BodyCraft SPT-Mag Club Group Cycle Review

The SPT-MAG Indoor Club Group Cycle by BodyCraft is the mid-level model in the SP Series of spin bikes designed to be efficient, easy to use models that you can enjoy at home or office.

These SPT-Mag indoor cycle models are front-drive designed indoor cycling bikes that are fairly compact with a sleek, modern look and feel.

The SPT-Mag retails for $1400 or $1800, depending on the console option and other accessories that we will talk more in-depth in this Bodycraft SPT-MAG Indoor Club Group Cycle Review.

The BodyCraft SPT Mag indoor cycling bike is covered by a lifetime warranty on the frame, with 5 years coverage on parts and 2 years coverage on labor. And this generous warranty explains a lot about the quality of BodyCraft SPT Mag Magnetic Group indoor Cycle.

Unlike the SPX indoor cycle as part of the SP Series by BodyCraft that has friction resistance, the SPT-Mag indoor bike has a magnetic resistance system, which is silent and smooth.

The SPT-Mag Magnetic indoor bike is capable of providing a challenging resistance level for all fitness levels. Its resistance knob is located on the frame for easy and efficient changes.

Like other models in this series, the BodyCraft SPT spin bike is designed with the belt-driven technology for a low-maintenance spin workout. Additionally, SPT Mag is equipped with fast and maintenance-free SKF sealed bearings manufactured in Germany and France to eliminate noise and friction for almost silent operation. And that is precisely what you want for in-home use (low-maintenance and low-noise).

While no information is disclosed on the weight of the flywheel from the brand, we were able to find out that the BodyCraft SPT Mag spin bike flywheel weighs 30 pounds.

The precision-balanced perimeter weighted aluminum flywheel can take up to 350 pounds which point to a durable and reliable drive system.

Featuring Light commercial quality, the SPT-Mag Indoor Club Group Cycle is one step above the spin bikes that are made for home use only. This BodyCraft indoor bike can at least take up to three hours of daily use.

So, if you are looking for a spin bike to use with your partner, the BodyCraft SPT Mag is a good choice. And if you go with the BodyCraft SPT-MAG Indoor Club Group Cycle with magnetic resistance, you can save up to $400 over the other models in this series: the SPR and SPR-CT.

To find out all the details, pros and cons, keep reading this SPT-Mag indoor cycling bike review. And if you still have a question regarding this SPT Mag review, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through email or comment section below.

BodyCraft Indoor Cycles Comparisons

BodyCraft is a popular brand that specializes in making high-quality indoor bikes for fitness enthusiasts. With models ranging from their most basic SPX Club to their top-of-the-line SPR Club model, BodyCraft offers something for everyone. These bikes are all made of high quality materials and come with hefty price tags, which can put off many potential buyers.

Before 2019, the Bodycraft indoor bike prices were somehow acceptable because there wasn’t much of competition for indoor cycling industry. But in the last 3 years things have changed drastically in spinning and cycling industry.

Today, the Bodycraft indoor bikes are considered extremely overpriced and basic. For instance the Bodycraft SPX Club that has an outdated friction resistance system retails at $999 which is considered at least $500 overpriced.

The same goes for the Bodycraft SPT-Mag. Despite the fact that it doesn’t include a monitor or even dual-sided pedals, it still costs a whooping $1500. And it has no chance to compete against high-tech and high-quality Nordictrack S22, Schwinn, and Echelon, at least not while these brands are selling their bikes for under $1500.

Lastly, the Bodycraft SPR indoor cycling bike, at $2500, it is easily $1500 overpriced. So, why would anyone even think of buying these Bodycraft indoor bikes anymore is beyond my understanding. Especially, because you can buy a similar quality and more feature-rich bike for less than $999. For example, the Diamondback 1260sc, it has better quality, a better screen, and better app connectivity, yet, it is available for $999. Here is the BodyCraft indoor cycles comparison table to help you understand the differences and make a better decision.

BodyCraft Indoor Cycles Comparisons

Image
Names	Bodycraft SPR Club	BodyCraft SPT-Mag	Bodycraft SPX Club
Price	$2599	$1599	$999
Verdict	Around $1200 Overpriced	Around $700 Overpriced	Around $400 Overpriced
Quality	Commercial quality	Commercial quality	Commercial quality
Handlebars	Professionally designed	Professionally designed	Basic
Resistance	Manually Adjustable Magnetic	Manually Adjustable Magnetic	Manually Adjustable Friction
Flywheel	30-lbs	30-lbs	46-lbs
Screen	Console included	Console Optional ($150)	Console Optional ($150)
Tracking	Watt, RPM, gear, speed, calories, pulse, distance, & time	RPM, speed, calories, pulse, distance, & time	RPM, speed, calories, pulse, distance, & time
Shelf	Not included	Not included	Not included
Bluetooth	No	No	No
Applications	None	None	None
Transmission	Poly-V belt	Poly-V belt	Poly-V belt
Pedals	Only Cage	Only Cage	Only Cage
Power	AAA batteries required	None, unless a console is purchased	None, unless a console is purchased
Capacity	300-Lb weight capacity	350-Lb weight capacity	350-Lb weight capacity
Programs	No built-in workout programs	No built-in workout programs	No built-in workout programs
Posts	Coated and marked seat and handlebar posts	Coated and marked seat and handlebar posts	Steal seat and handlebar posts

BodyCraft SPT-Mag Alternative Bikes

I have chosen the BodyCraft spin bike SPT-Mag for the best spin bikes list in 2019. But for 2022 and with new available indoor bikes on the market, I can no longer recommend the The SPT-Mag BodyCraft spin bike for our readers for this price tag.

If you can spare $1500+ to spend on a spin bike, I would strongly recommend you to take a look at NordicTrack S22i and Diamondback 1260SC indoor cycles.

To make it easy for you to navigate through my BodyCraft SPT-Magnetic bike review, I have created the table content below. Click on the part that you want to learn about or read this detailed BodyCraft spin bike review to better understand what you are investing on.

Unlike the BodyCraft SPT-Mag that has no console, the Diamondback 1260 has a performance monitor with Bluetooth and ANT+ that allow connectivity to several cycling applications including Zwift. Plus, it provides more cycling feedback including resistance level and watt. Not to mention, it comes with dual-sided pedals to allow athletic as well as clipping cycling shoes.

As for the other alternative bike to BodyCraft SPT-Mag, the Nordictrack S22i, it’s a stat-of-art indoor bike with advanced technology. Aside from electronic resistance, the S22i also has incline and decline system with a 22″ touchscreen monitor that lets you choose from a variety of virtual classes and experiences on iFit application.

What used to make BodyCraft stand out was their superior craftsmanship and attention to detail. But in 2022, most brands put a good deal of attention into details and quality can’t be the only selling point. BodyCraft should bring serious changes if they want to stay in world of indoor cycling.

• SPT-Mag specs
• BodyCraft SPT-Mag monitor
• Pedals and Q-factor
• The SPT Mag flywheel
• SPT Mag resistance system
• Drive system
• Handlebars and seat
• SPT-Mag cycle price and warranty
• Shipping and assembly
• BodyCraft SPT-Mag pros
• BodyCraft SPT-Mat cons
• Final word on BodyCraft SPT-Mag indoor cycling bike

Body-Craft SPT-Mag Technical Information:

SPT-Mag Specs:

• Height: 47″
• Width: 24″
• Length: 42″
• Bike Weight: 116 Pounds
• Max User Weight: 350 Pounds
• Inseam Capacity: 27″ to 38″
• Shipping Weight: 127 Pounds
• Transport Wheels: Yes
• Base Adjustment Levelers: Yes
• Water Bottle Holder: Yes
• Power Requirement: Battery

The SPT Mag bike is a relatively compact bike compared to majority of spin bikes. And it also has two well built durable ball bearing transport wheels. So, it easy to move the bike and store it after use in case you don’t have a permanent place for the bike.

In addition to wheels, the SPT Magnetic cycle also features built-in 4 points heavy duty dampener/levelers. You can adjust them to have a solid and more comfortable workout on types of floors. The levelers also prevent floor scratching.

Weighing 115 pounds, this BodyCraft bike has a heavy-duty steel frame with dual coat paint to prevent rust and corrosion. The 350 pounds user weight capacity proves the sturdiness of this BodyCraft cycle.

As far as the inseam goes, the BodyCraft SPT-Mag Magnetic Club Group Cycle can accommodate pretty much all users. Thanks to SPT Mag’s high range of seat and handlebars adjustment, the riders from 4’10” to 6’7″ can use the bike.

There is also a built-in water bottle holder on the frame to stay hydrated during the ride. When buying this SP Series Magnetic cycling bike, keep in mind that it comes in one box and you might need help bringing the bike in the house. You will read more about shipping and assembly down below.

BodyCraft SPT Monitor:

• The SPT-Mag monitor is not included with the bike.
• This BodyCraft bike monitor coasts around $120.
• It is a blue backlit 5.25″ tall and 3.125″ wide monitor.
• You can tack the time, RPM, calories, distance, speed and heart rate.
• BodyCraft SPT-Mag computer uses radio frequency to connect with the wireless chest straps but does not have Bluetooth or ANT/+ connectivity.
• It also does not track the Watt.

The BodyCraft basic blue backlit console, retailing for $120. It is a basic choice, with intuitive functionality and a sleek design equipped with a blue LCD screen.

The BodyCraft SPT exercise bike displays the Speed, Time, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate, Cadence (RPM), and Odometer. But it does not track the Watts. To monitor your heart rate, you will need a non-coded strap, preferably the “Polar T34” heart rate telemetry chest strap.

Dimensions of the screen are 5.25″ H x 3.125″ W and the monitor uses batteries to run. Like the majority of other indoor cycling bikes, the BodyCraft-SPT-Mag-Magnetic-Group-Cycle does not have preset programs.

But the time, distance, and calorie goals can be set to countdown. There is also the Quickstart button that will reset all values to count up from zero. Note that the BodyCraft SPT Mag monitor doesn’t have the Bluetooth or ANT/+ connectivity.

So, if you want interactive workouts and real-time tracking with Bluetooth connectivity on cycling apps, you will need to either buy a pair of power meter pedals (expensive) or a Wahoo sensor (cheap).

If you decide to buy Power Pedals, you can forget about the BodyCraft monitor because the pedals have Bluetooth and ANT/+ connectivity and can provide all your cycling information, including Watts and RPM right on your tablet/phone and other smart devices.

The Wahoo sensors are a cheap alternative for both the Bodycraft monitor and pricey power meter pedals. Read our spin bike computer options to learn more about the Wahoo sensors.

Pedal and Q-Factor:

• SPT-Mag has a narrow 175 mm Q-Factor.
• It has aluminum alloy single-sided pedals with toe cage. They are not SPD compatible.
• Bottom Bracket is made of precision SKF sealed bearings and case hardened shaft.
• BodyCraft SPT Mag has a three-piece cold-forged steel crank arms.

When buying the BodyCraft SPT-Mag indoor Cycle, you will receive toe cage pedals only. But since the bike uses the standard 9/16 thread, you can easily replace them with SPD pedals.

In case you are new to the cycling world, the SPD pedals allow you to use specific indoor cycling shoes for a safer, more efficient and comfortable ride. Unfortunately, you will have to buy these pedals separately.

Reading BodyCraft exercise bike reviews, you will notice the Q-factor of these bikes is one of their selling points. The q factor is the distance between your feet.

When there is too much distance between your feet, your ankles, knees, and hips can not stay aligned together. And that can bring excessive pressure on your knees. But you don’t need to worry when buying an SPT-Mag bike. Because it has one of the industries leading narrow q-factors.

Last but not least is the SPT-Mag Indoor Club Group exercise bike’s high-quality bottom bracket. It is made in Germany featuring maintenance-free sealed bearing.

For extra safety and to prevent injuries, the SPT-Mag from SP series features cold-forged steel crank arms. Unlike cheap bikes, with the SPT Mag you will never have to worry about the crank arm getting snapped when you are off the seat.

The SPT Mag flywheel:

• The SPT Magnetic bike’s flywheel weighs 30 pounds.
• This bike features a precision balanced “perimeter-weighted” aluminum alloy flywheel.
• SPT-Mag’s design incorporates guards that ward off sweat from flywheel and magnets.
• Flywheel features German-made low-maintenance SKF precision sealed bearings.

A 30 pounds flywheel combined with magnetic resistance can really provide a smooth and 360 consistent pedal stroke. Especially when the flywheel is perimeter weighted.

The BodyCraft SPT-Mag flywheel is capable of providing high inertia smooth ride almost similar to outdoor biking. To minimize the noise and to eliminate the need for dealing with broken bearings, the flywheel of this bike turns on German and French made sealed bearings.

The flywheel itself is made of alloy aluminum. It is resistant to stains and rust which prolongs the life of the flywheel and makes the flywheel cleaning easy.

In general, when the flywheel is located in front of the bike, I criticize it because it is below the sweat zone. But with the SPT-Mag cycle I don’t see a problem. Because there is a leak-proof welded metal guard that stops the sweat from reaching the flywheel, bearings, and magnets.

SPT Mag resistance system:

• BodyCraft SPT bike has a magnetic resistance system.
• It has a micro-adjust resistance knob with an emergency safety stop.
• Resistance knob does not have numbers.

If you have been reading this BodyCraft SPT Magnetic indoor cycle review, you already know the SPT-Mag comes with a magnetic resistance system. But you may not know the pros of the magnetic system.

The magnetic Eddy Current resistance controlled via micro-adjust Knob reacts instantly to the increase and decrease of the user’s demand without causing friction or noise.

Unlike felt pad and leather pad friction resistance bikes, the BodyCraft SPT-Magnetic resistance does not come in contact with the flywheel. It simply gets close and far from the flywheel in order to add or cut resistance.

Therefore, the operation is silent so you can do your indoor cycling workout early morning or evenings when your partner and neighbors are resting. As far as the SPT-Mag resistance goes, the only problem is that there is no resistance level.

Unlike Keiser M3i or Life Fitness cycles, this bike does not show the current resistance level on the bike monitor. So, you will need to use the bike for a bit to learn how many knob turn is your average, max, etc.

SPT-Mag Drivetrain:

• Body-Craft SPT-Mag has belt driven system.
• The belt is a reinforced high-quality automotive-grade Kevlar.
• It doesn’t require oiling and frequent adjustment.

Every BodyCraft SPT-Mag reviews on the web say this bike is extremely quiet. But do you know why? Because this indoor exercise bike by Body-Craft features the whisper-quiet technology. And that is the combination of belt, magnetic resistance, and sealed bearings.

The result of all these high-quality well-thought engineering is the smooth, near to silent and maintenance-free ride that you would enjoy the SPT Magnetic spin bike.

Additionally, the belt drivetrain does not require any oiling as the chain does and since there is no oil involved, there is very little to clean.

Note: These days even spin bikes under $150 feature belt drive but what most bikes lack in, is the quality of the belt. They use cheap belts which tend to stretch after a couple of months of use.

Again, when you buy the Body Craft SPT Magnetic bike, you don’t need to worry about this common issue. Because the company uses the maintenance-free Hutchinson automotive-grade Kevlar reinforced belt.

Handlebars and Seat:

• BodyCraft SPT-Mag has 4-way adjustable handlebars.
• The BodyCraft SPT Magnetic Cycle’s seat is also fore/aft adjustable.
• This spin bike features a durable and lightweight aluminum seat and handlebars posts.
• SPT-Mag bike has multiple position handlebar includes Drop Loop handles.

Searching on the web, I can tell you that the riders really appreciate the attention to bio-mechanics in the seat and adjustable handlebars. The BodyCraft SPT-Mag handlebars adjust horizontally and vertically to provide a safe comfortable position for the riders.

But the adjustment is only part of what I like about the SPT-Magnetic cycle. This bike offers several handgrips so you can change your wrist position regularly and relieve stress points on your hands. And also change the muscles you’re using in your arms, shoulders and back.

This spin bike by Body Craft also comes with a relatively comfortable performance style seat. It is narrow and can minimize friction while offering a great deal of support.

Lastly, the adjustment levers combined with the lightweight aluminum posts. They are much easier to adjust the bike compared to heavy steel posts and time-consuming knob adjustment.

SPT-Mag price and warranty:

• BodyCraft SPT-Mag price is around $1600 when buying from Amazon.
• SPT-Mag Home Use Warranty:
• Lifetime Frame
• 5 Year Parts
• 2 Years Labor
• Club/Light Commercial Use:
• 10 Year Frame
• 3 Year Parts
• 1 Year Wear Items
• 90 Days Labor

The BodyCraft SPT-Mag is made and warranted for Club use, but also meant for home use indoor cycling with its flawless durable construction. This indoor cycling carries one of the most generous warranties for home and club use.

While this warranty indicates the quality of the bike and the high trust of engineers, it will also give you peace of mind when buying the BodyCraft SPT-Mag spin bike.

In case it is the first piece of fitness equipment you are buying from BodyCraft, you should know that they are known for providing prompt and good customer services.

As far as the price goes, currently, this bike retails for $1600 on Amazon. However, sometimes you might find the BodyCraft SPT-Mag exercise bike discounted. In that case, the price of BodyCraft SPT-Mag for sale might be less.

Where to buy BodyCraft SPT-Mag? You can purchase the SPT-Mag directly from the website of the company or from Amazon. They are exactly the same price because the BodyCraft that sells the SPT-Mag bike on Amazon.

Shipping and Assembly:

• BodyCraft SPT-Mag shipping is free in the United States.
• The BodyCraft SPT-Mag assembly tools come with the bike.
• A hard copy of the BodyCraft SPT-Mag manual comes with the bike.
• Soft of the manuals are available in the BodyCraft website.
• Partially assembled and fairly easy to assemble.
• This BodyCraft bike ships in one box that weighs 127 pounds.
• Shipping box dimensions: 45″ L x 10″ W x 33″ H

One last thing I am going to talk about in this BodyCraft SPT-Mag review is assembly and shipping. This bike comes partially assembled and pretty much anyone should be able to do the rest.

Because most significant assembly work is done for you, however, there are still a number of things to put together. You will have to assemble the front and rear stands, pedals, handlebars, and seat.

While the BodyCraft Indoor Cycle SPT Mag is fairly heavy, you might want to ask someone to help you with at least the stabilizer assembly.

BodyCraft SPT-Mag Pros:

Q Factor
One of the great features of this BodyCraft exercise bike is its narrow q factor. With 175 mm distance between the two pedals, the SPT Mag indoor cycle is capable of keeping your feet aligned with your knees and hips. This ergonomic design eliminates unnecessary pressure on your lower body and joints.

Handlebars
The SPT Magnetic BodyCraft spin bike handlebars feature multiple position hand grips including racing handles which extra verify and puts you in a bio-mechanically correct position for all rides.

Drive System
SPT-Mag-Magnetic-Group-Cycle by BodyCraft combines a quiet belt with magnetic resistance and German-made maintenance-free sealed bearings. Together, they make the SPT Mag by BodyCraft indestructible and one of the quietest spin bikes on the market.

BodyCraft SPT-Mag Cons:

Monitor
What bothers me the most about BodyCraft is that they sell everything separately. For instance, there is one console option offered with the SPT-Mag BodyCraft bike. But you need to purchase it separately. For $1500, the BodyCraft SPT Mag exercise bike should have at least included the monitor.

Pedals
The SPT-Mag lacks in SPD Shimano compatible pedals. That can be a problem for some people who want to workout with cycling shoes. Again, the BodyCraft separately sell the dual-sided, top quality SPD pedals. And they sell them overpriced so I suggest you buy one of these spin bike pedals for half price instead.

Tablet holder
BodyCraft has designed a very nice adjustable phone and tablet holder to mount on the SPT Mag bike. But unfortunately, it is also sold separately. The media holder is often part of the accessories that are included when you buy exercise bikes.

Final Word On BodyCraft SPT-Mag Indoor Club Group Cycle:

This is overall a well-built exercise bike as BodyCraft is known for their durable commercial-grade fitness equipment. The BodyCraft stationary bike SPT-Mag is designed with Whisper Quiet sealed bearing, belt and magnetic technology to create an almost noise-less workout experience.

The frame is heavy-duty steel with a multi-phase coat/Paint process that prevents rust and corrosion. Featuring top of the line bio-mechanically designed non-slip handlebars ad extra comfort to your indoor rides.

This model’s pros are mainly focused around the sturdiness and ergonomically-sound design of the bike that adds to the comfort and performance of the SPT-Mag Indoor Club Group Cycle.

Bottom line is that the SPT-Mag is built for comfort and convenience with an ergonomically-handlebar design, and a maintenance-free belt, resistance and ball bearings system to eliminate noise and friction.

It’s great that BodyCraft offers a console option to its users so that you can choose the options best for your individual workout needs. But the console is lacking in a few areas, mainly with wireless connectivity and Watt tracking.

Sayed

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.

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