X-GEAR Indoor Cycling Bike Review (See if it’s worth it)
Overview
Flexible, durable, and mobile, the X-Gear Magnetic Spin Bike is a perfect at-home exercise bike that fits right in with any home gym or personal workout plan. A newcomer from the X-Gear exercise line, the X-Gear magnetic spin bike is a portable and powerful spin bike perfectly designed for the beginner cyclist looking to break into the spin world.
The X-Gear magnetic spin bike is designed and made for the cycling newbie. Portable and lightweight, this bike is built for gentle training and at-home work, so you can begin building your cycling career without breaking the bank or spending all your cash at once. Costing just $300 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 X-Gear bike are nothing to sneeze at, either. Offering quiet yet powerful magnetic resistance, a 36 lb fixed flywheel that drives the intensity of your workout up higher and higher without having to lift a finger, and an included cycling app that tracks and synchronizes all your workout data for seamless integration into your fitness routines, the X-Gear 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 X-Gear bike innovates by taking that digital monitor directly to your personal device. While there is no LCD monitor included, instead the bike works in perfect synchronicity with its partner app to track your performance live and transmit and store that fitness data on your personal device.
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 perfectly customizable to your body and your needs. This bike can accommodate a variety of riders (heights ranging from 4 feet to 6’6”) with total dimensions of 41 x 21 x 44 inches and a maximum weight capacity of 330 lbs.
X-Gear Bike Comparison!
This is where I compared the X-Gear indoor cycling bike with similarly priced indoor bikes on the market and let you know if there is a better option for this price point. Currently, in 2020, the X-Gear is a good value for its price ($280). Thanks to the RPM reading, Bluetooth technology, and a combination of belt-drive with magnetic resistance, you will get a good indoor ride.
However, there is one serious drawback associated with this indoor bike (there is no display monitor). So, if you want to see your workout progress, you need to use your phone (Android and IOS) and subscribe to the X-Gear cycling app (without additional cost). If this is an issue for you (or you don’t care about the RPM reading), I suggest you ignore the X-gear model and consider one of the best budget spin bikes we reviewed recently.
More specifically, you can take a look at the VIGBODY spin bike. It has the same price tag and comes with the belt-driven transmission, magnetic resistance, a tracking monitor, and also a heavier flywheel and more user weight capacity.
XGear Bike Review and Specifications:
X-Gear Specification:
- Cycle Specifications:
- Width: 21″
- Length: 41″
- Height: 38-44”
- Bike Weight: 88 Pounds
- Max User Weight: 330 Pounds
- Rider Fit Range: 4’0” to 6’6”
- Personal Device Holder
- Water Bottle Holder
- Transportation Wheels
The X-Gear 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 88 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 X-Gear magnetic spin bike is sure to be a great fit for any new cyclist.
Fitness Monitor Integration:
- There is no LCD monitor on the bike;
- Instead, an included app tracks all the things you’d expect a monitor to typically cover on your personal device
- Measures time, calories, distance, speed, and cadence
- This indoor is only compatible/synchs with the X-Gear application (not Zwift).
The lack of monitor on the X-Gear bike took us by surprise at first, but the app’s capabilities do make up for it. The app is designed to be downloaded on your personal devices or whatever you prefer to track your workout on, and its Bluetooth capabilities mean that it tracks your progress in live time due to feedback from the bike, just like a standard monitor would. However, this design brings some negatives as well: if your device is dead or you just don’t have one, you’re out of luck when it comes to workout feedback.
The app itself is rather limited in the modes and tracking it offers, but the few it does track are very effective. One particular bonus is the cadence monitors. Not many bikes 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.
Toe-Cage Pedals:
- Pedals have toe cages for extra grip
- There is no SPD elements for cycling shoes
The pedals included on the X-Gear 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 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-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.
X-Gear Flywheel:
- 36 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 X-Gear 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.
X-Gear Resistance:
- The X-Gear features an adjustable magnetic resistance system
- Continual adjustment knob cranks up resistance before or during rides
The X-Gear 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 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-burn style rides than regular interval intensity changes.
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 X-Gear 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 X-Gear bike to be used by just about any rider without a hassle.
X-Gear Price and Warranty:
- The X-Gear bike is currently priced at about $300 USD (shipping included).
- The X-Gear bike’s warranty includes 18 months with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
- For support, you can either contact them on Amazon or through their website.
- Xgear contact details: Phone Number: 6087742918 / Email: service@thexgear.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://thexgear.com/pages/contact-us. They will walk you personally through the repair or exchange process for any damaged or malfunctioning parts.
The affordability of this bike in comparison to the range of features it offers and the range of other 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 X-Gear 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:
- The X-Gear English manual and assembly tools are included
- A free water bottle comes with the bike
- Assembly is fairly easy with only a few parts 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 X-Gear bike ships in one box that weighs around 90 pounds
- Expert assembly is not included
- They also have a 30-day return policy for this indoor bike.
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 X-Gear 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 us at service@thexgear.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 us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.”
X-Gear Indoor Bike Pros:
Portable and Compact design:
This is one of the most portable and lightweight bikes out there. Weighing just 88 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 X-Gear does, so this is definitely a major pro.
X-Gear Indoor Bike Cons:
No Monitor:
This is a con that will really depend on the rider. Most bikes include an LCD monitor as a standard, so the lack of one can feel rather awkward, especially if you’re not used to having to track your workouts on personal devices. However, some may find that the freedom of not having a 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.
2-Way Adjustable Handlebars:
The two-way adjustment (only vertically not horizontal) makes the X-Gear 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.
Final Thought on X-Gear Cycle:
The X-Gear Magnetic Spin Bike is a great bike for its price point, but its limited performance and capabilities set it back as far as overall opinions. The lack of SPD pedals is a huge loss, and the pedals themselves have been reported to crack or break with repeated use, leading us to believe they’re of a lower quality than the rest of the bike. However, what the X-Gear Magnetic Spin Bike lacks in pedal durability, it makes up for in simple spin.
The magnetic flywheel resistance system of the X-Gear bike is top-notch and perfect for beginners and even intermediate spinners. The seven-magnet resistance network makes braking and starting smooth, silent, and effortless, a great thing to have when you’re in the middle of an intensive workout. The knob adjustments, though challenging to use for interval workouts, are great for presetting levels for long cardio-heavy rides and can really help you up your workout through personal customization to the specific resistance level you need. The adjustable seat and handlebars make it a flexible fit for every rider, and its ease of transport and compact design mean it’s easily accessible and stored whether you’re at home or away.
At the end of the day, the X-Gear is a good beginner bike, but it’s not our favorite pick. It’s affordable and the magnetic flywheel system is a huge draw, but the disappointing pedals and poor technology offerings set it back quite a bit. Though these issues could be resolved with a few replacements or product swaps, it seems easier to just search for a bike that offers everything you’re looking for in a good spin bike (such as this heavy-duty HMC bike) right off the bat. However, for the simple beginner looking for a cheap but high-performing bike to start their cycling journey, the X-Gear may just be the perfect fit for you.
Sayed Hosseiny
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.
