YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike with iPad Mount

I have been a rider at the Cyclebar franchise for about six months. This review will compare the experience with those bikes to this one.

During the stay at home orders for COVID-19, I obtained a Schwinn take-home bike from Cyclebar and really got to know the bike. That bike is retailed around $2,600.00, so there is a substantial price difference in the two. However, I will say I don’t feel like the price difference should be THAT high, as this bike has a lot of great qualities.

Assembly: Assembly is okay. I wouldn’t say it was a great experience and I wouldn’t say it’s an easy experience. The directions are clear and straight to the point. It took me about 45 minutes to assemble the bike by myself. I’ve never had to assemble a Schwinn, so I cannot comment on the matter.

The ride: I want to first start out by saying the experience is going to be what you make it. Clearly working out at home will be different to working out in studio. It’s up to you to motivate yourself as you don’t have an instructor guiding you along the way. If you’re concerned about not pushing yourself at home, I’d recommend a workout program along with the bike.

The handlebars: The Schwinn s handlebars are very different than these. This bike’s handlebars come in at the top, making the hand position a little odd for out of the saddle work. You can still make it work, but it does take adjusting.

The seat: The Schwinn’s seat is significantly slimmer than this bike’s. Don’t let that fool you, you’re likely to still have a sore bottom until you get use to the rides.

The sound: This bike blows Schwinn out of the water with how quiet it is. It’s GREAT for apartments and even households who try to keep the noise to a minimum. No one can tell I’m riding the bike, that’s how quiet it is. Really surprised me with that one!

The adjustability: Schwinn hands down has more adjustability than this bike. I’m 5’4” and I truly wonder how many people much taller than 5’8” would be able to ride comfortably. I find myself wanting to adjust my seat in between two adjustment options. I don’t find it effecting my form as much as I thought. I might just be Schwinn spoiled, but it is something to note. I have a history with knee and hip injuries and this is something I really plan to keep a close eye on. Form is extremely important with these rides. If you buy the bike and feel like your compromising form, I recommend returning it. The seat is adjustable up/down and forward/backward. Whereas the handlebars are only adjustable up/down. This gives you less customization to your bike/ride.

The resistance: The resistance knob is cheaper feeling but it gets the same job done.

The bikes are definitely different. I can tell a difference with way they’re designed, but it isn’t making me not want to use it. I just have to be mindful of body placement and adjust accordingly. I do find this bike to feel less sturdy when out of the saddle, but I don’t foresee anything happening because of it. The bikes are just made from a different material.

Overall, I enjoy this bike and think it is worth the money. Those are just some differences I noticed within the first week of riding, and I wanted to nit-pick it for you in hopes it would he helpful. I’d recommend this product.

Before the review – a critical assembly tip:
When installing the pedals on the crank, the right pedal bolt threads clockwise to tighten (as almost everything does) but the LEFT pedal bolt threads COUNTERCLOCKWISE. The directions (translated in China where the bike is manufactured) are somewhat confused – there is a diagram with an arrow pointing clockwise but the text does say “counterclockwise”. After spending several minutes unsuccessfully trying to thread the pedal in the universal way, I revisited the directions, tried tightening to the left, and it installed properly. Apparently, many buyers have made the same error. The reason for the left side reverse threading becomes apparent when pedaling – both sides are moving in the direction to tighten…otherwise, they would work loose.

That said, I’m very happy with this exercise bike. It is solid, well-made and adjustable enough for me (6′-2″, 200 lbs.) and my wife (5′-4″ and a perfect weight) to use comfortably. I’m at the upper range of inseam (32″) for the max. seat height to create the ideal downstroke form (slightly flexed knee). Assembly is straightforward and takes less than an hour – it will take you even less if you follow the tip, above. The steel is good quality, the welds are good, the parts all fit correctly and the design is very good. There is no wobble in the handlebar or seat posts when they are properly adjusted and clamped in place. This exercise bike works on friction resistance NOT magnetic resistance – there is a small wool brake/resistance pad that is infinitely adjustable and the package includes a spare. Because it is friction resistance, there is a slight whirring noise when operating with moderate resistance but it’s not bothersome. I’m in good shape and I’m nowhere near maxing out on the resistance. The belt drive is quiet and smooth. The computer display is pretty basic and some buyers have complaints but it works and is accurate in terms of time, MPH and total miles. Overall, at $300, the bike is a very good value for a home exercise set-up. Expect to spend twice that for a good-quality magnetic resistance bike and up to $2,500+ for spin bike with all the bells, whistles and video instructors – you know the one I mean. I get a fine workout with the YOSUDA.