs (114 kg) in standing up pedaling routines with no problem. The crank arms are finished with metallic alloy, dual-sided pedals, with toe cages on one side, and SPD clips for spin shoes on the other side. They have standard threads; thus, replacements for them are widely available.
One last aspect to mention here regards the bike’s Q-Factor. The Spinner S7 features a narrow, 147 mm Q-Factor, which means it promotes a natural positioning of the feet on the pedals, excluding any lateral stress on the knees.
Accessories
The Spinner S7 indoor cycling bike does not include a fitness meter. There are several models available separately. The only accessories that come with it are the bottle holder, which we’ve described above, and a set of DVDs with spin workouts.
The DVDs include 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
Some of the parts come already assembled. The flywheel, the chain, resistance system and crankset are already attached to the main frame. Thus, for assembly, you only need to place the frame onto its base tubes, attach the seat post, seat, handlebar post, handlebar and the pedals. The included manual provides comprehensive step-by-step assembly instructions and the tools required for it are included. Therefore, the whole assembly process shouldn’t take more than 30 min.
Just as for any bike that involves a chain, the chain requires lubrication from time to time. However, as we’ve mentioned above, the bike’s chain is pre-lubricated and shouldn’t require any lubrication for at least a couple of months. The brake 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
- Sturdy construction, highly durable frame, made for all spin workouts;
- Solid crank assembly;
- Durable alloy, dual-sided pedals, with SPD clips on one side and toe cages on the other;
- Comfortable, narrow Q-Factor, reducing stress on knees;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- 2-way adjustable handlebars;
- Quiet, smooth and durable chain drive;
- High-inertia, heavy flywheel;
- Basically limitless resistance settings;
- Bottle holder included;
- 4 free DVDs with different spin workouts included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Really easy to assemble.
The Cons
- Fitness meter not included.
Bottom Line
The Spinner S7 is a spin bike designed for home use. It features a solid frame construction, similar to the commercial bikes, however with a lighter frame, able to support users only up to 250 lbs. It is equipped with a simple friction resistance, features a mid-size flywheel and a chain drive. It’s an excellent indoor cycle trainer for muscle toning, cardio and interval training, and of course, for losing weight. It’s not exactly the most affordable exercise bike, but it’s an authentic spin bike, and quality definitely stands up to its price.