Review: Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II Exercise Bike
The Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II is built to challenge users with a direct-drive resistance system and an emergency stop brake system. The fully adjustable seat and handlebars help users find their ideal comfort zone. One of the more impressive features of the Phoenix 98623 is the near 40 pound balanced flywheel, which is superior to most of its direct competitors. The flywheel stops right when you stop pedaling. The direct-drive system allows for forward or backward pedaling, and the quick-stop handling allows for immediate braking to change directions. This bike is sturdy enough to manage a weight capacity upwards of 250 pounds.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Easy Assembly
- Smooth
- 40lb Flywheel
- Water Bottle Holder
- 250 lb. Weight Capacity
- Value
Click Here To Get Free Shipping On The Phoenix 98623 Exercise Bike
The Phoenix 98623 uses two two brake pads compressing the flywheel instead of one. This leads to better resistance, while limiting the amount of wear and tear over time. It’s very sturdy, as it weighs 130 pounds and has a 40 pounds flywheel. Most bikes in this price range have flywheels in the area of 30 pounds.
The assembly will take around 20 – 30 minutes. The central components are already in place. All that needs to be done is to put on the pedals, seat, and handle. The tension knob adjusts rather easily, as only a few turns are needed to reach the next gear.
The seat can be adjusted horizontally and vertically. It’s comfortable for a height range beginning at about 5’4 on up. It’s built for larger individuals. While the bike is heavy, the wheels make moving it fairly manageable.
This is a gym quality bike that is well constructed and built to last. The bike operates smoothly and wobbling is limited. It will wobble more if you place it on carpet.
At $500, this bike is excellent value for the quality that it has.
Cons
- Uncomfortable Seat
- Handlebar Adjustment
- Packaging
The handlebars can only be adjusted vertically. Some bikes are able to move horizontally as well, and this feature sometimes comes in handy if you are shorter or taller than normal. The range of the seat adjustment could be better, as any height below 5’4 is probably is going to be stretching to be comfortable.
An issue with most cycling bikes, the seat is not very comfortable. You will probably want to purchase a gel seat, they can be had for under $15. Placing a towel on the seat may also help.
This would be 5 stars if they had used sturdier packing material–Styrofoam just doesn’t cut it for a 120-lb bike. When I opened the box it looked like a bomb had gone off inside. Surprisingly, nothing was broken. The tab at the back of the frame where the cross-piece attaches was bent, but when I attached the cross-piece it straightened out. Still, I count myself lucky.
A few have received their bike with damaged parts. One reason for this is because it’s not packaged as well as it could be. Some received the bike with the protective materials having already unraveled. This has lead to damaged parts for some on arrival.
Click Here To Get Free Shipping On The Phoenix 98623 Exercise Bike
Customer Reviews
Although it was heavy, I was able to get it into my house (3 steps) on my own without straining anything…I put it together by myself within 40 minutes or so and this sucker is STOUT. One little nobby broke off during shipping but will be replaced; I’m not concerned–it didn’t effect the bike at at all. So I just completed my first workout on it and I must say, it’s stable, sturdy, just like the one at my gym and I LOVE IT. I’m pleasantly surprised and would recommend it to anyone that is looking for a spin bike for your home…It’s got all the necessary adjustments needed for the novice/intermediate spinner! – Lisa (Sacramento, California)
I bought this bike a month ago and the price was right around $589 w/free shipping. It has now since dropped to $499, so make sure you wait until it gets below $500 to save some cash. I thought the set up was very easy. It took me maybe 15 minutes and the tools are included. No parts were broken. Others are right that this machine does not have all the adjustment features of a very high end, gym bike, but you get what you pay for. I find the ride to be very comfortable even when I’m on it for 1.5-2 hours at a time. Bike shorts are a must in my opinion though. – M. Schell (Denver, CO)
This bike is a great buy for the price. It is very substantial and the heavy weight lets you be able to get up out of the saddle without worrying about the bike tipping over. Assembly was easy. The seat is not very comfortable but we bought another one at a bike store and it wasn’t too expensive. It’s pretty easy to move even though it’s a heavy bike. Adjusting the seat is a little tough. You have to use your whole weight to move up or down. – D. Anderson (Austin, TX)
