TechFit B380 Magnetic Fitness Exercise Bike

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UnitSizeSupported
weight
Flywheel
weight
ResistanceExercise
meter
TechFit B380

Check Discounted Price
L:34.2"
W:20.5"
H:54.3"
242 lbs15.4 lbsManual
magnetic,
8 levels
Time,
Distance,
Speed,
Calories,
ODO,
SCAN,
Goals

If you’re looking for an affordable upright exercise bike, the TechFit B380 is definitely one to put on your list. It’s a model similar to the Sunny SF-B910 that we’ve already reviewed here. It’s a rather basic cycle, made for home use, but does offer excellent micro-adjustability, and also includes an exercise meter with target setting functions.

Key Features and Specifications

  • Assembled dimensions: 34.2L x 20.5W x 54.3H inches (87L x 52W x 138H cm)
  • Flywheel weight: 15.4 lbs (7 kg)
  • Assembled weight: 56 lbs (25.4 kg)
  • Weight capacity: 242 lbs (110 kg)
  • Seat: 4-way adjustable
  • Drive: Belt
  • Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
  • Exercise meter: Time, distance, odometer, speed, calories, pulse, scan, goals
  • Extras: Bottle holder with bottle

Frame construction

Although the TechFit B380 exercise bike does not have a folding design like the XTERRA FB150, it does have a very small footprint. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 34.2″ (87 cm) long, and 20.5″ (52 cm) wide, while its highest point is given by the handlebar which can reach approx. 54.3″ (138 cm) above floor level. It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance around it for unhindered usage.

The bike isn’t too heavy either. It weighs approx. 56 lbs (25.4 kg), so its transport and assembly can be carried out by only one person. Plus, once the unit is assembled, its relocation is facilitated by the small wheels incorporated into its front base.

Even though it’s not an extremely heavy fitness machine, the TechFit B380 bike offers excellent stability due to its low center of gravity construction. Also, its rear base is equipped with adjustable stabilizers, so you can perfectly level it on any type of floor. It is recommended, though, to place and use the bike on a rubber mat or carpet, to prevent floor scratching.

Like other similar upright bikes, this TechFit bike features a frame made of steel tubing. Most bars in its construction are cylindrical with the exception of the main longitudinal bar which is polygonal. Of course, the body of the bike also integrates several ABS parts. These are the covers of the flywheel and brake and several other small covers.

All the steel parts of the bike are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is dark gray, this being the only color available for this exercise bike. The only exception is the crank arms which are chrome-plated.

Seat and handlebars

The bike is equipped with a standard seat. The saddle does not have any air cell cushioning but does integrate a layer of padding. It’s also fairly flexible and wider than most spin seats, offering enough contact surface for a better positioning.

The seat is 4-way adjustable. Its upright post has several adjustment notches while its horizontal slider offers approx. 3″ (7.6 cm) of front-to-back adjustment. This being said, the bike is designed to accommodate users between 4’10” and 6’0″ (147 – 183 cm). The seat assembly is also sturdy enough to support users up to 242 lbs (110 kg).

The bike’s handlebar is 2-way adjustable. The height or position of the front mast cannot be adjusted, but the handlebar is angle-adjustable. It is attached to the mast via a turn-knob which allows you to loosen it, change its angle, and re-tighten it back. Not all upright bikes have this feature so it’s a plus.

The handlebar offers the possibility to adopt multiple grips. It is rubber-foam covered in order to provide optimal comfort and better hand adherence. It also integrates pulse sensors, and the fitness meter has a pulse reading function.

Drive and resistance

The TechFit B380 exercise bike is equipped with a 15.4 lbs (7 kg) flywheel. It’s not too heavy compared to the average 40 lbs (18 kg) flywheels of spin bikes, so it does not provide a very aggressive inertia. This being said, on its lowest difficulty settings, the bike provides a very light resistance.

The bike uses a poly-v belt for transmission. Therefore, it does not require internal lubrication, and the pedaling motion is vibration-free. It also offers the possibility of pedaling in reverse, so you can diversify your workouts.

The B380 bike has a fairly sturdy crankset with solid steel crank arms. However, since it’s an upright bike, it is made for seated workouts only. Even if the crank and pedals can support your whole weight, this type of workouts is not recommended on this exercise bike.

The included pedals are made of durable nylon material. They have a metallic core and a weight element so they always turn face-up when you remove your feet from them. They’re also equipped with adjustable straps so you can secure your feet on them for extra stability during your workouts.

The bike’s Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) is not specified. However, it is fairly narrow. Therefore, your feet are naturally positioned on the pedals, so you won’t experience any lateral stress on the knees. This is another plus to consider in case you need a bike for recovery training due to knee injury.

The TechFit 380 features a magnetic resistance system with manual action. This means its resistance is not motorized and the bike cannot change resistance automatically. It also does not require an external power source and the console does not have preset programs.

The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake which is connected to the tension knob on the console mast through a steel wire. By turning the knob, the magnetic brake moves closer or farther from the metallic flywheel, which results in more or less resistance.

Similar to other magnetic resistance exercise bikes, the B380 offers 8 difficulty levels. The first few levels deliver a fairly light pedaling difficulty; they’re great for anyone who requires recovery training or has joint problems. Conversely, the 7-8 levels provide enough resistance to simulate a climb.

Fitness meter

The TechFit B380 includes a basic fitness meter. It features an LCD display which tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It is very easy to use; it has three buttons which cover all of its functions, these being, Mode, Set, and Reset.

The Mode button allows you to select any of the aforementioned values to view on the display all the time or select the Scan Mode which rotates all these values showing each one for a few seconds.

The Set button gives you the possibility you to select targets (or goal values) for time, distance, and calories. If a goal is selected for any of these, the console will show the remaining value towards the selected goal. And finally, the Reset button clears all the values on the meter to zero.

The meter unit is not telemetric. It can only track your pulse through the sensors incorporated into the handlebar. It does not have an internal receiver and cannot read your pulse from a wireless chest strap.

The meter unit is battery-powered. It requires 2 AAA (1.5 V) batteries. It starts up either when you begin pedaling or when you press the Mode button. It also has a sleep mode which is initiated after approx. 4 min. of inactivity on the bike, to save battery life.

Assembly and Maintenance

The main body of the bike comes pre-assembled. In other words, all the drive and resistance elements are attached to the base frame and covered by the protective ABS shrouds. Therefore, you only need to attach the front mast, the handlebar, the console, the seat post, the saddle, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than one hour. Basic tools for the assembly are included; also, the manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions.

Maintenance doesn’t require much. All the internal components are pre-lubricated from the factory, and since the bike has a belt drive system, it doesn’t require any lubrication. Thus, for maintenance, all you have to do is wipe the dust from the frame and periodically check for loose parts and bolts.

The Pros

  • Sturdy frame – can support users up to 242 lbs (110 kg);
  • Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
  • Transport wheels on the front base;
  • Multi-grip and angle adjustable handlebar;
  • Pulse sensors incorporated into the handlebar;
  • 4-way adjustable seat;
  • Balanced flywheel for a steady pedaling motion;
  • Quiet belt drive;
  • Zero friction magnetic resistance;
  • 8 resistance settings;
  • Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
  • Exercise meter included – it can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
  • Bottle holder with a bottle;
  • Little maintenance required;
  • Easy to assemble.

The Cons

  • No tablet holder;
  • No backlight on the exercise meter.

Summary

The TechFit B380 is an upright exercise bike made for home use. It is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system, a 15.4 lbs internal flywheel, and an exercise meter which can track the main workout metrics. It also has a pulse reading function. It’s a trainer designed for light cardio workouts, recovery training, muscle toning, and even weight loss. It’s also an affordable machine, offering excellent quality for the price.

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