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Indoor Cycling, Spinning, is one of my favourite exercises at the gym. In the summer I normally mountain bike, in the winter I stay indoors! I have spent hours on these bikes, and tried all different types. Today I am going to look at the 200 Commercial Training Bike from Multisport Fitness.
As with all indoor cycles this is a stripped down machine, so don’t expect much in the way of computers, fans and speakers. What we need to look at is if this is a solid strong bike that will, given its a commercial machine, last in a gym with multiple users.
How does the Multisport Fitness 200 Bike Work?
Flywheel
At the core of the bike is a hefty flywheel. This weighs in at 42bs. Like most guys I am inclined to be in the “bigger is better” camp with these, and the 420 does not disappoint!
The style of the flywheel is “rim weighted” that is the flywheel is thicker on the rim than the center, opposed to evenly weighted where the weight is the same across the wheel.
Advantages of the rim weighted is that it feels more like an out door bike, as its less smooth to ride. Spinner use this system for their popular bikes. The higher priced Multisport Fitness 420 has all the same features as the 200, except for the flywheel which on the 420 is evenly weighted.
The remainder of the features of the 200 are the same as the 420.
Drive
The drive on this machine is a belt. Generally I prefer a belt over a chain, most companies seem to be moving to belt drives as they are quiet and easy to maintain.
Resistance
If you are familiar with spin bikes then you will recognise the resistance knob mounted on the top of the frame of the Multisports 420. With a simple turn of the knob you can increase the pressure of the felt on the fly wheel. This makes it harder to turn the flywheel and pedals. To remove the resistance simply reverse the turn.
There are not set stages of resistance so you will have to set it at a level that you are comfortable with, as you get stronger you can ride for longer at high resistance levels.
Adjustability
The saddle is good, up/down for/aft adjustment. However the handlebars only offer up/down movement. If you are on the big or short side then you might want to consider something like the Sole SB700
Ease of Movement
In common with other bikes, simply push down on the handlebars and the bike will pivot up onto two transport wheels. The bike can then be effortlessly moved about a flat floor.
Pedals
The chrome alloy pedals only have a toe strap. Personally I would like to see SPD cleats, especially at this price of bike. If you have your own you could consider swapping them on.
Water
With a frame mounted water bottle its fairly easy to access, and takes all normal bike water bottles.
Warranty
Lifetime Frame and 1 year parts.
Dimensions
41″ x 20 ” x 41″
What are other reviews saying about the 420 Indoor trainer?
Since launch it has received lots of 5 star reviews. Most of the positive comments were around the strenght of the frame and how easy it was to get started with the bike. At the moment no issues.
Any Negatives:
For me its the lack of SPD cleats, this is just a personal choice and most people seem to like the toe clips. The other issue is the lack of handlebar adjustment.
Summary:
This is undoubtedly a well made bike. If you prefer the smoother feel of the flywheel then at $100 more then the 420 is an option. Although if you were looking for a great Spin or Indoor Cycling bike for around the same money as the Multisport 420 then the Sole SB700 still remains the top choice
At under $700 the Multisport 200 is a good pick for a gym or home use, it will give good service and a smile (or grimace) on your face.