| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Fitness meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VIGBODY HL-5230S Check Discounted Price | L:40.1" W:19" H:41.1" | 330 lbs | 24.3 lbs | Manual magnetic | Time, Speed, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Goals, Scan |
The VIGBODY HL-5230S is pretty similar in terms of features and construction to the VIGBODY HL-5230 that we’ve already covered here. However, it is equipped with a magnetic resistance system. It’s a bike made for home use, a fairly decent alternative to the more expensive commercial spin bikes.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 40.1L x 19W x 41.1H inches (102L x 48W x 104H cm)
- Shipping weight: 76.8 lbs (34.8 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 24.3 lbs (11 kg)
- Supported weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive mechanism: Belt
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, odometer, calories, scan, goals
- Warranty: 12 months limited
Frame construction
The VIGBODY HL-5230S features a triangular steel frame with the main tube slightly curved for improved 
sturdiness and aesthetics. The frame is made of oval tubing while the seat tube is welded both to the main tube of the frame and to the base longitudinal tube which considerably increases the structural strength of the bike. All the steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The main color used for the frame is dark gray, while the color of the seat and handlebar tubes is silver. The flywheel is chrome-plated.
The bike is not too large. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 40.1″ (102 cm) long, and 19″ (48 cm) wide. This being said, it can fit pretty well even into a small room or apartment. It is recommended, though, to allow at least 2′ (61 cm) of clearance all around it for ease of access and correct usage.
The bike is not too heavy either. Its net weight is around 60 lbs (27.2 kg), so it can be carried by only one person. Plus, once it is assembled, it can easily be moved via its front transport wheels.
Although the bike is not too heavy, it has a fairly low center of gravity which improves its stability. Also, both its base bars have adjustable levelers with large rubber pads so you can perfectly stabilize it on any type of floor.
Seat and handlebars
The VIGBODY HL-5230S exercise bike features a four-way adjustable seat (up, down, front, back). Its upright post
offers several inches of adjustment while its horizontal slider adds approx. 3″ (7 cm) of front-to-back adjustment. Thus, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 4’9″ and 6’1″ (145 – 185 cm). It is also durable enough to support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg).
The included saddle features a standard collar-based attachment system. This being said, not only that you can easily disconnect it from its slider, if necessary, you can also slightly tilt it forward or backward. Plus, due to its simple attachment system, you can find a compatible replacement in basically any bike shop.
The saddle is pretty comfortable as well. It integrates a thick layer of foam cushioning covered by a durable layer of vinyl material. It has two large springs at the back to adapt to your motion during seated workouts. It also has a median groove for improved breathability.
The bike’s handlebar only offers upright adjustability. It does not have a horizontal slider like the seat. Its adjustment span is approx. 6″ (15 cm) with a maximum height of 38.7″ (98 cm). The handlebar does not have pulse sensors. It features a multi-grip design with a loop grip in the middle and PVC foam sleeves for improved contact and comfort.
Resistance system
As we’ve mentioned above, the VIGBODY HL-5230S indoor cycling bike features a magnetic resistance system, 
as opposed to the VIGBODY HL-5230 model that has friction resistance. Its brake requires manual adjustment so you don’t need an adapter or power cord for the bike. But on the other hand, the bike cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake attached under the main tube of the frame and connected to the tension knob on top of this tube. Therefore, when you turn the knob clockwise, the magnets move closer to the flywheel which increases the workout load. The brake also has a small rubber pad at the front so you can press the tension knob down in order to stop the flywheel from spinning, if necessary.
The bike’s brake does not have pre-determined tension levels. You simply tighten the brake until you get the desired pedaling difficulty. This being said, when the magnets are at their closest position in relation to the flywheel, the resistance is fairly decent, simulating a hill climb.
Needless to say, the main advantage of the magnetic brake is that the magnets do not touch the flywheel. Therefore, the flywheel spins freely, without any jerks and the pedaling motion is very smooth. Also, since there is no friction between the brake and flywheel, the bike is pretty quiet and the wear-and-tear of the brake is virtually non-existent.
Drive system
The bike is equipped with a belt drivetrain. It uses a poly-v designed for superior traction. This being said, you 
don’t have to worry about drivetrain lubrication as would be the case for a chain-driven bike. Also, the belt generates slightly less vibration than a chain which contributes to the overall pedaling smoothness.
The bike’s flywheel weighs approx. 24.3 lbs (11 kg). It’s not super heavy as is the case for other bikes such as the SF-B1986, or the pooboo C505. However, it still has a perimeter-weighted construction for improved inertia. This being said, the bike provides a fairly decent momentum.
The flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, you can put some diversity into your workouts by alternating forward pedaling sessions with reverse pedaling sessions. However, coasting is not possible on the bike; when pedaling in reverse you will get the same resistance as when pedaling forward.
This exercise bike is equipped with a pretty solid crankset with steel-made oval arms. The pedals are made of aluminum alloy. They have adjustable toe cages for extra thrust or in case you need to secure your feet on them. They do not have SPD clips for spin shoes. However, their threads are standard 9/16″ so compatible replacements are widely available.
Fitness monitor
The VIGBODY HL-5230S indoor cycling trainer includes a fairly basic fitness monitor. It features an LCD 
display that tracks time, distance, total distance, calories, and speed. It is not telemetric, does not read pulse, and also does not indicate RPM or watts.
Although the monitor unit doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity or built-in programs, it does offer the possibility to create goals for your workouts. You can select a workout goal for time, distance, or calories burned and it will countdown from the selected value until it reaches zero.
There are three buttons available on the monitor unit. These are Mode, Set, and Reset. 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 Set button accesses the goal-setting function. 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. The flywheel, the crankset, the belt, and the magnetic brake, are already installed. You only have to attach the two base stabilizers, the pedals, the handlebar, the seat, and connect the fitness monitor. This shouldn’t take longer than 30-40 minutes. All the necessary tools for the assembly are included and the manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions and schematics.
For maintenance, you only have to keep the bike clean, wipe off the sweat from the frame at the end of the workout, and periodically check for loose bolts and parts. The belt and brake do not require lubrication.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 330 lbs;
- Transport wheels on the front base bar;
- Adjustable levelers on both base stabilizers;
- Four-way adjustable seat;
- High-comfort saddle with thick foam padding;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Solid crankset, can support just about any spin workout;
- Metallic pedals with toe cages and standard threads;
- Frictionless magnetic resistance
- Perimeter-weighted flywheel for improved inertia;
- Smooth and quiet belt drive;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories burned;
- Workout targets function 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 pulse reading function;
- No RPM reading function;
- No backlight on the fitness monitor.
Summary
The VIGBODY HL-5230S is an indoor cycling bike made for home use. It is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system, a 24.3 lbs flywheel, a 4-way adjustable comfortable saddle, and a fitness monitor that tracks the most important workout metrics. It’s a bike made for high-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina and strength development, and weight loss.