| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Exercise meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TechFit B400 Check Discounted Price | L:35.4" W:20.5" H:53.2" | 285 lbs | 15.4 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, ODO, SCAN, Goals |
The TechFit B400 exercise bike is not far different in terms of specs and features than the B380 that we’ve already reviewed here. However, it offers a slightly greater weight capacity. It’s also one of the most affordable upright bikes that you can find at the moment, currently priced under $200.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 35.4L x 20.5W x 53.2H inches (90L x 52W x 135H cm)
- Flywheel weight: 15.4 lbs (7 kg)
- Assembled weight: 55 lbs (25 kg)
- Weight capacity: 285 lbs (130 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
The TechFit B400 upright bike combines steel and ABS plastic parts in its construction. Needless to say, its
frame is made of steel tubing designed to support users up to 285 lbs (130 kg) which is not bad for a home use trainer. The main ABS parts in its construction are the covers of the pulley and flywheel.
Although it doesn’t have a folding frame, the B400 exercise bike still is a space-saving machine. With all the parts assembled, it has a pretty small footprint; it is approx. 35.4″ (90 cm) long, and 20.5 (52 cm) wide. Therefore, it shouldn’t need a usage area larger than 60″ x 60″ (152 x 152 cm). Also, the highest point of the bike is approx. 53.2″ (135 cm), given by the handlebar when it is set at its upper position.
The bike isn’t too heavy either. It only weighs approx. 55 lbs (25 kg) so it can easily be moved and assembled by only one person. Despite its lightweight, it provides pretty decent stability due to its low center of gravity. Its rear base features a set of adjustable levelers so you can perfectly stabilize it on any type of floor. Also, its relocation is facilitated by the wheels integrated into its front base.
All the steel parts in the bike’s construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The color used is black. The ABS covers combine orange, black, and silver panels, to improve the bike’s overall aesthetics. These are the only colors available for this exercise bike.
Seat and handlebars
The TechFit B400 features a 4-way adjustable seat; other upright bikes, such as the Tunturi B35 Cardio Fit, 
for example, only have a 2-way adjustable seat, so this is quite a plus. The upright bar of the seat has several adjustment holes and its horizontal slider offers approx. three extra inches (7.6 cm) of front-to-back adjustment. This being said, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 4’10″ and 6’0″ (147 – 183 cm) with no problem. Also, the seat assembly should be able to hold users up to 285 lbs (130 kg).
The included saddle is not made for super comfort. It does not integrate extra air cell cushioning, but does have a layer of foam padding at the top. Also, its top is contoured for improved breathability. Therefore, we can say that it is a saddle made for optimal comfort.
The bike’s handlebars are angle-adjustable. They are attached to the front mast of the bike via a turn knob. This element allows you to easily untighten them, adjust their position, and re-tighten them at the desired angle. However, the bike’s handlebars do not offer upright adjustability like the seat. The front mast is non-adjustable.
The handlebar assembly features a multi-grip design. It is completely covered by a rubber-foam layer to provide a superior grip. It also integrates pulse sensors, elements that other upright bikes such as the Marcy NS-1201U, for example, do not have.
Resistance and drive
The TechFit B400 upright bike features a mechanical magnetic resistance system. This means you don’t have
to connect the unit to a power source. The resistance adjustment can only be done manually. Also, the included console cannot automatically adjust resistance. It is basically just an exercise meter.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake which is attached to the tension knob situated on the front upright bar of the bike through a steel wire. When you turn the knob clockwise, the brake moves closer to the internal flywheel and this way it increases the pedaling difficulty.
There are 8 tension levels available, marked on the resistance knob. The first level delivers a very light resistance, great for anyone who may need recovery training. The 7-8 tension levels provide considerably more resistance, though, simulating a hill climb and giving you the possibility to achieve a higher cardiovascular rate in a shorter period of time.
The bike’s internal flywheel is not extremely heavy. It weighs only approx. 15.4 lbs (7 kg). However, it has a balanced design and delivers a smooth and steady pedaling motion. Since the flywheel is not too heavy, the bike does not provide a very high inertia. Therefore, it is great for recovery training as it generates little stress for your knees during pedaling.
The bike’s crankset is fairly durable, featuring solid steel, chrome-plated crank arms. However, the bike is not designed for spin workouts. Thus, standing on the pedals is not recommended, as it may damage the internal components. The bike’s Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) is not specified. But it is pretty narrow, so your feet are placed naturally on the pedals and the pedaling motion does not generate any lateral stress on the knees and ankles.
The included pedals feature a heavy-duty ABS construction with a metallic core. They are weighted, so they always turn face-up when you remove your feet from them. They also have adjustable straps and a textured surface for superior foot adherence.
Last but not least, the bike’s drive system uses a belt for its internal transmission. Just as any other belt transmission in an exercise bike, this comes with a few advantages. For example, the belt does not need lubrication, it generates less vibration than a chain, and the pedaling motion is extremely quiet.
Exercise meter
As we’ve mentioned above, the console included with the TechFit B400 exercise bike does not control the bike’s 
resistance. It also does not have any built-in programs. It features an LCD display and is battery powered. It tracks the most important workout metrics, including time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It also has an odometer function which keeps track of your distance traveled since the first use of the bike.
The speed and distance readings are only shown in metric units (km/h and kilometers). There is no setting for MPH and miles. Also, the pulse reading function can only use the integrated pulse sensors. The console does not have an internal receiver and cannot read your pulse from an HR chest strap.
The fitness meter unit is very easy to use. It has four buttons – Up, Down, Reset, and Mode. To start it up, you can either press the Mode button or begin pedaling. The Mode button allows you to cycle through the workout metrics and lock the one you are interested on the display. Or, you can select the Scan Mode which automatically rotates all the metrics, showing each one for a few seconds.
Goal functions are available on this console as well. Via the Up / Down buttons you can select a target for time, distance, and calories. If a target goal is selected for any of these metrics, the display will countdown from it until it reaches zero, rather than showing the elapsed value.
The Reset button allows you to clear all the values on the console to zero, except the total distance (odometer) function. In order to also reset the odometer, you will have to remove the batteries from the unit. And finally, the unit has a self-shutdown function which is initiated if there was no input on the bike for a few minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The drive and resistance elements of the bike come pre-assembled, attached to the main frame of the bike, and covered by the side ABS shrouds. However, you will still have to attach the bike’s base tubes, the front upright tube, the seat tube, the saddle with its slider, the handlebar, the console, and the pedals. This may take up to one hour. The included manual provides all the necessary assembly instructions, and a basic toolkit is also included.
Once the bike is assembled, there isn’t much maintenance to be carried out. The internal mechanism is pre-lubricated, and since the bike has a belt drive system, the transmission does not 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 construction – it can support users up to 285 lbs (130 kg);
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear 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;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- 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 B400 is an upright exercise bike designed for home use. It features a 15.4 lbs flywheel, a mechanical magnetic resistance system, and an exercise meter which can track the main workout metrics. It also has a pulse reading function and offers the possibility to set goals for time, distance, and calories burned. It’s an exercise bike designed for light cardio workouts, recovery training, muscle toning, and even weight loss. It’s also one of the most affordable trainers in this category, offering excellent value for the price.