| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Fitness meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VIGBODY HL-5230 Check Discounted Price | L:40.1" W:19" H:41.1" | 330 lbs | 35 lbs | Friction | Time, Speed, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Goals, Scan |
The VIGBODY HL-5230 is one of the indoor cycling bikes released in 2019. It’s a bike made for home use equipped with a friction resistance system. It’s similar to the HL-S801 that we’ve already reviewed here, but has a heavier flywheel and includes a fitness monitor with a goal-setting function.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 40.1L x 19W x 41.1H inches (102L x 48W x 104H cm)
- Assembled weight: 71.9 lbs (32.6 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 35 lbs (15.8 kg)
- Supported weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive mechanism: Belt
- Resistance: Friction
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, odometer, calories, scan, goals
- Warranty: 12 months limited
Frame construction
The VIGBODY HL-5230 indoor cycling bike features frame made of oval steel tubing. It’s a triangular 
frame with the main tube slightly curved for improved sturdiness and aesthetics. All the steel tubes in the bike’s construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The main color used is black, with the exception of the seat and handlebar posts which are painted gray. Also, the flywheel is chrome-plated.
The bike is not too bulky. With all the parts assembled, its footprint is 40.1″L x 18″W (102 x 46 cm), while its handlebar is about 1″ (2.5 cm) wider. It is recommended, though, to assign a usage area for the bike with a clearance of at least two feet all around it, for safe usage. Also, the bike’s highest point is approx. 41.1″ (104 cm) with the handlebar fully extended.
The fully assembled bike is not as heavy as a commercial-grade model. However, it does weigh approx. 71.9 lbs (32.6 kg). But once assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person. Its front base integrates a set of wheels for easy relocation.
Despite its rather small footprint, the bike offers excellent stability. Not only that it has a low center of gravity, its two base stabilizers are also equipped with levelers. Thus, you don’t have to place it on a mat.
Seat and handlebars
The VIGBODY HL-5230 indoor cycle comes with a saddle considerably larger than the average spin seat,
designed for superior comfort. It integrates a thick layer of cushioning and has a durable vinyl cover. It is contoured, with a median groove for improved breathability. It also has two suspension springs in its rear section so it adapts better to your movement during seated workouts.
It’s also important to mention that the seat has a standard collar-type attachment system. Therefore, you can easily remove it and replace it if necessary. Compatible replacements should be available in just about any bike shop.
The bike’s seat offers four-way adjustability (up, down, front, back). Its upright post has several adjustment positions while its horizontal slider adds approx. 3″ (7 cm) of front-to-back adjustment. This being said, the bike should be able to accommodate users up to 6’0″ – 6’1″ (183 – 185 cm). Taller persons should still be able to use the bike but they may not benefit from a complete leg extension. Also, the seat should be able to support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg).
This VIGBODY exercise bike is equipped with a pretty standard handlebar. It offers the possibility to adopt three main grips (climb, cruise, and race), plus, it has a small loop bar in the middle that allows a close parallel grip.
The handlebar is only 2-way adjustable. Its upright adjustment span is approx. 5″ (12 cm). Its side grips feature high-density foam sleeves for improved comfort. However, they do not integrate pulse sensors.
Drive system
The VIGBODY bike HL-5230 is equipped with a 35-lb (15.8 kg) flywheel. This flywheel weight is not bad for a
home-use bike. It is also perimeter-weighted for improved inertia which is great for spin workouts. As we’ve mentioned above, it’s chrome-plated and has two large ABS side covers.
The flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, you can pedal in reverse on this bike. However, coasting is not possible. So, when pedaling in reverse, you will get the same resistance as when pedaling forward.
The bike is equipped with a standard 3-piece crankset featuring a set of crank arms similar to road bikes. The pedals are made of aluminum alloy. They have adjustable toe cages but do not have SPD clips for spin shoes. However, their threads are standard (9/16) and you can easily find replacements for them. Also, the pedals should be able to support any type of spin workout as long as you don’t exceed the specified 330 lbs (150 kg) weight limit.
The bike is equipped with a belt drive system. It integrates a poly-v belt which is concealed by a large guard made of tough thermoplastic material. Since its drivetrain uses a belt, not a chain, periodic lubrication is not necessary. Also, the belt delivers slightly less vibration than a chain.
Resistance system
The VIGBODY HL-5230 is equipped with a standard friction resistance system with manual adjustment. Thus,
you don’t have to connect it to a power source, and you don’t need an adapter for it. But on the other hand, the bike cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
The resistance system consists of a thick wool felt pad attached under the main tube of the bike and connected to the tension knob. Therefore, when you turn the knob clockwise, the pad applies more drag to the flywheel which increases the pedaling difficulty.
As opposed to a magnetic resistance system, the bike’s brake pad comes in contact with the flywheel. Therefore, the resistance generated is not as smooth. But on the other hand, you can basically tighten the pad to the flywheel up to the point you can barely pedal. Also, in order to benefit from a smoother pedaling motion, it is recommended to apply a few drops of silicone lubricant on the flywheel, or keep the brake pad lubricated.
The bike’s resistance system also has an emergency brake function. Not only that you can tighten the brake to get more resistance, you can also press it down to stop the flywheel from spinning. This is actually recommended, especially if you have been pedaling at a very high speed.
Fitness monitor
The VIGBODY HL-5230 exercise bike includes a fairly basic fitness monitor. It features an LCD display that
tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories burned. It does not show RPM and does not have a pulse reading function.
The fitness monitor does not have pre-set programs or online connectivity. However, it has a goal-setting function. You can select a workout goal for time, distance, or calories burned and it will countdown from the selected value until it reaches zero.
The monitor unit features three buttons – Set, Mode, and Reset. The Set button accesses the goal-setting function. The Mode button allows you to select the workout metric that you want to view on the display or select the Scan Mode so that the monitor will roll the metrics on the display showing each one for a few seconds. The Reset button allows you to clear all the values on the monitor to zero.
The unit is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries which are included. It starts tracking when you press one of the buttons or when you begin pedaling. It also has a self-shutdown function; it should automatically turn off after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s main body comes pre-assembled, with the flywheel, the crankset, the belt, and the brake already attached. You only have to add the two base bars, the seat, the handlebars, the fitness monitor, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. The manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
For maintenance, the lubrication of the brake pad may be required. A few drops of silicone lubricant applied on the flywheel’s edge should cover it. Other than this, you only have to keep the bike clean and periodically check for loose parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 330 lbs;
- Adjustable levelers on both base stabilizers;
- Transport wheels on the front stabilizer;
- Four-way adjustable seat;
- High-comfort saddle with thick foam padding and a median groove for extra breathability;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Solid crankset, can support just about any spin workout;
- Metallic pedals with toe cages and standard threads;
- Standard friction resistance;
- 35 lbs flywheel with a perimeter-weighted design for improved inertia;
- Smooth and quiet belt drive;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories burned;
- Goal feature on the fitness monitor for time, distance, and calories;
- Batteries for the monitor are included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Phone holder included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the assembly tools are included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the fitness meter;
- No pulse reading function.
Summary
The VIGBODY HL-5230 is an indoor cycling bike made for home use. It features a sturdy steel frame, a 35-lb flywheel, a friction resistance system, and a belt drive system. It also includes a fitness monitor that tracks the most important workout metrics. It’s a fairly decent bike for home use, great for spin workouts, high-intensity cardio, intervals, muscle toning, and weight loss.