The ProForm ZX2 Upright Bike – There are Better Bikes Under $500

The ProForm ZX2 upright bike features built-in fitness games and a music port with speakers to help you stay motivated or just to pass the time.

The Bike

The blue Grafixx™ LCD display shows your workout readouts, and the interactive Touch Screen display lets you play two challenging GameFit™ fitness games, Fat Blocker™ or Calorie Destroyer™. The harder you exercise (pedal), the easier the game becomes.

The specs on the ProForm ZX2 upright bike are:

• 12 Digital Resistance Levels
• 16 Personal Trainer Workouts
• Dual-Grip EKG™ Heart Rate Monitoring
• Compatible plug-in for Mp3/iPod®
• Interplay™ Music Port w/speakers
• iFit™ Workout Card Slot*
• GameFit™ fitness games
• Adjustable Seat & Racing Handlebar
• Max user weight – 250 lbs
• Dimensions/wt: 41"L x 22.5"W x 60"H / 100 lbs
• Warranty: 5 years frame, 90 days parts and labor

* Workout cards sold separately.

The Buzz

UPDATE:  The ZX2 model has been discontinued and is no longer being sold.  Check out the comparable ProForm 8.0 EX.

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The ProForm ZX2 upright exercise bike has a seat that slides vertically and horizontally for the user to find the best fit.

The saddle is not all that comfortable, but it can be positioned to put you in the best position to reach the pedals. The console and handlebars tilt forward to give you a more racer-style stance, and the handlebars have pulse sensors for heart rate monitoring.

As with other ProForm exercise bikes, the most enhanced feature is the entertainment add-ons: you get games to play, a music player plug-in and integrated speakers, and iFit card technology if you want to buy other workouts beyond the 16 personal trainer designed programs that come pre-installed.

Our Take

The ProForm ZX2 upright is an updated version of the ProForm 200 CSX, a budget exercise bike that got lukewarm reviews by users and equipment experts.

At just $399, this bike seems like a good deal but using a bike made with such cheap parts on a regular basis several times a week is asking for trouble; the bike flywheel and brake system will lose tension or simply stop working in a matter of months.

We recommend you skip the ProForm ZX2 upright bike and check out Schwinn or Stamina for a better bike at under $500.