| Unit | Size | Assembled weight | Resistance | Drive | Fitness meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
YOSUDA YBM-1 Check Discounted Price | L:21.2" W:12.2" H:14.3" | 22 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Belt | Time, RPM, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Scan |
The YOSUDA YBM-1 is a pretty standard under desk exercise bike. In terms of design, it can be compared with the LifePro FlexCycle. However, it lacks the elastic bands and also does not have online connectivity.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 21.26L x 12.29W x 14.3H inches (54L x 31W x 36H cm)
- Assembled weight: 22 lbs (10 kg)
- Pedals: With straps
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, distance, odometer, RPM, calories, scan
Frame construction
The YOSUDA YBM-1 under desk exercise bike is built on a steel frame coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish.
However, most of the frame is concealed by the drive and resistance covers. These are made from a durable thermoplastic material. The paint used for the frame is black in color, while the plastic covers combine black, gray, and orange for an aesthetic touch. These are the only colors available for this YOSUDA bike, at least for the moment.
Like most other under desk bikes, the YOSUDA YBM-1 is not a large fitness machine. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 21.26″ (54 cm) long, and 12.29″ (31 cm) wide. Its highest point is 14.3″ (36 cm), while the pedal’s highest point is approx. 12″ (30.4 cm). Therefore, if you’re going to use this exercise bike at a desk, its top board should be at least 15″ (38 cm) above your knees when keeping your feet flat on the floor, in order to be able to pedal. But nonetheless, the bike should fit under most types of desks.
The bike is not too heavy either. With all the parts assembled, its net weight is 22 lbs (10 kg). This being said, anyone should be able to carry it with ease. Plus, its plastic covers form a handle at the top for easier carry.
The bike rests on two oval steel stabilizer bars. They have end caps made from durable thermoplastic material. These have a textured design and rubber pads on the bottom which prevent the unit from slipping or moving when it’s in use. The bike’s base stabilizer bars do not have adjustable levelers, though.
Resistance system
The YOSUDA YBM-1 is equipped with a standard manual magnetic resistance system. This being said, it doesn’t 
require an external power source or an adapter to function. But on the other hand, it also doesn’t adjust the resistance automatically and does not have pre-set workout programs.
The bike’s resistance system consists of an internal magnetic brake which is attached to the flywheel assembly and to the tension knob visible on the front side of the unit’s casing. By turning the knob clockwise, the magnets move closer to the flywheel which increases the intensity of the internal magnetic field, which ultimately increases the pedaling difficulty.
The magnetic resistance system comes with two main advantages. First of all, the magnetic brake pad does not touch the flywheel. Therefore, the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet. Second of all, since the magnets do not touch the flywheel, the usage of the bike is whisper-quiet. Thus, you can use it while in a working office without bothering your colleagues. Plus, there is virtually no wear and tear on the bike’s brake pad, as opposed to the brakes of fitness bikes with a friction resistance system.
The bike makes available 8 levels of resistance. The first level of resistance is fairly light, great for a fitness warm-up and recovery training. On the other hand, the pedal tension provided by the 8th difficulty setting is considerably distinguishable from the 1st level. However, the bike is meant for light workouts and recovery training, so it won’t provide the same workout level as a spin bike.
Drive system
Similar to most other exercise bikes with a magnetic resistance system, the YOSUDA YBM-1 is equipped with a 
belt drive system. It integrates a poly-v belt highly resistant to abrasion and stretching. As opposed to a chain drive, it delivers a smoother pedaling motion as it generates less vibration. It also does not require any lubrication, so it’s pretty much hassle-free. You won’t have to worry about taking the bike’s covers apart periodically to lubricate the drivetrain.
Although it’s a small exercise bike, it does have an internal flywheel. Its exact weight is not specified, but since the bike doesn’t weigh more than 22 lbs (10 kg), the flywheel probably weighs around 10 lbs (4.5 kg). It is perimeter-weighted, though. This type of construction leads to a more consistent pedaling motion and higher inertia.
The bike’s flywheel is bi-directional. This being said, you can pedal in reverse if you want. This way, you can put some diversity into your workouts and focus different muscle groups. It’s important to mention, though, that coasting is not possible on it, as would be the case on a regular road bike. So, when you stop pedaling, the flywheel also stops spinning. Also, when pedaling in reverse, the resistance remains the same.
The bike is equipped with a set of narrow pedals. This design allows for a better grip in case you want to perform recovery arm exercises. The pedals have a metallic core and are coated with durable nylon material. They also have adjustable straps.
Since the bike itself is pretty narrow, it also has a narrow Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals). Thus, your feet are not too far apart on the pedals and a workout on this bike does not put a lot of lateral stress on your knees and ankles.
Last but not least, the crank arms are pretty tough, steel-made, similar to the ones on road bikes. However, the bike is not meant for standing workouts.
Fitness monitor
The YOSUDA YBM-1 exercise bike integrates a basic fitness monitor. It features an LCD display divided into two 
sub-sections so it shows two workout metrics simultaneously. It tracks time, distance, total distance, RPM, and calories burned. It does not show speed and does not have a pulse reading function. The distance reading is shown in miles.
The bike’s fitness monitor does not have pre-set programs, goal functions, or Bluetooth connectivity. It is pretty easy to use. It features one button that covers all of its functions. By pressing the button repeatedly, you can select the metrics that you want to view on the display. It also has a scan function that automatically rotates the workout metrics showing each one for a few seconds.
There is also a reset function. You can press and hold the button for a few seconds to clear all the values on the monitor to zero, except the odometer.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries which are included. It starts up when you begin pedaling. It also automatically turns off after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s body comes pre-assembled. You only need to attach the two base stabilizers, the pedals, and put the included batteries into the fitness monitor unit. This shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes of your time. The manual provides clear assembly instructions and a basic tool for the task is included.
Once the bike is assembled, maintenance doesn’t require much. All you have to do is keep it clean and periodically check for loose bolts and parts. The internal parts are pre-lubricated from the factory and shouldn’t need any lubrication or maintenance for a long period of time.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction and compact design;
- Built-in carrying handle;
- Narrow pedals for a better grip if used for arm exercises;
- Pedals have adjustable straps;
- Frictionless magnetic resistance for a whisper-quiet workout;
- Fitness monitor that tracks RPM, time, distance, total distance, and calories burned;
- Batteries for the monitor included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- A multi-tool for assembly is included.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- The monitor display does not have backlight.
Summary
The YOSUDA YBM-1 is an under desk exercise bike made for home or office use. It features an 8-level magnetic resistance system, a set of narrow pedals with straps, and a fitness monitor that tracks time, distance, total distance, RPM, and calories burned. It’s a great exercise bike for light workouts, recovery training, stamina and strength improvement, stress reduction, and improving cardiovascular fitness.