The Monark Exercise AB 827E Cycling Bike is basically designed for fitness and therapeutic purposes. In other words, it’s used for rehabilitation and fitness training as well.
It has a little bit of a spin bike and upright bike features and is very similar to the Flywheel Exercise Bike, except that the Monark Exercise Bike is front-driven while the Flywheel Exercise Bike is rear-driven.
This is a Scandinavian-origin upright bike, Sweden to be precise. They have been around for over 100 years doing their thing in the manufacturing and the design of bicycles and later evolved to producing indoor fitness equipment and specialized bicycles.
So, they have plenty of good reputation that has allowed them to thrive over the years in the fitness industry which needs to be protected.
If you wish to exercise your way to fitness or to recover from an injury, this is one of the upright bikes that get the job done.
Click right here to have a peek at the price of the Monark Exercise AB 827E Cycling Bike on Amazon.
Table of Contents
The Frame and Construction
The Monark Exercise AB 827E Cycling Bike’s overall construction is one that promotes quality, usability, and durability. It provides an outstanding workout experience and yet lasts a lifetime.
The frame is made of solid durable steel and powder-coated for longevity. As a result, it supports a maximum user weight capacity of 550 lbs./249 kg. The seat and the handlebar posts are chrome plated meaning they are also fortified against rust.
Most parts of its body, including the heavy 48 lbs./21.7 kg perimeter weighted flywheel are concealed with ABS material, making it safer and sleeker at the same time.
It isn’t foldable, but neither is it large. On the contrary, it’s a compact upright bike with overall assembled dimensions of 44’’ long by 21’’ wide by 44’’ high. Therefore, it will require a workout space area with perimeters of 3’7’’ length by 2’ width.
It is recommended to add extra clearance of 1-2′ at the rear and on each side of the bike for safety and easy access during workouts.
The bike has outstanding stability, thanks to the base framework that features front and rear rectangular-shaped steel stabilizers with rubberized adjustable levelers underneath them.
Its stability is superlative considering the fact that it sits well even on a crooked surface.
Moreover, its assembled weight of 103 lbs./46.7 kg further grounds it and consequently makes it unmovable during workouts.
For an easy relocation process of the bike, there are transport wheels at the front base that are designed to do just that.
The Seat of the Monark Exercise AB 827E Cycling Bike
The Monark Exercise AB 827E Cycling Bike has a gel-padded seat that provides lasting comfort during workouts. It is 2-way adjustable with several positions.
It could easily be adjusted vertically (upward/downward) from 31’’ – 44’’ high.
So, users between the heights of 4’9’’ to 6’6’’ can comfortably be accommodated.
The Handlebar
The handlebar is also 2-way vertically adjustable from 37’’ – 51’’ high.
It is adequately coated with soft rubber foam that conveys secure and comfortable grips. You won’t experience slippage or blisters in the palms no matter how frequent or longer you work out.
Both the seat and the handlebar are easy to adjust. Simply loosen the adjustment knob and pull it up or down to a suitable position and tighten it up again, and that’s it. It takes only a few seconds to get over the adjustments.
The handlebar is also multi-grip designed with a couple of different grip positions that allow you to work out in different postures.
The Pedals
The Monark Exercise AB 827E Cycling Bike has a typical upright bike pedal. They are rubberized anti-skid pedals with a metallic core.
They also have adjustable safety straps that help to secure the feet in place to prevent slippage during an intense workout moment.
You can only ride the bike with a pair of standard gym shoes or barefoot, but of course, it’s recommended to do so with the former.
However, the pedals’ thread is 9/16’’ standard; they are upgradeable to SPD pedals for clip-in shoes.
The Drive
This unit is equipped with a chain drive system, meaning that it has a chain element in its drive mechanisms.
Basically, the drive system consists of a durable chain, big and small sprockets, 3-piece crankset, durable crank-arms, the heavy 48 lbs./21.7 kg perimeter weighted flywheel and the pedals.
The drive system provides smooth and quiet operations that mimic a road bicycle.
You can work out with the bike without invading the privacy of those around you.
The bike could be ridden while watching a TV show or listening to good music without the need to amplify the volume beyond the normally acceptable level.
However, in order to maintain its proper function, you may need to lubricate or adjust the tension of the chain periodically. Especially, if you start to experience a clicking sound coming from it.
Its maintenance is clearly explained in the owner’s manual and it’s not difficult to carry out.
The chain’s size is ½’’ x 1/8’’ and very durable. It could last forever if properly maintained.
The drive is bidirectional; so, you can pedal in reverse if you so desire. Although, it doesn’t coast, because, the pedals and the flywheel spin together. Therefore, always apply the emergency brake by pushing down the tension resistance knob whenever you wish to stop pedaling.
Resistance
The Monark Exercise AB 827E Cycling Bike is a friction resistance upright bike. For this reason, its resistance intensity is like no other upright bike on the market.
The resistance system comprises a tension knob that is connected to the brake belt/cord that is face-down toward the surface of the chromed flywheel.
When the tension knob is turned clockwise, the brake belt gets in contact with the flywheel and resistance is generated, and when it’s turned counterclockwise, the resistance intensity reduces.
Its operation is smooth, quiet, and vibration-free.
The resistance system provides challenging workouts that are suitable for everyone that wishes to attain physical fitness or recover from neurological injury.
The bike is being used in the military and the nursing home for the elderly.
On the downside, if deposits of dirt get on the brake belt and on the contact surface of the flywheel, that may cause the unit to function unevenly and as a result, wear down the brake pad.
So, the brake belt might need to be replaced at some point in time. But in order to prevent this from happening early, clean the surface of the flywheel with fine sandpaper and dust it up with a dry clean cloth.
The Console
This upright bike has an electronic digital monitor that displays workout data such as Revolutions per minute (RPM), Heart Rate in bpm, Time in min/sec, Speed in km/h or in mph, and Distance in km or mile.
The workout data are displayed clearly and simultaneously. It is also possible to adjust the console for a better view.
The console is telemetry enabled, therefore, when you use the optional 5.3Hz non-coded HR chest strap, you will be able to track and maintain your target heart rate zone at all times.
It is easy to navigate through the functions of the monitor and it is clearly explained in the owner’s manual.
However, one will think that there should be other features such as Bluetooth and online app connectivity, preset programs, sound system, and more included due to the price tag of the bike, but it doesn’t.
The console is mid-range with enough features to keep you focused and motivated on achieving your fitness goals.
It is battery-powered; it comes with 1.5 V x 2, R6 (AA) batteries, and it could be powered by electricity as well.
Accessory
The Monark Exercise AB 827E Cycling Bike has a wireless HR chest strap which is optional. This means if you wish to have it included in the package, there might be an additional cost.
Other essential accessories such as a water bottle and tablet holders are not included. Therefore, you will have to improvise to entertain yourself and maintain proper hydration during a workout.
Storage
The upright bike is compact and portable. It doesn’t need too much space for storage and has transport wheels integrated at the front base for easy relocation.
There are viable places it could be stored; for example, under the staircase, the garage, or just by the wall.
Pros/Features Overview
- Durable; could last a lifetime
- Stable, compact, and portable with transport wheels
- Supports a high maximum user weight capacity of 550 lbs./249 kg
- Highly customizable; seat & the handlebar are 2-way adjustable with several adjustment positions
- Can accommodate users between the heights of 4’9’’ to 6’6’’
- Its operation is smooth and quiet
- The friction resistance system provides challenging workouts that are suitable for everyone at any fitness level
- The bike is designed for fitness and rehabilitation purposes
- The LCD monitor tracks workout progress and it is telemetry enabled
- It has an easy step-thru designed that allows users to mount and dismount without hassles.
- The pedals accommodate different feet sizes comfortably
- They (pedals) are upgradeable to clip-in pedals
- The integrated 48 lbs./21.7 kg perimeter weighted flywheel provides consistent momentum that mimics riding a road bike.
- Easy to maintain
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Wireless HR chest strap not included
- No online app connectivity
- No preset workout programs
- No water bottle and tablet holders
Warranty
- 1 Year warranty
Product Dimensions and Specifications
- Length 44’’
- Width 21’’
- Height 44’’
- Net weight: 103 lbs./46.7 kg
- Maximum user weight capacity: 550 lbs./249 kg
- Drive: Chain
- Resistance: Friction
- Console/Monitor: Large LCD monitor tracks Revolutions per minute (RPM), Heart Rate in bpm, Time in min/sec, Speed in km/h or in mph, and Distance in km or mile
- Seat: 2-way adjustable (31’’-44’’)
- Handlebar: 2-way adjustable (37’’-51’’)
- Pedals: Anti-skid with safety adjustable straps
- Users height: 4’9’’-6’6’’
- Flywheel: 48 lbs./21.7 kg
- Frame: Steel
- Transport wheels included
Shipping
The Monark Exercise AB 827E Cycling Bike is packaged in a box and shipped out upon purchase.
Amazon provides free shipping and makes delivery in a couple of days.
Assembly
The unit is delivered almost preassembled.
You are only expected to attach the base stabilizers, the seat/handlebar posts, the seat, the handlebar, and the pedals to the main unit of the bike.
It takes only a couple of minutes to completely assemble.
Maintenance
There are simple periodic maintenance tasks to be carried out which are stated in the owner’s manual.
That said, you need to check the bike before use for any loose or broken parts. Act accordingly if there is an issue.
Keep it clean at all times and make sure that the console is not exposed to sunlight or extreme temperature. Do not let a liquid get into the console as well.
Conclusion
The Monark Exercise AB 827E Cycling Bike also known as the Monark Cardio Care Exercise Bike is an outstanding durable upright bike that is designed for fitness and therapeutic rehabilitation purposes.
Its sleek, quality and concealed design make it a safe, sturdy, and perfect bike for home, nursing home facility, and military use.
I am a health and fitness enthusiast. I take anything and everything that improves my health seriously. Hence, I try to share my knowledge in helping people that wish to up their health status to one that enables them to live strong with confidence.
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