Spinner Blade ION Indoor Cycling Bike by Star Trac Review

The Spinner Blade ION Indoor Cycling Bike by Star Trac is a Mad Dogg Athletics product, and just as many of its spin bikes this unit is an epitome of sturdiness. In case you don’t know, Mad Dogg Athletics specializes in the production of spin bikes that conform to the road bike general operation quality.

They have the exclusive patented right to name their indoor bikes the ‘’ spinner cycling bike’’, even though many people think that that was a general name for any indoor stationary bike. For instance, they have Spinner L3 Bike, Spinner Sprint Premium Authentic Indoor Cycle Bike, and many other models with the ‘’Spinner’’ prefix to their names.

In other words, every cycling bike with the prefix ‘’spinner’’ is the exclusive product of Mad Dogg Athletics.

That said, the Spinner Blade ION Indoor Cycling Bike by Star Trac which is also known as the Star Trac Spinner 7220, is a very sturdy bike as aforementioned. It can withstand any sort of hard and frequent use without falling apart. The frame is made from high quality extruded aluminum; it features a chain drive system, friction resistance system, a 50-pound/22.6 kg perimeter weighted flywheel, and many more.

Unlike many other spinner cycling bike models that do not have a console or a monitor, this one comes with one. You should be able to work out and keep track of your progress via the backlit monitor that displays several useful data.

It features a unique handlebar design that is integrated with two water bottle holders similar to that of the ASUNA Minotaur but not quite the same.

Click right here to purchase the Star Trac Spinner Blade ION Indoor Cycling Bike 7220 from Amazon.  But just in case it is ‘’currently unavailable’’ you may check out the Star Trac Spinner Blade ION 6960 by typing it on the Amazon search box. These bikes share the same similarities except that the 6960 model does not come with a console and the flywheel is lighter (38 pounds/17.2 kg).

If you are willing to purchase the Spinner Blade Bike without the console you can use an external monitoring device for spin bikes to keep track of your workout progress.

The Frame/Sturdiness

The Spinner Blade ION Indoor Cycling Bike by Star Trac 7220 is a commercial spin bike that features quality extruded aluminum. The frame is coated with anti-corrosion and scratch paint that preserves its appearance thus last for several years without getting damaged or distorted and the handlebar and the seat posts are chrome finished.

This goes to show that the Spinner Blade ION Indoor Cycling Bike is without a doubt a solid and sturdy unit that could withstand any type of spinning workout that is ever created.  The bike supports 350 pounds/159 kg maximum user weight capacity.

As for stability, the base is well designed with a very good framework that features thick stabilizer bars, one at the rear base while the other at the front base. Underneath the stabilizer bars are four adjustable levelers intended to have a grip on the floor and further stabilize the bike on an uneven floor.

The overall assembled weight of this bike is 130 pounds/59 kg which grounds it and advantageously adds to its stability. Also, we understand that the weight could also be a problem for some people when they want to move it from one spot to another. However, the bike is integrated with two transport wheels at the front base and these make it portable and easy to move and relocate by one person but will require two persons if it has to be moved up or down the stairs.

Its design allows easy step-on and step-off which is great for people with injury or the elderly.

It is not a very compact bike like the L NOW Indoor Cycling Bike, nonetheless, it will not occupy too much space during workout or storage. The overall assembled dimensions are 57 inches long by 21 inches wide by 40 inches tall. This means that a workout area of 4.8 feet long by 1.8 feet wide will be needed; also, consider additional clearance of at least 2 feet on each side of the bike and the rear for a safe and convenient workout experience.  Use the bike in a room with a ceiling height of at least 6 to 7 feet so that you can perform the stand up pedaling if you wish to.

Worth mentioning that you may purchase a protective rubber mat to place the bike on it for maximum stability.

The Seat, the Handlebar, and the Pedals

The seat, the handlebar, and the pedals of the Spinner Blade ION Indoor Cycling Bike by Star Trac 7220 are well designed to provide much-needed suitability and comfort to the user. These are indeed the elements responsible for the maximum comfort and if they are rightly crafted chances are you should be able to enjoy a high level of comfort while working out with the bike.

The seat is 4 way adjustable, which means you can adjust it vertically (upward/downward) and horizontally (forward/backward). This promotes suitability because users of different heights are likely to be accommodated conveniently. As a matter of fact, it has been established that users between the heights of 4 feet 10 inches to 6 feet 10 inches could be accommodated without restrictions.

The saddle has a slim and contoured shape integrated with unfortunately a thin layer. It is very similar to the majority of indoor spin bikes’ seats and so hardly provides enough comfort to the butt. However, you may use a gel seat cover to enhance its comfortability or better still replace the seat completely with another one of your choices because its connection mechanism is compatible with other spin bike seats.

The adjustment of the seat is very easy to do and won’t take up to a minute to completely adjust and configure both the seat and the handlebar to your preferred workout position.

The handlebar is uniquely designed to provide multiple workout positions and comfortable firm grips. It is coated with a rubber foam material that is gentle to the palms which ultimately prevents blisters as a result of frequent use. It is also integrated with two water bottle holders that are within reach and a console as well.

Just as the seat, the handlebar is also 4 way adjustable; you can adjust it backward/forward and upward/downward. This compliments the seat adjustability and boosts the bike’s ability to accommodate users of different heights.

This also means that multiple members of the family can use it conveniently without having the difficulty of setting or customizing it to the preferred workout position because there are distinct markings on the seat and handlebar posts that make it easy to locate previous settings quickly when another user has altered it.

Then, the pedals are dual-sided; they feature toe cages on one side and an SDP clip on the other side. In other words, you should be able to work out securely with the standard gym shoes or with spin shoes.

The pedals are solid enough to support the stand-up spinning routing. They are also bidirectional and so you can pedal in reverse to work on more muscle groups.

Being bidirectional pedals also mean that the pedals and the 50-pound/22.6kg flywheel turn simultaneously and you cannot coast as you could on a road bike and therefore, you will have to use the emergency brake to stop the spinning flywheel anytime you wish to change the course of your workout.

The emergency brake is the tension knob with the redhead sitting on the mainframe tubing. Simply push it down to apply the emergency brake or twist clockwise to increase the resistance. In other words, the tension knob is the resistance adjuster that doubles as the emergency brake as well.

The pedals have a Q Factor (the distance from the inner edge of the left pedal to the inner edge of the right pedal) of 158 mm/6.2 inches which is close to that of a mountain bike but not quite like the Asuna Lancer Cycle 7130’s Q Factor though. However, this provides you with the opportunity to work out with natural pedal strokes that do not hurt your joints such as the ankles and the knees because your feet and legs are in a natural alignment with the pedals.

The Drive

The Star Trac Spinner Blade ION Indoor Cycling Bike features a chain drive system that simulates and provides the feel of riding a road bike, although, it is not completely silent as the bike with a belt drive system.  It requires periodic lubrication and adjustment of the chain so that it will remain in good working order.

That said, the overall performance of the drive is characterized by a smooth and relatively quiet operation.

The chain drive system consists of the chain, durable crankset, solid crank arms, and pedals. These elements together form a formidable drive that provides a real and enjoyable pedaling experience.

The drive also consists of a flywheel that is one of the heaviest ever featured in an indoor cycling bike. The flywheel weighs about 50 pounds/22.6 kg which provides great momentum that translates to smooth and consistent motion.

The Resistance

The Spinner Blade ION Indoor Cycling Bike 7220 features a friction resistance system. The resistance system consists of a top-down brake pad that is close to the flywheel which is connected to the tension knob that is designated on the top of the mainframe close to the handlebar.

This allows you to have total control over the resistance level you wish to work out with. Simply turn the tension knob clockwise and the brake pad will get in contact with the flywheel and so resistance will be generated. The resistance can also be reduced by turning the tension knob anticlockwise.

Therefore, you can work out with lower resistance levels that will enable you to pedal at a faster pace which will place an increased demand on the cardiovascular system and a lot of calories will be burned. While on the other hand, you may choose to engage with a more challenging workout by using increased resistance levels that will ultimately improve the strength and endurance capacity.

The resistance system indeed provides easy and difficult workouts but however, it does not have distinguished resistance levels indicated on the tension knob just like the case with the Keiser Indoor Cycling Bike or the Asuna Lancer.  It is an infinite resistance that does not have specified levels; you just have to keep on turning the tension knob either way until you feel you have the right resistance effect suitable for your workout. This means you cannot keep track of your strength and endurance progress because you will not be able to compare the resistance levels used between workout sessions.

Moreover, the brake pad will require replacement after a period of usage as a result of wear and tear. The time frame for the replacement is determined by how frequently you use the bike and the resistance.

The Console

The Spinner Blade ION Indoor Cycling Bike 7220 is supplied with a backlit console which is one of the elements that makes it stand out from the other models. The console is a mid-range device that provides a number of workout data that could motivate and keep you focused on achieving your fitness goal.

On top of that, the bike has an onboard power generator that powers the monitor so that you don’t have the need to replace batteries at some point in time. The power is been generated via the flywheel each time it spins. There is an LED light that illuminates the left side of the flywheel that shows that it is charging the console/monitor which saves the battery power.

Of course, the monitor has high readability due to the fact it is backlit and cannot be compromised even when used in a poorly lit room.  It displays up to 4 values at a time with clarity and it can track workout data such as pulse, RPM, watts, calories, time, and distance.

However, in order to track your heart rate you have to purchase or use a compatible ANT+ HR strap device if you own one because it is not included.

The monitor also has a summary capability that displays stats when in a summary mode such as peak power, average power, time, average heart rate, average cadence, total distance, and total calories.

The monitor features three buttons which are the backlit button, mode button, and the reset button and they are very easy to operate. It allows you to program workout intervals.

The backlit button is responsible for turning the backlit on/off just as the name suggests, while the mode button allows you to toggle and scroll through the different screens such as the distance and total kilojoules, and then the reset button allows you to reset all values.

Accessory

The Spinner Blade ION Indoor Cycling Bike by Star Trac features two water bottle holders that are integrated on the handlebar.  They are positioned in a way that makes them convenient and within the reach of any user.

However, that is the only accessory that is included on this bike, although, you may purchase the tablet holder separately if you have the need to use a smartphone to listen to your favorite music, watch a movie or just keep it handy while working out.

Storage

The Star Trac Spinner ION Indoor Cycling Bike 7220 is not a very compact indoor bike but at the same time won’t take up too much storage space. The overall assembled dimensions are 57 inches long by 21 inches wide by 40 inches tall.

In other words, a storage space of 4.8 feet long by 1.8 feet wide will be required.

It can also be moved from one spot to another easily by one person even though it weighs about 130 pounds/59 kg. This is possible because of the integrated transport wheels at the front base of the bike but will require up to two persons to move it up or down the stairs though.

Approval Rating

The approval rating of the Star Trac Spinner ION 7220 is very impressive and that shows that the majority of its users are impressed and satisfied with their purchase.

Users have expressed satisfaction on how sturdy and stable this bike is and they were generous in showering it with accolades.

Pros/Features Overview

• It possesses a commercial-grade frame
• The frame is made from an extruded aluminum and supports up to 350 pounds/159 kg maximum user weight capacity
• The seat is fully adjustable with the possibility of adjusting it horizontally and vertically
• The handlebar is fully adjustable and can be adjusted horizontally and vertically
• The handlebar features a multi-grip design that is adequately coated with a rubber foam material that allows users to workout with a comfortable firm grip and different positions
• The bidirectional pedals are solid and support stand up spinning routine
• It comes with an LED monitor that provides you with the workout data that motivate and keep you focused
• The flywheel generates power for the console so that the battery power will be saved
• The bike has a Q Factor of 158 mm/6.2 inches which is narrow enough to provide natural pedaling strokes that do not cause pain in the lower joints
• The pedals are dual-sided, which means they are compatible with standard gym shoes and spin shoes as well
• The bike features a chain drive system that simulates and mimic the road bike operation
• The bike features a friction resistance system that provides both easy and challenging workouts
• It has an outstanding and one of the heaviest perimeter weighted flywheel that weighs about 50 pounds/22.6 kg which provides smooth and consistent motion as a result of its momentum
• Due to its adjustability, this bike can accommodate users between the heights of 4 feet 10 inches to 6 feet 10 inches
• It features an infinite level of resistance
• Two water bottle holders included
• It is very easy to assemble
• Easy to store
• Great warranty

Cons

• The seat may not be too comfortable and therefore a gel seat cover will be required
• The resistance system does not have indicated levels on the tension knob hence you cannot compare resistance levels used between workout sessions and as a result, you can’t keep track of your strength and endurance progress
• No tablet holder

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Product Dimensions and Specifications

• 57’’ Length
• 21’’ Width
• 40’’ Height
• Weight: 130 pounds/59 kg
• Supports up to 350 pounds/159 kg maximum user weight capacity
• Pedals: Solid and durable dual-sided (toe cages and SDP clips)
• Seat: 4 way adjustable
• Handlebar: 4 way adjustable
• Drive: Chain
• Resistance: Friction
• Console: Yes, LED monitor

Warranty

• 10 Years on Frame
• 2 Years on Part
• 1 Year on Labor

Shipping, Assembly, and Maintenance

Shipping

The Star Trac Spinner ION Indoor Cycling Bike 7220 is shipped in a neatly prepared box. The shipping cost entirely depends on the retailer you are purchasing from; although, some retailers such as Amazon provide free shipping in the United States.

Assembly

Amazon provides expert assembly service which is not free of charge. However, the Spinner ION 7220 is very easy to assemble as it comes with the major components preassembled. Therefore, you are only required to attach the stabilizer bars, the pedals, the seat and the handlebar posts, the seat and the handlebar to the frame, and the console to the handlebar and that will be all. It won’t take up to an hour to completely assemble it together.

A detailed manual and the required tools are included.

Maintenance

The Star Trac Spinner ION Indoor Cycling Bike requires a bit of maintenance because it features a chain drive system that requires periodic lubrication and perhaps the adjustment of the chain as well. It is not difficult to do though. Apply a lube onto the chain after removing the chain guard, and then turn the pedals a number of times while holding the chain with a piece of dry cloth so that the lubricant can reach all the links.

Being that it also features a friction resistance system; the brake pad requires lubrication so that it can work without generating noise that is uncalled for. Simply apply silicon-based oil on the surface of the flywheel where the brake pad makes contact with it. This way, unnecessary and squeaky noise will be avoided.

The brake pad will need to be replaced after some time of usage due to wear and tear.

Conclusion

The Spinner Blade ION Indoor Cycling Bike by Star Trac is a very sturdy and stable commercial bike that is good for home use as well.

It has useful features and some unique elements that make it stand out from the rest such as the console and the 50 pounds/22.6 kg perimeter weighted flywheel.

Just as aforementioned, if you wish to purchase this bike and finds out that it is currently unavailable you may check out the Spinner Blade ION Indoor Cycling Bike 6960 model because they share a lot in common, except that the 6960 model does not come with a console and has light flywheel of 38 pounds/17.2 kg.