Any comments or thoughts on the levels of resistance for this bike? Is it enough to get your heart rate up for a decent cardio workout?
582073
If you're in peak shape already, probably not. But as a slightly out of shape woman I would say that yes the higher resistance levels do make you work hard enough to get your heart pumping.
582074
Watching ball bearings spew out of it on the first turn of the pedals always gets your cardio rate up. I had to take it to a shop to have the bearing pulled and replaced before it could be used. After that yes it works and to answer your question it uses the proximity of magnets to induce drag into the main fly wheel. This system does not give the direct adjustment that direct contact wheel or belt might give you but unless you are looking for extreme drag it will suffice to give you enough resistance for a cardio workout.
582075
There is a full range of numbers of resistance available. You can make it as easy or as hard as you like. This is the most impressive piece of equipment that I've purchased at such a low cost.
582076
I don't use it for cardio ,it goes up to a level 8 and you could probable get your heart rate up . It is sturdy bike ,but not a mountain bike. So it depents on how hard you want to ride it. It is great for my use for keeping limber and mobile.
582077
It has a decent resistance but for those looking for real challenge resistance is not quite here like the high end equipment from the gym. It is good for warm up cardio but not for heavy workout.
1102947
I own this bike and i'm obsessed with it. That being said, I commute around the Greater NYCArea CONSTANTLY. I went over the Brooklyn bridge (pretty inclined) the other day and found it to be very difficult (being a one speed bike). If you know you will be dealing with hills frequently I'd say to go with the speeds... but otherwise this bike is extremely portable, eye catching (compliments at least once a day), and convenient. Good luck on your decision.
1697536
YUP! It should do that for you with the proper speed setting. It's a great little exercise bike! It's quiet (love that part) and takes up very little floor space!
1816749
In my opinion, it could use more resistance at the higher settings, I do break a sweat around the 15-20 minute mark, but tend to stay on the bike longer than that to try and get a good workout in, usually 25-30 minutes. Settings 1-4 to me are barely noticeable in resistance. If the resistance was an even climb throughout the adjustment range, it would of been perfect.
651183
It took both my son and daughter to carry it in...awkward more than anything...but the bike is solid as a rock! I've ridden it since October and love it. I'm up around 245 and it take my weight easily. I do recommend keeping the air pressure at 60lbs or higher...it not only rides better, but the tires won't wear as fast. WTMI? Sorry :-)
901340
The resistance level and type of ride are set electronically on the instrument panel. The flywheel resistance is magnetic and gets harder for hills and mountains. You set the resistance level at 1-5 for each programmed ride, ie "ride in the park", "rolling hills", Pike's peak" etc. I've had no problems, nice smooth bike.
2256549
Absolutely. I think I'm in pretty good shape, and biking at a resistance level of 5 is burning my legs after about 10 minutes. This thing is really smooth. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
558051
I agree on all points. No incline but the resistance settings work great and provide a lot of resistance if you turn it up. Super smooth. And the pedals do have an angle adjustment which is very nice. I am currently using the middle setting of three. It does use an AC outlet but is only a wall wart type power supply and it is supplied. I also don't think you can use a chest monitor though it does have the handles for monitoring heart rate. I would think it would be pretty easy to connect in where the handles connect to the display and hard wire a chest monitor. I really can't say for sure how well it would work but I would be it could be done. And I like it much better than the gym ellipticals I have tried. In fact I was taking a risk buying this since I actually didn't really care for the gym ellipticals. I was determined to adjust to this to help with upper body toning but there was no adjustment needed. It beats the heck out of the gym ellipticals in my opinion. Very ergonomically designed, whisper smooth and quiet, and a pleasure to use.
882917
It has given me an excellent workout. So far I've only used it on the lower resistance levels (1-3). After the first few days, every muscle in my legs got sore. The resistance goes up to 8, and I aspire to one day being fit enough to do most my workout at this level. You also 'get out of it what you put into it.' If you peddle faster, at higher resistance levels, you'll definitely get a good work out. Mine is very stable , but I only use it on carpet or a rug. However, I'm only 5'5" and 135 pounds, and ride for about a half hour everyday. If one weighed 200 lbs. or over, and wanted to ride much more than that, I'd invest in a heavier, more expensive bike.
1172952
It's not that challenging. At it's highest resistance I would say it feels like the equivalent of a 6 incline on a treadmill. This bike is more for a lighter workout.
294003
I would recommend a higher end bike for competition. This is a good starter bike and it is great for exercise or recreation, but it is simply not on par with Shimano or Fuji. It will do in a pinch, but I is not ideal.
36347
I know this is kind of an old thread...but I'm not overweight and kind of looking for a bike as another form of cardio after three knee surgeries...just curious from the people who have commented below that they are overweight and using this...what would be your follow-up results after using the bike?
2163498
absolutely, you can crank up the resistance to the point where you can barely move the pedal. I don't know why you would want to train that way. But you can do it.
70130
Trust me, you'll work up a sweat. The resistance is basically set by the gear you choose to ride in. I will change gears during the ride just to add or remove friction. Keep in mind your weight is on both wheels, and your pedaling due to the band is causing two tires to rotate. You'll have enough resistance to make it worth your while. I know the sweat literally pours off me, so plan on having a towel to clean up the puddle that forms under the bike.
2069734
I just bought mine before Christmas. So, I have just a few days to ride it. But, I do like what I have seen so far. This being my second year to compete in triathlon, I think this is going to be a good bike for me for this year. Compared to my first triathlon bike, it's a lot lighter in weight and handles well! I hope this helps your decision.
1645716
I am the same height, weigh slightly more, and fit the "long leg" descriptor. The bike does fit my legs. At the highest seat setting, it is just a tad too high, so I use it at the next lower setting. I am not a cyclist, but do jog and play occasional sports and work out and such, and find that the resistance cranks up more than enough for anything I'm trying to do. There is no question that the bike is sturdy enough for someone his size and weight. *edit* I bought this bike Sept-ish 2012 and have used it regularly since.
1107974
Probably not the best bike for reading. You need to be holding onto the grips when riding. This will give you the best workout.