The CycleOps range has four models – 100 Pro; 200 Pro; 300 Pro and…go on, take a guess. Yes – that’s right the top of the range model is the 400 Pro. The point to note is that the bike is exactly the same for each model – it’s the level of technology that changes as you move up the range. For example, the 100 Pro doesn’t have a console whilst the 400 Pro has a console that will automatically control the resistance of your bike based on a pre-defined program.
With this in mind, we’ve reviewed the CycleOps 200 Pro but most of our comments apply equally as well to the other models in the range. Just check the console options on each model before deciding which model is the right one for you.
How Easy is the Indoor Cycle to Build?
It’s a very different looking bike that most of the others available in the UK but it’s assembled in pretty much the same way. Stabiliser bars; seat assembly handlebar assembly; (optional) console and pedals. All of these components go together very well, primarily because of the excellent quality of the individual parts. Note that the bike is supplied without pedals as standard (if you’re wondering why, it’s because CycleOps is from the outdoor cycle world rather than the fitness world and all top outdoor bikes are supplied without pedals – they’ve carried this through to their range of indoor cycles). All standard pedals will fit.What are the first impressions?
We think that the CycleOps range of indoor cycles look fantastic. The design and attention to detail really do take some beating:
- It’s easy to adjust and it’s the closest feel to an outdoor cycle of any indoor bike that we’ve tried. That’s perhaps not surprising because (as we mentioned above) CycleOps are from the outdoor cycle world.
- Build quality is excellent
- The bike is easy to move because of the transport wheels on the rear stabiliser bar, so you can move it out of the way when you've finished using it.
- Heavy and well balanced flywheel gives a smooth ride
- Chain drive is surprisingly quiet - the alignment of the crank and flywheel is just about perfect so the chain is much quieter than on lower quality bikes
- The console is excellent with a wealth of data available for you to transfer to your computer (cable supplied with bike)
What's it like to ride?
If you’re an outdoor cyclist then this bike moves things on to another level. It really is the closest thing to an outdoor cycle that you can get, and if you choose the right console option you can gather some great training data:
- The resistance works extremely well which enables you to make the workout as easy or hard as you like, and of course you can vary this resistance during your workout by turning the adjuster knob as you cycle (note that on the 400 Pro, the resistance is controlled via the console).
- 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.
- It’s a free-wheel bike so you need to make sure that you’ve got a good level of resistance applied. Once you’re used to this it’s great to cycle.
- Because it’s chain driven you get a vibration through the pedals that you don’t get with belt drive bikes. This is usually popular with outdoor cyclists because it makes the ride feel more authentic.
Any niggles?
None that we could find.
Anything else to add?
If you’re an outdoor cyclist looking to train indoors during bad weather; training for an event; or just simply want the best possible bike to get fit on then this really could be the bike for you.
Overall Impression?
It’s just a great bike – it looks great; rides great and the console gives really good information.
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