| Unit | Size | Assembled weight | Resistance | Drive | Fitness meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tunturi M35 Check Discounted Price | L:18" W:15" H:11" | 15.4 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Belt | Time, Speed, RPM, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Scan |
The Tunturi M35 is one of the mini under-desk exercise bikes released in 2017, but it’s still available at the moment. It offers a similar range of features as the YOSUDA YBM-1, but the design is a bit different, and the unit is a bit lighter. Due to the shape of the pedals, the bike can also be used on a tabletop for arm exercises.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 18L x 15W x 11H inches (46L x 38W x 28H cm)
- Assembled weight: 15.4 lbs (7 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 6.6 lbs (3 kg)
- Pedals: With straps
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, distance, odometer, RPM, calories, scan
Frame construction
The Tunturi M35 under-desk exercise bike is constructed on a steel frame made of rectangular tubing. All the tubes
in its construction are coated with a rust-resistant paint finish. But nonetheless, most of the frame is concealed by the two large side guards that also provide protection for the flywheel, belt, and other drive and resistance elements.
As opposed to the LifePro FlexCycle, the Tunturi M35 has base stabilizers made of thermoplastic material, not steel. However, this shouldn’t be an issue, since the bike is not meant for standing up on the pedals. So, it doesn’t really matter how much the user weighs as most of their weight will be supported by the chair they’re seated on, not the bike’s pedals or frame.
Since it’s an under-desk bike, the Tunturi M35 has a pretty small footprint. It is approx. 18″ (46 cm) long, and 15″ (38 cm) wide, so it should fit under most desks. Also, the pedals’ highest points are approx. 10″ (25 cm). Thus, if you’re going to use the bike at a desk, its top board should be at least 12″ (31 cm) above your knees when keeping your feet flat on the floor, in order to be able to pedal.
The bike is not super-heavy. Its net weight is approx. 15.4 lbs (7 kg). This being said, the transport of the packaged unit shouldn’t be a problem. Also, once the bike is assembled, it’s even easier to carry around as its plastic casing forms a handle at the top.
Resistance system
Like most other mini under-desk exercise bikes, the Tunturi M35 is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance
system. This means that you don’t need to connect it to a power source (no adapter or power cord needed). But on the other hand, since the resistance system is manual, the bike cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
The main elements of the resistance system are a magnetic brake and the tension knob visible on the bike’s protective casing. The brake is connected to the tension knob through a steel cable. Therefore, when you turn the knob clockwise, the magnets move closer to the flywheel which increases the pedaling difficulty. Conversely, if you turn the knob to the left, the gap between the magnets and the flywheel is increased, which reduces the magnetic drag and the pedaling difficulty.
Evidently, the main advantage of this type of resistance system is that the brake does not touch the flywheel. Thus, there is no internal friction so the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet. This being said, you should be able to use it in an office work place without bothering your colleagues. Also, since there is no internal friction, you don’t have to worry about brake lubrication or brake pad replacements.
There are 8 levels of resistance available on this Tunturi exercise bike. The first level of resistance is fairly light, great for a fitness warm-up and recovery training. On the other hand, the pedal tension provided by the 8th difficulty setting is considerably distinguishable from the 1st level. However, the bike is meant for light workouts and recovery training, so it won’t provide the same workout level as a spin bike.
Drive system
First of all, since it’s a light, under-desk bike, the internal flywheel of the Tunturi M35 is also pretty light. It weighs
6.6 lbs (3 kg), so when you exercise with the bike set to the lowest resistance level, the pedaling difficulty is pretty low. But on the other hand, the flywheel features a perimeter-weighted construction which adds some inertia and stability to the ride.
The flywheel is bi-directional. Differently put, the bike allows reverse pedaling. Needless to say, this is a plus, as you can alternate forward pedaling sessions with reverse pedaling sessions in order to focus different muscle groups. Also, when pedaling in reverse, the fitness monitor continues to track calories, distance traveled, etc.
The bike is equipped with a sturdy set of pedals. The crank arms are steel-made and flattened, similar to the ones on road bikes. However, they are considerably shorter. They’re also coated with a layer of black paint finish.
The included pedals have a narrow design. This design allows for a better grip in case you want to perform recovery arm exercises. The pedals have a metallic core and are coated with durable nylon material. They also have adjustable straps. The exact Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) is not specified, but since it’s an under-desk bike, it is considerably narrower than for a road bike. Thus, you don’t have to worry about extra lateral stress on your knees or ankles.
Like most other exercise bikes with a magnetic resistance system, the Tunturi M35 is equipped with a belt drive system. That’s because a chain may interfere with the magnets. The belt drive comes with a few advantages. First of all, you don’t have to take the plastic guards apart to lubricate it. And second of all, it generates less vibration than a chain, so the pedaling motion is overall smoother.
Fitness monitor
The Tunturi M35 under-desk exercise bike is equipped with a pretty basic fitness monitor. It features an LCD display
that tracks time, speed, RPM, distance, odometer, and calories burned. Speed and distance are shown in kmh and kilometers (they cannot be set to MPH and miles). Also, the unit does not have a pulse reading function, so if you want to keep an eye on your heart rate during exercises, you will have to use a different device.
The monitor unit does not have pre-set programs or online connectivity. The bike also isn’t compatible with any fitness apps. It features only one button. By pressing the button, you can select the workout metrics that you want to view. There’s also a scan function; if the scan mode is selected, the monitor will rotate all the metrics showing each one for a few seconds.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires 1 AAA battery which is included. It starts counting distance, speed, calories, etc, when it detects pedal movement or when you press the button. It also automatically turns off if there’s no activity on the bike for more than four minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the bike comes pre-assembled. You only need to attach the two base stabilizers and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes of your time. The manual provides clear, step-by-step assembly instructions and a wrench/screwdriver tool is also included.
Once the bike is assembled, maintenance doesn’t require much. All you need to do is periodically check for loose bolts and parts. As we’ve mentioned above, the belt and the other internal parts should not need any maintenance.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction and compact design;
- Built-in carrying handle;
- Narrow pedals for a better grip if used for arm exercises;
- Adjustable straps on the pedals;
- Whisper-quiet magnetic resistance – 8 levels;
- Maintenance-free belt drive;
- Integrated fitness monitor – it tracks time, speed, distance, total distance, RPM, and calories burned;
- Battery for the monitor is included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- A multi-tool for assembly is included.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No backlight on the fitness monitor.
Summary
The Tunturi M35 is an under desk exercise bike made for office or home use. It features an 8-level magnetic resistance system, a set of narrow pedals with straps, and a fitness monitor that tracks time, distance, total distance, RPM, and calories burned. It’s an affordable bike, great for light workouts, recovery training, cardiovascular fitness improvement, and stress reduction.