Introduction
If you have already checked out our list of the best indoor cycles, you will know that there are exercise bikes available to suit all budgets.
Some of the best bikes for those on a budget include the Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike and the Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II Exercise Bike, for example.
However there is a relatively new model from 2016 – the Fitleader FS1 Upright Exercise Bike – that also looks really promising because the initial customer feedback has been extremely positive. So in this article I want to review this low-cost model to see how good it actually is in reality.
Features And Benefits
- 8 magnetic resistance levels
- multi-function LCD display
- perimeter weighted flywheel
- light and durable steel frame
- adjustable seat and handlebars
- dual-action safety brake
- includes holder for tablet or iPad
- smooth and quiet in operation
- suitable for anyone between 5’1 and 6’2
- accommodates users up to 293 pounds
Product Dimensions / Weight
The exact dimensions of this bike are 46” (L) x 25.3” (W) x 38.8” (H), so it is quite a compact machine that will not take up lots of space in your home.
I cannot seem to find out the exact weight of this machine, but the total package weight is 69.3 pounds, so it is obviously going to be a little less than this when fully assembled.
Positives
This may be a budget bike at the lower end of the market, but the Fitleader FS1 Exercise Bike still has a solid and durable steel frame that is strong enough to accommodate anyone up to 293 pounds, which is one of the obvious benefits.
It also comes with adjustable handlebars and a padded seat that can be adjusted upwards or downwards to accommodate anyone between 5’1 and 6’2, making it ideal for both men and women.
With regards to the actual workout, it is said to be smooth and quiet in operation thanks to the perimeter weighted flywheel, and offers a realistic riding experience. Plus there are 8 magnetic resistance levels that will help you vary the intensity of your workouts.
If you want to monitor your performance whilst working out, there is an LCD display (which you don’t often get on this type of bike) that will indicate your time, speed, distance, calories, RPM and pulse rate (using the hand grip pulse monitors).
There are also a few other useful extras such as a dual-action safety brake and a complimentary water bottle holder, and it even comes with a holder for your tablet or iPad device so that you can keep yourself entertained during your workout.
Finally, it is worth pointing out that this is an indoor cycling bike as opposed to a standard stationary bike, which means that you will get a more intense (and more realistic) workout, and will be able to cycle in a standing position and perform spinning-type workouts on this machine if you so wish.
Negatives
There doesn’t appear to be any major issues with this Fitleader FS1 machine with regards to faulty parts or poor performance, for example.
One slight drawback is that it is not suitable for those people who are exceptionally tall (over 6’2) or exceptionally short (under 5’1).
In addition, there are no workout programs included with this machine either, which might be of use to some of the more seasoned indoor cyclists.
However you have to bear in mind that this is intended to be an affordable low-cost machine, so it is unrealistic to expect lots of extra features as standard.
Final Thoughts
This might be a fairly new model, but based on the positive customer reviews, it appears to be an excellent choice for those people who want to buy an indoor cycling bike for their home at a reasonable price.
Although it may not offer the same kind of performance as a commercial-grade spin bike, for example, it has to be said that this Fitleader FS1 Exercise Bike appears to be a strong and stable machine that offers a smooth, comfortable and realistic riding experience, with plenty of resistance to challenge even the fittest of athletes.
It also has a few useful features that are not often included with indoor cycling bikes, such as a multi-function LCD display and a holder for your tablet device.
So on the whole I think it represents excellent value for money overall, and it may well turn out to be a serious rival to the Sunny Health and Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike, which is another hugely popular low-cost model.