Review of Fitness Master X Series Momentum Indoor Cycling Bike
When I got bored with spinning class at the gym and decided I wanted to buy a spinning bike for my home, I completed a very thorough review of all of the entry-level indoor cycling bikes. The Fitness Master X Series Momentum indoor cycling bikes was one of the first bikes I looked at, and I found it to be one of the better entry-level spinning bikes for sale on the Internet.
One of the features that sets it apart is the bike is belt-driven rather than chain-driven. This feature provides an ultra-quiet ride and requires less maintenance than a chain-driven bike.
Now, if you haven’t shopped for an indoor cycling bike before, here are a few other things to keep mind when you are comparing bikes.
· The Flywheel
· The Handlebars
· The Seat
· The Resistance Controller
· The Pedals
The Flywheel …
As you might expect, the flywheel is one of the most critical components of any indoor cycling bike. The proper weight of the flywheel is a highly debated issue among avid indoor cyclists, but in the end, the best weight is really a matter of personal preference. If you are brand new to spinning, or have any physical problems with your hips, you might find that a lighter weight flywheel will create less stress on your hip joints. (In that case, you might want to check out our review of the Spinner Sport Spinner Bike or the Bladez H914 Jet indoor cycling bike.)
With a 44 lb. flywheel, the Fitness Master Momentum bike is one of the heavier flywheels available for spinning bikes. Many experienced indoor cyclists prefer the heavier wheel for a smoother more realistic road feel.
The Handlebars …
Just the flywheel, there is a lot of debate among indoor cyclists when it comes to the preferred positioning of the handlebars. Some taller cyclists prefer a more upright position of the bars (such as the Bladez H914 Jet indoor cycling bike), while road enthusiasts enjoy the more horizontal positioning of the Fitness Master Momentum handlebars that accommodate flat-back riding.
Unlike most entry-level indoor cycling bikes, the Fitness Master Momentum features two sets of handlebars, allowing the rider to grip either the outer bars for a comfortable wide grip, or to grip the inner bars for more of a racing grip.
The handlebars on this bike are adjustable both forward and backward, as well as up and down, so riders of different sizes and height can find their preferred handlebar position. If more than one person in the family will be using the bike, it is easy to adjust the handlebars in-between each use.
The Seat …
Just like the handlebars, the seat on the Fitness Master Momentum cycle is adjustable both forward and aft, and well as up and down to provide a custom seat position for each rider. The seat on the Momentum bike is shaped with an anatomically correct shape that has the mid-section cut away, making the seat a bit more narrow than most spinning bike seats.
The Resistance Controller …
The amount of tension on an indoor cycling bike can be controlled either by a set of levers (see our review of the Bladez H914 Jet indoor cycling bike) or by a resistance knob that is turned to increase or decrease tension on the flywheel. The Fitness Master Momentum bike features the resistance knob, which offers an infinite number of resistance settings as the knob can be turned a little or a lot, depending on the preference of the cyclist.
The Pedals …
While most of the more expensive indoor cycling bikes feature pedals with shoe clips that clip to specially designed spinning shoes, most entry level bikes, including the Fitness Master Momentum, feature shoe straps that are attached to the pedals.
The pedals on the Fitness Master Momentum bike are weighted, which is a step up from most entry-level indoor cycling bikes.
The Specifications …
Overall Dimensions: 42 x 20 x 42 inches
Bike Weight: 125 pounds
Total Shipping Weight: 132 pounds
Includes: water bottle and mount, quick-stop brake
Maximum User Weight: not disclosed
The Warranty …
Frame: 5 years
Seat Pad: 1 year
Toe Straps: 180 days
Labor: 90 days
What People Are Saying About The Fitness Master Momentum …
The Fitness Master Momentum bike has an excellent user rating at Amazon of 5 out of 5 stars. Some of the recent user comments include:
· “I’m impressed by the fact that I can really stand up and ride this hard with no fear of it tipping, sliding, moving.”
· “Overall 4 1/2 to 5 stars, a really super purchase.”
· “This is definitely a great bike, and I don’t think I could have done better for the money.”
· “The belt drive is smooth and quiet!”
· “Assembly was very easy.”
· “This bike is true quality, and comparable to the LeMond I am used to riding at the club.”
Any Negative Points?
The only negative comment about this bike has to do with the design of the seat. Some users find the narrow seat to be uncomfortable, but they have either purchased a $15 gel seat cover, or have chosen to replace the entire seat.
Where to Buy The Bike …
The retail list price of the Fitness Master X Series Momentum indoor cycling bike is $799, but it can be found for much less at Amazon. While prices vary from time to time, the Fitness Master Momentum is usually offered for about $600 at Amazon, where free super saver shipping is also available.
Where to Read More Reviews …
This bike has been reviewed about ten times at Amazon. To read all of the user comments, click here.
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After researching the entire category of indoor cycling bikes for home use, we would rank our findings as follows:
GOOD: Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike
BETTER: Bladez H914 Jet Indoor Cycling Bike
POPULAR: Spinner® SPORT Spin Bike