HMC 5006 Exercise Bike Review: Sturdy and Smooth
Versatile, sturdy, and portable, the HMC 5006 Indoor Exercise Bike is a perfect at-home exercise bike that fits right in with any home gym or personal workout space. New from the HMC 5006 line, the HMC 5006 Indoor Exercise, and Spin bike is a portable yet powerful spin bike perfectly designed for the beginning to intermediate cyclists looking to expand on their spin skills without breaking the bank (or themselves!)
The HMC 5006 indoor exercise bike is designed and made for an inexperienced cyclist, providing gentle practice and a stable base from which to build your cycling abilities. Portable and lightweight, this bike is built for gentle training and at-home work, so you can begin building your spin endurance without breaking the bank or spending all your cash at once. With a price tag of just $400 USD, this is definitely an affordable purchase and a great entry into the home fitness world while sticking to a budget.
The technical capabilities of the HMC 5006 indoor bike are very respectable. Offering quiet yet powerful magnetic resistance, a standard 44 lb fixed flywheel that drives the intensity of your workout up higher and higher without having to put in extra work, and an included performance monitor that tracks your rides for easy integration into your fitness routine, the HMC 5006 team goes above and beyond to offer high-quality performance and durability at a low price.
Most top indoor cycling bikes on the market include some type of digital console to help cyclists track performance and endurance metrics with ease while they ride. The HMC 5006 indoor bike takes this idea and simplifies it for a cost-effective and easy to use monitor that isn’t confusing or overly expensive while still tallying performance metrics with ease.
With an adjustable seat and well-balanced height and width proportions, this indoor cycling bike was made to fit in. The cushioned bike seat and multi-grip handlebars are designed to move wherever you want them, becoming fairly customizable to your body and your needs. This bike can accommodate a variety of riders (heights ranging from 5.2″ feet to 6’3”) with total dimensions of 42.5 x 36 x 10 inches and a maximum weight capacity of 330 lbs.
HMC 5006 Comparable Alternative Indoor Cycle
As an expert in indoor cycling bikes, I can assure you that the HMC 5006 bike, is still considered a good value option at $400. However, there are two comparable products that offer better features and value for $100 more.
One notable alternative is the Joroto X4S. This indoor cycling bike boasts a superior console with a backlit display and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect with popular applications such as Zwift, Peloton, and Kinomap. Additionally, the Joroto X4S stands out with its narrower q-factor of 195mm, which minimizes stress on your joints and enhances comfort during your workouts.
Another commendable option is the Niceday bike, which I personally favor and recommend to individuals regardless of their fitness level. While it may lack the backlit display found in the Joroto X4S, the Niceday bike still surpasses the HMC 5006 in terms of display quality. Notably, the Niceday bike features dual-sided pedals, which provide enhanced versatility compared to the single-sided pedals found on both the Joroto and HMC bikes.
Both the Joroto X4S and the Niceday bike offer excellent value for money as these spin bikes are available for under $500. These alternatives surpass the HMC 5006 in terms of features and are worthy of consideration for anyone seeking a reliable indoor cycling bike.
Therefore, if you’re in the market for an indoor cycling bike and have a budget of around $450 to $500, I would recommend exploring options such as the Joroto X4S and the Niceday bike. These alternatives offer a more comprehensive set of features, making them superior choices compared to the HMC 5006.
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HMC Indoor Bike Review and Specs:
Cycle Specifications:
- Width: 21″
- Length: 42.5″
- Height: 45-48.5”
- Bike Weight: 121 Pounds
- Max User Weight: 330 Pounds
- Rider Fit Range: 5’2” to 6’3”
- Water Bottle Holder
- Transportation Wheels
The HMC 5006 has a 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 an intense yet quiet workout, and its included transport wheels 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 HMC 5006 magnetic spin bike is sure to be a great fit for any growing cyclist.
Digital Monitor:
- The Digital Monitor console on the HMC 5006 runs on batteries (included)
- Measures RPM, speed, distance (miles or kilometers, plus an odometer mode), time, and calories
- Does not offer Bluetooth or smart app integration, unlike some competitor models
- There is no backlit and also can’t sync ride data up with external apps or recorders
The digital monitor that comes with the HMC 5006 indoor cycling bike is very simple, yet effective. It tracks some of the most important cycling data such as RPM, speed, calories, and heart rate.
However, its simple design brings some negatives as well: you can’t export or sync ride data, so if you want to track or transfer your rides you’ll have to hand copy the details off your monitor or rely on an external strap or watch to track yourself.
Note: The monitor is not backlit so you may have a hard time seeing the stats in the low-light condition. Also, the monitor doesn’t track the rider’s watt/power output which is common for all magnetic spin bikes under $500.
Q-factor and Pedals:
- Pedals have toe cages for extra grip
- There is no SPD elements on the pedals
- The q-factor of this bike is 220mm
The pedals included on the HMC 5006 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.
SPD is a must-have for any committed cyclist. Most SPD pedals are double sided – that means you can clip into either side of the pedal, which makes starting from a stationary position (a.k.a not pedaling) 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 problem later on if you’re looking to increase your spinning abilities, but if you’re just looking for a plain-Jane indoor bike these pedals will do the trick. You can also always order SPD-equipped replacement pedals: we’ve got a list of our favorites here to check out as well.
HMC 5006 Flywheel:
- 44 lb fixed flywheel for bidirectional pealing.
- Durable, stable, and smooth rides in all resistance levels.
- 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, sleek, and virtually no-maintenance experience.
This fixed flywheel offers a superior spinning experience, propelling users forward and anchoring firmly in place to create a harder workout without adding extra weight to the machine. Fixed flywheels work by generating internal traction that propels the pedals forward as you push, meaning you work hard with every stride to earn a good workout.
The heavy duty crank system and durable and protected perimeter on the flywheel make it quite resistant to damage, so you won’t have to worry about bumping it into corners in your home or gym. The flywheel, like the rest of the bike, is built to last, so you’ll have no problem riding it for years to come.
HMC 5006 Resistance:
- The HMC 5006 features an adjustable magnetic resistance system.
- Variable adjustment knob cranks up resistance before or during rides.
- The resistance manual (not Electromagnetic) so there is no automatic adjustment.
The HMC 5006 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 variable adjustment knob allows a rider to adjust the resistance settings however they please at any given moment with the simple twist of a knob.
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 bikes offer, like resistance levels that simulate specific terrain or target specific workout types.
Interval workouts are hard with knob adjustments, so this bike is better suited for long cardio-based style rides than regular interval intensity changes such as hill or terrain training.
Handlebars and Seat
- Four-way adjustable handlebars for extended personalization
- Four-way adjustable seat (without padded cycling shorts, you might need a gel cover)
- Handlebars are dipped to provide a non-slippery grip
- There are two built-in elbow pads on the handlebars for additional comfort
Another pro of the HMC 5006 magnetic spin bike is the personalization available due to the adjustable handlebars and seat. They offer many possible positions a rider could want and both riders who normally train indoors and those who ride outdoors can find their preferred arm positions with little to no trouble adjusting and creating a good fit. It also features one foot of height adjustment, so average 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 HMC 5006 bike to be used by just about any rider without a hassle.
However, these handlebars lack a personal device holder that would allow riders to store phones, tablets, or books while they ride. Though this isn’t going to affect the practical use of the bike, it is an inconvenience that some may find troublesome when trying to ride. Note: Although there is no specific holder for your drive, you can still keep your tablet/phone on the handlebars.
HMC 5006 Price and Warranty:
- The HMC 5006 bike is currently priced at about $400 USD
- The HMC 5006 bike’s warranty includes 12 months with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee
- For warranty questions or parts replacement, you can contact the manufacturers either through Amazon or through their website, “www.hmcspin.com”, for more information.
The price of this bike in comparison to the range of features it offers and the range of other bikes available is impressive. 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 HMC 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.
Assembly and Shipping:
- Shipped in a single box, with limited assembly required
- Should take about 1-2 weeks to arrive normally, though there are a variety of factors that could affect that especially during COVID shipping
- Shipping dimensions of about 42.5 x 36 x 10 inches and a weight of 121 lbs
Assembling your HMC 5006 is very simple. Most of the more complicated parts, such as the flywheel and the belt system, come pre-assembled, so you won’t need a complicated mechanic’s degree to attach them.
Assembly diagrams are clear and take two people about half an hour to complete, a little more for just a single person. Shipping timeframes will depend on the carrier, but if you have concerns about getting it into your house you can call ahead and arrange assistance with your local delivery office.
HMC 5006 Indoor Exercise Bike Pros:
Sturdy yet portable design:
This is one of the most portable, yet durable indoor exercise bikes out there. 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. However, the flywheel is still solidly attached and the frame is sturdy enough to last through tons of workouts with no issues.
Resistance Adjustment:
The varied 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.
The Customizable Setup:
With the combination of the adjustable seat and handlebars, the HMC 5006 bike is extremely adaptable to just about any cyclist. Both the seat and handlebars can be adjustable in two directions and both can be done in a much quicker fashion than one might expect. The handlebars are coated with no-slip durable coverings, so you have a good grip on them during any workout. This can be really handy if you have multiple users of the bike in your home or just want to try out different settings or styles without having to reset your entire machine.
HMC 5006 Indoor Exercise Bike Cons:
Low-Grade Monitor:
This is a con that will really depend on the rider. Most bikes include an LCD monitor as a standard, but this one is pretty basic non-backlit in the settings it offers. However, some may find that the freedom of not having a complicated monitor improves their personal workout performance, so it’s truly a matter of personal preference.
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.
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. If you have any questions or suggestion, you can contact me at sayed@yourexercisebike.com.
This HMC5096 bike seems to be unavailable at Amazon Uk, is it available elsewhere?
Hello David, thanks for stopping by
Unfortunately this bike is only available in the US and Canada (when it’s in stoke) and I don’t think it will be coming to the UK market. Another good quality and reasonably priced alternative would be the JLL IC400 Pro or even better, the ProForm Carbon CX (you can read more about them on our website). Usually both of these indoor bikes are available in the UK!
Best,
Sayed (YEB Team)
Hello.
Thanks in advance for the reply.
I am thinking of buying a second hand hmc5008. For around 190 euros. Is it still a good buy? I live in Portugal.
Another question would be about height, can you help with the minimum and maximum height for this bike?
Thank you very much!
Hi Tiago, if it’s in condition, I would say it’s a good-value indoor bike. You would probably need to buy a seat cover or a new seat because the seat that comes with this indoor bike is hard and a little uncomfortable. The minimum height recommendation is about 5’2″ (160 cm) and the maximum is 6’3″ (192 cm). Unfortunately, it’s not like Peloton or Keiser that would all the riders to put the seat as low as they want.
If you are shorter than 160cm, I would suggest that you measure your inseam (following the inseam guide you can find on our website) and then ask the seller to put the seat all the way down then measure the distance from the top of the seat to pedal (the pedals has to be down to 6 o’clock direction).
I hope it helps, let me know if you have any other questions.
Thank you very much.
Im 180, but my girlfriend is 159cm, so hence the question. Is there any difference between the 5006 that you reviewed and the 5008 that im looking for? Thanks in advance again for the time you take to reply.
The bike works for you for sure but for your girlfriend, I am not sure. More than the actual user height, it’s about the inseam length. If you don’t want to take the risk, it’s best you ask him to send you the minimum seat height for the pedals. If it’s an HMC 5006, it should be the same indoor bike that one of our team members reviewed years ago.