BH Fitness SB3 Spinning Bike Review

We have not yet had the opportunity to properly review the BH Fitness SB3 Spinning Bike, but hope to be able to very soon.

Magnetic resistance (very low maintenance)
Large stainless steel frame
Transport wheels for easy storage
Designed for up to 20 hours a week usage
LCD console for workout data
Comfortable, fully adjustable gel saddle

Our view – our first impression was, “wow – it’s a beauty!” The steel frame, aluminum flywheel and styling gives the SB3 a distinctive look, but does it delivery?

Well we can say after a week of giving it some serious stick that it absolutely delivers! And at a very competitive price. After unpacking, it one of our chaps about 15 minutes to put together and we were on it straight away.

One big plus over many other spinners is the magnetic resistance system which means there’s no need to keep replacing the brakes as you would on mechanical models. The belt drive also means no oil and very little maintenance will be required – even if you use it for 20 hours a week. The resistance is easy enough to adjust by using the big red knob on the frame. The range should be enough for most – from a nice easy cycle to almost being unable to shift the pedals at all! You can instantly stop the flywheel by pressing it down.

The fully adjustable saddle and handlebars means everyone will be able to find a position that’s comfortable. We particularly liked the handlebar design that gives you the option of using a number of racing style grips. The gel saddle is comfortable although one of our team with a – let’s say a more ample butt – was a bit saddle sore after 20 minutes. The trekking pedals have both standard baskets and cycling shoe clips so your feet won’t slip.

Another almost unique feature on the SB3 is that it has an LCD console – something you don’t see on most spinning bikes. Whilst it’s not exactly up there with the consoles you’d see on the upright bikes, it is easy to read and displays all the usual data such as speed, time, distance, and calories used.

The adjustable supports give it a very solid, stable feel even when going at full tilt up off the saddle. It’s not as heavy as the Schwinn IC Elite and can therefore support a user of up to 110 kg, around 17st 2lbs, (IC Elite supports up to 136kg) but on the plus side that makes it easier to move if you have to store away after use.

Other nice touches include a bottle holder (and the water bottle is included!), transport wheels and an aptly named ‘splash bar’ over the fly wheel so you don’t spray the room with your sweat as it drips off you – and believe us it will :0)

It comes with a very good two year parts and labour warranty (covered for light commercial use of up to 20 hour a week).