BODYPOWER SP.IC14 Indoor Studio Cycle

Product Information

You can adjust the speed with a good quality remote control, and the LCD screen offers all the data you could ever want. It’s a reassuringly big piece of equipment as well, measuring 202L x 89W x 150H cm. This is a well built, solid machine that will last you a very long time, as you would expect for the money that it costs. It weighs 114 kg, so bear this in mind when you have it delivered – you will need help moving it into position. With a heavy gauge steel construction and a 22kg flywheel, the Cyclo 6 is a pretty heavy duty option that is both stable and secure as well as incredibly smooth in operation. This unit measures up at 124cm (l) x 54cm (w) x 122cm (h) and has more adjustable options than any of the other products we tested on this list – with the addition of handlebar distance (as well as height) from the seat – this makes this indoor studio cycle one of the most adaptable for users of all heights. The maximum seat to pedal height is 107cm and the minimum is 78cm which means taller and shorter users alike get on well with this model. In addition to the key features, the JLL IC300 PRO bike comes with some useful extras that will make your workout sessions more effective. It features a water bottle holder at the side and a high-quality aluminium bottle so you can have easy access to water or other fluids during workouts. The built-in transport wheels at the front are also a nice addition as they allow for easy transport around the home. Set-Up There are an infinite number of resistance levels with the Cyclo 6 and this is intuitively implemented the harder you pedal. But for those who like to be able to control the starting level of difficulty there is a resistance dial that can be used to find the right starting range for you.

The spin studio at any commercial gym is usually the most popular room in the building. It is also not uncommon for these classes to be fully booked which can lead to plenty of frustration if you are desperate to join the class and can’t get a space. The number one benefit to buying a spin bike to use at home is that it is yours to use whenever you please which means using it consistently is easy to do. The first thing to point out is that this is an exceptional spin bike. It also has a whole range of interactive and connected features that would make the likes of Peloton shudder. What it doesn’t have though is a screen – and we think this is a real positive. The Apex Smart Bike is designed for use at home. If your home is like most modern homes it probably already has more screens than it needs – so why add another and waste hundreds of pounds in the process. The Apex can make use of your existing tablet or can even cast direct to your smart TV – meaning the need for that expensive screen is eradicated. Being able to ride comfortably for long periods is quite essential to achieve long-term fitness goals. JLL IC300 Pro’s seat has a relatively narrow design with a centre cut-out, which minimises chafing and ensures breathability. The seat is also well-padded to provide a comfortable ride. The adjustable seat and handlebars also provide enhanced comfort. StabilityThe IC300 PRO comes with an aluminium bottle which stores perfectly in the drinks holder that is conveniently located to the side of the front wheel. This is generally well positioned but if you are at maximum height on the saddle it is a bit of a stretch to reach the bottle. Spinning is generally the most sought after exercise class at any commercial gym so you might be forgiven for thinking that it has hundreds of positives and no negatives. Like anything, there is a balance to strike so let’s start with the good stuff. All the key components are adjustable, as you’d expect, and the compact design means it’ll take up minimal floor space. The bike has a sturdy construction that is capable of supporting all kinds of spinning exercises. It weighs 45kg and has a wide base, both of which can help it provide a solid workout. The weight of this spin bike is somewhat heavy though, making it difficult to transport. While the 2 built-in wheels allow for easy transportation between rooms. Each 30 minute spin session will likely burn between 200 and 300 calories, so if you spin for one hour per day that will be 400 to 600 calories you have burned that you might otherwise have done. However, if you then decide to eat 3 chocolate biscuits as a reward then you have just added on around 300 calories. If you then eat a chocolate bar in the afternoon because you feel good about your spin session you have completely negated your workout.

Spin bikes are one of the most effective cardio tools we can use and for us cardio is something that is generally better achieved outside of the gym. Whether that is running, cycling, walking etc. is up to you, but we prefer to use the gym for strength training which you should look to incorporate alongside your cardio training. If you have a home setup for strength training then you could even lose the gym membership altogether thus saving you money in the process. This spin bike comes with a magnetic resistance, which is a huge improvement from the typical frictional brake-assisted resistance found in most models. Magnetic resistance bikes tend to last longer and require less maintenance since there’s no rubbing together of components to damage any parts. They also run smoother and quieter than frictional resistance bikes. It’s also incredibly durable and solid, made from high-quality steel. The manufacturer claims that it has a top weight of 100kg. I’m approaching this (I’m in the low 90s) and felt completely safe – it seemed like the frame could take a lot more, though I wouldn’t recommend testing this out. Suffice to say that athletes weighing up to 100kg will find it more than stable enough. The frame measures up at 104cm (l) x 54cm (w) x 116cm (h) and it has all the adjustability of the other models we tested. The design is very good with the water bottle holder in the ideal position and the centre console being optimally placed for perfect line of sight. It has a larger display than all of the other models we tested and the basic functionality of this is excellent – this does get covered up when you place a device in the holder though so you will need to use the dedicated apps rather than just watching your favourite TV show (which we wouldn’t recommend for spinning anyway).When it comes to the pedals you can opt for the upgraded dual side pedals or the toe clip pedals. Either options work well and it is more a matter of personal preference whether you want to go for the double option. There are two models of the IC400 and the Pro is the top level model sitting just above the Elite model in terms of price and functionality. JLL are a UK based fitness equipment manufacturer and they have developed a good reputation for building equipment that is highly functional and built to last. The IC400 Pro is no exception to that and the first time you see it you will be able to get a good grasp of the high build quality and skilled workmanship that has gone in to its creation. All aspects of the build quality are excellent. The maximum user weight is 125kg which is ample (if not the greatest of those we tested) and the saddle is very comfortable too and features horizontal and vertical adjustment. The handlebars are ergonomically designed and we found them to be perfect in testing and they feature arm rests for extra padding when needed. There are pulse rate sensors built in to the handles and you can also use a chest strap heart rate monitor too.

First up is this indoor stationary bike from Home Fitness Code. This is one of the cheapest spin bikes we tested and is the cheapest to make the cut on our top 11 list – but we haven’t included it just for its low price point. Measuring up at 99cm (l) x 51cm (w) x 100cm (h) it is also one of the smallest bikes we tested, so although we wouldn’t recommend this model to anyone over 6′ 1″ tall, it is ideal for home use thanks to its compact design. For those under 6′ 1″– this spin bike offers a comfortable ride, is well made and has plenty of challenge thanks to its infinite magnetic resistance. The resistance is adjusted manually using a knob. That being said, it doesn’t have levels specified on it. But after using the bike for a while, you will better understand how much to tune the knob to generate adequate resistance for your training. The flywheel is one of the lightest to make our top 11 list and weighs just over 8kg. This is certainly at the lower end of what we would be happy to recommend but to be fair it performs well and offers a smooth and fluid ride. When using this bike it is very quiet in operation so there should be no issues with using it while other members of the household are in bed or if you have neighbours to consider.

Constructed with a steel frame, the Bodymax B2 Indoor Cycle offers good stability, a strong base and long-lasting durability. The strikes of yellow on the design look stylish too. The display itself is probably the most disappointing aspect of this bike, but in reality you are not buying this spin bike for its amazing all singing, all dancing on-board computer. It functions well enough and displays the data clearly and visibly, even in brightly lit rooms. Another feature that sets the Cyclo 3 apart from some of the competitor models is that it comes with SPD toe clips as standard. You can swap these out for standard pedals if you prefer or can even take an optional upgrade from JTX in the form of dual SPD and standard pedals. The SPD pedals allow for a better grip and increased effort for the user when pedalling through all planes of motion and experienced users will be glad of this addition as standard. The drop handlebars are probably the best we tested for this roundup and the padding on them is excellent as is the design and positioning of them. They also feature handy arm pads that provide increased comfort and stability when you are really pushing hard. The B2 spin bike is chain-driven, meaning it feels more like you’re riding an outdoor bike. I like this feature as it provides a more realistic ride sensation. The balanced pedals are attached to a three-piece crank with adjustable footstraps, so you can get your feet nice and secure to transfer maximum power.

So the simple answer is that spinning can help you to get in to a calorie deficit but only as part of a well balanced nutritional plan (we don’t like the word diet). Adjustable resistance: You can easily adjust the resistance on this bike via the control knob, allowing you to gradually increase or decrease the intensity of your workouts. Spin bikes will keep your body in a more natural position thanks to the design of them and they feature a variation of drop handle bars which are more comfortable to use and grab on to when really pushing hard. These spin handle bars are designed so they push upwards and away from the main frame of the bike and really make a difference when compared to standard exercise bikes.

We’ll talk you through what you receive in the box and the various specifications before we put it to the test and give you our final verdict.