Exerpeutic LX 8.5 Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike with Bluetooth (Model 4230 & 4231) Review

The Exerpeutic LX 8.5 Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike with Bluetooth (Model 4230 & 4231) is a belt-driven bike with a heavy perimeter weighted flywheel of 40 pounds/18 kg. The Bluetooth enables the user to get connected to the free MyCloudFitness app that is available for Android and any ios smartphone so that workout data could be tracked with a well-designated phone shelf for higher readability.

The Exerpeutic LX 8.5 Indoor Cycling Exercise bike with Bluetooth has all the features that make a spin bike comfortable and productive.

It is built with durability in mind just as its primary function is to provide comfortable and productive cardio workouts that burn tons of calories and tone the muscle groups.  It supports up to 300 pounds/136 kg maximum user weight capacity.

It is a stable bike that is integrated with a good base framework of stabilizer bars and transport wheels for easy relocation. There are also adjustable levelers underneath the stabilizer bars to further boost stability on uneven surfaces. The levelers prevent tipping or wobbling while working out.

The compact nature of the bike will also appeal to users who have space problem because it won’t take up much space for a workout and neither will it take up much space during storage.

As you may have noticed, there are two models to this bike which is the model 4230 and 4231. But both of them are the same except that one model comes with the HR chest strap while the other does not.

In other words, if you don’t wish to spend more and to be able to monitor your heart rate then you should go for the model 4230 but if you wish otherwise go for model 4231.

If you do not have the time to go through the entire review (although we encourage you to), you may look up the video below which has a short summary with an insightful interpretation of the Exerpeutic LX 8.5 Cycling Bike.

Click right here for a quick peek at the price of the Exerpeutic LX 8.5 Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike with Bluetooth Smart Technology (Model 4230 & 4231) on Amazon.

The Frame and Construction

The Exerpeutic LX 8.5 Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike with Bluetooth (Model 4230 & 4231)’s frame is made of solid steel with the perimeter weighted flywheel made from cast iron.

It is one of the sturdiest spin bikes available in its category that supports up to 300 pounds/136 kg maximum user weight capacity.

It is well stable when ridden rigorously due to the stabilizer bars designated at the front and the rear bases. On top of that, there are adjustable levelers designed to help make the bike even on an uneven floor thereby eliminating any sort of rocking or tilting of the bike during exercise.

This is important because wobbling could be an adverse distraction that may even lead to an accident and injury.

You may put the bike on top of a protective rubber mat to further boost stability, prevent scratches on the floor especially a wooden floor and it also prevents sweat from dropping on the floor as well.

The frame is finished with anti-corrosive and scratch paint that protects it from the invasion of rusts and scratches that could deface or degrade it. This means that the bike is going to look the same as when it was bought for a very long time. The seat and the handlebar posts are chrome finished which is anti-corrosive as well.

Just as aforementioned, the bike has a space-saving design that doesn’t take up much space. However, the dimensions provided on the product description do not add up and we have written to Amazon to verify it and so we shall update this review once we have the verified product dimensions.

For the meantime, we shall presume that the dimensions are as the same as the Exerpeutic LX 7 Cycle Trainer because they have a lot in common except that the Exerpeutic LX 8.5 has a Bluetooth capability and uses HR chest strap to track workout data and so it is pricier than the LX7.

So, based on the dimensions of the LX7, the workout area for the bike should be around 4 feet long by 1.7 foot wide. An additional clearance of at least 2 feet at the rear and the sides of the bike is recommended for safe and convenient workout experience.

It also has an easy step-thru design that allows easy mount and dismount which is great for people with some sort of disability or old age.

The overall built and design of the Exerpeutic LX 8.5 Cycling Exercise Bike with Bluetooth is simply admirable.

The Seat, the handlebar, and the Pedals

The seat of the Exerpeutic LX 8.5 Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike with Bluetooth (Model 4230 & 4231) is micro adjustable. It could be adjusted 4 ways, i.e. vertically (upward/downward) and horizontally (fore/aft). This allows users of different heights and sizes to be accommodated. It is stated in the product description that it could conveniently accommodate users between 5 feet 2 inches to 6 feet 4 inches.

It is very easy to adjust because the seat post bears adjustment markings/numbers that allow the user to quickly adjust all settings within seconds.

Multiple users could share the bike without getting in the way of one another.

The saddle has a typical road bicycle ergonomic design and decently padded to provide comfort to the butt. However, you could use a gel seat cover to improve the comfort the saddle provides in case it falls short of what you expected and you can as well replace the entire seat with another one of your choices because the connection mechanism is standard and can match others.

The handlebar is also adjustable but does only 2 ways. It could be adjusted vertically, upward and downward and this goes a long way to compliment the seat’s adjustability. This improves the bike’s capacity to accommodate users of different heights comfortably.

The handlebar has a multi-grip design that also allows users to workout in different postures or positions. It is covered with soft rubber foam material that provides firm and comfortable grips that prevent slippage and blister in the palms.

At the top-middle of the handlebar is a phone shelf that secures your Android or ios smartphone necessary for keeping track of workout data.

It is equally easy to adjust the handlebar because it has distinct 6 adjustment levels on the handlebar post.

The pedals are made of aluminum alloy with 3 piece crankset that guarantees stand-up pedaling that simulate hill climbing when combined with certain resistance level.

We also wrote to [email protected] to find out about the Q Factor (the distance from the inner left pedal to the inner edge of the right pedal), to determine how comfortable the pedals would be to the legs, and we shall update once we have this information.

The pedals feature toe cages with adjustable safety straps that secure the feet and give leverage for full thrust during exercise. These accommodate standard gym shoes only.

They can also be replaced with a set of SPD clip pedals if you wish to use a pair of spin shoes.

The Drive

The Exerpeutic LX 8.5 Exercise Cycling Bike has a belt drive system that is known for providing smooth and quiet operation.

Most spin bike users prefer the belt drive system because of its smooth and quiet performance and its maintenance-free design, unlike the chain drive system that requires periodic lubrication and adjustment.

However, the belt may require replacement over time because of wear and tear caused by usage but may happen after several years if all things being equal.  And the operation does not simulate or provide the feel of the real road bike just as the cycling bike with the chain drive does.

The belt drive system consists of or is made up of a durable quality belt, pulleys, 3 piece crankset, solid and strong crank arms, the pedals, and the flywheel. Together, they provide a smooth and quiet performance that allows the user to workout anywhere at home and anytime without the fear that the family or the neighbors could be disturbed.

The drive makes it possible to pedal in reverse which could potentially work and tone more muscle groups.

That said, you cannot coast as you could on a road bicycle because the pedals and the flywheel spin simultaneously and because of the fact that the flywheel weighs about 40 pounds/18 kg you must slowly pedal down or use the emergency brake to safely stop pedaling in order to avoid an accident.

You apply the emergency brake by simply pushing the tension knob down and that’s it, the flywheel and the pedals stop abruptly.

The Resistance

The Exerpeutic LX 8.5 Cycling Bike features a friction resistance system which is normal for bikes of this category. It is not as though that the friction resistance system is overly disadvantaged but it has one or two cons you should be aware of.

As a matter of fact, friction resistance system such as the one present on the Exerpeutic LX 8.5 is highly effective and provides challenging workouts that could be appreciated by even advanced users because it is a variable or infinite resistance system.

This means that there are no limits to which you can adjust the resistance to. You just turn the tension knob clockwise to increase the resistance to the level that is suitable for your workout. No indicated resistance levels on the tension knob as the case with Keiser or the ASUNA Lancer.

Turn the tension knob anticlockwise to reduce the resistance.

The friction resistance system is great and suitable for all fitness levels and as aforementioned, can challenge you and help you shed tons of calories.

However, the downside of it is that sometimes you may be required to apply a silicon-based lubricant on the flywheel to the stop felt pad brake from making an unpleasant sound when it gets in contact with the flywheel.  Secondly, since it does not have distinct resistance levels indicated on the tension knob, it will be difficult to keep track of your strength and endurance improvement because there is no way to know for certain the progression of resistance levels used between workout sessions.

The felt pad brake will require a replacement as well over a period of time due to the friction with the flywheel but this could take time.

The Console

The Exerpeutic LX 8.5 Cycling Exercise Bike with Bluetooth does not have any console but you have the opportunity to view or monitor your workout data via your Android or any ios smartphone. Its Bluetooth capability allows you to connect to the MyCloudFitness app once it is downloaded on your phone in order to keep track of your workout data.

You should be able to track workout values such as the time, distance, calories burned, speed, RPM, and heart rate if you purchase the Exerpeutic LX 8.5 Cycling Exercise Bike with the HR chest strap option.

The speed and the distance are measured by miles and you could set up 3 workout goals of time, distance and calories burned. This is a way of keeping you motivated and focused on achieving your fitness goals.

The HR chest strap fits a chest size of 27.5 inches to 47.2 inches.

The phone shelf designated on top of the handlebar provides a clear view of the workout data when a phone is placed on it and needless to say that the readability is high considering the fact that the values are displayed via your smartphone.

This is obviously one of the selling points of the Exerpeutic LX 8.5 and what makes it upgraded over the Exerpeutic LX 7.

Accessory

There are two accessories available on the Exerpeutic LX 8.5 Cycling Exercise Bike. They are the phone shelf and the water bottle holder.

The phone shelf as aforementioned is designed for your Android or any ios smartphone so that you will be able to track your workout data. That also makes it possible for you to listen to your favorite music while working out as well. Listening to a good music is a necessary distraction during an exercise because it keeps you going and you may want to work out with the musical cadence that will ultimately help you to workout longer.

Then, there is the water bottle holder that is strategically positioned by the right fork side of the bike for easy reach. This allows you to keep water handy necessary for hydration throughout the entire workout session.

Storage

The storage of the Exerpeutic LX 8.5 Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike with Bluetooth is pretty easy because it has got transport wheels integrated into it at the front base and it doesn’t take up space either.

The bike has a beautiful look that won’t conflict with any room’s settings if one decides to store the bike close to the wall where it is going to be seen. It can also be stored under the staircase as well.

The storage area for this bike is about 4 feet long by 1.7 foot wide.

To move it to a storage location, simply tilt it over toward the front base and move. It can basically be moved by almost any adult.

Approval Rating

The Exerpeutic LX 8.5 is relatively new on the market and does not have any customer reviews on Amazon at the time of this review.

However, going by the approval rating of the Exerpeutic LX 7 which is the one that is upgraded to LX 8.5, it is pretty clear that this bike is going to be enjoyed by spin bike enthusiasts because they both have similar functionality.

Pro/Features Overview

• It looks sturdy and stable
• The frame is made of steel and supports up to 300 pounds/136 kg maximum user weight capacity
• The pedals are made of aluminum alloy with toe cages and adjustable safety straps that secure the feet for satisfactory thrust during exercise
• The handlebar has a multi-grip design that allows the user to work out in a different posture
• The handlebar is 2-way adjustable
• The seat is ergonomically designed and padded to provide comfort to the butt and has a standard connection mechanism that fits other saddles in case a user wishes to swap it.
• The seat is 4-way adjustable which makes it possible for users of different heights and sizes to be accommodated conveniently
• It has a 3-piece crankset that supports stand up pedaling
• It has a space-saving design that does not take up much space
• It is portable because of the integrated transport wheels
• It has a Bluetooth connectivity that enables the user to connect Android or any ios smartphone to the MyCloudFitness app in order to view workout data
• A user should be able to set up 3 workout goals of time, distance, and calories burned
• It provides a smooth and quiet performance due to the belt drive system
• It provides suitable resistance to all fitness levels
• Water bottle holder and phone shelf is included
• Easy to assemble

Cons

• The pedals are not dual-sided but can be replaced with another set of pedals that have the SPD Clips for spin shoes
• The resistance levels are not indicated on the tension knob and this could make it difficult to track strength and endurance performance

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Warranty

• 1 Year on Frame-for home use only
• 90 Days on other components-for home use only

Product Dimensions and Specifications

• Supports up to 300 pounds/136 kg maximum user weight capacity
• Weight: 89.5 pounds/40 kg
• Bluetooth connectivity to MyCloudFitness app tracks workout data such as time, distance, RPM, calories burned, speed, and heart rate
• 3-piece crankset
• Drive: Belt
• Resistance: Friction
• 40 pounds/18 kg perimeter weighted flywheel
• Pedals: Aluminum alloy, with toe cages and adjustable safety straps
• Seat: 4-adjustable
• Handlebar-Multi-grip design, 2-way adjustable
• Adjustable levelers
• Transport wheels
• Water bottle holder and phone shelf included

Shipping, Assembly, and Maintenance

Shipping

The Exerpeutic LX 8.5 Exercise Bike is neatly packed in a box that weighs about 101.4 pounds.

It is shipped and delivered within days of order.

The shipping cost depends on the retailer you are purchasing from; although some vendors such Amazon provides free shipping for US residents.

Assembly

You can assemble the LX 8.5 Bike by yourself or you may opt for the ‘’expert assembly’’ if you wish not to have anything to do with assembly but that comes with an extra charge.

However, spin bikes are easy to assemble and so does the Exerpeutic LX 8.5 Exercise Bike.

The bike is usually delivered with the major components preassembled. You are only required to attach the pedals, the seat and the handlebar posts, the seat, the handlebar, the front and the rear stabilizer bars to the frame

All of these should take less than an hour to fully assemble.

Moreover, the tools needed for assembly and the user manual that should walk you through the process of assembly are included in the package.

Maintenance

This bike does not require any serious maintenance because it features a belt drive system.

However, as aforementioned, the flywheel may require the application of a silicon-based lubricant in order to avoid the noise that might be generated due to the friction between the felt brake pad and the flywheel.

Also, make sure to always examine the bike for any loose, worn, or broken part before use in order to prevent an accident and further damage to the bike. Endeavor to fix any problem accordingly and if necessary contact the manufacturer via email, [email protected].

Finally, keep the bike clean at all times from dirt and sweat.

Conclusion

The Exerpeutic LX 8.5 Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike with Bluetooth (Model 4230 & 4231) is a recommendable bike that is suitable for home use. It has the features that provide you with productive and comfortable cardio workouts, cardio workouts that burn calories and tone the various muscle groups of the abs and the legs.

It also durable and can withstand hard use.

Click here for the user manual.