| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Fitness meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XTERRA MB550 Check Discounted Price | L:46" W:23" H:39" | 250 lbs | 48.5 lbs | Friction, Felt-pad | Avg. speed, Max. speed, Current speed, Time, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Clock, Timer |
The XTERRA MB550 is one of the indoor cycling bikes released by XTERRA Fitness in 2017 but it is still available, and so far, it has gathered a fair share of 5-star reviews from users. Although it’s not a bike made for commercial use, it is definitely sturdy enough to support all types of spin workouts. It also excels in ergonomics and includes an exercise meter.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 46L x 23W x 39H inches (117L x 58W x 99H cm)
- Assembled weight: 107 lbs (48.5 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 48.5 lbs (22 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Standard friction, felt pad
- Exercise meter: Current speed, max. speed, avg. speed, distance, calories, odometer, timer, clock
- Extras: Bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 1 year / Labor 1 year
Frame construction
The XTERRA Fitness MB550 offers a solid construction designed to support any spin workout. It even
has the short bar element connecting the seat tube to the main oblique tube that can serve as a step-up point or a stretching point. Not all spin bikes have this element, so it is a plus.
The bike features a triangular frame made of steel tubing and coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The color used is white, this being the only color available for this indoor cycling bike. The only exceptions are the seat post, handlebar post, and flywheel which are chrome plated. The only major ABS parts in the bike’s construction are the belt cover and the and brake pad cover.
The fully assembled unit is pretty compact compared to other fitness machines. It is approx. 46″ (117 cm) long, and 23″ (58 cm) wide. Its specified height is 39″ (99 cm) but that is when the handlebar is set to its lowest position. With the handlebar fully extended, the bike gains a few extra inches in height at the front.
Similar to other spin bikes, the XTERRA MB550 is quite heavy. Its net weight is approx. 107 lbs (48.5 kg). This is more than twice the weight of the average road bike and it is reflected in the unit’s overall stability. You can be sure that the bike won’t rock or move even if you perform running (standing up) workouts on it.
Speaking of stability, the bike also features adjustable levelers on both its bases. Therefore, you can perfectly stabilize it on any type of floor and the usage of a rubber mat is not necessary. Plus, the front base integrates large transport wheels that considerably ease the bike’s relocation once it is fully assembled.
Seat and handlebars
The XTERRA Fitness MB550 includes a saddle built for optimal comfort. It’s a bit better than a standard
saddle and a bit wider than the average (slim) race seats offering a bit of extra contact surface. Its top is made of tough vinyl material and contoured for extra breathability.
It’s important to mention that the saddle has a standard (collar-based) attachment system. Thus, if you will ever want to replace it, compatible options are widely available.
The bike’s seat is 4-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post has multiple adjustment notches while its horizontal slider offers a few extra inches of front to back adjustment. This being said, the bike can accommodate comfortably users between 5’0″ and 6’4″ (153 – 193 cm), promoting a complete range of motion. It’s also solid enough to support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg).
The XTERRA MB550 is equipped with a multi-grip handlebar. It has a loop-type aero grip in the middle while the side grips are longer with an inner curvature. Therefore, you can exercise with a standard grip, rage grip, or parallel grip.
The handlebar is four-way adjustable just like the seat. Its upright post has four adjustment positions while its horizontal slider has five. It does not integrate pulse sensors and the included exercise meter does not have a pulse reading function. It is fully rubberized to provide a superior grip.
Drive and resistance
The XTERRA Fitness MB550 exercise bike is equipped with an extra-heavy 48.5 lbs (22 kg) flywheel. 
Most other cycling trainers in this price and feature range have 40 lbs (18 kg) flywheels. This extra weight improves workout consistency and momentum. Plus, the flywheel is well-balanced, an aspect reflected in the overall smoothness of the ride.
The bike has a direct drive system which means you can pedal in reverse if you want. However, coasting is not possible. So, when pedaling in reverse, you will get the same pedaling difficulty as when pedaling forward.
The bike integrates a belt drivetrain. As opposed to a chain drive, this comes with a few advantages. First of all, you don’t have to worry about lubrication. And second of all, it delivers a smoother and quieter ride.
The XTERRA MB500 indoor cycle is equipped with a standard friction resistance system that consists of a brake felt pad attached to the knob on top of the frame. By turning the knob clockwise, the felt pad applies more friction to the flywheel which increases the pedaling difficulty. Needless to say, this is a manual resistance system, so the bike does not require an external power source.
Since it’s an exercise bike designed for spin workouts, the XTERRA MB500 features a solid 3-piece crankset. The pedals are also pretty sturdy; they can support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg) during standing up workouts. The pedals have adjustable toe cages and standard threads. Therefore, if you want to replace them, compatible options are widely available.
Last but not least, the bike’s Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) is 181 mm. It’s not too narrow, not too wide, promoting a natural foot positioning on the pedals in order to eliminate any lateral stress on the joints.
Exercise meter
The XTERRA Fitness MB550 indoor cycling bike comes with a standard exercise meter similar to
the ones that you can purchase and install on an outdoor bike. It’s actually an InSportLine CY-200W model. It features an LCD display divided into three sub-sections. It indicates time, distance, current speed, maximum speed, average speed, and calories burned. It also has an odometer function (tracks total distance traveled), a timer mode, and a clock mode.
As we’ve mentioned above, the bike does not have a pulse reading function and the meter unit cannot monitor your pulse. Thus, if you need to keep an eye on your heart rate during your workouts, you will have to use a separate device. Also, the speed and distance metrics can be set either to metric units (km/h, km) or English units (mph, miles).
The exercise meter unit has wireless transmission. It comes with a sensor and transmitter. The sensor is already installed, you only have to attach the transmitter and the display. They’re all battery-powered, and require CR2032 lithium batteries (which should be included).
The exercise meter is fairly easy to use. It has two buttons, Mode and Set. The manual provides clear instructions on how to set your height, weight, gender, and other data, and calibrate it for the bike. In terms of calibration, it is important to mention that it should be set to a wheel size of 4330 mm.
Assembly and Maintenance
Most of the bike’s frame comes pre-assembled, with the drive and resistance elements already attached. Therefore, you only have to add the two base bars, the saddle, the handlebar, the pedals, and the exercise meter with its transmitter. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. All the instructions with regards to assembly are covered by the manual. Also, all the necessary tools are included.
For maintenance, the brake pad may require periodic lubrication. But other than this, it is only recommended to periodically inspect the bike for loose or damaged parts, in order to re-tighten or replace them before any accidents can happen.
The Pros
- Heavy-duty frame construction;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both bases;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- 4-way adjustable handlebar;
- Cushioned and contoured saddle;
- Multi-grip handlebar;
- Smooth, almost silent belt drive;
- Extra-heavy 48.5 (22 kg) flywheel;
- Friction resistance for a wide array of pedaling difficulty levels;
- Durable pedals with adjustable toe cages and standard (9/16) threads;
- Wireless exercise meter with sensor and transmitter;
- The meter tracks time, distance, total distance, average speed, current speed, maximum speed, and calories;
- Bottle holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Decent warranty.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No backlight on the meter display.
Summary
The XTERRA Fitness MB550 is an indoor cycling bike designed for home use. It features a standard felt pad resistance system, an extra heavy (48.5 lbs) flywheel for a solid momentum, superior micro-adjustability and also includes a wireless exercise meter. It’s perfect light to intense cardio training, weight loss, intervals, stamina development, and muscle toning. In all, it’s a decent exercise bike, great for users of all levels, offering excellent value for the price.