Unit | Size | Supported weight | Drive | Resistance | Fitness meter |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tru Grit BIKE1000 Check Discounted Price | L:49" W:24.25" H:48.75" | 275 lbs | Chain & belt | Air | RPM, Speed, Time, Distance, Watts, Calories, Pulse, Goals, Intervals |
The Tru Grit air bike is one of the fitness machines released in 2021. In terms of features, it is pretty similar to the Titan Fitness air bike, however, it has a slightly different fitness monitor while its front transport wheels are smaller. For reference, this is the Tru Grit exercise bike part number BIKE1000.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 49L x 24.25W x 48.75H inches (122L x 62W x 124H cm)
- Assembled weight: 132 lbs (60 kg)
- Supported weight: 275 lbs (125 kg)
- Handlebars: Mobile
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive: Chain and belt
- Resistance: Air
- Fitness monitor: Time, speed, distance, RPM, calories, watts, pulse, goals, 3 interval programs, Bluetooth
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame 5 years / Wear parts 2 years
Frame construction
The Tru Grit BIKE1000 air resistance bike features a steel tubing construction. Its frame combines oval, rectangular, and cylindrical tubes coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black with the Tru Grit logo painted white. The only exception is the seat post assembly which is chrome plated. These are the only colors available for this bike, at least for the moment.
The bike also integrates several plastic parts. The most notable ones are the drivetrain guards, the casing of the fitness monitor, and several other small covers.
Like most other exercise bikes, the Tru Grit air bike is not a very large fitness machine. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 49″ (122 cm) long, and 24.25″ (62 cm) wide. However, just as for any other exercise bike, it is recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance on each side of it and at the rear, for easy access and safe usage.
The bike is pretty heavy. Its net weight is approx. 132 lbs (60 kg). Therefore, the packaged unit should be carried by two persons or at least by the use of a box trolley. However, once the bike is assembled, it is pretty easy to move by only one person. Its front base features a set of small wheels. Also, both its base stabilizing bars are equipped with large, adjustable levelers.
Seat and handlebars
The Tru Grit air bike is equipped with a saddle designed for superior comfort. Its internal shell is made from a durable nylon material. Its top cover is made from a tough vinyl material which is also easy to maintain. Its middle layer consists of a thick layer of foam padding. Also, the seat is contoured and has a large cutout in the middle for superior breathability.
The bike’s seat assembly is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post has multiple adjustment positions while its horizontal slider adds a few extra inches of front-to-back adjustment. This being said, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm). It is also rated for a maximum user weight limit of 275 lbs (125 kg).
Like most other air resistance exercise bikes, the Tru Grit BIKE1000 only has mobile arms. These connect to the front fork of the bike and to the pedals. This being said, they cannot be locked, so they will move for as long as you pedal. They also have a set of pegs at the base that can serve as footrests, in case you want to exercise while using only the arms.
The bike’s moving arms features simple grips with PVC foam covers for improved contact. Their grips do not have pulse sensors or any other controls for the bike. Their height is approx. 49″ (124 cm) above the floor level.
Resistance system
The Tru Grit BIKE1000 is an air resistance exercise bike. It does not have a magnetic brake or any other resistance-generating elements rather than the front fan. This being said, you don’t need an adapter or power cord from it. However, unlike motorized exercise bikes, it cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
Needless to say, the main resistance element is the large fan integrated into the front casing of the bike. This fan connects to the bike’s drive system and spins when you pedal or when you move the arms. There is no damper or any other type of resistance adjustment to it. It’s the sole resistance-generating element of the bike.
Like most other fitness machines with an air resistance system, the Tru Grit air bike provides a dynamic response during usage. In other words, the resistance it provides depends on how fast you pedal. For example, if you pedal faster, the fan will also spin faster and provide more resistance. This is one of the main reasons why this bike is a great fitness machine for HIIT workouts.
Last but not least, the bike does generate some noise during usage. It’s definitely not whisper-quiet like a spin bike with a magnetic resistance system. Especially if you pedal at a high pace, the fan will spin faster and generate more noise; however, it is not extremely loud. It can be compared to the noise generated by a large metallic fan.
Drive system
The Tru Grit bike air resistance exercise bike is equipped with a dual-drive system. It integrates both a belt and a chain. The main pulley of the crankset connects to an intermediary smaller pulley via a chain (similar to a regular chain bike). The intermediary pulley also connects to the bike’s fan via a poly-v belt.
This type of drive system adds consistency to the ride. Needless to say, the chain requires periodic lubrication, but you don’t have to remove the cover for this task. That’s because the left side of the chain assembly is not completely covered leaving some of the chain exposed, and easy to lubricate when needed.
The bike is equipped with a heavy-duty crankset. Although it’s technically an upright bike, and not meant for standing on the pedals, the crankset should be able to hold the user with no problem. The crank arms are steel-made, similar to the ones of road bikes. They’re painted with a black finish like the rest of the bike.
The included pedals are made of metallic alloy as well. They do not have SPD elements for spin shoes, toe cages, or straps. However, they do have standard 9/16″ threads. So, in case you will ever need or want to replace them, compatible options are widely available.
Fitness monitor
The Tru Grit BIKE1000 air bike includes a fitness monitor designed for HIIT workouts. It does not have online connectivity and it is not compatible with any fitness apps. It features an LCD display (without backlight) that tracks time, speed, distance, watts, RPM, calories, and pulse. Speed and distance are by default set to English units (MPH and miles) but you can also set them to metric units (km/h and kilometers). The pulse reading function requires a wireless heart rate chest strap which is not included.
The unit has several workout programs three interval programs. Each one has a pre-set button for quick access. The first three are interval programs. Two are pre-set for 20-10, 10-20, while the third is Custom and allows you to set your own work/rest interval.
Time, distance, calories, and heart rate target programs are available as well. If a target is selected for time, distance, or calories, the monitor unit will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero. The heart rate interval programs have pre-set targets for 65% HR, 80% HR, and there is also a custom HR setting so you can set your desired % HR. Evidently, the heart rate program requires you to wear a wireless HR chest strap.
The monitor unit requires two AA batteries. It starts up when you press Start or when you begin pedaling. It automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the bike for several minutes. It also integrates a device holder placed under the display which can serve as support for your phone or tablet.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the bike comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the two base bars, the pedals, the seat post, the saddle, the two moving arms, the supporting bar of the fitness monitor, and the fitness monitor. This may take more than an hour of your time, but the task is far from being complicated. The manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the bike clean and wipe any sweat droplets that may fall onto the frame, at the end of the workout. The chain requires periodic lubrication; regular bike chain oil can be used for this task. Inspecting the bike periodically for any potential loose or broken parts is also recommended.
The Pros
- Sturdy and stable frame – can support users up to 275 lbs (125 kg);
- Aesthetic design;
- Adjustable levelers on both base bars;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- High-comfort padded seat with a median cutout;
- The seat is four-way adjustable;
- Foot resting pegs at the base of the moving arms;
- Air resistance system, great for interval workouts;
- Performance monitor that tracks time, total time, RPM, speed, distance, pulse, watts, and calories;
- Three interval programs – 10/20, 20/10, custom;
- Target settings for time, distance, calories, and heart rate;
- Tools for assembly are included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Device holder included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble.
The Cons
- A heart rate chest strap is not included;
- No backlight on the fitness monitor;
- No online connectivity.
Summary
The Tru Grit BIKE1000 is an air resistance exercise bike featuring a sturdy frame with a maximum user weight limit of 275 lbs. It’s equipped with a HIIT fitness monitor featuring several pre-set programs that also tracks the most important workout metrics. It offers superior ergonomics and micro-adjustability and includes a high-comfort saddle. It’s a great bike for high-intensity cardio workouts, interval training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.