About Bicycles Online > Fitness Bikes > Proform 490 SPX Indoor Cycle Review

Proform 490 SPX Indoor Cycle Review

Proform has just updated their Indoor Cycle lineup to include two new higher end models (the Proform 490 SPX and the Proform 590 SPX). This is welcome news for anyone who is looking for a good price on an indoor cycle that offers more features than the very popular, no frills Proform 290SPX.

The Proform 490 SPX offers everything that you get with the 290SPX but goes on to include an electronic console (Polar® Wireless Chest Heart Rate Monitor Compatible), 275lb weight capacity, horizontally adjustable handlebars and a full year warranty on parts and labor (vs 90 days on the 290spx).

This bike has has everything that you will need for indoor training and serious workouts, including full seat and handlebar adjustments and the console to monitor your progress!

The Proform 490 SPX Indoor Cycle is very similar to the Nordic Track GX3 Sport Bike but you can usually get this indoor cycle for about $100 less than the Nordic Track version.

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Note: The Proform 490 SPX Indoor Cycle is no longer available from this site or no longer for sale online.

Please see our Exercise Bike Ratings page for a full listing of the exercise bikes that are available with prices and ratings.

(was selling indirectly from Amazon for $500).

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Proform Indoor Cycle Comparisons

The Proform 290 SPX has been a very successful, no frills training bike for years now. This year (2011) Proform has expanded their selection quite a bit. In addition to the wildly popular (but more expensive) Tour de France Indoor Cycle, Proform has now released the the mid-range Proform 490 SPX and Proform 590 SPX.

The Proform Tour de France has a magnetic resistance system and is in a class by itself. The new Proform 490 SPX and Proform 590 SPX are upgrades to the 290 which include the electronic console (Polar® Wireless Chest Heart Rate Monitor Compatible), 275lb weight capacity and horizontally adjustable handlebars.

The main difference between the 490 and the 590 is that the Proform 490 SPX has a chain drive system and the Proform 590 SPX has a belt drive system.

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About-Bicycles Review:

The Proform 490 SPX is a good choice for a very affordable fitness bike that is step up from the most basic, no frills models (like the 290spx). This bike includes the electronic console with wireless heart rate monitor capability in addition to the fully adjustable seat and handlebars.

The most obvious feature that you will get with the more expensive Indoor Cycles (like the Proform 590 SPX or the Nordic Track GX5) is the belt drive system which is a personal preference (some riders prefer chain drive over belt drive).

Proform is a well known brand name and manufacturer of quality fitness products (Proform is owned by Icon Fitness who also manufacturer Nordic Track) and this bike is backed up with a very good warranty.

I would recommend the Proform 490 SPX as a well made indoor cycle, with plenty of options not found on most indoor cycles in this price range.

Customer Reviews:

There are currently no customer reviews online at Proform.com at the time of this review.

Proform 490 SPX Indoor Cycle Features and Specifications at a glance:

• Console with Backlit LCD Display (speed, time, distance, calories burned, heart rate and RPM)
• Polar® Wireless Chest Heart Rate Monitor Compatible**
  
• Fully Adjustable Seat (horizontal and vertical)
• Fully Adjustable (horizontal and vertical) Non-Slip Handlebars
  
• Pedals with Toe Straps
  
• Chain Drive System
• Water Bottle holder
  
• Transport Wheels
  
• 275 lb. Weight Capacity
• 112 lb product weight

Warranty:

5-Year Frame Warranty
1-Year Parts & Labor.

**Wireless Chest Monitor Not Included