| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Drive | Fitness meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
URSTAR Black Check Discounted Price | L:39" W:17" H:46" | 250 lbs | Friction | Belt | Speed, Time, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Pulse, SCAN |
The URSTAR Ultra-Silence indoor cycling trainer is one of the most affordable alternatives to a Star Trac or authentic Mad Dogg Athletics spin bike. It’s designed to support a wide array of spin workouts and also comes with an exercise meter. Although it is advertised as a commercial bike model, it offers a lower maximum weight capacity than most other commercial bikes. But nonetheless, it has a sturdy construction, definitely being a cycling trainer worth to consider.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 39L x 17W x 46H inches (99L x 43W x 117H cm)
- Assembled weight: 99 lbs (45 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 33 lbs (15 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
- Handlebars: 4-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With toe cages
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Friction
- Fitness meter: Speed, time, distance, odometer, calories, pulse, SCAN
Frame construction
To begin with, the URSTAR exercise bike that we’re addressing here is the black model, the one that is labeled as a commercial model. There is also a red model which costs less but is 
intended only for home use. Needless to say, this exercise bike features a frame made of steel tubing. When fully assembled, it weighs approx. 99 lbs (45 kg), which is more than twice the weight of the average road bike. This weight plays an important role in the bike’s stability. Differently put, it won’t rock or wobble even if you engage in more demanding workouts.
Although it’s not exactly a light fitness trainer, its relocation shouldn’t be a problem due to the transport wheels integrated into the front base tube. By leaning the bike onto its transport wheels, you won’t be handling more than half of its total weight.
This indoor cycling bike is not extremely sizeable. It takes approx. 39″L x 17″W (99 x 43 cm) of floor space when fully assembled, while the top end of the handlebar reaches a height of 46″ (117 cm). However, it’s recommended to maintain at least two feet of clearance all around the bike, for safe operation.
One of the most important aspects to mention here is the shock absorption element which sustains the seat tube. This exercise bike actually features a frame construction similar to the L NOW LD-501 or the Ancheer SP-4013. This suspension spring considerably alleviates the impact of the seated workouts, especially for the lower back.
The rear base of the bike integrates a set of two adjustable stabilizers. On top of that, the box includes a no-slip rubberized mat which also enhances the bike’s stability.
Seat and handlebars
The URSTAR Ultra-Silence indoor cycling trainer comes with a consistently padded seat compared to other spin bikes. It features a longitudinal groove to promote an optimal blood flow and also has two classic rear coils for improved shock absorption. In addition, the coil 
attached to the seat bar enhances shock absorption. This being said, the bike offers superior comfort for all seated workouts.
The seat has a standard attachment system to its sliding bar. Therefore, compatible replacements for it are widely available. It is 4-way adjustable, featuring a horizontal slider for back and forth adjustment, while its upright bar offers several adjustment positions. Differently put, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ – 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm).
The bike features a multi-grip handlebar with a loop aero bar to which the console is attached. The handlebar is covered by a sheet of rubber foam, in order to provide optimal comfort and a secure grip. Also, as opposed to many other spin bikes, the handlebar of the URSTAR integrates EKG pulse sensors while the fitness meter can track your pulse.
Just as the seat, the handlebar is 4-way adjustable, up, down, forward and backward. Both the seat and the handlebar feature large knobs, easy to grip and turn, which makes the bike’s adjustment extremely easy. It won’t take more than one minute to adjust it to your own size.
Drive and resistance
As its name suggests, the URSTAR Ultra-Silence indoor cycling trainer is equipped with a belt drive. This type of transmission comes with two main advantages. First of all, it’s “ultra-silent”, the pedaling motion being almost completely silent. Second, it doesn’t require 
lubrication. The belt equipped on the bike is a heavy-duty model, designed for many years of use.
This exercise bike is equipped with mid-range 33 lbs (15 kg) flywheel. This flywheel is precision balanced and perimeter weighted, which means it delivers a steady motion and consistent momentum. It allows bi-directional pedaling. However, keep in mind that it will continue to spin along with the pedals when you stop pedaling; so, if you want to change the way of pedaling, it’s highly recommended to stop it from spinning by using the emergency brake, in order to prevent injuries.
This exercise bike is made to support all spin workouts. But, even though it’s advertised as a commercial cycling trainer, its overall user weight capacity is only 250 lbs (113.3 kg). Most gym grade spin bikes have a weight capacity beginning from 300 lbs and up. So, these being said, the bike’s crank arms are made of steel, being able to support users up to 250 lbs, in standing up pedaling routines.
The pedals included with this indoor cycling trainer are made of a durable metallic alloy. They’re not SPD pedals, but do have toe cages for maximum foot stability and extra thrust. Also, they have standard threads, so replacements for them are widely available. The bike’s Q-Factor is quite comfortable, promoting a natural positioning on the feet. This eliminates the lateral stress on the ankles and knees.
Like many other spin bikes, the URSTAR model features a standard friction resistance system. It consists of a felt-pad attached to the knob on the main tube of the frame. If you want to add resistance, you simply have to turn the knob clockwise, in order to tighten the pad onto the flywheel. You can do this until it generates the resistance that you find suitable for your workout. You can basically apply enough friction onto the flywheel up to the point you can’t pedal anymore.
Just as the belt, the resistance pad features a PVC guard. These guards not only protect these parts from external interaction, they also improve the aesthetics of the bike.
The resistance knob also acts as an emergency brake. The bike’s pedals will continue to spin for as long the flywheel is spinning. Given the considerable weight of the flywheel, it does generate a consistent momentum, so if you want to begin pedaling in reverse, it would be dangerous to do so without stopping the flywheel first. Therefore, in case you need to interrupt your workout, or you want to reverse your pedaling motion, it’s recommended to use the emergency brake, to prevent any injuries.
Exercise meter
The exercise meter included with the URSTAR Ultra-Silent black exercise bike, although not one of the most advanced units, it still offers a bit more than a basic model. That’s because it
can track total distance and pulse, along with speed, distance, time and calories burned. It features a single panel LCD display and has a SCAN function which allows you to enable the metrics rotation, each one being displayed onscreen for a few seconds. However, by pressing the meter’s button you can toggle the SCAN function ON and OFF, selecting only one of the aforementioned values to be shown at all time.
The meter unit has a sleep mode function to which will enter after several minutes of inactivity on the bike. It starts ON when you push the button or when it detects pedal movement. It’s really easy to operate; has only one (MODE) button which covers all of its functions. Comes with a plastic bracket which attaches to the loop section of the handlebar. It’s a battery powered unit and the batteries are not included.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main frame of the bike with several of the major parts such as the flywheel, drive belt, belt guard, resistance system, and crank, come already assembled. Therefore, you will only have to add the bases of the frame, the seat, and handlebars with their posts, the pedals, and the console. This shouldn’t take more than 30 min. The included manual provides excellent step-by-step instructions, while the tools required are all included.
Since it’s a belt-drive bike, its transmission doesn’t require any lubrication. In fact, other than keeping the bike free of dust, there isn’t much maintenance to be carried out. It’s recommended, though, to periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame made for spin workouts;
- Adjustable stabilizers;
- Transport wheels;
- 4-way adjustable seat (up, down, front, back);
- Padded saddle, with shock absorption coils;
- Extra shock absorption coil for the seat bar;
- 4-way adjustable handlebar (up, down, front, back), with a multi-grip design;
- EKG pulse sensors;
- Mid-range (33 lbs) balanced flywheel for a smooth pedaling motion and solid momentum;
- Heavy-duty crank made for spin workouts;
- Smooth and quiet belt drive, great for apartment use;
- Metallic alloy pedals with toe cages;
- Bike computer included, being able to track speed, time, distance, total distance, calories, and pulse;
- Really easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- Only 250 lbs weight capacity, which is not that great for a gym grade bike;
- Fitness meter doesn’t have backlight.
- No bottle holder.
Summary
The URSTAR Ultra-Silence is an indoor cycling bike designed for various spin workouts. It features a belt drive system, friction resistance, excellent micro-adjustability and comes with a fitness meter. It’s equipped with a mid-range balanced flywheel, heavy duty crank arms and metallic pedals with toe cages. It’s an excellent bike for light to intense interval training, muscle toning, stamina development and weight loss. It’s one of the most affordable indoor cycling bikes with a fitness meter that you can find at the moment. In all, its price/value ratio is outstanding.