| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spin R1 Check Discounted Price | L:44" W:18" H:38" | 250 lbs | Friction | Not included | 1 year limited |
The Spinning Spin R1, as its name suggests, is an authentic spin bike. However, it’s a much lighter model than the Star Trac Spinner Blade ION, for example, being a model intended for home use, not for commercial gym facilities. Evidently, it costs considerably less, actually being one of the most affordable authentic spin bikes that you can find at the moment.
The model presented here is the Spin R1, part number 6992, which is one of the newest models. One of the older models, the 5951 for example, doesn’t have the brake assembly cover and features a light blue finish. Also, in case you’re wondering, the only difference between the Spinning Spin R1 model and the Spinning Spin R3 model is an extra water bottle holder, which is included with the R3 only.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 44L x 18W x 38H inches (112L x 46W x 97H cm)
- Assembled weight: 92 lbs (41.7 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 31 lbs (14 kg)
- Supported weight: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With toe cages
- Drive: Chain
- Resistance: Friction
- Fitness meter: Not included
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Technical Details and Specifications
The Spinning Spin R1 exercise bike features a steel frame, designed for a weight limit of 250 lbs (113.3 kg). As we’ve mentioned above, and as it results from the attached photos, this spin bike features a black coating finish, corrosion and scratch resistant. The sides of 
the flywheel are also black, but its perimeter features a chrome coating, just as the posts of the handlebar and seat. The only non-metallic parts in the frame construction are the chain guard and the guard of the brake assembly.
This exercise bike is not a large one. In fact, it has quite a small footprint for a spin bike. It takes only 43″L x 18″W (112 x 46 cm) of floor space, and therefore, it can be an excellent choice for a cardio fitness machine if usage and storage space are a problem. The recommended usage space for it is 6′ x 4′ (183 x 122 cm).
Needless to say, the frame does not have a folding design, such as the Exerpeutic GOLD 500 XLS. However, it’s not extremely heavy, weighing only 92 lbs (41.7 kg). Therefore, its transport and relocation once it is assembled shouldn’t be a problem for almost anyone, especially considering the fact that its front base has transport wheels. By leaning the frame forwards on its wheels, you will only have to handle about 40% of its total weight.
Even though the bike isn’t too heavy, it doesn’t lack stability due to the well-engineered frame construction. Its bases are also equipped with adjustable stabilizers, with large rubber caps, so you can perfectly level it on any type of floor.
Seat & handlebars
The Spinnin Spin R1 features a slightly wider seat than the average indoor cycling bike. For example, its seat is quite a bit thicker than the one supplied with the Bladez Echelon. It’s still a rather small seat, which doesn’t provide exceptional comfort, as this is a bike 
designed for spinning workouts, not for comfort. But nonetheless, the seat is a standard model and you can easily find a compatible replacement for it in just about any bike shop. Its comfort can also be increased by applying a gel cover onto it, or any other type of cushioned bike seat cover.
The seat is 4-way adjustable, while the saddle can also be slightly tilted forward or backward. However, the handlebar is only 2-way adjustable. Therefore, this bike can only accommodate users between 4’10” and 5’10” (147 – 178 cm). Taller users may not benefit from a complete leg extension.
The bike’s handlebar features a multi-grip design. It’s fully rubberized to provide a comfortable, yet secure grip. It integrates a unified aerobar which considerably expands the way you can hold it, and of course, the types of workouts that can be performed on it. The handlebar also hosts a bottle holder.
The adjustment of the seat and handlebars is extremely easy to carry out, and shouldn’t take more than one minute. They’re both equipped with large knobs, easy to grip, turn and pull.
Drive and resistance
Just as the Spinner S1 model, the Spin R1 is equipped with a 31 lbs (14 kg) flywheel. The flywheel has a perimeter-weighted construction, which means that it generates a smooth and balanced pedaling motion. 
The Spin R1 exercise bike features a chain drive, which comes with a few advantages. First of all, it is considerably more durable than a belt drive, and with proper care, it can last a lifetime. Also, it’s pretty much a standard bike chain, so in the unlikely event that it breaks, replacements for it are widely available in any bike shop. As a downside, the chain requires periodic lubrication, but this shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience.
The bike is equipped with a sturdy, 3-piece crankset, which can support users up to 250 lbs (113.3 kg) in complete standing up pedaling routines. The crank arms are made of solid steel, featuring the same black coating as the rest of the bike. The pedals are made of metallic alloy, designed to last for many years of use. They do not integrate clips for spin shoes, but to have toe cages to deliver an extra thrust during pedaling, if your workout requires it. The pedals have standard 9/16 threads, though, so replacements for them are widely available.
This exercise bike allows reverse pedaling, which basically doubles the number of workouts that can be performed on it. However, before changing the way you pedal, is recommended to gradually stop the flywheel to avoid injuries. Also, you should know that repeated reverse pedaling sessions may eventually unscrew the pedals from the crank arms.
In terms of resistance, the Spinning Spin R1 is equipped with a standard friction system, which consists of a felt brake pad attached to the resistance knob on the main tube of the frame. The resistance adjustment is done manually; by turning the knob clockwise, the resistance pad will apply more friction to the flywheel increasing the pedaling difficulty.
The resistance adjustment knob doubles as an emergency brake knob. In case you need to stop the flywheel (and the pedals) from spinning, you simply need to push the knob down.
In case you’re wondering about the tension that the brake can generate, you can basically tighten it to the point where you can barely pedal. Differently put, you can simulate a really steep climb, for a maximum burn. Conversely, if the resistance knob is completely untightened and the pad doesn’t apply any drag onto the flywheel, the pedaling still isn’t extremely light. After all, the flywheel does weigh 31 lbs.
One last aspect to mention here regards the bike’s Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals). This bike features fairly narrow Q-Factor of 147mm (5.7″) which results in a natural positioning of the feet onto the pedals, without any extra lateral stress on the knees.
Assembly and Maintenance
Most of the bike comes pre-assembled from the factory. In other words, the flywheel, the crankset, chain and resistance elements are already attached to the frame. All you need to do is attach the base bars, the posts of the handlebar and seat, the handlebar, the seat, pedals and then level up the bike if it’s necessary. The whole assembly task shouldn’t take more than 20-30 min. The manual provides all the instructions required for the assembly. Tools are also included.
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, in case it emits a squeaky noise when in contact with the spinning flywheel. For this, a silicone-based lubricant is recommended.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction, highly durable frame, made for all spin workouts;
- Solid crank assembly;
- Comfortable, narrow Q-Factor, reducing stress on knees;
- Sturdy metallic alloy pedals, with toe cages;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- 2-way adjustable, fully rubberized handlebars;
- Quiet, smooth and durable chain drive;
- High-inertia, heavy flywheel;
- Basically limitless resistance settings;
- Bottle holder included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Really easy to assemble.
The Cons
- No fitness meter.
Bottom Line
The Spinning Spin R1 is an indoor cycling trainer designed for home use. It’s equipped with a friction resistance system, a 4-way adjustable seat, multi-grip handlebars and metallic pedals with toe cages. It’s a bike sturdy enough to support users up to 250 lbs for just about any spin workout. It’s great for toning muscles, building strength and stamina, for interval training and weight loss. And finally, it’s one of the most affordable authentic spin bikes available at the moment.