Slim Cycle Reviews

Advertised as a two-in-one breakthrough that gives you twice the results in half the time, the Slim Cycle combines cardio with upper body strength training.

Additional features include the ability to transform from an upright position (for an intense workout) to a recumbent position (for a relaxed workout), eight levels of ultra-quiet magnetic resistance, and a large digital display that tracks calories, distance, and speed.

You’ll also be able to see your pulse using the heart rate monitor built directly into each of the handles.

These handles, along with its large opening, also make getting on and off the Slim Cycle easy, while the 2.5-inch thick memory foam seat—which is adjustable and can accommodate heights between 4' 11" and 6' 4"—and backrest provide comfortable support for those up to 300 pounds.

The cycle folds up like an ironing board for easy storage, whether in the closet or under a bed.

The Health Benefits of Cycling

• Aerobic Workout – Otherwise known as cardiovascular exercise, this raises the heart rate and if performed regularly, can help burn extra calories and improve cardiovascular health, to name just a couple of benefits.
• Muscle & Bone Building – Each time you turn those pedals, you use many different lower body muscles (including many above your waist as well, such as the abdominals, arms, and shoulders), which can help them—as well as the bones they’re connected to—grow stronger and bigger.
• Joint-Friendly – Despite these aerobic workout and muscle building capabilities, cycling is low-impact; that is, it’s easy on the joints.
• Everyday Benefits – Harvard Health reports these benefits can carry over into different aspects of everyday life as well, such as “balance, walking, standing, endurance, and stair climbing.”

Another potential advantage is that you can accomplish these benefits whether outside on a traditional bike, or inside on stationary models like Slim Cycle (such as when the weather’s not so great, or you just need a quick early morning spin session).

If you’ve already decided that a stationary version is the best option for you, how can you go about choosing the right manufacturer and model?

How Much Does Slim Cycle Cost?

Slim Cycle is priced at $199.95 with free shipping. You can also select the option to make five payments of $39.99.

Your purchase will automatically come with an app containing a library 10 free, on-demand virtual rides, some of which include instruction. During checkout, you can upgrade to a full year of unlimited access to these videos for an additional $5.

You can also upgrade to the Deluxe Slim Cycle version, which includes a water bottle and holder, a heavy-duty floor mat, a metallic gunmetal finish, a double padded seat, upgraded handle grips, and a two-year extended warranty for a total of $270.90.

This package comes with:

• Slim Cycle 2-in1 Exercise Bike
• Slim Away Belt
• Water Bottle Holder
• Comfort Padded Seat Cover
• Protective Floor Mat
• 2 Year Extended Warranty

All orders come with a 30-day refund policy, less S&H charges.

After several calls to customer support, none of the representatives we spoke with could provide additional details about how long the app’s videos are available without upgrading, the bike’s weight, or warranty information.

What to Look for in a Stationary Bike

If you just started researching stationary bikes like Slim Cycle, it’s possible to spend anywhere from less than $200 to well over $2,000, spanning all types of designs and features.

Generally, though, you get what you pay for. Here are just a couple of examples of what this means in the real world:

Materials Quality – Often, the more you pay for an exercise bike, the better quality materials you’ll receive, including aluminum construction, heavier-weight flywheels; wide, adjustable bases, and high-quality electronics (including the various sensors we’ll discuss in a second).

Resistance – Magnetic resistance is the gold standard, which uses a flywheel and strong magnets to provide the widest variety. At the other end of the spectrum, fans might be more budget-friendly but can be loud and not very customizable.

Tracking Features – These include the ability to monitor heart rate and mileage on budget models, to higher-end versions that can monitor power output, cadence, and actual calories burned.

Some models even offer live, interactive classes and leaderboards like Peloton, while some ‘smart’ trainers (devices that attach to real bikes) can even connect to games like Zwift, allowing you to experience automatic resistance, custom courses, and the ability to compete with other riders around the world.

Pro tip: We encountered very few models that also featured a ‘rope system’ for the upper body, as with Slim Cycle. However, we called customer support, who advised this resistance is not adjustable (in contrast to the pedaling resistance).

They also weren’t able to provide additional details as to how wide the base is (regarding stability), what the on-demand videos involve, or what the specific difference is between the 10 free videos received with every purchase and the upgraded year-long subscription.

To choose the best stationary bike for you, start with the features most important to you, which will likely directly impact your budget.

For example, unless you plan on competing online or achieving the most realistic indoor experience possible, higher-priced options like Peloton and Zwift-enabled trainers might not provide a higher level of value.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a piece of equipment that will withstand years of regular use and can grow with you as your skill level increases, then investing in a higher-priced model with better build quality and materials might be worthwhile.

In addition to starting with the budget and those features most important to you, Consumer Reports emphasizes that one of the most important factors when buying a stationary bike is trying before you buy since they can vary widely in fit and comfort.

The Bottom Line

Cycling provides many potential health benefits, including those related to cardiovascular and strength. And Slim Cycle also comes with a competitive price and many must-have features for indoor fitness bikes, such as:

• Adjustable magnetic resistance
• The ability to track heart rate and miles via a large digital display
• Two operating positions (upright and recumbent)
• Access to free cycling videos, including instruction
• Can accommodate a wide variety of heights
• Includes backrest
• Competitive price

While Slim Cycle might be able to provide you with an easily accessible cardiovascular workout, successfully losing weight is just as much about what you eat as about how much you exercise.

With only eight pedal resistance levels and no adjustable arm resistance, Slim Cycle’s ability to meaningfully grow along with your fitness level might be limited.