Reebok Z9 Exercise Bike
Our score - 
The Reebok Z-series of fitness equipment is a brand new range launched in
late 2011 and is effectively replacing the successful, but low spec,
I-series of machines.
The Z9 is the top of the range exercise bike
and is about £50 more expensive than the Z7 - both machines are of a similar
size, so is the price difference worth it?
The simple answer is a
resounding yes! In addition to being equipped with a 9KG flywheel that makes
for a very smooth pedalling action, offering lateral adjustment on the seat
in addition to the standard height adjustment, the Z9 features an electronic
resistance mechanism, rather than the manual magnetic system found in most
exercise bikes in this sort of price category.
We can confirm that
the seat is quite comfortable and the pedalling action is smooth thanks to
the heavy flywheel and quality drive components used. Getting started is
really straightforward: adjust seat to position to get a comfortable
position, hit the start button on the console and start pedalling! In this
quick start mode, the resistance can be changed (choice of 32 levels!) using
the "up" and "down" buttons on the console.
The console on the Z9 has
a back lit, 2 colour LCD screen which is easy to read and provides all the
important workout metrics. Overall, we found the console quite logical and
easy to use.
The Z9 exercise bike's console is packed with programmes
to provide exercise variety. This consists of 12 pre-set, target programmes
(time, distance or calories), pulse rate control, constant watt programme as
well as a user-definable programme. The pre-set programmes have their
profile printed right on the console and each of them can be used for a user
defined duration. The real suprise was finding the constant watt programme!
This feature makes this exercise bike an ergometer, which is a machine that
has been calibrated to be able to measure the rate of energy consumption. In
effect, you can set the level in watts (same as the units used in light
bulbs) and the computer adjusts the resistance level automatically to ensure
the target level is maintained.
Heart rate measurement is
straightforward enough using the pulse grips sensors in the handlebars and
there is even a built in recovery test function. This is effectively a
fitness test and is very simple to do: once you've completed an exercise
session on the bike, you press the recovery button on the console and grab
the pulse grip sensors for 60 seconds. The computer measures the rate at
which your pulse rate is returning to a resting state over the minute and
uses this to calculate a fitness rating of between 1 and 7 (the lower the
number the better). Whilst by no means a medically meaningful measurement,
this feature will provide motivation by seeing fitness levels improve over
time.
The maximum user weight is a respectable 120 kgs (over 18.5 stones) and there
is a full 2 years parts and labour warranty in the unlikely event of a
problem. Finally, it's worth mentioning that there are transport wheels on
the front of the machine, making it relatively easy to move it around once
assembled and there are independent leg levellers to ensure that the
bike will be stable on uneven floors.
In summary, the Reebok Z9 is a very impressive exercise bike that is smooth,
simple to use and packed full of features that would normally only be found
on exercise bikes in a higher price bracket! Highly recommended :)
Reebok Z9 Exercise Bike Console
Also see our Exercise Bike Comparison Table.
Whilst every effort is made to give you accurate information we cannot guarantee the technical specification. Models change on a regular basis and may differ slightly from the tables above. We recommend you contact the retailer if you have a question regarding technical data. Please read our Legal Disclaimer
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