| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tauki Cycle Trainer Check Discounted Price | L: 49.6" W: 21.6" H: 48" | 300 lbs | Friction | Basic | 1 year limited |
Although the title of this exercise bike says “upright”, it’s actually designed to support spin workouts, and its construction has all the ingredients of an indoor cycle trainer. It’s similar to the Schwinn IC2, which is also included in the “upright” category by Schwinn. It’s a bike designed for home use, but does have a solid construction, and on top of that it come with a fitness meter unit.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 49.6L x 21.6W x 48H inches (126L x 55W x 122H cm)
- Assembled weight: 69 lbs (31.2 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 30 lbs (13.6 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With toe cages
- Drive type: Belt
- Resistance: Friction, adjustable
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse
- Amenities: Phone holder, bottle holder (with bottle)
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame
Like most indoor cycle trainers, this Tauki model features a one-piece frame, made of durable welded, high-grade steel tubing, really sturdy, being able to support users up to 300 lbs (136 
kg). Although it’s a steel bike, it’s not very heavy, its total assembled weight being 69 lbs (31.2 kg). But despite of that, as the frame is well-designed and engineered, it’s quite stable. It won’t wobble or rock, even if you engage in a more demanding workout.
When it comes to paint finish, there are actually two versions, black and white, both being priced the same. Their finish is actually a double powder coating, resistant to corrosion. However, the seat and handlebar posts feature a chrome finish, not paint. The seat and flywheel have a red touch to them, while the included bottle is also red, to match these parts.
This exercise bike is not extremely large. It takes only 49.6″L x 21.6″W (126 x 55 cm) of floor space, which basically means it’s not a bad choice for small apartments or rooms. It requires though, at least one foot of clearance on each side, for safe operation.
The bike’s front base has transport wheels, which considerably facilitate its relocation. Its bases integrate adjustable stabilizers. Differently put, you should be able to achieve maximum stability for it, even if the floor has irregularities. However, since it’s not exactly a feather-light item of fitness equipment, and your weight will add to it as well, it’s best to place it on a rug or rubberized mat, to prevent any damage to the floor.
Seat and handlebar
The seat supplied with the Tauki indoor upright exercise bike offers considerably more comfort than the average spin bike seat. It’s wider, thicker and well padded, similar to the 
seats on upright exercise bikes. It also has a standard connection system to the post, which means you can easily find a fitting replacement for it, in case you want a different saddle model.
The seat is 4-way adjustable (up, down, backward, forward). It offers an adjustment span of approx. 6″ (15.2 cm). At its lowest setting, the distance between the seat and the lowest pedal is 26″ (66 cm), while at its tallest seat setting point, the distance is approx 32″ (81 cm). This means it’s not exactly a bike for tall users. It’s basically designed for users between 4’10” and 6′ (147 – 183 cm). Of course, taller users should also be able to use this cycle trainer, but they will not benefit from a complete leg extension.
The handlebar features a multi-grip design. It integrates stainless steel pulse sensors, so that the fitness meter unit can track your heart rate if you hold onto them. They’re almost completely covered by a sheet of rubber foam material, to provide a comfortable grip, and prevent any damage to the hands, in case of prolonged workouts. As opposed to the seat, it’s only 2-way adjustable (up-down), offering an adjustment span of approx. 6.5″ (16.5 cm).
Resistance system
This exercise bike features a simple, friction resistance system. It consists of a wool-felt brake pad, attached to the main tube of the frame, and to a tension knob on top of the said tube. The 
pad comes in contact with the flywheel in a top-down manner. In order to adjust resistance, you simply tighten the knob.
The resistance system does not feature any levels, such as bike models with magnetic resistance, such as the FitLeader UF1 or Exerpeutic GOLD 500 XLS. You simply tighten the knob until you find the right amount of resistance. Also, the resistance knob doubles as an emergency brake. As we’ve mentioned above, the pedals will continue to spin while the flywheel is spinning, so to prevent any accidents, you can simply press the resistance knob down, in order to stop the flywheel.
The resistance pad is a wear part, and will wear out after one or several years of use, depending how often you exercise on this bike. But since it’s a standard brake pad, it’s easy find a replacement for it as well.
Drive system
The Tauki exercise bike features a belt drive system, which uses a heavy-duty, stretch-resistant v-belt. The flywheel equipped on the bike is not one of the heaviest. It weighs only 30 lbs (13.6 kg), but it’s balanced, perimeter-weighted and provides a consistent momentum and steady
pedaling motion. Evidently, since the bike is belt-driven, its operation is really quiet, almost silent. On top of that, the belt doesn’t require periodic lubrication as a bike chain.
Pedaling in reverse is possible for this exercise bike. But since it doesn’t have a derailleur like a road bike, the pedals continue to spin for the duration the flywheel is spinning. So, you basically cannot coast on this bike. Also, when changing the way you pedal, it’s recommended to stop the flywheel first.
The crankset of this Tauki bike is extremely solid. It can support users up to 300 lbs in stand-up workout routines with no problem. The crank arms are made of solid steel, and also finished with metallic alloy pedals, which evidently are considerably more durable than nylon pedals. The pedals don’t feature clips for spin shoes. However, they do have adjustable toe cages. Also, in case you’re wondering, the pedals feature standard 9/16″ threads, thus you can easily find replacements for them, if you want a different model.
Fitness meter and other accessories
It’s quite a plus that this exercise bike comes with a fitness meter. Even though it’s a basic unit, it still offers the possibility to know your workout stats. It tracks speed, distance, time, calories and pulse. It also has an odometer (ODO) function and a SCAN function. The ODO function
keeps track of all the miles you’ve traveled. The SCAN function cycles through all the mentioned values displaying each one of them for a few seconds on screen. However, you can select any of the values to be displayed at all time.
The meter unit is easy to operate. It turns on when you begin pedaling, and turns of automatically after a few minutes of inactivity on the pedals. It only has one button which covers all its functions. Evidently, it’s a battery powered unit; the bike does not require to be connected to a power source.
Since it’s a basic unit, it can only track pulse via the metallic sensors integrated in the handlebars. It doesn’t work with HR chest strap transmitters.
In terms of other accessories, the ones that require mentioning here are the bottle holder, bottle and phone holder. The bottle holder attaches to the main tube of the frame. The bottle supplied is made of metallic alloy, with a red finish, to match the seat and flywheel. The phone holder is made of plastic material, and can be attached either to the right or the left grip of the handlebar assembly.
Assembly and Maintenance
Like most indoor cycling bikes, this Tauki model requires some assembly. But the good news is, the most problematic parts come already assembled. In other words, the flywheel, belt, crank system, and resistance system come already in their place. You only need to attach the bases of the frame, the handlebar, the seat, pedals, and fitness meter. Even though the assembly is straightforward and shouldn’t take more than 30-45 min, a manual that provides step-by-step instructions for assembly is supplied.
Maintenance requires the lubrication of the resistance pad from time to time. Also, in case it wears out, it should be replaced. However, the brake pad should last for at least a couple of years, even if the bike is used frequently. Other than this, you should periodically check if the bike’s bolts and nuts still hold tight in place, and re-tighten them if it’s the case.
The Pros
- Sturdy and durable steel frame;
- Elegant design and glossy, nice-looking finish;
- Small footprint in comparison to other fitness equipment;
- Adjustable stabilizers;
- Transport wheels;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- 2-way adjustable, multi-grip handlebar;
- Multi-grip handlebar with pulse sensors;
- Smooth, almost silent belt drive;
- Friction resistance, which basically offers tension up to the point you can barely pedal;
- Perimeter weighted flywheel for a consistent momentum;
- Bottle holder with metallic bottle, included;
- Included fitness meter, which tracks speed, time, distance, calories and pulse;
- Phone holder included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- Not a bike for users taller than 6’1″.
Summary
Although the Tauki exercise bike is not exactly a club quality model, it’s a perfect fitness machine for home use. It has an impressive 300 lbs user weight capacity for a small bike, it’s offers 4-way adjustability for the seat, and on top of that, it includes a fitness meter and a phone holder, accessories that other bikes in this price range don’t offer. It’s a great indoor cycle trainer for cardio, weight loss, muscle toning, and stamina building. It’s sturdy enough to support just about any spin workout. All in all, it offers an excellent price / value ratio.