Inspire Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle Review

An indoor cycle that we recently came across was the Inspire Fitness IC1 indoor cycle. It's a really impressive indoor cycle that has a unique resistance control mechanism - instead of a level or knob on the frame to adjust the resistance, the IC1 has a twist grip on the handlebars. It's handily placed (no pun intended) and gives a good level of control.

The thing that is lacking from the IC1 is a console - it's possible to fit an aftermarket console but this can be tricky. Therefore we were taken with the idea of fitting an "X-Kit" to the bike that will allow you to use your smartphone or tablet as the console - it's so easy to fit and a really great idea. We'll add a blog entry on the X-Kit later this year, but for now here is our summary review of the Inspire Fitness IC1 indoor cycle.

How Easy is the Indoor Cycle to Build?
A simple bike to assembled - all of the components are high quality and slot together with the minimum of fuss.

What are the first impressions?
A very good indoor cycle with a sturdy feel. Here are some of the things that we especially like:
- Has a gym quality feel - very stable when on high resistance
- Unique resistance control mechanism. The resistance control is via a handlebar mounted twist dial that let's you choose different resistance settings (gears). Very easy to use - Both seat and handlebars can be adjusted horizontally and vertically so that you can achieve your perfect cycling position
- The adjusters on the seat and handlebar are very heavy duty
- The 22kg flywheel gives a really smooth ride
- Very quiet as you'd expect for a belt drive bike

What's it like to ride?
The Inspire Fitness IC1 indoor cycle is a very nice bike to ride. Here's why:
- It feels just like a full commercial bike with very little frame flex at high speed
- The resistance control and braking mechanism is unique to this bike and it's a revelation - very well positioned and easy to use
- Incredibly quiet and smooth

Any niggles?
It would have been nice to have had SPD pedals as standard but these can be added as an optional extra.

Anything else to add?
We've added the x-Kit to this bike which means you can connect your tablet or smartphone and use as a console - by downloading apps it keeps training interesting and makes you want to come back for more.

Overall Impression?
A really good indoor cycle with a great resistance control mechanism. Very good build quality and the addition of the x-Kit console makes this indoor cycle both unique and fantasic value for money. - See more at: http://www.indoor-cycles.co.uk/acatalog/inspire_fitness_ic1_indoor_cycle.html

Kettler Indoor Cycles

We’re often asked about the Kettler spinning bike range. Nothing strange there – Kettler are a well known brand and synonymous with producing very high quality products, so we’d expect a lot of
interest in their range of indoor cycles. The quandary is that the Kettler range of indoor cycles can be split into two distinct categories: fixed wheel spin bikes and free wheel exercise bikes. So when we’re asked about the Kettler spinning bike range we have to dig a little deeper into what is actually required of the bike.

The stock question that we have to pose is “do you want to stand up when cycling?” The answer to this question will point towards different bikes in the Kettler range.
The Kettler fixed wheel range, which can be categorised as spinning bikes, consists of the Speed 3 and the Speed 5. These are spinning style bikes and as such you can stand up whilst cycling without any issue whatsoever. The Kettler Racer series (the Racer 3 and the Racer 7) are free wheel bikes and are not really designed for standing whilst cycling – in fact if the resistance is too low and you stand and cycle it can be quite uncomfortable. So why is this?
With a fixed wheel bike the flywheel can’t spin any faster than you’re pedalling and so you always have some level of resistance to push against when pedalling – even if this is only the resistance caused by the weight of the flywheel. Providing the flywheel is heavy enough (we recommend 18kg and above) this will lead to a smooth ride whether standing or sitting. Free wheel bikes work differently.

Most outdoor bikes freewheel. Imagine that you’re cycling down hill – if you don’t change gear then you’ll hit a point where the wheel is spinning faster than you’re pedalling and at that point you might as well stop moving your legs because you’re no longer contributing to moving the bike. It’s the same sort of effect with a free wheel indoor cycle – the flywheel can spin faster than you’re pedalling at which point you’re not getting the exercise that you’re aiming for. To compensate, you need to up the resistance (like changing gear on your bike when cycling downhill) and then your legs will be back in synch with the wheel. All this is fine, but on a free wheel indoor cycle the over spin effect as described above is more likely to occur when you stand up because of the extra force you create on the downstroke of the pedalling action. A lack of stability in cycling soon occurs you’re then reaching for the buttons to change the resistance. It can be done and with practice you can become adept at preparing for standing on a free wheel bike, but overall it’s not ideal and fixed wheel bikes are better if you want to stand.

So, coming back to the Kettler range, our general advice is if you want to stand then go for a fixed wheel bike and if you’re happy sitting and cycling then the Kettler Racer 3 or the Kettler Racer 7 are excellent options.

Review of the Sprint GB Pro Indoor Cycle

It's time that we reviewed another indoor cycle. This time, it's a rear wheel model from Sprint Fitness - the Sprint GB Pro indoor cycle.

How Easy is the Indoor Cycle to Build?
Extremely simple to build. Attach the front and rear stabilisers, seat, handlebars, pedals and you're ready to ride. As with all spinning bikes, remember to follow the instructions when attaching the pedals to ensure that you're threading each pedal the correct way.


Sprint GB Pro Indoor Cycle

What are the first impressions?
It's very orange!! We think that this is a good thing because it makes the bike stand out from the crowd, but of course the important thing is the quality of the bike:
- The stabiliser bars (that sit on the floor) are very chunky as is the frame. This is usually a sign that the indoor cycle will be good to ride without any flexing.
- Adjustabiility of the seat and handlbars (both horizontally and vertically) is very easy to do so that you can achieve your optimum position. The seat adjustment on the model that we tried was slightly stiff, but this was soon sorted.
- The rear stabiliser bar is very wide which is great for stability
- The bike is easy to move because of the transport wheels on the front stabiliser bar, so you can move it out of the way when you've finished using it
- 20kg flywheel is a great size and ensure a smooth ride
- Belt drive so there's no real maintenance on this bike. It's also very quiet
- We tested the bike with a Polar computer which is an optional extra on the bike - the computer provides loads of information about your training which makes it a good training companion. The standard monitor provides similar information, but it's not possible to do all of the things that the Polar computer gives you.
- The style of the bike means that the handlebars adjust away from you, so it if you're short you may find it slightly uncomfortable (which is a common complaint of rear drive bikes of this style).

What's it like to ride?
First impressions when riding are excellent. Once you get into your workout this indoor cycle doesn't disappoint:
- Because of the belt drive the ride is very quiet and very smooth
- The resistance is varied by a lever that sits below the handlebars. Although there are only 9 positions, you can position the level between the markers (so for example, you can set the resistance to somewhere between level 4 and 5). This means that you can accurately set the resistance level to meet your needs.
- Adjusting the resistance does take a bit of getting used to - it's easy to adjust the lever a bit too far in which case it's really hard to pedal. Once you're used to making small changes to the resistance then it's perfectly fine.
- At high speeds and/or resistance, when you're putting more strain on the bike, it still feels very stable and solid. There's no frame distortion which demonstrates the qualiity and strength of the frame.
- A really nice indoor bike to ride - very smooth and sturdy.

Any niggles?
Nothing obvious. It felt like a good bike to ride and does feel very well made.
Anything else to add?
It would have been nice to have had SPD pedals as standard but it is possible to upgrade the pedals if required.

Overall Impression?
A really nice rear wheel drive indoor cycle at a sensible price. If you're specifically looking for a rear wheel indoor cycle, then this could be the one for you.