ProForm 8.0 EX Upright Stationary Bike Review
With low resistance and lots of workout programming, the ProForm 8.0 EX Upright Bike is designed to train newcomers to indoor cycling. Its 30…
ProForm 8.0 EX Upright Stationary Bike Specs
Rating | 7.75 |
---|---|
Type | Indoor Cycle |
Console display | 5" LCD with blue backlighting |
Compact storage | no |
Resistance | 25 Levels |
Seat type | Adjustable |
Programs | 30 |
Flywheel | 16 LBS |
Weight capacity | 300 LBS |
Dimensions | 61.5" L x 23" W x 42" H |
Why You Should Trust Our Reviews
The new ProForm 8.0 EX Upright Bike is a low-priced, high-fun ride for keeping fit at home. It’s loaded with guidance to help beginners exercise efficiently, and the bike’s sound system and tablet holder help you add entertainment to rides. Key specs include a 16-pound flywheel; 25 resistance levels; 30 preset workout programs; and a console that’s ready for iFit Coach.
Sold for just $799 with a two-year parts warranty, the new 8.0 EX offers a lot of training for the money. Here are pros and cons to consider about bringing it home.
The Great
Comparing exercise bikes under $800, you’ll see the 8.0 EX stands out for being iFit Coach ready. Here are details about iFit Coach and other selling points.- Built-In Workout Programs: The new ProForm 8.0 EX bike has 30 workouts built into the console. These are professionally designed to help you manage weight and improve your athletic performance. Just press “Start” and get a great workout!
- iFit Coach Ready: iFit Coach is a personal training app for exercise guidance, calorie counting and other fitness support. It connects with select fitness machines to deliver personalized workouts and automatically store workout data. The app can also work with a wearable device to track your steps and other fitness activity outside of your home gym. As for bike workouts, with iFit Coach membership and WiFi you can download a new training program to the 8.0 EX anytime. The most popular options are interactive; scenery moves at your pace! Riding with high-def footage of Tour de France routes is one popular option, but with Google Maps integration, you can virtually experience countless routes through landscapes and cityscapes worldwide. With iFit Coach you can always get a workout at just the right challenge level, and everyday you can ride somewhere new.
- Display: This ProForm bike gives two viewing options. The 30 built-in workout programs are shown on a 5” LCD with backlighting for easy reading. The display shows time, distance, calories, speed and heart rate all at once. Additionally there’s room to set a tablet computer above the console. From there you can stream iFit Coach workouts, social media feeds, TV shows and so forth as you ride.
- Quiet Resistance: Ride without disturbing the peace! The 8.0 EX has magnetic resistance for smooth, quiet shifting.
- 25 Resistance Levels: Extra resistance levels distinguish the new ProForm 8.0 EX from the previous version. Both machines supply the same maximum and minimum levels, but with the newer bike you get 25 increments instead of 18. This lets you get a more customized challenge level and helps you progress more quickly.
- Extra-Wide Pedals: Pedals for the 8.0 EX aren’t quite like those of a road bike. In comparison they’re extra-wide, plus they have straps to help you keep a grip at high speeds.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: The console can show a constant pulse readout if you wear a Bluetooth heart rate chest strap, sold separately. The machine is also equipped with grip pulse readers on the handlebars.
- Adjustable: To fit people of different sizes the bike has adjustable saddle height and adjustable console angle.
- Audio Boost: For extra motivation you can connect your iPod or other compatible MP3 player. The 8.0 EX has an audio port and 2” stereo speakers.
- Amenities: A water bottle holder and two-speed cooling fan are built into the bike.
- High Capacity: The maximum user weight capacity is 300 pounds.
- Compact Size: The ProForm 8.0 EX bike measures just 3’6” long x 1’11” wide.
- Warranty: Original owners get factory-direct warranties that provide two years of bike parts replacement and other customer protections.
The Not-So-Great
Why wouldn’t you choose the 8.0 EX? Here are some possible drawbacks.
- Resistance: The 16-pound flywheel is effective for cardio training and light strength training, but it’s not strong enough to create the “burn” that some riders seek. For a more club-quality challenge (also with iFit Coach available) we recommend NordicTrack bikes with flywheels of 25 pounds and up.
- Maintenance Required: Owners occasionally need to tighten bolts and make other adjustments to keep this fitness machine’s mechanical parts and electronics in good working order.
Who Should Choose the ProForm 8.0 EX Upright Stationary Bike?
This fitness machine is safe for people weighing up to 300 pounds but is probably most stable for people weighing 250 pounds or less.
The Bottom Line
The ProForm 8.0 EX Upright Bike is a low-priced home fitness machine with light resistance. Its most appealing feature is the ability to connect with iFit Coach to download new workout programming anytime. The full price of $799 is fair considering the two-year warranty. Still, do check the ProForm website for an older version of the 8.0 EX on clearance. The older version has fewer settings for resistance but could be deeply discounted, making it a better deal for most shoppers.
ProForm 8.0 EX Upright Stationary Bike Specs
Rating | 7.75 |
---|---|
Type | Indoor Cycle |
Console display | 5" LCD with blue backlighting |
Compact storage | no |
Resistance | 25 Levels |
Seat type | Adjustable |
Programs | 30 |
Flywheel | 16 LBS |
Weight capacity | 300 LBS |
Dimensions | 61.5" L x 23" W x 42" H |