| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Fitness meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VIGBODY HL-S801 Check Discounted Price | L:46.1" W:25.2" H:44.1" | 330 lbs | 30 lbs | Friction | Time, Speed, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Scan |
The VIGBODY HL-S801 features a sturdier construction than the HL-M01 model that we’ve already covered here. It has a heavier flywheel and a superior user weight capacity. However, it still is an indoor cycling bike made for home use, not a commercial model. For reference, it is one of the models released in 2019.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 46.1L x 25.2W x 44.1H inches (117L x 64W x 112H cm)
- Assembled weight: 64 lbs (29 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 30 lbs (13.6 kg)
- Supported weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive mechanism: Belt
- Resistance: Friction
- Fitness meter: Time, speed, distance, odometer, calories, scan
- Warranty: 12 months limited
Frame construction
The VIGBODY HL-S801 indoor cycle features a triangular frame with the main slanted tube curved at the 
connection point with the base tube. Although this design doesn’t necessarily improve the bike’s sturdiness, it makes it slightly different from other spin bikes. The bike’s frame is made of rectangular steel tubing. All the tubes are coated with a dark gray paint finish, resistant to corrosion and abrasion. The seat and handlebar posts are painted white, while the flywheel has a chrome finish.
The fully assembled bike is not extremely large compared to other fitness machines. It is approx. 46″ (117 cm) long, and 25.2″ (64 cm) wide. Some clearance should be kept around it, though, for safe usage and ease of access. Most spin bike manufacturers recommend a clearance of at least two feet all around the bike.
The bike is not super heavy either. Its net weight is 64 lbs (29 kg) so it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Its front base integrates two small wheels which facilitate its relocation once assembled. Also, both its base stabilizers are equipped with adjustable levelers.
One last aspect to mention here regards the small horizontal tube that connects the seat tube to the main slanted tube. Not all spin bikes have this feature. This small bar can be used for easier mounting, as well as a support for stepping up and down the frame, an exercise that is incorporated by certain spin workouts.
Seat and handlebars
The VIGBODY HL-S801 features a four-way adjustable seat. Its upright post offers approx. 7″ (18 cm) of 
adjustment for an applicable inseam range of 28″ to 35″ (85 – 98 cm). Its horizontal slider adds a few inches of front-to-back adjustment as well. Thus, the bike can accommodate comfortably users between 5’0″ and 6’3″ (153 – 190 cm). Taller persons should still be able to use this bike but they may not benefit from a complete range of motion. Also, the seat can support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg).
The included saddle is fairly large, approx. 10″ (25.4 cm) long, and 7″ (17.7 cm) wide. It integrates a thick layer of cushioning for improved comfort while its top cover is made of durable vinyl material. There are two suspension springs integrated at the rear of the saddle which enable it to flex, in order to adapt better to your movement during seated workouts. And finally, it has a middle cutout which improves breathability.
The bike’s handlebar is only two-way adjustable (up, down). It does not have a horizontal slider like the seat. It offers approx. 6″ (15 cm) of upright adjustment, from 37.8″ (96 cm) above floor level, to 44.1″ (112 cm).
The handlebar features a multi-grip design. It offers the possibility to adopt a racing grip, a climbing grip, and a standard grip. Its side grips feature EVA foam sleeves for improved contact and comfort. However, it does not have pulse sensors and the included fitness monitor cannot track pulse.
Drive system
As we’ve mentioned above, the VIGBODY HL-S801 indoor cycling bike is equipped with a heavier flywheel
than the HL-M01. Its flywheel weighs 30 lbs (13.6 kg) so it provides superior momentum. It is perimeter-weighted for improved inertia which is pretty important for spin workouts.
The flywheel is bi-directional. This being said, you can pedal in reverse if you want to put some diversity into your workouts. However, you cannot coast on this bike, and when pedaling in reverse, the resistance remains constant, given by the amount of friction that the brake applies to the flywheel.
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.
The bike’s crankset features heavy-duty, 7.5″ (19 cm) long arms, similar to road bikes. The bike is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 330 lbs (150 kg) which should apply to the pedals and the crank arms as well. The included pedals are made of aluminum alloy with rubber inserts for an improved grip. They also have toe cages in case you want to secure your feet on them.
The included pedals do not have SPD elements for spin shoes. However, they do have 9/16″ standard threads. Therefore, if you will ever want to replace them, compatible options should be available in any bike shop.
Resistance system
The VIGBODY HL-S801 is equipped with a friction resistance system. This being said, you don’t need a 
power adapter for it, or an external power source. But on the other hand, the bike cannot adjust the resistance automatically, as is the case for a motorized spin bike such as the NordicTrack S15i, for example.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a felt-based brake pad attached to the main tube of the frame and the tension knob. By turning the knob clockwise, the brake pad applies more friction to the flywheel which increases the pedaling difficulty.
It’s important to mention, though, that a spin bike friction resistance system doesn’t offer a pedaling motion as smooth as a magnetic resistance system. That’s because the brake pad comes in contact with the flywheel in order to create drag. This can be improved up to a point by applying some lubricant either on the brake pad or on the flywheel. Also, the felt pad will eventually wear out and should be replaced.
The bike’s tension knob also has an emergency brake function. You can press it down to instantly stop the flywheel from spinning. This is actually necessary because the pedals continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning and trying to stop the motion with your legs may result in injuries.
Fitness monitor
The VIGBODY HL-S801 indoor cycling trainer includes a basic fitness monitor. It features an LCD display
that tracks speed, distance, total distance, elapsed time, and calories burned. Speed and distance are shown in MPH and miles; there is no option for setting them to metric units. Also, as we’ve mentioned above, the monitor unit does not track pulse.
The unit is very easy to use. Needless to say, it does not have any pre-set programs, Bluetooth, or online connectivity. It has only one button. By pressing the button repeatedly, you can scroll through the workout metrics and select the one that you want to view. You can also select the Scan Mode, which enables the unit to rotate all the workout metrics and keep each one for a few seconds on the display.
The button also covers the unit’s reset function. By pressing and holding it for a few seconds, you can clear all the values on it to zero.
The monitor unit requires two AAA batteries which are included. It starts up when you begin pedaling or when you push its button. It also automatically turns off if it does not detect flywheel movement for more than four minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s drive and resistance elements (flywheel, belt, crank, brake) come pre-assembled, attached to the main frame. The rest of the parts require user assembly. You will have to attach the two base stabilizers, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the pedals, and the fitness monitor. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes of your time, though. Also, all the necessary tools are included and the manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions.
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;
- 30 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;
- 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;
- No tablet holder;
- No bottle holder.
Summary
The VIGBODY HL-S801 is an indoor cycling bike for home use. It features a 30-lb flywheel, a friction resistance system, and a 4-way adjustable seat. It also includes a basic fitness monitor that tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories burned. It’s a bike made for spin workouts, great for high-intensity cardio training, stamina and strength development, muscle toning, and weight loss.