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