The ProForm 490 SPX Indoor Cycling Bike with Chain Drive System

The ProForm 490 SPX Indoor Cycling Bike is a solid performer with a hefty flywheel and a reliable chain drive system.

The Bike

The backlit LCD display window shows readouts for time, distance, speed, calories, pulse, and RPMs. The console requires two AAA batteries.

The bike specifications are:

• Chain Drive system
• Adjustable padded seat
• Quick-Stop Braking System
• Pedals with Toe Straps & Toe Clips
• Polar® Wireless HR monitoring (strap not included)
• Adjustable Handlebars
• Max User Weight: 275 lbs
• Water Bottle holder, transport wheels
• Dimensions: 48.6"L x 19.9"W x 46.5"H
• Warranty: 5 years frame, 1-year parts & labor

The Buzz

UPDATE:  The ProForm 490 SPX has been discontinued and is no longer being sold.  You can check out the latest ProForm exercise bike reviews to compare the new models.

The ProForm 490 SPX Indoor Cycling Bike has a heavy 48.5-pound flywheel, a chain drive, and a natural wool-felt resistance system. It has a max user capacity of 275 pounds, a fully adjustable padded seat, non-slip handlebars, and water bottle holder.

The pedals have built-in toe cages to increase stability, and the bike is easy to move from one room to another with the transport wheels on the front stabilizer base. It is a very easy bike to assemble, taking about 30 minutes in all.

Reviews by current owners are generally positive, indicating that the bike is built on a very sturdy steel frame and is a good model for the price. The only criticism seems to be that some users felt the bike is far noisier than expected.

Since the ProForm 490 SPX is a chain-drive bike the chain will need to be oiled occasionally, and it will not have the quiet operation offered by a tension belt resistance bike. Belt drive bikes are maintenance free and nearly silent, but you will typically pay more for that type of indoor cycle.

Our Take

The ProForm 490 SPX is an upgrade on the 290 SPX which has a 20-lb flywheel and a 90-day parts & labor warranty. (A lighter weight user can probably go with the 290 SPX at $299 and have no problems at all.)

The 490 SPX typically sells for around $499 but can sometimes be found online for as low as $399. These bikes run great and seem to outlast the parts warranties – which is a plus because Proform is not known for providing a customer service experience.

If you can put up with the noise, and don’t want to spend extra for the 590 SPX, the ProForm 490 SPX Indoor Cycling Bike is a good choice.