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ProForm offers several types of exercise bikes for purchase online, alongside other home equipment. The company also provides access to home-based cardio and strength training workouts through an iFit subscription.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
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An exercise bike may be a good option for people who have limited time to exercise or dislike cycling outdoors. Cycling boosts cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength. It is a low impact exercise, meaning it is gentle on the joints.
This article discusses the ProForm brand, its bikes, pros and cons, alternative brands, and the benefits of using an exercise bike at home. We also offer tips on how to choose an exercise bike.
Below are some pros and cons of ProForm bikes:
Pros
- wide selection of bikes with different prices, features, and footprints
- moderately priced exercise bikes
- quiet ride
- adjustable to accommodate users of different sizes
- easy access to the iFit app, with some models offering limited-term free iFit subscriptions
- automatic resistance level adjustment via the iFit app, even on models that do not have screens and require users to connect a tablet or smartphone
- touch screens on some models, which connect to online training and entertainment
- extra-wide pedals
- heart-rate monitoring
- good warranty
Cons
- some set-up required
- bikes may require regular user maintenance
- not as sturdy as some other stationary bikes
- has a user weight capacity that is lower than that of comparable brands
- limited ability to adjust handlebars
- does not include heart rate monitors in the price
- fewer built-in workouts compared to some brands
- high-end models do not have some features of other high-end bikes, such as tilting
- does not offer as much resistance as some other stationary bike brands
- complaints about customer service for repairs and returns
ProForm’s headquarters are in Logan, UT, but the company has multiple locations worldwide.
ProForm manufactures and sells various types of exercise equipment, including:
- exercise bikes
- treadmills
- ellipticals
- rowers
- strength training equipment
- accessories
The company also offers iFit, a form of interactive, personalized online training.
At the time of publishing, ProForm has a rating of 2.4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot and an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. Customer reviews on the BBB website give the brand an average rating of 1.41 out of 5 stars.
Positive reviews state that the company’s products are sturdy, easy to assemble, and user-friendly. Some reviewers also mention finding the iFit subscription useful for workouts.
The negative reviews mention poor and unresponsive customer service and a complicated returns process. Several customers report experiencing delayed shipping and receiving a delivery with missing or defective parts.
ProForm manufactures several exercise bikes for at-home use. The company categorizes the bikes into the following four series:
Studio series
The Studio series of ProForm exercise bikes offers users access to trainer-led classes via iFit.
Models include:
Prices range from $599-$1,299, with high-end models including screens and the ability for instructors to adjust the bike’s resistance.
C series
The C series offers easy access to training, iFit connectivity, and a recumbent option.
Prices range from $699-$899, and models include the Pro C10R and Pro C10U.
Hybrid series
The Hybrid series combines the features of a recumbent ProForm bike and an elliptical trainer.
This series has one model; the Hybrid Trainer XT. It sells for $649.
Closeout bikes
ProForm offers reduced prices on models it is removing from the ProForm bike line. The company refers to this category of bikes as ‘closeout bikes’.
- Studio Bike Limited
- TDF CSC
- 500SPX
Prices range from $499 – $1,099, and available models include:
ProForm sells several exercise bikes online. The following are a few examples of their most popular exercise bikes.
The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and free shipping on all its products. Each bike comes with a water bottle holder and front-mounted transport wheels.
Studio Bike Pro 22
- Price: $1,299, or $34 per month for 39 months.
- Dimensions: 56.5 in long x 21.9 in wide x 54 in high.
- User weight capacity: 250 lb.
- Warranty: A 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty.
The Studio Bike Pro 22 is an upright exercise bike made of high quality solid steel. It has adjustable handlebars and padded seats for added comfort.
Additional product features include:
- a 30-day iFit family membership
- a 22-inch (in) Smart HD touchscreen display with SmartSwivel that tracks fitness metrics
- an auxiliary audio port
- 24 resistance levels
The product also comes with two 3-pound (lb) dumbbells.
Carbon CX
- Price: $599, or $16 per month for 39 months.
- Dimensions: 52.5 in long x 21.9 in wide x 51 in high.
- User weight capacity: 250 lb.
- Warranty: A 10-year frame warranty and a 1-year warranty on labor and parts.
The Carbon CX is an upright bike with an adjustable seat and handlebars. Its Silent Magnetic Resistance feature gives users a smooth, noise-free ride.
Additional product features include:
- a 30-day iFit family membership
- an LCD window display that tracks fitness metrics
- tablet holder and optional toe cages
- 16 resistance levels
The product also comes with two 3-lb dumbbells.
Hybrid Trainer XT
- Price: $649, or $17 per month for 39 months.
- Dimensions: 70.5 in long x 24.5 in wide x 60.5 in high.
- User weight capacity: 250 lb.
- Warranty: A 5-year frame warranty and a 1-year warranty on labor and parts.
The Hybrid Trainer XT is a two-in-one bike and elliptical trainer with a full 15-in elliptical stride length.
The trainer comes with heart rate sensors and a built-in power meter that shows a person’s pace. This bike does not come with a free iFit subscription.
Additional product features include:
- an LCD that tracks fitness metrics
- an audio auxiliary port and tablet holder
- 16 resistance levels
The basic steps for getting started with a ProForm bike are:
- Step 1: Select the preferred ProForm bike model.
- Step 2: Purchase the ProForm bike model online, using available financing options as needed.
- Step 3: Sign up for the free 30-day iFit subscription, if available with the model.
- Step 4: After 30 days, review options for the iFit subscription, and sign up or discontinue the service as desired.
ProForm offers free shipping.
ProForm also offers customers the option to receive free equipment if they commit to purchasing a 3-year family subscription to iFit. The website states that the fee for this is $39 per month, which adds up to $1,403 over the 3-year period.
Purchasers can return a ProForm bike within 30 days of receiving it. They will be charged $250 for shipping, plus a 10% restocking fee. This return policy does not apply to customers who opted for the 3 year family iFit subscription.
The ProForm bike series features a range of products to suit people at different fitness levels, from beginners to athletes.
A ProForm bike may suit people looking for a moderately-priced home exercise bike with similar features to high-end competitors.
These bikes may also suit people looking for smart exercise equipment. All ProForm bikes can connect to the online fitness subscription service iFit, which allows users to:
- access live or recorded classes
- work with trainers
- enjoy virtual scenic rides from all over the world
- rack their progress
Individuals looking to buy an exercise bike have several options and may wish to consider brands other than ProForm. Other companies that sell bikes include:
- Peloton: This company sells different types of home exercise equipment and has an app that hosts online workout classes. Peloton offers two exercise bikes with various resistance levels and features. Learn more about Peloton here.
- Equinox+: This company sells the SoulCycle bike. This product features Bluetooth connectivity, and users can access different workouts from home if they purchase a subscription to Equinox+. Learn more about the SoulCycle bike here.
- Schwinn: Schwinn offers various exercise bike options, including upright and recumbent bikes. These products measure fitness metrics and come with varying levels of resistance and connectivity. Learn more about Schwinn exercise bikes here.
There are several factors to consider before buying a bike, including:
- Durability: Durable bikes are usually more expensive than lighter-weight products due to their heavy-duty parts. However, durable bikes may last longer, and the frames are often more stable.
- Capacity: Individuals should check that they are within the bike’s height and weight limits to ensure their safety and the longevity of the equipment.
- Comfort: A correct fit allows people to work out comfortably with an ergonomically correct and safe posture. People can look for models with adjustable seating and handlebar positioning. They may also wish to consider purchasing padded seating for added comfort.
- Resistance: Bikes with various resistance levels allow people to work out at different intensities. Bikes with more resistance levels may be more expensive.
- Display: Bikes may feature different display screen types, such as analog screens showing fitness metrics and touch screens capable of streaming online workouts. Not all bikes have a display screen.
- Connectivity: Some bike models allow people to connect their devices and stream workouts and entertainment.
- Types: Bikes come in various styles, including spin and recumbent bikes. People should consider their fitness goals and lifestyle, as each type may offer different features.
- Features: Some bikes offer additional features, such as:
- device holders
- phone docks
- water bottle holders
- heart rate monitors
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Warranty: People may wish to consider the product’s warranty and coverage before committing to the purchase.
- Price: The price of exercise bikes varies widely depending on the make and features. Some manufacturers also offer payment plans.
An exercise bike allows people to work out in the comfort and safety of their own homes. Physical activity provides several health benefits, such as:
Improving heart health
Exercise bikes are a form of aerobic exercise. A
Additionally, a
Improving mental health
According to the
A
- flexible thinking
- remembering
- exercising self-control
Improving physical health
Exercise bikes target muscles of the lower body, including the quadriceps and glutes, improving muscle strength in these areas.
A
- cholesterol levels
- body weight
- aerobic capacity
Limiting impact on the joints
Bicycles provide
Burning calories
Physical activity helps burn calories, which is key to maintaining a moderate weight. A 2018 study found that weekly participation in three 30-60 minute spinning cycling workouts reduced body fat and weight in previously sedentary females with excess body weight. At the end of the 6-week study, participants who were overweight at the start had a moderate body weight, while those who had obesity moved down to the overweight category.
Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about ProForm bikes:
Are ProForm bikes loud?
The Pro-Form website states that the company’s bikes use a patented Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR) to provide intense, adjustable, and quiet workouts.
Do ProForm bikes work without iFit?
It is possible to use a ProForm bike without subscribing to iFit. However, a person using a ProForm bike without iFit will not have access to the following iFit services:
- training sessions
- live-streaming of studio and global class workouts
- connected fitness tracking
Exercise bikes offer many physical and mental health benefits. However, people should carefully consider their requirements before purchasing an exercise bike online, as the various models available offer different features.
ProForm sells several bikes that have different features, warranty coverage, and price. Individuals should check each bike’s specifications to ensure they buy the one that best meets their needs.