Horizon IC7.9 Indoor Cycle Review
The Horizon IC7.9 Indoor Cycle delivers great bang-for-buck value if built-in training isn't a priority.
Horizon IC7.9 Indoor Cycle Specs
| Rating | 8.6 |
|---|---|
| Type | Indoor |
| Console display | 5" LCD |
| Compact storage | No |
| Resistance | 0-100% Variable |
| Seat type | Ergonomic Padded Saddle |
| Programs | None |
| Flywheel | 35lb w/ aluminum core/hub |
| Weight capacity | 300 |
| Dimensions | 53 L x 24 W x 48 H |
Why You Should Trust Our Reviews
While NordicTrack and Peloton battle it out with their massive touchscreen displays, the all new Horizon IC7.9 indoor cycle is taking a distinctly different approach at the same consumer. The new IC7.9 is built to compete with both of those offerings for a much lower price by not hard-mounting a display, but instead leaving sturdy mounting for a user’s own table, and providing access to a broad range of interactive training programs of your choice. It’s a bold move, but one that makes a decent amount of sense in many respects.
Although tablet use is still a minor percentage of online traffic, as of 2017 global statistics were announced that there are over one billion tablet users worldwide. With that in mind, even though this new Horizon indoor cycle won’t appeal to everyone, it certainly has pretty good chance at winning over shoppers wanting a serious indoor cycle on a budget.
Unlike the top-tier competitors Horizon is going after—the NordicTrack S22i and Peloton Bike—the Horizon IC7.9 isn’t going to cost you an arm and a leg. Priced at a very modest $699, (full MSRP $1,299), Horizon was able to pack the IC7.9 with a plethora of higher-end features by forgoing the addition of trick electronics. First of all, it’s one of very few offering magnetic resistance.
On that topic, it’s worth noting that Horizon states that their IC7.9 indoor cycle has an aluminum flywheel. This is obviously counter-intuitive as aluminum is not magnetic, but this information refers to the inner core/hub of its flywheel. The outer rotating mass is still made of steel in order to both provide a hefty enough inertial mass, and to make use of magnetic resistance system.
One category that falls a bit flat versus its target competition is the warranty offered on the Horizon IC7.9, however this difference is easily offset by its difference in price. Horizon is offering a lifetime frame warranty, and a 1-year warranty on parts and labor for this indoor cycle. By comparison, the NordicTrack S22i has lifetime frame coverage, three years on parts, and a year on labor. Considering the cost to repair its massive display screen, having the longer warranty makes sense, whereas the Horizon just has a lot less that’s at risk of failure.
The Great:
- Sturdy Build Quality: With a focus on intense indoor cycling training, the Horizon IC7.9 is build with stability and longevity in mind.
- Value For Dollar: There’s simply just some great bang for your buck when considering the IC7.9, regardless of whether or not you want to take advantage of interactive video training sessions. Users can save money on subscription costs by bringing and using their own apps and devices instead of being locked into one program.
- Hefty Flywheel: Though the flywheel hub/core is made of aluminum, its overall weight is 35lbs, which will provide great rolling resistance for experienced riders.
- Quiet Magnetic Resistance: Instead of using a contact brake, the IC7.9 has its tension controlled magnetically. This friction-free resistance system helps the bike operate quietly, and also means that you don’t have wearable components requiring replacement.
- Multi-Platform Training Options: One of the IC7.9 indoor cycle’s key selling points, users can sign up for a range of interactive training options with discounted monthly rates.
- Dual Sided Pedals: In order to give riders options, the pedals on the IC7.9 are dual sided; on one side they are fitted with toe cages for conventional sneakers, and on the other they are fitted with toe clips to allow riders to use their own cycling shoes should they be interested.
- Adjustable Ergonomics: Aiming to cater to the experienced rider, the Horizon IC7.9 indoor cycle allows for a good amount of adjustment. It has vertical and horizontal seat adjustment, as well as vertical and horizontal saddle adjustment.
- Lever-Style Resistance Adjustment: Taking the guesswork out of resistance without going digital, Horizon got rid of the old resistance knob we see so often on spin bikes, and instead fitted the IC7.9 with a lever that brings resistance from 0-100%, It’s a clever solution that avoids the use of digital resistance controls.
- Comfortable Ride: The bike features a horizontally and vertically adjustable seat to accommodate users of varying size.
- Transport Wheels: For easy repositioning after workouts this cross trainer has transport wheels. Just tilt the bike to roll it into position.
- Emergency Stop: Pushing the resistance all the way downward acts as an emergency brake.
The Not-So-Great:
- Basic Console: The info console on this bike is VERY basic, displaying cadence (in RPM), speed, calories burned, and distance ridden.
- No Heart Rate Monitoring: The same way Horizon assumes that you’ll have a tablet to run training sessions from, they assume that you’ll have your own fitness tracker with heart rate monitoring, rather than bothering to build it into the bike itself.
- Large frame: Weighing in at 123 pounds, this bike is among the larger units on market.
- No frills: The bike comes with few bells and whistles: no USB port, speakers, or Bluetooth.
Who Should Use The Horizon IC7.9 Indoor Cycle?
Because of its lack of built-in programming, the Horizon IC7.9 indoor cycle isn’t an ideal choice for beginners, as pre-programmed workouts often act as a good motivator for those just getting started with home workout/exercise. Newbies with a tablet in their home could pick up the IC7.9 and then sign up for the training app of their choice (even Peloton would be an option), so they aren’t completely out of luck in that respect. Those with a bit of experience under their belts will find the IC7.9 delivers some great bang for the buck, if digital training isn’t a concern.
The Bottom Line
All told, the IC7.9 indoor cycle is a solid piece of kit for a very affordable sticker price. Whether you want instructor-led training or not, the only real downfall is the fact that a display screen isn’t built into the unit, but placing your tablet into its sturdy holder takes care of that in no time. It has little in the way of parts that could fail too, so at the end of the day there’s little to worry about in terms of repairs and maintenance too.
If you’re the type that’s all about having all of the latest and greatest tech, the NordicTrack S22i is a better option both for its massive HD touchscreen, and for its incline & decline function that follows elevation changes when riding mapped routes.
If tech gadgetry isn’t a make-or-break in the buying process, you’re better off saving some cash and grabbing the Horizon IC7.9 Indoor Cycle.
Horizon IC7.9 Indoor Cycle Specs
| Rating | 8.6 |
|---|---|
| Type | Indoor |
| Console display | 5" LCD |
| Compact storage | No |
| Resistance | 0-100% Variable |
| Seat type | Ergonomic Padded Saddle |
| Programs | None |
| Flywheel | 35lb w/ aluminum core/hub |
| Weight capacity | 300 |
| Dimensions | 53 L x 24 W x 48 H |
