ProForm 290 SPX Indoor Cycle Review

ProForm does not have as large of a selection of exercise bikes as other manufacturers, but they are manufactured by the same company as Nordic Trac (ICON Fitness), produce very good mid-range exercise bikes and are backed up with excellent warranties.

The ProForm 290 SPX is a sturdy, well made, mid-range indoor cycle (spinning bike, if you prefer) with everything you need for a serious indoor cycling workout.

Indoor cycles or spinning bikes, such as the ProForm 290 SPX, are mostly mechanical and use friction based resistance mechanisms that can be easily adjusted to any level of workout.

As with most indoor cycles, you simply adjust the resistance level with a simple turn of the resistance knob above the wheel.

This exercise bike is completely mechanical. There are no electronics for resistance and there is no console to monitor your workouts (speed, time, calories burned, heart rate, etc.). This keeps the design very straight forward and keeps maintenance requirements down but if you are looking for an exercise bike with a console, you will need to select another model.

Note: As of 8/28/2010 the ProForm 290 SPX is selling at Wla-Mart for $299 (down from $399 as of 8/1/10) with FREE Site to Store shipping. You can also check out the ProForm 290 SPX at Proform.com for their latest price and customer reviews.

Also be aware of bait-and-switch ads under general search engine searches. I found the Proform 290 SPX listed at lower prices on various websites only to find out that they were not really selling this exercise bike! Once you follow their links, they will often go to some other brand of indoor cycle. The price above is the lowest that I've found for this indoor cycle. If you find it for less, please let me know.

Upright exercise bikes, including the ProForm 290 SPX Indoor Cycle are more similar to traditional bikes, provide an excellent low impact, aerobic exercise and are more compact and cheaper than other home fitness equipment.

About-Bicycles Review:

The ProForm 290 SPX a solid, no frills indoor cycle for serious indoor training and workouts. Proform is a well known manufacturer of quality fitness products and this exercise bike is backed up with a very good warranty.

I can easily recommend the ProForm 290 SPX as a well made, mid-range indoor cycle but keep in mind that there is no console to monitor your workout stats. If you prefer an indoor cycle with a console (and can afford the extra cost) we would suggest the Livstrong LS9.9IC.

Customer Reviews:

There are plenty of reviews of the ProForm 290 SPX to be found online. At the time of this review, the overall review at buzzillions.com (for example) was 4.5 out of 5 stars, from 18 reviews and 4 out of 5 from 2 reviews at Proform.com

Most Relevant Customer Review Comments included...

"...I am very happy with this product and would like to add my positive review to the tons of positive reviews I have already read.Don't get hung up on a big name, this bike rocks!"

"As far as spinning bikes go this one is great for the money! the only missing-it needs a speedometer or clock so you can see speed & time spent on bike-also, would enjoy it more if it had a gel seat."

See: ProForm 290 SPX Reviews at Proform.com for the latest price and additional customer reviews.

ProForm 290 SPX Indoor Cycle Features:

• Adjustable Seat with Padding
• Pedals with Toe Cage
  
• Adjustable, Non-Slip Handlebars with Grips
  
• Water Bottle Holder
  
• Chain Drive
  
• Transport Wheels
  
• 250 lb. Weight Capacity

Warranty:

5-Year Frame
90 Days Parts & Labor

Upright Exercise Bike Reviews