The Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle is one such cycle that concentrates on the basics than focusing on the additional rings and bells. This bike is one where frivolous features are set aside and you get what you spend for. There is no magnetic wheel that adjusts the resistance, and the bike also does not come with a gigantic touchscreen loaded with high-end features.
The bike is a 3-way ergonomic adjustable one that has a basic LCD display that provides essential data without any fuss. At present, the company has launched 7 bikes post the launch of the Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle. The Life Fitness IC4 Indoor Cycle is definitely a favorite because of the better quality of the exercise bike.
However, in case you do not wish to spend $900 or more, Fitness IC1 is a good choice. Read through our Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle review 2021 to know all about the bike and its features.
Best Suited to Whom?
The Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle is ideal for those fitness enthusiasts who want a basic yet good indoor cycle and not a bike with all the frills. If you are more concerned about durability as well as longevity of the bike, this is perfect for you.
Though bikes from other brands could offer additional technology and amazing features. if you want a bike that helps you focus only on fitness, then the Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle is a good pick.
Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle Assembly, Design and Build Quality
Assembly and Maintenance
The Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle assembly process is quite simple and easy. A major part of this bike is pre-assembled. All you need to do is fix the seat post, the seat, the base tubes, the handlebar post, the handlebars, the pedals, and the console. The assembly process will need about 30 minutes.
The box comes with an instruction manual that gives the user all the step-by-step instructions along with the essential tools. The bike has to be kept clean at all times and you might have to lubricate the brake pad. Once the brake pad gets worn out, you must replace it. Also, keep a check on loose parts, bolts, etc regularly.
Design and Build Quality
The Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle is the first exercise bike from Life Fitness powered by ICG before getting launched years ago. However, this bike is amongst the best spin bikes under $1000 because of the top-quality of the bike, the smooth ride and the price being affordable.
This is an entry-level spin bike that provides simple features but does not compromise on the quality of material, engineering as well as design. The Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle is quite sturdy and strong and is best suited for commercial use. The warranty offered on this bike is quite generous. The bike can be purchased at $900.
The bike comes with a steel flywheel that is about 40 pounds that gives the user a very even pedaling. The bike has a Poly-V belt drivetrain that gives you a very smooth and low maintenance operation.
The blue RPM console is backlit as well. The most important feature is the 173 mm q factor which is rarely offered by any indoor cycle available in this price range. In addition to this, the manufacturer offers a warranty of 5 years on frame, 3 years on the technical parts, 1 year on other parts and labor.
Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle Features
Frame
Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle comes with a steel frame that has a V-shape and resembles the ActionLine A84016 Pro Bike. The frame does not come with the step-up pad, however, the connection of the mainframe tube and the tube of the seat is quite sturdy and it supports spin workouts.
The bike’s frame has a double-coat of a powder finish that is durable and scratch-proof and corrosion-resistant.
Levelers
The base of the Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle is well-equipped with levers that are adjustable and which are huge rubberized pads. In addition to this, the trainer weighs about 145 lbs when it is completely assembled. This weight along with the weight of the user gives stability to the machine.
Transport wheels
The front base of the Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle comes with wheels that facilitate relocation. These wheels enable you to move the bike around easily and you will not have to handle the entire weight of the bike on your own.
Seat
The Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle comes with a good spin seat. The seat has not been designed for comfort as the bike is meant for spin workouts wherein the user is not seated at all times. However, there is the padding on the seat and the design is quite basic.
The seat can be adjusted as well. It can easily accommodate a user in the height range of 5’0″ to 6’5″ and a user weight of 300 lbs.
Handlebar
The handlebar of the Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle features a multi-grip design. There are two bottle holders on each side. The bike also comes with a loop aero bar that promotes the racing posture.
It is dipped in urethane that gives a good grip and reduces abrasion while working out for long hours. The handlebar can be adjusted in 4 ways.
Flywheel
The Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle has a heavy flywheel that weighs about 45 lbs and delivers a consistent momentum and a smooth pedaling motion. Even some commercial-grade bikes like the ASUNA 5150 do not have a heavy flywheel. The flywheel of this bike is bi-directional as well.
Pedals
The Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle is ICG powered and has a solid crankset. It can accommodate a user in a standing position without any issue, provided the weight does not surpass 290 lbs.
Though durable, the pedals are toe caged and are of the standard 9/11″ thread size. This enables the user to replace the pedals easily with spin bike pedals that are SPD compatible spin bike pedals.
Resistance system
The Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle has a friction resistance system which indicates that no power source is required for this bike. In contrast to bikes like FitLeader UF1 or the Body-Solid Endurance B2U which have a magnetic tension system, the IC1 bike has no markings on its resistance dial.
It only has to be tightened until adequate resistance is obtained. You can have a look at the best indoor cycles over $1000 as well.
Exercise meter
This is a small unit that has no online connectivity, but it more than basic. It has a huge LCD which is divided into three sections – the top indicates RPN, the calories and heart rate is depicted in the mid-section, whereas the bottom section indicates time, speed, and distance.
Therefore without using the SCAN function, you can view multiple workout metrics simultaneously.
Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle Warranty
Brand Life Fitness offers a generous warranty on its bikes. There is a 5-year warranty on the frame, a warranty of 3 years on the technical components, and 1 year on other parts and labor.
Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle Pros and Cons
Pros
- The cycle has great construction and is quite solid
- It offers a quiet operation
- The bike has a very heavy flywheel that makes it quite stable
- The LCD though basic provides all the necessary details like distance, calories burned, heart rate, flywheel RPM, and distance
- The bike supports a user weight of about 300 lbs
- It has a great warranty
- The brand is quite reputed and well-known for its excellent products
- The bike does not need a power source
Cons
- There is a lot of competition in terms of features available in other bikes and at an affordable price
- Many bikes in this price range offer magnetic resistance
Verdict
The Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle is definitely among the best indoor cycles that are affordable. However, it is good for those who want a basic bike with basic features and might not be best suited for those more interested in technology and frills. The bike comes with an adjustable seat and handlebars and a basic console.
It also has a good warranty. The bike features a 40 lb flywheel that gives it the required stability and a good q-factor. A cheaper option to look into is the Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike. So, if you want a basic indoor cycle with basic features and in the affordable price range, the Life Fitness IC1 Indoor Cycle is worth considering.
