| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XTERRA MBX2500 Check Discounted Price | L: 56.3" W: 20.5" H: 53.2" | 300 lbs | 48.5 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Speed, RPM, Calories, Pulse, Goals |
The MBX2500 is one of the newest indoor cycling bikes from XTERRA Fitness, a model released at the end of 2017. It is pretty close to the light-commercial grade trainers. It’s a bike with a frame structure and design similar to the Keiser M3i or the Body Xtreme BXF008. However, it is equipped with an extra-heavy flywheel; it actually a rear-drive trainer that has one of the heaviest flywheels at the moment.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 56.3L x 20.5W x 53.2H inches (143L x 52W x 135H cm)
- Assembled weight: 103.6 lbs (47 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 48.5 lbs (22 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Handlebars: 4-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With toe cages
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Friction, leather pad
- Fitness meter: Time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, and pulse
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 1 year / Labor 1 year
Frame construction
The XTERRA Fitness MBX2500 features a steel frame that combines ovalized with cylindrical and hexagonal bars. It has a low
center of gravity which considerably improves its stability. It is a pretty heavy trainer; it weighs 103.6 lbs (47 kg) which is twice the weight of the average mountain bike, a weight that plays an important role in its total stability as well. Plus, its base bars are equipped with adjustable stabilizers.
Although it’s a rather heavy exercise bike, its relocation shouldn’t be a problem once it is assembled. Its front base also features a set of transport wheels, and by using these wheels when moving the unit, you will handle only approx. 40% of its total weight.
The bike’s main base bar is slightly curved at the rear. This particular design element improves the unit’s overall sturdiness. It also inclines the user a few degrees forward which results in a better racing posture with a slightly higher impact on the core muscles.
The covers of the belt, crank, and flywheel are made of durable ABS material. The middle section between the handlebars tube and the seat tube is highly durable, though, and can be used as a stepping pad. This being said, the trainer can support just about any spin workout.
The XTERRA MBX2500 is a bit larger than other spin bikes, such as the Spinner L7 or the Spinner L3, for example. With the frame fully assembled, it is 56.3″ (143 cm) long, and 20.5″ (52 cm) wide, while its highest point is given by the top of the console, which reaches approx. 53.2″ (135 cm) above floor level.
The bike’s frame is double-coated with a corrosion-resistant and abrasion-resistant paint finish. The main color used is black, with the XTERRA logo painted white. The flywheel, the seat post, and the handlebar post have a chrome finish, though.
Seat and handlebars
The XTERRA Fitness MBX2500 indoor cycle is equipped with a spin seat which is a bit larger and more cushioned than the
average slim, spin seat. It features a double-stitched, highly durable vinyl upholstery. It also has a longitudinal groove for improved comfort and air flow under the user.
The seat has a standard connection system to its post. This is quite a plus in case you want to replace it as there are many compatible saddle models in just about any bike store.
The seat offers 4-way adjustability (up, down, forward, backward). The upright bar offers 10 adjustment positions, while the horizontal slider also provides several inches of front-back adjustment. This being said, the bike can accommodate users with an inseam up to 38″ (96.5 cm), or differently put, users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm). Also, in terms of weight capacity, the seat assembly and the whole frame, in general, can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
The bike’s handlebar features a multi-grip design with a loop aero bar in the middle. It actually offers the possibility to adopt five types of grips and postures. It’s urethane-dipped for a secure grip and extra comfort.
Just as the seat, the bike’s handlebar assembly offers 4-way adjustability. Its upright post offers 5 adjustment positions, while its horizontal slider makes available 3 extra fore-to-aft positions.
Resistance and drive
This XTERRA fitness exercise bike is equipped with a friction resistance system. It is not motorized, so you don’t have to connect it to a power source. But on the other hand, this means that the bike cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
The bike integrates a leather brake pad which is connected to the tension lever on the front tube of the bike. The brake is completely concealed by the frame guards. When you move this lever up or down, the brake pad applies more or less friction to the flywheel, which increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty.
The bike offers 8 resistance levels. Considering that the flywheel is pretty heavy, the first level of resistance isn’t exactly light. Conversely, the top level of resistance produces quite an intense pedal tension which offers the possibility to obtain a higher muscle burn.
With regards to the bike’s drive system, there are three main elements to cover here, the flywheel, the crankset with its pedals, and the transmission.
The XTERRA Fitness MBX2500 is equipped with one of the heaviest flywheels available. It weighs 48.5 lbs (22 kg). However, it doesn’t have a perimeter-weighted design like other spin bikes such as the Spinner Edge, for example. This means it doesn’t deliver highly aggressive inertia, but due to its weight, it does offer a pretty consistent momentum. It’s also bi-directional, so you can pedal in reverse if you want. This way, you can put plenty of diversity into your workouts.
Just like other spin bikes, the XTERRA MBX2500 features a 3-piece crankset. Its arms are very solid being able to support all users up to 300 lbs (136 kg) in standing up pedaling routines.
The pedals are made of metallic alloy. They have standard 9/16 threads so you can easily find compatible replacements for them if it’s the case. They do not have SPD clips for spin shoes, but they do have toe cages and straps.
Finally, the bike features a belt transmission. It integrates a heavy-duty v-belt resistant to stretching. As opposed to a chain drive, the belt doesn’t need periodic lubrication. It also delivers a very quiet pedaling motion, with less vibration than a chain.
Exercise meter
Since the bike’s resistance system is manual, the included console doesn’t play any role in the resistance adjustment. It doesn’t
have any pre-set programs, does not connect online, and is not compatible with any online fitness apps.
The console features a 6-window LCD display. The top, larger window indicates RPM. The three smaller windows on the left show time, distance, and calories burned, while the right bottom windows indicate pulse and speed.
There are countdown settings available for time, distance, calories, and pulse. You can select a target value for any of these metrics, and the console will count down from the selected values until it reaches zero. This particular function allows you to set up goals for your workouts, and keep a better track of your progress.
The bike’s handlebars do not have any pulse sensors, but the meter unit can track your pulse via an HR chest strap transmitter. This accessory is not included with the bike, though.
The meter unit is very easy to use. It has only two buttons, SET and MODE/RESET. The SET button allows you to set up workout goals, while the MODE/RESET button confirms all the settings. In order to clear all the values to zero, you can press and hold the MODE/RESET button for several seconds.
The console uses a CR2032 (3V) battery. To start it up you can press any of the two buttons. It also has a standby mode which is initiated if the console doesn’t detect any activity on the bike for 4 minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The core of the bike comes pre-assembled. Therefore, you only have to attach the seat with its post, the handlebar with its post, the console, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. The required tools for assembly are included. Also, the manual provides very clear assembly instructions.
The bike’s belt does not require lubrication, but the brake pad will wear out over time so it will need replacement. Other than this, you only have to keep the unit dust-free, and periodically check for loose parts and bolts.
The Pros
- Solid V-frame – can hold users up to 300 lbs;
- Aesthetic design;
- Bases with adjustable, rubberized levelers;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- 4-way adjustable handlebar, with a multi-grip design;
- 48.5 lbs balanced flywheel for a smooth pedaling motion and solid momentum;
- Heavy-duty crank made for standing up spin workouts;
- Durable, metallic alloy pedals with toe cages and straps;
- Friction resistance for endurance workouts;
- Smooth and quiet belt drive, great for apartment use;
- Fitness meter that tracks time, speed, RPM, distance, calories, and pulse;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- The meter doesn’t have backlight;
- HR chest strap is not included.
Summary
The XTERRA Fitness MBX2500 is an indoor cycling bike featuring an 8-level friction resistance system, an extra-heavy flywheel, and a heavy-duty crank. It offers superior micro-adjustability, both its seat and handlebars being 4-way adjustable. It also includes a fitness computer that tracks all the required workout metrics. It’s a sturdy and good-looking exercise bike, perfect for mid-range to high-intensity cardio workouts, great for muscle toning, stamina and strength development, interval training, and weight loss. And finally, although it’s not one of the most affordable trainers in this category, it’s still a few $100 cheaper than most light-commercial models.