BodyCraft SPX Indoor Cycling Bike Review: Sturdy but Worth it?

The BodyCraft SPX Club indoor cycling bike is a popular choice for people who want a mid-priced quality bike, that will help them meet their fitness goals, no matter how extreme they might be.

Priced around $1100 to $1200, the BodyCraft SPX indoor group cycle delivers a close to natural road bike feel and durability of a $3000 indoor cycling bike.

The SPX cycle by BodyCraft is a commercial-quality indoor bike that is capable of offering a service-free comfortable ride.

Coming from a fitness equipment company that is known for durability, this SPX indoor training cycle works for cyclists looking to extend training routine indoors.

And for health club owners who don’t want to deal with too much maintenance. Yes, you read correct, the BocyCraft SPX bike is built and warranted for the health clubs.

But thanks to the lack of bells and whistles, the BodyCraft SPX is affordable for home use. So, if you are a beginner or a pro cyclist who has been looking for a simple, yet, smooth and durable spin bike, don’t look further. The BodyCraft SPX club indoor bike is perfect for your training, it is unsurpassed in quality and durability.

Before you get tired of me bragging about the BodyCraft SPX Group Cycle, let’s do a quick SPX Bodycraft exercise bike overview and then we jump into a more detailed review.

The BodyCraft SPX spin cycle features original SKF bearings that play a big role in bike’s maintenance, sound, and smoothness. I mentioned the bearings because when buying spin bikes, this part is almost always overlooked.

In terms of pedal stroke, inertia and momentum, the SPX by BodyCraft is unmatched. Thanks to the precision 46 pound perimeter weighted flywheel. Featuring an industry leading q factor (172mm), the SPX BodyCraft bike ensures every rider’s comfort and safety.

But what makes the BodyCraft SPX spin bike an ideal cycle for everyone is the adjustment. The BodyCraft SPX exercise bike features a fore/Aft saddle and handlebar adjustable to provide a perfect fit for all heights.

So, if someday your daughter/son or partner feels like using the SPX, they can set up the bike to exercise comfortably and safely.

Finally, the BodyCraft SPX indoor training cycle feature an automotive quality French Hutchinson 5PK V-Ribbed Belt will last. And to give you peace of mind and to ensure you that the quality of this bike is real and it is not just for sake of advertisement, BodyCraft offers a generous warranty.

When buying the BodyCraft SPX Group indoor Cycle, you will receive a Life Time frame, 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty which is really unique in this price class.

Bodycraft Indoor Cycles Comparisons

BodyCraft used to be a leading brand in the world of indoor cycling bikes, with a line of three high-quality bikes ranging from their entry-level SPX Club to their top-of-the-line SPR Club model.

These bikes are all made from premium materials and feature the latest innovations in fitness technology, but they come at a steep price that may deter some potential buyers.\

In the recent years they didn’t couldn’t catch up with the market and therefore, their bikes are now considered extremely overpriced and outdated especially when compared to Peloton, Echelon, and Nordictrack bikes

That said, BodyCraft has long been known for providing targeted solutions that meet the specific needs of different groups of exercisers and fitness enthusiasts. Here is how Bodycraft indoor cycles compare against each other. I hope it makes it easier for you to make a decision when buying a BodyCraft Club bike.

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 SPX Alternative Bikes

This is where I often update to let you know if the Body Craft SPX is still a good value. In 2022 for $999, this indoor cycling bike is no longer considered a good value. There are high-quality magnetic spin bikes such as Diamondback 1260sc and Sole SB900 for a lower price on the market with more and better features.

While BodyCraft SPX is a durable commercial bike featured in many best spin bike reviews, it is the oldest model by BodyCraft which has friction resistance and makes a bit of noise and requires more maintenance compared to magnetic resistance system.

On the other hand, both alternatives bikes, the SB900, and 1260sc comes equipped with magnetic resistance. On to of that, these indoor bikes have consoles to allow tracking workouts and even connecting to cycling applications like Zwift.

And if that’s not enough to convince you to buy the Bodycraft SPX alternatives, the price should do it. They are both less expensive than Bodycraft SPX bike. So, if you live in an apartment or don’t want to disturb your partner during early morning and late evening spinning workouts, I suggest the Diamondback or Sole Sb900 indoor cycling bikes instead of the BodyCraft SPX bike.

And if you fancy a bike with a 7-inch screen from a reputable brand like Bowflex, I would say go for the Bowflex C7 indoor bike. It’s currently $300 less expensive than the BodyCraft SPX and has four superior features; SPD pedals, dumbbell and tablet holders, magnetic resistance and a HD touchscreen monitor.

• SPX Bike specification
• BodyCraft SPX Computer
• Pedals and Q-factor
• The SPX flywheel
• SPX Resistance
• Drive system
• Handlebars and seat
• SPX cycle price and warranty
• Shipping and assembly
• BodyCraft SPX Spin Bike pros
• BodyCraft SPX Spin Bike cons
• Last word on BodyCraft SPX indoor cycling bike

Technical Information:

SPX Bike Specification:

• Max User Weight: 350 lbs.
• Floor Space: 43″ Long x 24″ Wide x 47″ High
• Height: 47″
• Width: 24″
• Length: 43″
• Bike Weight: 125 Pounds
• Max User Weight: 350 Pounds
• Inseam Capacity: 27″ to 38″
• Transport Wheels: Yes
• Base Adjustment Levelers: Yes
• Water Bottle Holder: Yes
• Power Requirement: Battery

Featuring 350 pounds weight capacity is the proof of sturdiness that the SPX Group-Cycle by BodyCraft is known for. As far as the rust and corrosion goes, you have nothing to worry. The SPX has multi-Phase paint process & stainless steel components to prevent rust and corrosion.

Unlike cheap spin bikes that usually rock when you ride off the seat, the BodyCraft SPX belt drive Club Group Cycle is stable like a mountain. Thanks to wide base and the 4 point contact with adjustable levelers.

SPX bike has ball bearing wheels to make it easy to maneuver around and store after you are done working out. This bike also has a water bottle holder but unfortunately, it is not in a convenient place. You need to lean down to reach the bottle on the left side of the fork arm.

For such a solid structure bike and this price class, I was hoping it has a convenient bottle holder on the handlebars. Finally, this BodyCraft bike runs on battery only if you decide to buy and install the bike computer.

BodyCraft SPX Computer:

• BodyCraft SPX has a blue backlit 5.25″ tall and 3.125″ wide computer.
• But the BodyCraft SPX Monitor is not included with the bike.
• It costs an additional $120 if you need to buy the monitor.
• The computer tracks the time, RPM, calories, distance, speed and heart rate.
• BodyCraft SPX 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 SPX doesn’t come standard with a computer. This is not too unusual for club-level bikes. However, there is an optional computer that you can be purchased seperatly.

This computer will track your speed, distance, calories, RPM, time and heart rate. But it does not track the watt and also it is not Bluetooth or ANT/+ enabled.

Therefore, you can not save your progress on the fitness apps or join virtual cycling competitions. Thankfully there are other encouraging and motivation options if the watt/power and workout tracking is something you want.

The cheapest option would be a Wahoo sensor. While it does not track the watts, it track your time, distance, and RPM. Wahoo sensors have Bluetooth and ANT+ technology that allow you to join cycling apps online and track your fitness progress on your smart phone or tablet.

If you are intermediate or a more advanced rider and like to see the real time right and left leg power efficiency along with accurate RPM and Speed, nor the Wahoo neither the BodyCraft bike computers works for you.

In this case I suggest a pair of Power pedals. They effectively provide you with encouragement and motivation together while helping you to improve your cycling level.

Note: If you buy the power pedals, you can save on buying SPD pedals because the power pedals are spd compatible. Most of these pedals have Bluetooth and ANT/+ connectivity. They are compatible with most of the spinning apps such as Zwift for a useful and entertaining ride.

Pedals and Q-factor:

• BodyCraft SPX Q factor is 172 MM.
• The BodyCraft SPX pedals are toe cage only.
• The straps are adjustable to accommodate wide feet.
• SPX Indoor Club Group Cycle has standard bike pedal thread size (9/16″).

Unfortunately, this BodyCraft exercise bike has single sided toe caged pedals which is high quality but they are not compatible with the clipless cycling shoes.

So, if you want to use proper spinning shoes for a safer and more efficient pedal stroke, you will need to spend another $50-100 to buy one of these spin bike pedals and replace them with SPX bike’s pedals.

And to be honest, in 2019 for a $1200 spin bike with friction resistance and no computer, it is a rip off not to offer a pair of SPD compatible dual sided pedals.

I am not trying to say the SPX training cycle is not good value for the money but hoping that BodyCraft will read the review and consider include SPD pedals with the bike. Specially now that bikes such as this $450 Schwinn IC3 bike comes with a computer and spd pedals.

But as far as the q factor goes, the BodyCraft SPX indoor training cycle beats most of the bikes in this price class. With 172 mm q factor you will have a safe and comfortable ride.

In case you are new to indoor cycling exercise, the q factor is the distance between the two pedals. If there is too much distance between the pedals, your feet cannot stay aligned with your knees and hips.

As a result your knees will be under stress. Thankfully, you won’t be having this issue with the SPX Indoor Club Group Cycle by BodyCraft, because it has a bio-mechanically correct narrow q factor.

The SPX flywheel:

• BodyCraft SPX precision flywheel is 46 pounds.
• It is perimeter weighted for extra smooth performance.
• The flywheel spins on the very best SKF Bearings available, manufactured in Germany and France.
• Flywheel does not have a sweat protection guard.

SPX’s solid structure and perimeter weighted flywheel translate into momentum, speed and a less-impact workout. The perimeter design guarantees that you will have a smooth and close to real road bike cycling experience.

As I have always said, the weight of the flywheel is an important feature when buying spin bike, especially if the bike has friction resistance. And if the bulk of the weight is placed on the perimeter of the flywheel (like SPX), it is a big plus.

As mentioned earlier in this BodyCraft SPX indoor cycling bike review, bearings are important part of the cycle that often riders forget to consider when comparing spin bike.

And unfortunately, most companies don’t even mention the type of bearings they use in the bike. But thankfully Body-Craft discloses this information. This SP Series indoor training cycling bike has service-free German made SKF bearing that last a lifetime.

One especially relevant design feature that I don’t like about the SPX bike is the lack of resistance and flywheel sweat protection. Due to the friction resistance system, they should have designed a sweat guard to keep the pads and the flywheel dry in order to reduce maintenance.

SPX Resistance:

• The BodyCraft SPX resistance is friction.
• It has micro-adjust resistance knob with emergency safety stop.
• SPX has BodyCraft’s patented brake resistance for extra-smooth performance.

In general, I am not a big fan of friction resistance bikes because they make noise and require brake pad changing every few years of use. But this SPX from SP series has the BodyCraft’s patented brake that is very quiet and durable.

So, you won’t be needing a new brake pad for years unless you are a gym owner and several people ride the bike every day. It is controlled by a micro-adjust safety knob with emergency stop.

Note: Unlike most magnetic bikes, the friction brake offers unlimited resistance. Therefore, no matter your fitness level, you will be able to do a challenging strength workout in addition to cardio workout on this bike.

But if you want a silent bike because you live in a small apartment or in general don’t want to bother your partner with the noise, I suggest you buy a magnetic spin bike.

For an additional $300 you can buy the BodyCraft SPT-Mag cycle. In addition to magnetic system, it has quite a few other good features such as better handlebars/seat, and flywheel sweat cover.

Drive system:

• SPX BodyCraft features a French Hutchinson 5PK V-Ribbed Belt.
• It offers a smooth, nearly silent maintenance-free performance.

BodyCraft SPX Indoor Training cycle Review is seen everywhere and one of the reasons is its near to silent drive mechanism. The SPX indoor cycle features the automotive quality French Hutchinson 5PK V-Ribbed Belt that will last.

These days even $100 exercise bikes come with the belt instead of chain. But what I rarely see is a high-quality belt which is why some riders prefer chain because it does not easily stretch or break.

The BodyCraft SPX indoor Cycle, on the other hand, has a top-notch quality belt that does not stretch. So, you don’t have to adjust the belt every few weeks. And unlike chain indoor cycling bikes, this belt is smooth, near to silent and does not require lubing. Therefore, your floor and hands stay clean.

Handlebars and seat:

• BodyCraft SPX handlebars are 4-way adjustable.
• The handlebars feature the Aero, Cross, and Bull-Horn grip positions. but not the drop bars.
• BodyCraft SPX Cycle seat is also up/down for/aft adjustable.
• It is a 10.5″L x 6.75″W high-performance racing saddle.
• Seat post and handlebar stem are made of stainless steel.

Earlier in this BodyCraft SPX spin cycle review we talked about the commercial quality and SPX’s high user inseam accommodation. Well, it is thanks to the infinite fore and aft adjustments seat and handlebars.

This BodyCraft bike comes with a fully adjustable seat and handlebars which are both quite comfortable and easy to adjust. There are several hand-grip positions to reduce stress on your wrests and allow you ride the bike in different positions.

SPX cycle price and warranty:

• You can buy BodyCraft SPX cycle for around $1100.
• This BodyCraft indoor bike is warranted for home and club use.
• The home use warranty includes:
• Lifetime Frame
• 5 Year Parts
• 2 Year Labor
• The club/light commercial use warranty includes:
• 10 Year Frame
• 3 Year Parts
• 1 Year Wear Items*
• *Saddle, Toe Straps/Cages, Lock Levers, Brake Pads
• 90 Days Labor

Warranties on this piece of fitness equipment are broken down into separate categories and they are pretty generous for this price tag. Unlike Sunny Health and Fitness that usually feature a 90-day warranty on everything.

The BodyCraft offers lifetime on frame and 5 years on parts which is pretty awesome giving the consumers peace of mind and insurance for the investment.

This generous warranty proves the quality and durability of the bike will last you a lifetime, and as I mentioned earlier, there aren’t lots of bells and whistles that could potentially go wrong.

Note: The SPX Indoor Club Group Cycle is built and warranted for the club, but thankfully affordable for home use too. So, if you are a gym owner, this indoor cycle will provide years of cardio workout for your trainees.

Shipping and assembly:

• BodyCraft SPX assembly is very easy.
• You need to install the pedals, seat, handlebars, stabilizer feet and the water bottle holder.
• Needed assembly tools are included.
• BodyCraft SPX shipping weight is: 133 Pounds
• Shipping box dimensions:: 43″ Long x 10″ Wide x 38″ High
• BodyCraft SPX manual is included for easy assembly.

According to pretty much all the consumers, the SPX Indoor Club Group exercise bike arrives amazingly packed with very little parts to assemble.

Based on the few parts that needs assembly, it should be extremely simple and fast to assemble the SPX spin bike. You will need to just tighten a few things.

Assembly could take about 30-40 minutes and the parts required to be assembled are: pedals, handlebars, seat, install stabilizer feet and install water bottles.

BodyCraft SPX Spin Bike Pros:

Commercial Quality:
Your wife, son, and daughter want to use the bike? No problem, the SPX is able to outlast hours of daily intense workouts. The Bodycraft SPX is a high quality durable indoor cycle. It has a rust resistance solid heavy duty frame and components that are designed for health club use. A few of the BodyCraft SPX parts that are unique in this price tag are the automotive quality Hutchinson 5PK V-ribbed belt, the 46 lb perimeter weighted flywheel and SKF bearings manufactured in Germany and France.

Warranty:
When buying this BodyCraft spin bike, you get an excellent warranty for home use and great warranty for spin class use. This type of generous warranty says a lot about how confident the BodyCraft is in this bike. The lifetime warranty on the frame and 5 years on parts of this indoor cycle proves this bike is indestructible.

• Heavy duty, stable and sturdy steel frame with a multi-phase coat process that prevents rust and corrosion.
• 46lbs flywheel is precision machined and perimeter weighted for optimal inertia and efficiency.
• Direct drive maintenance-free Hutchinson automotive Kevlar reinforced drive belt.
• BodyCraft’s patented friction-brake for extra-smooth performance controlled by a micro-adjust knob.
• 3 Piece cold-forged steel.
• Maintance-free SKF precision sealed bearings.
• Bio-mechanically correst narrow 175 mm Q-factor.
• Stainless steel saddle and handlebar post with fore and aft adjustments.
• SPX bike assembly is super easy.
• 4-Way adjustable high performance racing saddle.
• Multi-grip handlebar with aero, cross and bull-horn grip positions.
• 4 Point contact with 2 adjustable levelers and ball bearing transport wheels.
• Easy to reach water bottle holder attached to the handlebars.

BodyCraft SPX Spin Bike Cons:

Computer:
This BodyCraft bike does not come with a computer which is not too unusual for older model club level bike for one obvious reason (to minimize the maintenance and cost). But for home use, I would personally prefer a bike with computer because I like to see my progress. Thankfully, BodyCraft has built a bike computer for the SPX. Unfortunately you need to buy it seperatly which I believe should have been included with the bike.

Tablet holder:
Unfortunately, the tablet holder is not included when buying the SPX BodyCraft bike. And you have to buy it seperatly if you want to keep your tablet/phone on the bike.

Pedals:
SPX indoor cycle pedals are toe caged, they are not SPD. Therefore, you can not ride this bike with clipless cycling shoes. But thankfully the SPX BodyCraft spin bike has standard bike pedal thread size (9/16″). So, you can buy one of these dual sided SPD pedals and replace them with SPX’s toe caged pedals.

Friction resistance:
Unlike the newer models, this BodyCraft exercise bike features the friction resistance system which is not silent like the magnetic resistant. Because it comes in direct contact with the flywheel, it makes a bit of noise and also requires new brake pads every couple of years depending on how often you ride the bike.

• Resistance levels not marked making it difficult to return to previous settings.
• Does not have the drop and armrests for upper body workout variety and comfort.
• There is not a protection guard to prevent sweat dropping on to the pad and flywheel.

Last Word on BodyCraft SPX Indoor Cycling Bike

SPX is a solid and uncomplicated mid-priced bike that can offer a powerful workout and recreate a natural and smooth indoor cycling experience, while being easy to use and adjust.

The BodyCraft SPX indoor cycling bike Indoor Cycle comes at a good price, offering value for money. Comfortable and 4-way adjustable, it’s perfect for both beginners and experienced cycling enthusiasts.

By now, you already know the SPX indoor cycle is not one of the most featured rich BodyCraft spin bikes. But what you need to know that it is capable of satisfying riders who prefer a durable bike without everyday maintenance.

Unlike magnetic indoor cycling bike with limited resistance, the BodyCraft’s patented brake offer unlimited resistance to allow you push yourself to high levels of endurance and strength workouts.

What SPX lack in terms of bike computer, it definitely makes up for in heavy flywheel, narrow q-factor, commercial quality and market’s one of the best warranties. If bike computer is not a factor, you won’t be disappointed with the BodyCraft SPX exercise bike.

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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