LIVESTRONG® Exercise Bike Reviews

Submitted by bbearlee (Jacksonville, AR) on Jan, 2013

I knew when I bought this bike that I got a good price, and from the reviews, I trusted a good bike also!!! But boy!!! Is THAT ever an understatement!!! This thing is built like the "Rock of Gibraltar" !!! More QUIET (shhhhhhhh!) than a mouse, and easy to set up from the git go! Everything fits snuggly and stays tight after setup and use! And it's so adjustable, PLUS fast changes of the settings if desired! I don't know if there's a better bike out there, but I'm movin' to Missouri, because your gonna have to "show me!" !!!

Submitted by Lindsey on Feb, 2012

I have been using this bike for the past three weeks. I love it! It was very easy to set up. The work outs are great, the screen is easy to use, and it’s so quiet. I would absolutely recommend this product to others.

Submitted by Russ (Whitehall, MI) on Feb, 2013

nice ride! settings are easy, so far the seat netting has held up as of this review. would have liked a better place to mount ipod but Velcro is a good work around. Must do miles!!!

Submitted by Mark T (Fresno, CA) on Feb, 2013

I'm 52 and usually ride no less than 20 miles a day to stay healthy in spring, summer and fall. Wanted an exercise bike for cold winter days. This is a great one. Set up was easy and it provides challenging exercise with a variety of work out options. Interfacing with Livetrack just makes it a more worthwhile value. I'm certainly not disappointed and recommend this bike!

Submitted by Chris (Kenosha, WI) on Jan, 2013

I just put my LS5.0U together and I am very happy with the overall quality. Not only were patched screws and proper lock washers included , they all threaded in easily. I also like the blister pack with the hardware which you could tear back with each step. I couldn't wait to get on the bike after about 45 minutes of assembly. It was smooth and it was easy to figure out the console. I like that it has an 1/8 " jack for an MP3 player and the overall ride was smooth! I had a life cycle 1000 before this and I would rate this 5.0 U higher.

Submitted by Tony Paterno (Annapolis, MD) on Jan, 2013

2 months of using the LS6.0R exercise bike and enjoying every work out. It's buuilt solid, operates smoothly, and comes with a good varierty of programs. So far my wife and I can't find anything wrong with it!

Submitted by Mike (Sterling Heights, MI) on Jan, 2013

We received the 6.0 R as a Christmas gift from our kids. I had seen the bike on display at Dicks and really liked how it felt. My wife and I assembled the bike in 90 minutes using only the 2 tools that came with it. The instructions were well written and the predrilled holes all aligned nicely. The bike is very solid and very quiet. I would strongly recommend this bike to anyone looking for a health club quality machine at a fair price.

Submitted by Capt America (Alexandria, VA) on Jan, 2013

A solid, well made cycle that can handle an aggressive riding large man (240 lbs). It arrived sooner than expected, and for the most part, it was quick and easy to assemble. What is somewhat unsettling were the few corners cut that left me wondering why they would nickel/dime me on a fairly expensive consumer item. For example, the pedals, and display feel cheap and flimsy. The display mounting hardware was not designed for the handle bars (much too small) and the poorly edited (translated?) instruction manual had instructions for an entirely different display mounting scheme.

Overall, I am happy with the cycle.

Submitted by Dan (Nova, VA) on Jan, 2013

If you've ever ridden a quality club bike with smooth magnetic resistance and wanted something for the home that is similar quality, this is it. Assembly is very easy and the parts are fasteners all shrink wrapped in individual sections, a very nice touch. All required tools are included as well.

The ride is very smooth and seating position is very good. The bike is nearly silent! The bars are non adjustable but almost anyone can probably find a good position. The seat isn't bad, but its proprietary mounting system means a replacement seat isn't in the cards, at least not without fabrication. Resistance changes are made easy with a quick change panel, however each level change does take about 1 second.

My only quips with the bike are the display unit. It does not show cadence. Speed (optimistic) is shown on a secondary display that switches back if you touch the heart rate pads. The primary display mode is pace which to me as an avid cyclist, isn't nearly as useful as cadence. It does show watts which is a nice touch but it makes me want cadence that much more so I could see that rpm I'm most efficient at!

The control unit does redeem itself with the workout/USB function. You can download 4 workouts from livestrong, and when you open them, you can see they are XML files, so if you are handy with a text editor, you can create your own custom workouts!!!

That said, this is an excellent bike, and a tremendous value! I'm hopeful Livestrong/Johnson will provide firmware updates that resolve the metrics issues.

Submitted by folie (Lake Jackson, TX) on Dec, 2012

High Quality indoor Bike but beware only good for persons < 6ft.

I bought this premium indoor bike fully expecting similar sizing as in the gym. The indoor bike is sturdier, smoother than what we have in the gym but untortunately it is too small. I am 6' 3". I cannot adjust the seat high enough to get fit with my legs.

Disappointing and something I would have expected in the product limitations to be mentioned before buying....

That being said, if you don't need the bike size, good choice.

Submitted by Paul Hanson (Sheboygan Falls, WI) on Dec, 2012

After looking at many bikes I choose this one because of how it's built. The price was a good deal but sometimes we have to choose a product because of its reputation. Besides supporting a worthy cause & a product made in the USA was worth it. I have had the bike for almost 2 months and loved it when I got it and I am sure I will love it years from now,

Submitted by Glenn Szabo (Sanford, NC) on Dec, 2012

Product is as advertised, works well, solid and quiet, I have been using it regularly for months now and like it greatly.

Submitted by Cycling in Connecticut (Fairfield, CT) on Nov, 2012

We have had this for several months and my husband and I use it when weather or darkness prevents us from going outside. He has shifted from runner to cyclist over the past year, but I jog or walk outside and only cycle inside. Both of us feel we get a great workout on this. It is very easy to adjust the seat and tension and pretty easy to put together. BE CAREFUL, my husband did not put it together in the right order and he sliced the wire--although he was able to repair it -- LEARN from our MISTAKE! Anyway, we have owned exercise bikes in the past, but this is much quieter and we SWEAT--otherwise my husband wouldn't consider it a workout. Our sons have also used it a few times when they couldn't get to the gym. We all love it!

Submitted by Tammy (Edgewater, FL) on Nov, 2012

Love the bike Only complaint is. Heart rate monitor is terrible..useless unless stop pedaling pane barely touch the heart rate pad forever to get a reading.. Customer support said to lightly touch it. Which makes it almost a waste. The rest of it works fine. Seat could be better.

Submitted by FredP (Pueblo, CO) on Nov, 2012

We use the bike every day, great features, and the variety of programs is useful to change routines. Very easy to adjust seat for different users.

Submitted by Dr Dan (Gates Mills, OH) on Nov, 2012

Upholstry on the backrest coming un-done.
How to use the computer updates opaque and did not make it work.
No mechanical problems with the drive train.
Overall meets but does not exceed myy goals.

Submitted by Joe F. (East Alton, IL) on Nov, 2012

I have not ridden a lot of spinner bikes but the ones I have ridden, do not compare to the Livestrong LS9.9IC. I ride everything from antique high wheel bikes to full carbon road bikes and in the off season I ride the LS9.9IC. I have read most of the reviews before and after I purchased mine and for the money I think I made a great choice. The only thing lacking in this model is electronics and you will not find electronics on any bike of this quality in this price range. If you have the desire to stay in shape then you don't need a computer to tell you what to do. I strap on a heart rate monitor and climb on. This bike will take you any place you want to go. Simply my own personal opinion but I wouldn't trade mine for anything else.

Submitted by rugger (pownal, ME) on Sep, 2012

this is a very high quality unit, but I am returning it, as it is not really recumbent but more upright, and found it difficult on my back even with the flex back, I found myself trying to push back with no luck if there were a way to adjust the back angle it would be perfect

Submitted by rugger (pownal, ME) on Sep, 2012

wouldn't really call it recumbent, more of a vertical posture. important to me because chemo therapy gave me anal fissures androids, so my bum is very tender regardless, was able to do 45 min workout to keep up strength ahead of upcoming surgery, my wife did most of the assembly, good assembly instructions. I may try to bend seat bracket to get more of a recline posture

Submitted by DEBRA WOODALL on Aug, 2012

I LOVE this Bike!!!! I've had it for 6 months, and actually enjoy riding it!! First pc of excercise equipment I've ever bought that I really liked!!!

Submitted by Brenda on Jul, 2012

I bought this to help as a recovery tool from arthroscopic knee surgery. I had used an upright cycle in physical therapy and enjoyed it. This bike is better than the one the PT's used and a fraction of the cost. I love the programmable features. Also, it is unbelievably quiet. I have been watching movies and reading on my Kindle while working out without any distractions. I would definitely recommend this bike.

Submitted by Carolyn on May, 2012

I have had this bike for about 6 months now. It's comfortable and there are more features on it than I really use. The seat slides forward and backward well enough to match my height (5'6") as well my boyfriend's (6'1"). The display works well, but be forewarned- it counts up, not down, so if you are one to see how much time you have left be prepared to do some math!

The other thing I like about it is the built-in speakers. It's handy to be able to plug the music into the machine and fiddle with it there than to have to have a separate system not on the bike and be forced to work through a bad song or stop the workout to change it.

The only real downside to the bike is the size of the seat back. It seams that it's really a "one size fits all" seatback height, which means it's really best for someone bigger than I am. It's not too much of a problem, but can get tiresome during the last minutes of a longer workout. It would be nicer if the seatback height could be adjusted as well as the seat bottom slides.

Submitted by Mark Paun on Mar, 2012

Great instructions, easy to put together. plan on 1.5 to 2.0 hours if you take your time. First few days it works great. Looks good in any room. Time will tell how it holds up. We compared it to Nordic Track, Schwinn and Life Core 850 which was over $300 more and we didn't think there was any appreciable difference. The instructions on using the electronics could be a little clearer, and I wish the electronics would shut down on their own. But overall very satisfied.

Submitted by Anonymous on Jan, 2012

Great piece of equipment! The noise level is far below those that I've used at gym in the past. It was easy to assemble, the quality is very good, right down to the paint finish. Its a very sharp looking piece of equipment

Submitted by Anonymous on Dec, 2011

After several months of riding a livestrong spin bike at my gym, I decided I wanted one for home so I can ride whenever I wanted to. So, I finally bit the bullet and purchased it after doing alot of research on others as well.
I had it delivered and assembled, however, I noticed the computer wasn't operating properly. I contacted tech support and a very helpful lady assisted me. She had a new part shipped to my home and a technician contacted me to replace it...all within a week! I have to say I am glad I spent the $$$ for this bike and their customer service and support staff, is really exceptional so far. I have officially cancelled my gym membership downloaded a cyling podcast and am riding happy!!!

Submitted by John on Jun, 2011

Seat is not sturdy, bolts are torqued, seat falls!

Submitted by Branan on Jun, 2011

I replaced a very old LifeCycle that I had beaten to death with the LiveStrong trainer. The bike is great; easy to use, easy set up, good instructions. The bike is stealthy silent (i.e., doesnt wake up my kids when I'm pedalling). I wish it had a larger platform to hold a book or a laptop computer and easy integration with training software.

Submitted by fujiguy on Feb, 2011

Performs awesome. I should never have bought that cheap indoor bike last year. What a waste. Now i can actually get a climbing workout and stay fit in cold or rainy weather. I don't usually like training or fitness videos but the layout and style of this one definitely keeps me motivated. A welcome surprise. Shipping was awkward since their is no way to track it's progress online, but it did arrive on time and i found it surprisingly easy to put together.

Submitted by Irondad3 on Aug, 2010

The box arrived open, but that was the delivery peeps for sure. It took 45 minutes to unbox and set up, very easy... The seat and bars adjust many different ways to allow a fit for everyone, very cool.
I road 58 minutes today for the first time and loved this product.
The computer is simple, but perfect. It shows RPM and heart rate all the time and can switch from time, distance and calories burned. I counted my cadence against the computer and it was right on the money.
It is a bit pricey as far as spinners go, but I would buy it again knowing what I know now.

Submitted by topaz on Jul, 2010

This bike is the best quality for the money. It's extremely easy to assemble and store. The DVD that comes with it is great. The best part of owning your own cycling bike is that you don't have to leave your home and you're done in 30 minutes. I would recommend this cycle to everyone. It's an incredible workout and it's addicting.

Submitted by happy on Apr, 2010

Goofd quality. Setup/assembly went easily. Operation is good. The tightening knobs loosen somewhat in use but I"m sure that because I"m pounding the gears so hard (lol).

Would certainly recommend. We went out and bought a tlivestrong trend mill as well.

Similar features in other spininng bike are sevarl hunded dollars more.

Submitted by getmovin on Apr, 2010

I purchased my bike about a month ago. I have wanted a spin bike for about a year but didn't feel I could afford one. I finally decided to just do it . I live alone and although it says it requires two people to put together I did it by myself with no problems. I ride at least two days a week with other activities the other days. I would have given it 5 stars but the seat is a bit uncomfortable. They could have splurged for a better seat. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a spin bike.

Submitted by ab1234 on Apr, 2010

Very sturdy and easy to assemble. Arrived quickly. Only complaint is that handle bars are a little shaky. Overall great buy and will be perfect for winter weather.

Submitted by Steve on Mar, 2010

One of the better investments I have made, not only for me, but my family. I have been a SPIN instructor so I have worked out with many stationary/SPIN bikes over the years. The Livestrong Cycle is one, if not the best, out there on the market.

Extremely sturdy, great look and allows me to keep up with RPM, calorie burn, time, etc. My wife is not a cyclist at all and now I have her training on this as well.

Would highly recommend from an avid cyclist, former SPIN instructor and family man that now has my wife and kids working out with it.

Submitted by cort on Feb, 2010

My wife and I decided on this spinning cycle after seeing/trying a demo model at Dick's Sporting Goods in NY. We immediately recognized and appreciated the LIVESTRONG theme, and it felt very solid and smooth when we tested it in the store. We decided we would purchase it for our home - had to go through the website (livestrongfitness.com) to buy it as there were no local dealers who carried it out near the Bay Area.

I ordered the bike, and it was delivered shortly thereafter. Assembly was a little tricky (be patient and follow the directions thoroughly), but the finished ride-ready product is well worth it.

There is only one small issue I have with the bike: it needs an iPod holder!

Thanks for making a great product. We're very pleased with our purchase.

Submitted by Klein68 on Feb, 2010

This thing Rocks and is built like a tank.
40lb flywheel, direct drive (no coasting), micro adjust resistance, and easy infinite adjustability from Handle bars to seat height and placement make it compatible for your whole family.
The pedaling action is very smooth. The bike is excellent from the seated position but dial up the resistance and you can stamp the Pedals out of the saddle just as if you were climbing a famous Mountain in Europe.
I have spent the last 5 years using my Road Bike and a Fluid Resistance trainer during the winter months. I only wish I would have found something like this sooner. Even my 11 year old rides it to help him with his Soccer Training.
A great purchase at a great price
Highly recommended

Submitted by mdwelshone on Feb, 2010

I've been riding road bike for about 4 years, but I really do hate riding in the cold weather. I'm not a pro, nor do I compete other than my nightly group rides. However, I do love to ride for the fitness, and the way it makes my body feel afterward.

This bike is the perfect equipment for me, as it keeps track of distance, calories, and cadence. In addition, the quality with which this bike is manufactured is exceptional at any price.

It's very easy to assemble, and you know what? It looks great in my house!!

I would easily recommend this to riders of all skills and types. I'm 6'2", and it's perfect for me and my 5'3" wife.

Submitted by Bongo on Jan, 2010

Stopped by a buddies house last night to practice music for an upcoming gig, but I couldn't stay off his Livestrong bike! It's the closest thing to a real-bike experience I've encountered! Smooth, steady, and just fun to ride. Adjusts to ANY size rider! Cool Beans!

Submitted by Jer (Lees Summit, MO) on Dec, 2012

This unit developed a knocking sound inside the enclosed pedal area about two months after we received it. I haven't disassembled it yet to find the problem. It is irritating to spend this much money on something and have to disassemble it less than a year of purchase.
Other than that, I think it has more thoughtful features and a sleek design (recumbent is the way to go on exercise units). The seat is not as comfortable as I had hoped, but it is cooler than a solid back that the other models tested had.