Bancon Exercise Bike Review: A Good Affordable Bike
The Bancon exercise bike is a delightful addition to any home gym or personal workout routine. Its pleasant feel and soft handles make for a comfortable cycling experience. Unlike other exercise bikes under $300, the seat on this one is neither hard nor uncomfortable, ensuring a pain-free ride.
Assembling the bike was a breeze, except for the minor challenge of maneuvering it up the stairs, which could have been avoided by assembling it in smaller pieces beforehand. Nonetheless, I managed to put it together on my own in less than 30 minutes. The setup process involved installing the stabilizers, seat, handlebars, pedals, and display—nothing too complicated.
For beginners with an average weight, the bike offers plenty of resistance options. However, as someone seeking a more intense workout, I found that I needed to start at level 8, the highest setting available. This lack of room for improvement or pushing oneself may be a downside for more experienced cyclists. I read they recently improved the resistance by making its flywheel heavier so you might be fine with the upgraded version.
One minor inconvenience is the process of cycling through the display to view speed, cadence, distance, and resistance. The display lacks a backlight, which can make it a bit annoying to read. However, this didn’t bother me much as the bike transmit data through Bluetooth and I used my tablet and Kinomap for tracking my metrics.
Adjusting the seat height can be frustrating, as it requires removing the knobs entirely and then realigning the holes. Nevertheless, if you’re the primary user of the Bancon exercise bike, this inconvenience can be overlooked.
The most significant drawback of the Bancon exercise bike is the absence of a designated water bottle holder. It’s quite surprising considering that any intense cardio workout would naturally make you thirsty. To solve this issue, I had to purchase a separate bottle holder and attach it to the handlebars, which has worked fine for me.
Despite these minor drawbacks, I am overall satisfied with the Bancon exercise bike, mainly because of its affordable price. However, if I were to purchase another bike in the future, I would consider the aforementioned factors. They are worth keeping in mind for those seeking additional features and convenience.
How Bancon Exercise Bike Evolved From Previous Model
When comparing the Bancon A5-S to its predecessor, the Bancon Basic, it’s evident that the A5-S has undergone significant improvements to enhance the overall user experience. Let’s delve into the specific upgrades and enhancements that make the A5-S a superior choice for fitness enthusiasts.
First and foremost, one of the notable improvements in the A5-S is its heavier 40 lb flywheel. This upgrade offers several advantages. Firstly, a heavier flywheel provides increased resistance, allowing users to have more challenging workouts and simulate outdoor cycling conditions. The added momentum generated by the heavier flywheel also contributes to a smoother and more fluid pedaling motion, enhancing the overall riding experience.
In terms of build quality, the Bancon A5-S boasts a heavier and sturdier construction compared to the Bancon Basic (100 lb vs 80 lb). This ensures greater stability during intense workouts, minimizing any unwanted vibrations or wobbling. The enhanced structural integrity of the A5-S translates to a more reliable and durable exercise bike, capable of withstanding prolonged and rigorous use.
Another area where the A5-S excels is in its saddle design. The ergonomically designed saddle offers improved comfort and support, reducing the likelihood of discomfort or pain during extended workout sessions. The Bancon A5-S also features a chromed seat and handlebar post, enhancing both aesthetics and durability. These upgrades result in a more solid and aesthetically pleasing exercise bike.
Additionally, the Bancon A5-S boasts a higher weight capacity of 275 lbs compared to the Bancon Basic’s 245 lbs. This increased weight capacity ensures that a wider range of individuals can comfortably and safely use the bike, accommodating users with varying body types and sizes.
Considering the price point, the Bancon A5-S is priced around $280, while the Bancon Basic is available for approximately $230. Given the enhanced features and overall improvements, the additional $50 for the A5-S is well worth the investment. The A5-S offers a superior riding experience, with its heavier flywheel, sturdier construction, ergonomic saddle, and higher weight capacity.
It’s also important that if you have concerns about safety, particularly if you have young children or toddlers who may be in close proximity to the bike, the Bancon Basic may be a more suitable option. It’s only because the Bancon Basic features a fully shrouded flywheel, providing an additional layer of protection compared to the exposed flywheel of the A5-S Bancon exercise bike.
Bancon Indoor Bike Comparable Alternatives
When it comes to choosing between the Bancon indoor cycling bike and its comparable alternatives, I understand that personal preferences and specific needs play a significant role. As an avid indoor cyclist, I’ve thoroughly examined the options in this price range, taking note of both the strengths and weaknesses.
While the Bancon bike offers exceptional value for its price of $280, it’s important to consider its limitations. One aspect that stood out to me was the absence of a bottle holder, which can be inconvenient during intense cardio sessions when hydration is essential. Additionally, the limited handgrip positions on the handlebars can sometimes hinder comfort and variety during workouts.
In my search for alternatives, I came across the Dmasun indoor bike, which addresses the aforementioned drawbacks by including a bottle holder and offering a wider range of handlebar positions including horn and drop grips. It also has more resistance so even if you are a seasoned rider, there is plenty of intensity to challenge yourself. However, it’s important to note that the Dmasun model doesn’t provide the same level of technological features as the Bancon bike, such as Bluetooth connectivity, advanced resistance level readings, and real-time RPM reading.
To make a more personal recommendation, I would suggest considering your priorities and requirements. If having a convenient bottle holder, more resistance options, and a variety of handgrip positions is crucial to your workout experience, the Dmasun indoor bike may be a better fit for you. However, if you value advanced technological features, such as Bluetooth connectivity for data tracking and a more sophisticated larger display, the Bancon bike remains an excellent choice.
BANCON Stationary Exercise Bike
DMASUN Magnetic Indoor Bike
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1 new from$279.993 usedfrom $208.48
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Bancon Stationary Bike Specification:
- Cycle Specifications:
- Width: 21″
- Length: 48″
- Height: 48”
- Bike Weight: 100 Pounds
- Max User Weight: 275 Pounds
- Rider Fit Range: 5’1” to 6’2”
- Personal Device Holder
- Water Bottle Holder: None
- Transportation Wheels
The Bancon has an extremely compact design while still delivering a powerful performance. Thanks to its industrial smooth drive belt system and powerful yet portable frame, it meets a variety of needs while performing well in every category.
The belt and flywheel work in tandem to create a challenging yet quiet workout, and its included transport wheels and extremely light weight (just 100 lbs) mean that you can easily wheel and plant this bike wherever you want to work out without having to huff, puff, and haul it all over the place.
From its portability to its compact yet extensive design and performance, the Bancon spin bike is sure to be a great fit for any new cyclist.
Fitness Monitor Integration:
- There is a 3″ x 1″ LCD monitor on the bike but there is no backlit.
- It has Bluetooth connectivity that transmits your ride data to Zwift, Kinomap, QZ, and Peloton.
- Its screen measures resistance level, time, calories, distance, speed, and cadence.
- There is a media tray to place your tablet of phone on the bike.
- You can use this exercise bike with the awesome QZ application.
- There is no need to plug in the bike as it uses 2 AA batteries (included) to switch on the console.
The lack of backlit on the Bancon indoor bike took me by surprise at first, but its Bluetooth and app capabilities do make up for it. You don’t really need the bike’s screen if you have a phone or tablet because you can install your favourite indoor cycling application, and connect the bike to it.
I do suggest using the QZ application as a bridge because initially the bike only sends cadence to Zwift and other app but when you have the QZ, you can connect power, heart rate, cadence, and speed so you get more detail about your ride. QZ only costs $5 for lifetimes. You don’t even need to use the Zwift, you can only use the QZ and through QZ save your daily workouts on Strava for free. If you like virtual cycling, give it a shot, you will love it.
One particular bonus is the cadence monitors. Not many indoor bikes under $300 include such tracking. While cycling, there are two key inputs to how hard you’re working – cadence and resistance. As the resistance goes up, it becomes harder to maintain the same cadence, or speed at which you’re pedaling.
Cadence is measured in pedal revolutions per minute (RPMs) and measuring and tracking your cadence will help you make your pedal stroke more efficient. For beginners, learning to work with cadence is essential to building workout endurance skills and scaling your way up to eventual spin workouts or classes, if that’s your goal.
Bancon Bike’s Toe-Cage Pedals:
- Pedals have toe cages for extra grip.
- The pedal thread on the bike is the standard 9/16 and replacements are widely available.
- There is no clipping elements like SPD or Look cleating area for cycling shoes.
- It has a 3-piece crank system and if if you hear squeaking, tighten the crank bolts on both sides.
The pedals included on the Bancon bike are fairly standard: simple bike pedals with included toe cages to keep your feet from slipping off the pedal mid stride. However, the lack of SPD compatibility is concerning for cyclists who are used to clipping into pedals.
SPD is a must-have for any serious cyclist. Most SPD pedals are double sided – that means you can clip into either side of the pedal, which makes starting from stationary a lot easier. Some riders prefer the additional security that comes from increased release tension, but if you’re just starting out you may want less tension.
For beginning riders, not being able to train with SPD compatibility could be a major hurdle later on if you’re looking to increase your spinning abilities, but if you’re just looking for a plain indoor bike these pedals will do the trick. You can also always order SPD-equipped replacement pedals and a pair of cycling shoes to go with it.
Bancon Stationary Bike Flywheel:
- 40 Lb fixed flywheel (bidirectional with resistance).
- Durable and stable, coated with chrome for maximum durability.
- Employs sleek and quiet magnetic resistance to drive up workout intensity.
Unlike bikes with traditional tension systems, bikes with magnetic resistance never come in contact with the flywheel, resulting in a silent, stable and virtually low maintenance experience. The Bancon bike relies on seven magnets to provide smooth, silent riding and braking without any creaking or loud noises typically associated with chain or gear bikes.
The fixed flywheel also encourages you to ramp up your workout; the motion of your pedaling drives the flywheel, so you can’t take a break or rely on gravity to coast through a section; you’ll have to keep pedaling and really get a strong workout in to maximize the benefits of the fixed flywheel.
The heavy-duty crank system and durable and chrome-protected perimeter on the flywheel make it quite resistant to damage. The flywheel, like the rest of the bike, is built to last, so you’ll have no problem riding it for hours as you work your way toward your fitness goals.
Bancon Exercise Bike Resistance:
- The Bancon features a manually adjustable magnetic resistance system.
- Shifting the lever below the handlebars cranks up resistance before or during rides.
- There are 8 levels of resistance on this indoor cycling bike.
The Bancon bike is rather unique in its approach to adjusting resistance. Instead of having a set amount of resistance levels like many similar exercise bikes, the continuous adjustment knob allows a rider to adjust the resistance settings however they please at any given moment with the simple touch of the lever.
While this does help the rider customize their intensity more specifically to their needs, it lacks the third-party or electronic resistance options that more advanced auto-resistance bikes offer, like resistance levels that simulate specific terrain or target specific workout types.
Interval workouts are hard with shaft adjustments, so this bike is better suited for long cardio-burn style rides than regular interval intensity changes. Plus, its resistance is fairly limited to only 8 levels which is nothing compared to Niceday indoor cycling bike that has 100 levels of resistance.
Bancon Bike Handlebars and Seat
- Two-way adjustable handlebars (not 4-way)
- Four-way adjustable padded seat for a comfortable setup
- Included personal device holder for tablets, phones, or books or magazines
Another pro of the Bancon magnetic spin bike is the personalization available due to the adjustable handlebars and seat. They have all the possible positions a rider could want and both riders who normally train indoors.
And also those who ride outdoors can find their preferred arm positions with little to no trouble adjusting and creating a good fit. It also features a good two feet of height adjustment, so short and tall riders can share a bike without problems.
For those in homes with more than one cyclist, especially who are of significantly different builds, this feature makes it much more convenient to switch back and forth from custom seat settings. Because of this adjustability, it allows the Bancon indoor bike to be used by just about any rider without a hassle.
Bancon Indoor Bike Price and Warranty:
- The Bancon bike is currently priced at about $280 USD (shipping included).
- This Bancon stationary bike’s warranty includes 12 months for all the parts.
- For support, you can either contact them on Amazon or through their website.
- Bancon contact details: Whatsapp Phone Number: +86 153 0608 4913 / Email: support@onebancon.com.
If you’re faced with parts issues, you’ll want to go straight to the source to handle Warranty related questions. You can reach the manufacturers here through their contact page: https://onebancon.com/pages/contact-us. They will walk you personally through the repair or exchange process for any damaged or malfunctioning parts. You could also reach them on Amazon and they respond fairly quick.
The affordability of this bike in comparison to the range of features it offers and the range of other exercise bikes available is astonishing. These are great bikes for those who are just starting out in cycling and not ready to commit to a higher-end machine but do want to get in the game.
As with most Bancon items, the warranty will make sure that if you do decide to drop the money on this exercise machine, it will be protected 100% with a lengthy coverage period so you can truly test the machine and decide for yourself if it’s the right fit for you.
Bancon Indoor Cycle Assembly and Shipping:
- The Bancon English manual and assembly tools are included.
- Assembly is fairly easy with only a few parts such as stabilisers, pedals, seat, and handles to install.
- Set-up time is about 30 minutes because the unit arrives mostly assembled.
- Shipping costs depend on where you purchase the bike from, as some carriers include free shipping.
- Your Bancon indoor bike ships in one box that weighs around 110 pounds
- They also have a 30-day return policy for this indoor bike when you buy it on Amazon.
Aside from the bike, there are included bike assembly tools and manuals in the box, so you won’t need to buy, borrow or use other tools for assembly of the Bancon bike.
The assembly manual is very easy to follow as long as you pay attention to detail and can follow basic instructions and diagrams. It is recommended to do the assembly with 2 people.
The parts that you need to assemble are the pedals, seat, and handlebars. The flywheel, drive mechanism, and crank arms come pre-assembled.
Note! “To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.”
To start a return, you can contact them on “onebancon.com”. If your return is accepted, they’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to them without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
Bancon Indoor Cycling Bike Pros:
Portable and Compact design:
This is one of the most portable and lightweight bikes out there. Weighing just 100 pounds, anyone can move this bike around easily. The included front wheels make transport even easier, so you can wheel the bike to wherever you feel like exercising today and then quickly push it back into its storage place until you’re ready to use it again.
Magnetic Resistance Adjustment:
The continuous adjustment knob on the magnetic resistance is another highlight. Implementing personalized resistance levels is a piece of cake with the knob system, and it’s very easy to customize the resistance to fit your needs and your workout without struggling against pre-sets or factory defaults.
Cadence Sensors and Bluetooth:
The included cadence tracking through the app is perhaps the best feature of this bike. It allows for seamless use with a variety of studio and workout types and tracks cadence rates for intensifying your workout. Not many other bikes offer such benefits for as low a price point as Bancon does, so this is definitely a major pro.
Bancon Indoor Cycling Bike Cons:
No Backlit on Monitor:
This is a con that will really depend on the rider. Almost all indoor cycling bikes at this price range include a dark black and white LCD monitor as a standard, so the lack of backlist is not a surprised. If you’re used to having to track your workouts on personal devices, it shouldn’t be a problem.
No SPD-Pedals:
The lack of SPD-integrated pedals is disappointing and really sets this bike into the beginner category as opposed to an overall win. SPD is a huge component of spin and cycling, so not having pedals that are compatible with cleats or other elements of the SPD pedaling system feels like a major miss. Though you can easily replace your pedals with third-party options, we wish you wouldn’t have to spend the extra cash right away and that they’d simply be included with the bike.
Limited handlebar adjustability:
The two-way adjustment (only vertically not horizontal) makes the Bancon bike less adaptable to some cyclists, especially shorter and taller users. With that said, most spin bikes in this price tag don’t come with fully adjustable handlebars, at least not that we are aware of. To make up for the lack of adjustment this bike comes with two built-in convenient accessory holders on the handlebars.
Limited resistance and no bottle holder:
One limitation is the Bancon exercise bike is its limited range of resistance levels, with only 8 available. This may be a concern for more advanced or experienced riders who desire higher intensity workouts. Additionally, the absence of a bottle holder can be inconvenient, as staying hydrated is crucial during prolonged and vigorous exercise sessions.
Hi there, I'm Sayed Hamed Hosseiny, the founder and one of the authors at yourexercisebike.com (YEB). I am a former indoor cycling instructor and personal trainer with nearly 20 years of experience. With a passion for indoor cycling, I have spent years designing cycling parts, repairing, and importing exercise bikes. All the articles, tips, guides, reviews, and comparisons on YourExerciseBike.com (YEB) reflect my personal opinion and expertise in the field. I'm excited to share my knowledge with fellow exercise bike enthusiasts and help people find reliable indoor cycling information and the best exercise bike for their needs.
