Spinner Blade Manufactured by Star Trac – Commercial Spin Bike Review

Sitting at the top of the Spinner range is the Spinner Blade. This commercial grade spin bike is packed with features that really puts it ahead of other indoor bikes, and perfect for any level of gym.

I have spent hours spin training and Spinner bikes have always been a favourite of mine. They are incredibly strong, resist flexing even under the heaviest of loads and very reliable.

What Sets the Spinner Blade apart from other bikes ?

Solid Frame

As you can see from the image the bike looks almost solid. Spinner have designed this to be as strong as possible. This has been achieved by using huge thick oval steel tubes welded seamlessly together.

Where the handlebars meet the frame is the usual point of flex, and this has been beefed up to make it rock solid.

Flywheel

With such a thick frame the flywheel is virtually hidden. Weighing in at a massive 38 lbs it is heavy enough to smooth the ride of even the strongest rider.

I have always found the Spinner Flywheels to be both solid and well balanced. This gives a good positive feel to the ride even when under extreme loading.

Pedals and Handlebars

• The main points of contact for the rider have been well thought out. I really like the water bottle positions on the handlebars. When you are trying to rehydrate after a big climb you don’t want to be fumbling in a bottle cage. Too many times have I seen a rider have to dismount because of a dropped water bottle.
• Pedals are used here are my preferred choice, the NSX. They have large supportive foot plates for trainers, along with a restraining toe strap (essential for the climbs!). On the flip side are cleats to use with SPD style shoes.

Other Features of the Spinner Blade:

As these bikes tend to be used in spin studios, often darkened there is no console fitted to the bike.

My preference is to use a wrist or handlebar mounted Heart Rate Monitor and use the beat of the music to judge the tempo.

The drive train is a chain drive. On lower end bikes I would not recommend this. But at this level they are essential. If you don’t know the strength of the potential riders a belt drive can easily be overpowered.

When I ride belt drives on high resistance I can often end up with the fly wheel stuck and just the belt rubbing on its axle. This can lead to premature wear on the drive and a dangerous accident if it were to fail.

Comfort

Saddle

Some users find the saddle to be uncomfortable. Generally I would wear cycling shorts with a built in chamois pad. Not only does this keep the sweat down, it makes for a comfortable seat.

Handlebars

The bike is well designed to replicate the feel of a road bike. Some riders set the saddle too low or the handle bars too high. This can make the geometry wrong, and not give enough power to the legs.

Fortunately the Blade has full adjustability of the saddle and handlebars, with secure locking pins. The pins go through holes in the seat post and secure by screwing them home. On the seat post are markings indicating the saddle height. I ride at “L” so I know that its the same hight whatever bike I use.

Ease of Storage

The bike is heavy. However most of the weight is mounted at the front of the bike. So it is easy for even the lightest of person to move the bike. Simply put weight on the handles, and the bike will pivot forward and can be balanced on the two front wheels and moved about.

Alternative bikes over $1000

	Product name	Rating	Price
	Keiser M3		Click to see	Learn more >>>
	Life Fitness Lifecycle GX Group Exercise Bike		$1,999.00	Learn more >>>
	Schwinn A.C. Sport Indoor Cycle Trainer		Click to see	Learn more >>>
	Schwinn Fitness AC Performance Plus Indoor Bike		$2,295.00	Learn more >>>
	Star Trac Spinner Blade ION Indoor Cycling Bike		Click to see	Learn more >>>

Specifications of the Blade Spinner:

• Accommodates riders 4′ 10″ to 6′ 10″
• User capacity: 350 lbs
• Adjustments: Handlebars and seat up/down
• Dimensions: 21″ w x 56.5″ l x 40″ h

Our Review Verdict and Summary on the Spinner Blade:

Having used Spinner Bikes for years I would certainly recommend them.  For me through this one is very expensive at about $1700.  If you are looking to equip a studio then you might want to look at the slight less expensive Spinner NXT.  This still features the quality construction, dual sided pedals and water holders.

If you are looking for something that will set your gym apart from the competition and inject a “wow” factor this would be excellent.  It definitely gives the Keiser M3 Exercise Bike a run for its money.