Whether scrolling through your social media or glancing at trending topics in your Google news feed, you have likely heard freebeat™ in the past few months. Freebeat’s Lit bike has been compared to the Peloton and touted as a new concept for in-home cycling. Who doesn’t want the chance to win prizes, earn money, and have a great time every time they ride?
That is why the team at Indoor Cycling Love gladly accepted the challenge to demo the freebeat Lit bike and see how it stacked against other bikes in the market. We have demoed this bike for the past thirty days through countless rides, and here are our findings.
My Verdict & Pros/ Cons
I was excited when I learned I was the Indoor Cycling Love team member who would test the Lit bike, as it had been on my radar. I love trying new features and trends that spice up my fitness routine, and the idea of gamifying my workout routine was intriguing. As a competitive person, the leaderboard alone made me want to jump on to improve my standings. Still, the opportunity to join fun monthly challenges where I could be entered to win gift cards was fantastic, and I was shocked that freebeat wanted to pay me for earning points during my rides. I wanted to highlight a few key points about this great bike before we break into the detailed portion of this review.
What I Liked
What I Didn’t
Check out my video review of the Lit Bike!
How We Rated the Bike
After careful consideration, the Indoor Cycling Love team devised a plan to rate our tested products. Our rating system helps to provide the best overall picture of how they performed, why they are unique, and what you need to know to make the best decision on whether or not they are suitable for you. Our rating system is comprised of eight different categories. Please view our list below to learn a little more about what we look for in each and every piece of equipment we test.
Rating System Categories
- Construction Quality & Durability
- Assembly Process
- Comfort & Adjustability
- App Experience & Content
- Connectivity
- Support, Financing Options & Warranty
- Value for Money
First Impression
Main Specs & Features of the Spin Bike
- 21.5″ HD touchscreen
- Bike Footprint: 49.3” L x 22.6” W x 58.8” H
- Welded Steel Construction
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Bike Weight: 113.3 pounds
- Flywheel Weight: 28.6 pounds
- Height Range: 4’11” – 6’4”
- USB Port
Main Bike Parts Overview
Setup of the Bike
After completing the bike assembly, I attempted to set up my account. After plugging the bike into the power outlet, the monitor illuminated, and I was prompted to create a freebeat account. Then, after completing my profile and adding my credit card information, I was registered for a 45-day trial. Next, I was prompted to follow a series of steps on setting up my bike to ensure proper riding form. The bike then encourages riders to get on and work through a series of drills that prepare them to take an actual ride to get ready for how this platform gamifies the riding experience.
Detailed Review
Offers a smooth riding experience with excellent resistance and adjustable features for different heights. It has a music-based app with gaming elements, and the construction is sturdy and durable. Comes with a 22" HD Touchscreen, Auto Resistance System, and more.
Exclusive Coupon for ICL Users: Apply the Code GBL100 for -$100 OFF. It can be combined with other discounts!
Riding Experience & Performance: 4 out of 5
Construction Quality, Durability & Unique Design Elements: 4 out of 5
This bike is a very sturdy model weighing over 100 pounds, 113 pounds to be exact. The welded steel frame offers durability and support throughout the riding experience. Due to how the bike is engineered, if we found a piece that needed tightening after a few rides, we could quickly remedy the situation, which was fantastic.
Note: You should continue to check and tighten loose components on your bike as part of your regular maintenance routine to increase your bike’s longevity and maximize performance.
Most of the components seem very durable. The only two components we felt worth mentioning were the pedals and water bottle holders. The water bottle holders are not made from the same handlebar material as many other models on the market but are made of rigid plastic. The pedals are also made from plastic compared to others on the market that seem a little more durable, and that might be due to their dual pedal design.
Another point to acknowledge regarding excellent construction quality is the thought in design and engineering for seat sensors, which differs from what is on the market today. This bike was crafted to identify when the rider stands out of the saddle compared to riding in a seated position.
Assembly Process: 4 out of 5
The thoughtfulness of how the bike was packed in Styrofoam was the best packing job we have seen from any of the bikes we have tested so to date from some of the top bike manufacturers. Every component was meticulously placed in a specific location within the Styrofoam to ensure that the bike would not be damaged during transit, and we noticed! Once we unwrapped the instruction manual, not only was the manual incredibly straightforward, but there was also a video option for those who might be more visual learners. Since this bike was so heavy, it would have been nice to have the opportunity to have it professionally assembled as is offered by other competitors within this same price point.
Comfort & Adjustability: 4 out of 5
Saddle Comfort & Adjustability
The Lit bike offers a competitive style saddle with a sleek design. This type of saddle might not be the most comfortable for everyone. If you fall into this category, remember that proper riding position and bike setup, along with the addition of cycling bibs or shorts, can be a game changer for your next workout. The saddle offers four-way adjustability, which is crucial for those riders that fall into the outer ranges of height freebeat’s height scale.
Handlebar Adjustability & Ergonomics
Like many bikes that include a monitor, the handlebars on the Lit bike do not move toward the aft of the bike. This can be a troublesome feature for riders, perhaps shorter like me. Although even at 5’4″, I could still find a comfortable riding position, the adjustability, not being all four ways was not a deal breaker on this model.
The sleek and simplistic handlebar includes a U-shaped and rounded bar design. This handlebar shape checks all the boxes for riders that mostly keep their hands in riding positions 1, 2, and 3. There are no flattened portions of the handlebars that offer an additional level of comfort with the hands in a resting position. For the majority of riders, this will not be an issue.
App Experience & Content: 5 out of 5
This bike and experience are all about the music, apparent in every ride as the beat takes center stage through the captivating graphics, great beats, and points earned for finding the rhythm. Fifteen and thirty-minute classes are available, and riders can select from Hip Hop, EDM, or Pop music genres. The high-definition graphics pair perfectly with these high-energy tracks for an environment that combines the vibes of your favorite studio class and dance club.
Who knew riding to the rhythm could be so rewarding? That is no joke when it comes to riding the Lit bike. Riders earn points for riding to the beat of the music. A little message pops up on the center of the screen with each pedal stroke, telling you if you have missed the beat or are earning points. This point accumulation helps riders move on the leaderboard and earn points that can be turned into dollars and transferred into your Paypal account. Need more incentives to ride? Monthly challenges are also available to win gift cards to stores like Amazon, Spotify, and Starbucks. Not interested in watching the leaderboard during class? No problem! With a simple tap on the screen, the leaderboard can quickly disappear. In addition, you can also adjust the balance of the instructor and music as well from the touchscreen.
Depending on your fitness level, you can select the intensity of your class with options of beginner, intermediate, or advanced. In addition to cycling classes, the freebeat platform also includes sculpting and stretching classes. We found that the instructors are very motivating and knowledgeable. We loved that up to 10 profiles could be on one account, which is the most we have seen offered by any cycling platform so far. Currently, only prerecorded classes are available on the freebeat app. When freebeat offers live classes in the future, stand back to see what this bike can do!
This app also uses a personal trainer algorithm that measures your performance. It can adjust the resistance accordingly to keep your workout at a challenging level that keeps you wanting to return for more.
When you do not feel like taking a class from an instructor, this bike features a “just ride” mode. Although you cannot earn points during this mode, you can still get a great workout while the cycle displays vital metrics such as cadence, distance, speed, watts, and resistance level.
An app is unavailable for smartphones and can only be used on the freebeat monitor.
Connectivity: 4 out of 5
The Lit bike offers Bluetooth connectivity for headphones and heart rate monitors. Unfortunately, I could not pair my Fitbit, an emerging feature in this market, but my Polar Heart Rate Monitor from my Bowflex C6 paired just fine. We wish that freebeat offered a free Bluetooth heart rate monitor like many competitors at this price point. Unfortunately, Lit does not connect to any other apps besides the app from freebeat.
Support, Financing Options & Warranty: 4 out 5
Value for Money: 5 out of 5
Even at its usual price of $1,700, this bike is pretty affordable for all that it offers. In addition, this model is on special for only $1,000, which makes the pink Lit bike a steal.
Offers a smooth riding experience with excellent resistance and adjustable features for different heights. It has a music-based app with gaming elements, and the construction is sturdy and durable. Comes with a 22" HD Touchscreen, Auto Resistance System, and more.
Exclusive Coupon for ICL Users: Apply the Code GBL100 for -$100 OFF. It can be combined with other discounts!
Comparison with Alternatives
Freebeat Lit vs Boom Bike
Freebeat’s Boom bike is usually priced at $1,299 and features dynamic light strips that transform any room into a studio experience. This model features a 15.6″ HD rotating touchscreen, an auto resistance system featuring magnetic resistance, and smart saddle detection. The Boom bike is slightly shorter than the Lit bike by 3 inches and weighs only 79 pounds. The Lit bike’s great gamified features and incentives are available on Freebeat’s Boom bike.
Read also our detailed Freebeat Lit vs. Boom bike comparison & the Boom Bike review.
Freebeat Lit vs Bowflex C6/ Schwinn IC4
The Bowflex C6 and Schwinn IC4 by Nautilus offer an affordable, no-frills in-home indoor cycling option. Although under different names and color schemes, the Bowflex and Schwinn are the same models.
Equipped with a great design, 100 levels of magnetic resistance, belt drive, and a console, this bike is ideal for those that want the versatility to select the cycling apps they prefer instead of being locked into only one. In addition, this model is available for only $799 and is professionally installed within your home through a white glove service.
Freebeat Lit vs BODi MYX II
For those not locked on a magnetic resistance bike only, the BODI MYX II is a unique choice since it offers friction resistance. However, a bike without pre-set resistance levels might be better for stronger riders, as friction resistance is difficult to max out. Something else that the BODi bike offers that is unlike other bikes on the market is BODcast. Due to a miniature camera located on the monitor, riders can join and be seen in real-time during live classes. This allows for direct feedback from Beachbody instructors and helps build the community feel surrounding the BODi bike. The MYX II retails for $1,399. A white glove service also assembles the BODi MYX II upon receipt.
Freebeat Lit vs Peloton
The Peloton is undoubtedly one of the market’s most well-known indoor cycling bikes. The Peloton leaderboard is an enticing feature that captivates many riders who thrive on this platform. Additionally, this model features 100 levels of magnetic resistance, LOOK Delta pedals, and a belt drive system. Priced currently to own at $1,445 or $89/month to rent, this bike offers a wide variety of live and prerecorded classes.
Read also our detailed Freebeat vs. Peloton bikes comparison.
FAQ
- Can you use the freebeat Boom bike without a subscription?
According to freebeat, you can still use your bike in the Just Ride mode without a subscription. However, if you are unsure if you want to purchase a membership, there is a free trial. - Can you stream other content on the screen?
No, only the freebeat app integrates with the monitor at this time. However, freebeat has indicated that they are working on other integrations in the future. - Can I use this bike without power and electricity?
The bike can be ridden without power and electricity. However, the ability to adjust resistance during that time will be disabled as power and electricity are needed to change resistance. - Does freebeat have scenic rides?
If you have an active membership, you can enjoy either scenic valleys or country rides. These rides can be found in the “more rides” section on the monitor. - Does freebeat have live classes?
No, freebeat does not offer live classes at this but hopes to in the future. However, they have over 500 classes available in their online library.
Bottom Line
Offers a smooth riding experience with excellent resistance and adjustable features for different heights. It has a music-based app with gaming elements, and the construction is sturdy and durable. Comes with a 22" HD Touchscreen, Auto Resistance System, and more.
Exclusive Coupon for ICL Users: Apply the Code GBL100 for -$100 OFF. It can be combined with other discounts!
The freebeat bike offers a fun and exciting riding experience that will appeal to many riders. For riders that need a little more when strapping in to ride, the freebeat is an excellent solution with its incredible beats, the game-style riding platform and graphics it boasts, and the competitive atmosphere it embodies. Who doesn’t like seeing their name at the top of the leaderboard and also having the possibility to earn fabulous prizes EVERY single month? For those looking for a little more than a typical ride at home, the freebeat is worth a second look.
| Great For | Not Recommended For |
|---|---|
| – People who like to compete – Riders who want the chance to earn prizes and money when they ride – Those who like studio-style classes | – Those that prefer more of a free-ride experience – Riders who like to use additional apps such as Sufferfest, Rouvy, and TrainerRoad |
I have found a way to use the monitor and get google….u can then go on you tube and use free apps…so first you choose your name…then on left side choose settings, then tap profile, then in the right lower left tap the screen 5x fast…wallaaa google page come up😉your welcome
Thank you for the tip, Debbie!
I have found a way to use the monitor and get google….u can then go on you tube and use free apps…so first you choose your name…then on left side choose settings, then tap profile, then in the right lower left tap the screen 5x fast…wallaaa google page come up😉your welcome
Thank you for the tip, Debbie!
Warning: Poor Warranty Practices and Customer Service at FreeBeat
I’m compelled to share my troubling experience with FreeBeat, highlighting their after-sales service and warranty handling.
I acquired a FreeBeat xBike in October 2021, assured by promises of durability and dependable customer support. All was well until August 2023, when the bike malfunctioned. Trusting FreeBeat’s pledged support, I contacted them, expecting a straightforward resolution.
However, the subsequent ordeal was deeply disconcerting. My initial outreach was ignored for an extended period, later excused by a holiday break. When they finally responded, it was with impersonal, non-committal messages, devoid of practical solutions.
Shockingly, after two months of back-and-forth and it being October, they declared my warranty void, despite my initial contact in August, well within the 24-month warranty period for parts. It was as if the prolonged silence was a tactic to push me out of my warranty period, followed by a suggestion to purchase anew, disregarding the stress and inconvenience caused on their part.
This experience has been not just frustrating but a stark contradiction to the reliability FreeBeat portrays.
To potential customers: Please be cautious. My encounter with FreeBeat’s support was marked by unresponsiveness, evasion, and a failure to honor clear warranty terms. Consider this reality seriously when choosing FreeBeat.
To FreeBeat: Trust is the foundation of customer loyalty. It’s not just about quality products but honoring commitments when those products fail. I urge a re-evaluation of your support protocols to prevent such disheartening experiences for others.
Andy, thanks you for the feedback. We are sorry that you didn’t have a good after sales experience in your situation.
Warning: Poor Warranty Practices and Customer Service at FreeBeat
I’m compelled to share my troubling experience with FreeBeat, highlighting their after-sales service and warranty handling.
I acquired a FreeBeat xBike in October 2021, assured by promises of durability and dependable customer support. All was well until August 2023, when the bike malfunctioned. Trusting FreeBeat’s pledged support, I contacted them, expecting a straightforward resolution.
However, the subsequent ordeal was deeply disconcerting. My initial outreach was ignored for an extended period, later excused by a holiday break. When they finally responded, it was with impersonal, non-committal messages, devoid of practical solutions.
Shockingly, after two months of back-and-forth and it being October, they declared my warranty void, despite my initial contact in August, well within the 24-month warranty period for parts. It was as if the prolonged silence was a tactic to push me out of my warranty period, followed by a suggestion to purchase anew, disregarding the stress and inconvenience caused on their part.
This experience has been not just frustrating but a stark contradiction to the reliability FreeBeat portrays.
To potential customers: Please be cautious. My encounter with FreeBeat’s support was marked by unresponsiveness, evasion, and a failure to honor clear warranty terms. Consider this reality seriously when choosing FreeBeat.
To FreeBeat: Trust is the foundation of customer loyalty. It’s not just about quality products but honoring commitments when those products fail. I urge a re-evaluation of your support protocols to prevent such disheartening experiences for others.
Andy, thanks you for the feedback. We are sorry that you didn’t have a good after sales experience in your situation.
I have had the worst experience with freebeat customer service. I love the bike but I ordered pedals and they have been “pushing” my order for 6 weeks now. Every email from support I have received takes no action just states they will push my order and I will receive shipping info soon. Then nothing for over 6 weeks now. Very disheartening.
I have had the worst experience with freebeat customer service. I love the bike but I ordered pedals and they have been “pushing” my order for 6 weeks now. Every email from support I have received takes no action just states they will push my order and I will receive shipping info soon. Then nothing for over 6 weeks now. Very disheartening.