| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Drive | Exercise meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
URSTAR Red Check Discounted Price | L: 41.8" W: 22.1" H: 45.7" | 250 lbs | Friction | Belt | Time, Speed, Distance, ODO, Calories, Pulse, SCAN |
As opposed to the URSTAR Ultra-Silence Black model that we’ve previously reviewed here, the URSTAR Red model is intended only for home use. It has fewer features than the black model; for example, its handlebar is only two-way adjustable, while the frame bar that incorporates the seat doesn’t have the shock absorption coil. But nonetheless, this indoor cycling trainer is made to withstand most spin workouts, featuring a durable construction. And even though it’s one of the most affordable indoor cycling bikes at the moment, it also features a fitness meter.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 41.8L x 22.1W x 45.7H inches (106L x 56W x 116H cm)
- Assembled weight: 72.75 lbs (33 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 28.6 lbs (13 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113.3 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, SCAN
Frame construction
The URSTAR indoor fitness cycle bike features a frame construction quite similar to the Tauki model. Its frame is made of steel tubing, weighing approx. 73 lbs (33 kg). Differently put, this exercise bike is two times heavier than the average road bike, an aspect that is reflected in its 
overall stability. Its stability is also enhanced by the adjustable levelers integrated into both is base bars; this feature allows you to perfectly stabilize the bike on any type of flooring even if you don’t use a rubber mat.
Even though it’s not one of the heaviest exercise bikes, its front base does integrate a set of transport wheels. Thus, if you need to relocate it once you have finished your workout, its handling shouldn’t be a problem.
An important aspect to mention here is that the frame features a small horizontal bar right above the crank, which not only improves the bike’s sturdiness, it also provides support for various spin workouts.
When it comes to dimensions, this URSTAR indoor cycling trainer isn’t too large. Although it doesn’t have a folding frame, it takes only 41.8″L x 22.1″W (106 x 56 cm) of floor space. Therefore, it’s an excellent choice for a cardio training fitness machine if you don’t have the luxury of space. However, it is recommended to keep at least two feet of clearance all around the bike during usage, in order to be able to perform all the spin workouts correctly.
As we’ve mentioned above, most of the parts in the bike’s frame construction are made of steel. The only plastic parts are the belt guard, the resistance pad guard and the caps of the base tubes. These don’t affect the bike’s sturdiness in any way, though. The main frame of the bike is painted red, as the title suggests, this being the model designed for home use. The paint finish is corrosion resistant and scratch resistant. The handlebar post and the seat post feature a silver paint finish.
Seat and handlebars
The URSTAR indoor fitness cycle bike comes with a standard seat. This seat is a bit wider than the average seat equipped on most spin bikes. It has a thin layer of padding, but it’s not a seat made for great comfort. After all, this is a bike for spinning workouts, so you shouldn’t 
spend that much time pedaling while seated. But nonetheless, since it’s a standard seat, compatible replacements for it are widely available. Also, its comfort can be improved by a gel cover.
The seat features a horizontal sliding bar; thus, not only it can be adjusted up and down, it can also be adjusted backward and forward. Its upright post has quite a few adjustment slots, and this being said, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’5″.
As opposed to the URSTAR black model, for this model the handlebar is only 2-way adjustable (up, down). It has a multi-grip design, with a loop aero bar to which the fitness meter attaches. The handlebar is covered by a sheet of rubber foam, in order to provide a secure and comfortable grip.
Although this exercise bike is one of the most affordable in this category, its handlebar integrates stainless steel pulse sensors. The fitness meter can also track your pulse if you hold on to these sensors.
Drive and resistance
The URSTAR indoor cycling bike features a belt drive system. This means the pedaling motion is extremely smooth and almost silent. Also, it doesn’t require lubrication or any kind of maintenance as a chain normally does. 
Like many other spin bikes, the URSTAR model features a perimeter weighted flywheel which delivers a smooth and steady pedaling motion. In terms of weight, this flywheel is a mid-range one as it only weighs 28.6 lbs (13 kg). Other exercise bikes in this price range, such as the Sunny SF-B901B, have a 40 lbs flywheel. But still, this mid-range flywheel heavy enough to provide a consistent momentum. It’s also chrome plated with black/white lateral covers for improved aesthetics.
The bike features a very sturdy crankset, which can support all spin workouts. In other words, as long as you don’t weigh more than 250 lbs (the bike’s maximum weight capacity), you can engage in any standing up pedaling routine.
Pedaling in reverse is possible. But since it doesn’t have gears like a road bike you cannot coast on it. The bike will retain the same resistance regardless the way you’re pedaling.
The bike’s Q-Factor is not specified, but it’s quite narrow, which means that the feet positioning on the pedals is natural. This results in zero lateral stress on the knees and ankles during pedaling, which is quite a plus.
The pedals supplied with this bike are made of metallic alloy. They don’t have SPD elements for spin shoes but do have toe cages to provide maximum stability for the feet during pedaling. Also, they have standard threads, so you can easily find compatible replacements for them.
This URSTAR exercise bike is equipped with a friction resistance system, which consists of a felt-pad attached to the tension knob situated on top of the main tube of the frame. As you turn the knob clockwise, the resistance pad will apply more friction to the flywheel, thus increasing resistance.
There aren’t any resistance increments specified on the tension knob. You simply tighten the brake pad onto the flywheel until you obtain a satisfactory resistance level. You can basically tighten the pad until you can barely pedal. The resistance knob also acts as an emergency brake. By pressing it down, you can quickly stop the flywheel from spinning.
Exercise meter
Evidently, since it’s an affordable bike, the fitness meter included with it isn’t exactly an advance unit. But 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 off 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 into the handlebars. It doesn’t work with HR chest strap transmitters.
Assembly and Maintenance
This URSTAR indoor cycling trainer is very easy to assemble. The main frame, the flywheel, drive belt, crank, and resistance elements come ready-assembled. So, all you need to do for assembly is add the base bars, the seat and handlebar posts, the seat and the handlebars, the console, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 min. All the tools required for the assembly are included. The manual provides excellent step-by-step instructions.
For maintenance, the resistance pad may require lubrication. For this, a silicon-based lubricant is recommended. Also, in case the pad 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 steel frame;
- Small footprint in comparison to other fitness equipment;
- Adjustable stabilizers;
- Transport wheels;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- 2-way adjustable handlebar;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- EKG sensors incorporated into the handlebar;
- Smooth, almost silent belt drive;
- Bi-directional flywheel with a perimeter-weighted structure for a consistent momentum and steady motion;
- Friction resistance, which basically offers tension up to the point you can barely pedal;
- Bottle holder with bottle included;
- Included fitness meter, which tracks speed, time, distance, calories and pulse;
- Non-slip mat included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No SPD clips on the pedals;
- No backlight on the fitness meter.
Summary
This URSTAR exercise bike is a model designed for spinning workouts. It features a sturdy frame, a mid-range flywheel, friction resistance, and a 4-way adjustable seat. It also has a fitness meter which can track speed, distance, total distance, time, calories and pulse. It’s an indoor cycling trainer perfect for interval training, light to intense cardio, muscle toning, building stamina and leg muscle strength, and of course, for losing weight. You can burn 6-700 calories per hour on this bike, depending on how hard you tighten the resistance. And finally, it’s one of the most affordable trainers in this spec range.