York Perform 220 Exercise Bike Review

The 220 model is York’s top of the line bike in the Perform range. As the name of the range suggests, these are bikes designed and built to ‘Perform’ and with 19 programs and 32 levels of resistance, we think York may well have taken the idea seriously! Let’s find out!

As a general rule, York bikes are relatively straightforward to assemble and the Perform 220 is no exception. The instruction manual is fairly clear as the bolts and screws all have corresponding numbers codes for easy identification, plus they have even divided the blister pack of hardware to go with step 1 to 5 of the assembly process in the manual – We wish more manufacturers made the process this hassle-free!

Once assembled, the Perform 220 has the glossy white and black finish that’s become characteristic of the Perform range. It looks both stylish and contemporary, with a chunky frame, that hints at its impressive build quality. This model has a maximum user capacity of 150 kg – that’s just shy of 23 and a half stone, making it ideal for heavier users.

To cater for all shapes and sizes, the Perform 220 has plenty of adjustability. The handlebars can tilt and the seat can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally. At its lowest setting of the seat stem, the top of the saddle measured 30″ (76 cm) from the floor and at full extension it came up to 41″ (104 cm). The saddle is also worthy of note, being generously sized, remarkably comfortable and with contrasting white stitching it adds a touch of quality to the bikes overall appearance too!

You need to get pedalling in order for the console to come to life, as this model is self-generating (although it can run off a mains adapter – as an optional extra). We’re fans of the self-gen power, because it does away with the mess of cables and allows you to position the bike anywhere in the home without needing to be in close proximity to a mains socket.

The flywheel weight is a rather ‘adequate’ 7 kg yet the smoothness of the pedal motion would have you believing there was more weight to it. It’s worth remembering that the weight of the flywheel is less important if it’s working alongside high quality, heavy duty components, as we expect is the case here.

It’s fair to say that it doesn’t appear York have cut any corners in design or engineering – a case in point is the magnetic tension capacity. The Perform 220 has 32 levels of Resistance. The lower levels are ideal for beginners or if you fancy a gentle cycle… but if you feel the need to crank it up, the tension just keeps coming and coming! Using the shuttle dial on the console it’s effortless to make adjustment and it’s all too easy to keep swirling your finger watching the resistance segments rise… but when we turned it up to level 32 it soon beat us! If you want long term challenges, the Perform 220 will rise to it!

Unlike some other models in the Perform range that boast a very vibrant colourful display, the 220 is a lot more subdued, with 2 tones of light blue on a black background. Although not as engaging in comparison, it must be said that the display is very clear and easy to see. The top section of the screen is dedicated to 2 rows featuring icons showing the array of programs. The bottom of the display has areas for Speed, Time, Distance, Calories, Watts and Pulse. Every 5 or so seconds, the computer scans in sequence and displays the highlighted figure in bold in the central part of the screen along with the course profile.

There are 19 programs to choose from, made up of Manual, 12 Pre-set courses, 4 Heart Rate Controlled sessions plus a Watts program and one that can be fully customised by the user.

The Watts program allows the user to pre-set a target value of energy expenditure (in watts obviously!) and during the workout the resistance is altered automatically by the computer to keep the user within the target zone.

The Heart Rate Programs work on a similar principle with the computer adjusting the resistance automatically. There are 4 programs – one designed to keep you within 55% of your maximum heart rate, one at 75%, another at 90% or you can set your own Target. We like the fact that the Perform 220 allows up to 4 users to enter and save their personal data so in future, setting up is quick and the feedback is accurate to the user.

Unfortunately, the accuracy is really only ‘in principal’, as the Perform 220 doesn’t have an inbuilt receiver for wireless heart rate monitoring, therefore the programs work by using the pulse grip sensors on the handlebars, (a far less accurate method of heart rate monitoring). Given this, despite the console having the functionality, it’s not really feasible to do heart rate control training on this bike, which is disappointing.

There are also programs to measure your body fat level, BMI and your recovery rate after a workout. The accuracy of these results will also be hindered by the pulse grip method of monitoring, but never-the-less, we welcome these features for motivational fun if nothing more!

 

Best Price

The York Perform 220 is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

Review Summary - In Brief

Overall what's the verdict? Had the Perform 220 been equipped with an inbuilt heart rate receiver, we would have loved this bike but even without, we still quite like it! The rugged construction and 150 kg maximum user weight gives us confidence that it should stand the test of time. In terms of programs offered and the staggering resistance capabilities, the Perform 220 will remain challenging for just as long too!

York Perform 220 Specifications

    • 7 kg (15.4 lbs) flywheel weight
    • 32 levels of magnetic resistance
    • Console with LCD display
    • Feedback:  time, speed, RPM, distance, calories, pulse and watts
    • 19 workout programmes
    • Heart rate measurement via pulse grips
    • Conveniences: transportation wheels, adjustable seat and handlebars,
    • Size (L x W x H): 107cm (42”) x 52cm (20.5”) x 147cm (58”)
    • Weight of the product: 35.5kg (78lbs)
    • 150kg (330lbs) maxiumum user weight
    • Warranty: 2 years

York Perform 220 Exercise Bike - Console / Display Unit

York Perform 220 Exercise Bike - User Reviews

The Pros

  • Self-generating (no plug!)
  • 32 Levels of resistance!!
  • 150 Kg Maximum user weight
  • ‘Ergometer’ with Watts Control Program
  • Very adjustable and a comfy seat!
  • A good array of programs including 4 HRC, Body Fat and Recovery Test

The Cons

  • No inbuilt heart rate receiver
York Perform 220 Exercise Bike Reviewer Ratings

 

Appearance - 8.5
Smoothness - 8
Comfort - 9
Programmes - 7
Ease Of Use - 8
Warranty - 9
Value for Money - 6
Best Price

The York Perform 220 is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

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 above review. We recommend you contact the retailer if you have a question regarding technical data. Please read our Legal Disclaimer

Exercise Bikes We Like

Under £300

£301 - £600

Over £600

Recently Added Reviews