Is the SlimCycle Legit?
One doesn’t honestly know how something works until they try it for themselves. That is why we at IndoorCyclingLove decided that we wanted to buy the SlimCycle and test it ourselves to give you the best information possible about the pros & cons of this popular bike. We can’t wait to share our findings!
Slim Cycle is a well-known brand endorsed by many famous figures. It provides a full-body workout with top-of-the-range heart rate technology to help you reach your goals.
The Order & Delivery Process
The order process was straightforward, and we quickly bought the SlimCycle from this page. After clicking on the “As Seen on TV” icon, we were prompted with two order choices. The first option included only the cycle, and the second offer also had a slimming belt, cup holder, cushioned seat, and mat for an additional $80. Finally, we selected just the cycle itself, and it took less than 10 minutes to finalize our order from start to finish. We chose FedEx as our delivery method, and within a week, the bike was delivered to my door.
Slim Cycle Assembly: Is Slim Cycle Easy to Put Together?
(Images Copyright©: IndoorCyclingLove.com)
I found the SlimCycle incredibly easy to build on my own. The 45-pound box includes 12 different pieces to assemble in addition to the washers, screws, batteries, and tools to get the job done. I built the bike in less than an hour from start to finish, even with a few interruptions during that timeframe. The only component I had difficulty attaching was the pedals’ foot straps since they are made from thick plastic. If you wish not to assemble the bike yourself, professional assembly is available for $89.
*Note: As I tightened a couple of pieces, a sharp piece of metal also came out. I removed the parts to ensure I didn’t strip anything and couldn’t identify why this happened.
Included in the box was an easy-to-follow instruction manual with pictures accompanying step-by-step instructions. For those that are more visual learners, YouTube videos are also available that provide assembly instructions.
Included in the box were the following items:
Check Our Hands-On Testing Video!
Types of Exercise Bikes
There are three different types of exercise bikes: a spin bike, an upright cycle, and a recumbent bike.
The SlimCycle is a unique piece of exercise equipment because it converts to either an upright or recumbent exercise bike.
Katie Pierson, Spinning Instructor & Personal Trainer
SlimCycle Dimensions & Specs
Our Rating Criteria
When deciding how to rate this bike, we selected our top factors for the SlimCycle that we felt would provide a clearer picture. Our rating, which we will go into a little bit later, factors in construction quality, the smoothness of the pedal stroke, resistance, App availability, adjustability, portability, and storage.
Best Slimcycle Alternative
Provides a smooth and quiet riding experience with its lightweight flywheel and magnetic resistance. It has a sturdy construction and an adjustable seat to accommodate various heights. The console offers a goal function and device holder attachment. Priced at under $200, the R8 offers excellent value for money.
Exclusive 10% Discount: Use the code GBL10 on the checkout!
Check our full-review after testing it for a few weeks.
Slim Cycle Review Based on Hands-On Testing
After being a Spinning Instructor for almost 20-years, I absolutely love trying new cycles and jumped at the opportunity to test the SlimCycle with my other teammates at IndoorCyclingLove. I have been testing the SlimCycle for a little over a month and can’t wait to share what I learned about this bike.
Main Features of the Bike
SlimCycle Performance
We decided to rate our top six features for the SlimCycle on a scale from one to ten. One being the lowest, and ten being the highest. So let’s take a look at how this cycle stacks up.
Construction Quality: 7/10
The construction quality is relatively good for the price. However, this is not a piece of equipment that would be ideal for a very vigorous workout. This bike is designed for seated workouts only. Even pedaling in the saddle, the bike would still rock slightly.
Smoothness of Ride: 8/10
I was pleasantly surprised by the pedal stroke of the SlimCycle. The pedal stroke is exceptionally smooth for this type of cycle.
Resistance: 7/10
This bike offers eight levels of magnetic resistance. In addition, the resistance knob is easy to access, which is ideal for older riders, beginners, or riders with a limited range of movement.
Applications: 9/10
The SlimCycle comes with the opportunity to try the Echelon app free for thirty days. After the trial, this application is $14.99 per month until you cancel. Four class categories are available on this application led by knowledgeable instructors that include cycling, strength, toning, and stretch. Some of the formats in these categories are cycling, kickboxing, HIIT, yoga, meditation, barre, and Pilates. We like that the instructors are leading the cycling classes on the SlimCycle. Also, it is nice not to need any additional resistance conversion charts, so riders can easily follow the instructor’s resistance level request.
App users can select between OnDemand and live classes. Like the Peloton, this streaming service also offers a leaderboard option. Leaderboard ranking is based on pulse rate points on this platform. During live classes, participants can receive instructor shoutouts and have the opportunity to high-five other participants. The application also monitors your progress by tracking the number of workouts you have taken, the total minutes you have exercised, the total calories burned, and badges that you have earned throughout the week. This application also links with Strava, Fitbit, and Spotify.
Handlebar and Seat Adjustability: 5/10
Unfortunately, the handlebars and seat are not adjustable beyond the manufacturing preset. However, at 5’4″, I could still find a comfortable riding position.
Portability & Storage: 9/10
This bike is super easy to move with the rollers located on the front foot of the cycle. This bike also folds for easy storage.
*My main cycling bike is located downstairs, but I loved that I could easily store and pull this cycle out of the closet for a quick ride while my family and I watched a movie upstairs.
Mechanics & Parts of the Bike
Frame
This foldable frame is constructed from solid steel and provides great stability when riding upright or recumbent.
Monitor
The console features basic metrics such as calories, distance, pulse rate, and speed.
Handlebars
The handlebars include a heart rate sensor, which is helpful since this model doesn’t offer Bluetooth connectivity.
Seat & Backrest
Featuring 2.5 inches of cushioning, the SlimCycle’s seat offers an extremely comfortable riding experience. The backrest of this bike also features memory foam to provide maximum comfort.
Recumbent Handles
Soft foam handles gently wrap around the bottom of the seat for comfort and stability when riding in the recumbent position.
Pedals
The non-grip pedals also offer a shoe strap to keep your foot in place. Unfortunately, only regular athletic shoes may be worn since the pedals do not provide cleat options.
Drive
A belt drive is featured on the SlimCycle, helping make the riding experience virtually silent.
Resistance Bands
Two resistance bands are located under the handlebars. The resistance bands also feature foam handles making them easy to grip to maximize your strength exercises.
Slim Cycle Pros and Cons
What Sets the SlimCycle Apart From its Competitors?
Slim Cycle Support / Customer Service
I was impressed with the speed of the SlimCycle Customer Service team in answering a question I had about where to find the free app that is advertised. I had a response within 24 hours of sending my inquiry. However, I did have to make a second call since the information I was initially provided was not exactly correct.
Conclusion: Is the Slim Cycle Legit?
Slim Cycle is a well-known brand endorsed by many famous figures. It provides a full-body workout with top-of-the-range heart rate technology to help you reach your goals.
This bike is advertised as a strength and cardio fitness cycle, and the BulbHead’s SlimCycle delivers on those claims and is also highly affordable. However, we believe that the key customer will be budget-conscious. Therefore, this product perhaps is best suited for those just beginning to work out again instead of someone looking for a commercial-grade, high-performing piece of exercise equipment. Nevertheless, there is definitely a market for this type of exercise bike, and that’s the Slimcycle was rated as one of our best recumbent bikes with resistance bands.
my display does not function now. Changed the batteries and wiggled the wires but nothing. It reads zero but does not show any data when using the machine. The heart function works but that is it. Any ideas
Hi Lori!
Have you send a message to their support https://slimcyclefit.com/Contact-Us?
my display does not function now. Changed the batteries and wiggled the wires but nothing. It reads zero but does not show any data when using the machine. The heart function works but that is it. Any ideas
Just rode my slim cycle for the first time this morning. I too saw little difference in resistance between the 1 and 8 setting for resistance
Just rode my slim cycle for the first time this morning. I too saw little difference in resistance between the 1 and 8 setting for resistance
appreciate your review, but i see its only after 2 months of use. i have one just over a year old i use just on an average basis and now the pull resistance bands have sheared, one has already broke, the other will happen very soon. there is no way i have found to replace these and the machine is not warrantied after a year. it was great until the bands started wearing, but knew eventuall htey would break, didn’t realize now i would only have half a machine
Thank you for your helpful feedback, Vincent.
EXACTLY! This is the same experience I had and after the first year Slim Cycle company will do nothing to help. They couldn’t even tell me if the resistance bands were replaceable. All they would
suggest is trying to buy a new bike frame.
appreciate your review, but i see its only after 2 months of use. i have one just over a year old i use just on an average basis and now the pull resistance bands have sheared, one has already broke, the other will happen very soon. there is no way i have found to replace these and the machine is not warrantied after a year. it was great until the bands started wearing, but knew eventuall htey would break, didn’t realize now i would only have half a machine
Thank you for your helpful feedback, Vincent.
EXACTLY! This is the same experience I had and after the first year Slim Cycle company will do nothing to help. They couldn’t even tell me if the resistance bands were replaceable. All they would
suggest is trying to buy a new bike frame.
Can I get the slim cycle fully assembled
Hi Johna,
Unfortunately, Amazon.com & the Official website don’t seem to offer any assembly packages. You could find a professional in your area after the delivery or assembly it yourself using the video instructions.
Can I get the slim cycle fully assembled
Hi Johna,
Unfortunately, Amazon.com & the Official website don’t seem to offer any assembly packages. You could find a professional in your area after the delivery or assembly it yourself using the video instructions.
The slim cycle needs a better resistance band because it will start after a year time wear because I experience this twice and have no way to get a new resistance band not inless I buy a new slim cycle, Other than that the bike works great until resistance band wears.Slim cycle makers need to have a way so the(customers) buyers of the slim cycle can purchase or get a new retention band when needed.
The slim cycle needs a better resistance band because it will start after a year time wear because I experience this twice and have no way to get a new resistance band not inless I buy a new slim cycle, Other than that the bike works great until resistance band wears.Slim cycle makers need to have a way so the(customers) buyers of the slim cycle can purchase or get a new retention band when needed.
With one exception I like the bike and working on it.
However, there is absolut no difference between resistance 1 through 8. Basically it is just rolling over.
Do you happen to have some handy instructions on how to remedy the problem.
I could return it to the supplier, but packaging, etc. have gone to recycling and I can only see a lot of costs and pain.
Hi Ingvar!
It seems like you have a defective product. Did you contact the support in case there is an easy fix that you can do yourself?
I did not ask for that specifically. Will try again. I thought you might know.
With one exception I like the bike and working on it.
However, there is absolut no difference between resistance 1 through 8. Basically it is just rolling over.
Do you happen to have some handy instructions on how to remedy the problem.
I could return it to the supplier, but packaging, etc. have gone to recycling and I can only see a lot of costs and pain.
Hi Ingvar!
It seems like you have a defective product. Did you contact the support in case there is an easy fix that you can do yourself?
I did not ask for that specifically. Will try again. I thought you might know.
So i bought cuz my gym closed, olderale,I overall like bike. But can’t figure out computer settings ? Didn’t know I had to order different for belt.,have to use .y phone timer
Hi Thomas!
What exactly do you want to set up in the settings, and you can’t find it?
You can read the instructions for the monitor here if you want.
So i bought cuz my gym closed, olderale,I overall like bike. But can’t figure out computer settings ? Didn’t know I had to order different for belt.,have to use .y phone timer
Hi Thomas!
What exactly do you want to set up in the settings, and you can’t find it?
You can read the instructions for the monitor here if you want.
Hi Katie , does the slim cycle accommodate max weight of 300 also ??
Hi Anthony!
Yes, based on the official site, it “Holds up to 300-pounds”.
Hi Katie , does the slim cycle accommodate max weight of 300 also ??
Hi Anthony!
Yes, based on the official site, it “Holds up to 300-pounds”.
Poor customer service
Bike is nice but try finding parts if something goes wrong. Our resistance bands broke and looked for hours calling all kinds of numbers. All I got was sites trying to sell you another bike. Never again will I buy this slim cycle.
Hi Dale! Thank you for your comment.
Did you try to communicate with the official site https://www.bulbhead.com/pages/contact-us?
Got same problem and no solution
Poor customer service
Bike is nice but try finding parts if something goes wrong. Our resistance bands broke and looked for hours calling all kinds of numbers. All I got was sites trying to sell you another bike. Never again will I buy this slim cycle.
Hi Dale! Thank you for your comment.
Did you try to communicate with the official site https://www.bulbhead.com/pages/contact-us?
Got same problem and no solution
Katie, I am an 85-year-old award-winning nonfiction writer, former professional athlete and sport psychologist. I write a column for an aviation magazine (for pilots) and my June-July column is an evaluation of the Slim Cycle (see http://www.midwestflyer.com). My evaluation is a little stronger than yours (plus mine included the results of one-month usage), mostly because my readers are older than your readers. The machine is the best exercise decision I ever made. Thirty minutes, five days a week (doing 15 minutes twice a day) meets all CDC exercise guidelines and will keep a busy person in excellent physical shape, very conveniently. Check out my review when it is published, it is a digital publication. Dr. Bob Worthington
Hi Bob!
Thank you so much for your insightful comment. Indeed, the Slim Cycle is a great bike for all ages!
Katie, I am an 85-year-old award-winning nonfiction writer, former professional athlete and sport psychologist. I write a column for an aviation magazine (for pilots) and my June-July column is an evaluation of the Slim Cycle (see http://www.midwestflyer.com). My evaluation is a little stronger than yours (plus mine included the results of one-month usage), mostly because my readers are older than your readers. The machine is the best exercise decision I ever made. Thirty minutes, five days a week (doing 15 minutes twice a day) meets all CDC exercise guidelines and will keep a busy person in excellent physical shape, very conveniently. Check out my review when it is published, it is a digital publication. Dr. Bob Worthington
Hi Bob!
Thank you so much for your insightful comment. Indeed, the Slim Cycle is a great bike for all ages!