Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II Review

If you want to get fit and lose weight at home, cardio is probably your best choice. Cardio machines like rowing machines, treadmills, and ellipticals work your legs, heart, and lungs to burn lots of calories and develop your cardiovascular endurance. As an added benefit, cardio fitness is inextricably linked to better health; your workout could prolong your life!

However, cardio machines are often big, heavy, and expensive, and that can be very off-putting. And, while you COULD just go for a walk or a run outside, that is not always practical or safe. Thankfully, there is an alternative – spinning bikes.

Spinning bikes are low-tech but high effect. They’re relatively light, compact, and very easy to use. Plus, you won’t have to break the bank to buy one. Spinning bikes are also almost silent in use, making them ideal for home gyms and peaceful workouts for you AND your family and neighbors.

There are lots of spinning bikes available. Some are very heavy-duty and designed for commercial use, such as in gyms and spinning studios. Others are made for the home use market and are not quite as robust. The good news is that, whatever your budget, there is a spinning bike that’s right for you.

In this article, we’re going to review the popular Phoenix 98623 Revolution spinning bike, so you can see if it’s the right model for you.

Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II Review

Key Features

The Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II spinning bike is designed for home and light commercial use. As such, it’s a stripped-down machine with very few bells and whistles. Don’t let this put you off; most spinning bikes are quite low-tech. It’s part of what makes them so reliable, easy to use, and affordable.

That said, the Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II spinning bike does have some notable features:

• Steel frame with welded joints
• 39lbs flywheel
• Direct drive resistance system with enclosed chain
• Dual braking system with long-lasting pads
• Four-way adjustable saddle (up/down/forward/backward)
• Two-way adjustable triathlon-style rubber-coated handlebars (up/down)
• Easy reach resistance adjustment and emergency brake lever
• Padded racing-style saddle
• Heat-treated axle with sealed bearings
• Frame-mounted water bottle holder
• Beartrap pedals with toe clips and straps
• Built-in transport wheels

Dimensions and Specifications

The Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II spinning bike is quite small, light, and compact, making it ideal for home use. You can also tip and roll it for easy transport. The dimensions of this bike are:

• Length – 42 inches
• Height – 42.5 inches
• Width – 24 inches
• Weight – 113lbs
• Weight capacity – 250lbs
• User height range – 5’ 4” to 6’ 4”

Spin Bike Design

The Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II spinning bike is both strong and sturdy.

Made from welded steel tubing and with a hardwearing paint finish, this bike should provide many years of enjoyable, effective workouts.

Some spinning bikes have electromagnetic brakes, which allow for very precise resistance settings but are also expensive and difficult to repair.

The Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II spinning bike has a basic dual friction brake which, while less precise, is more reliable. The drive system is housed inside a plastic case to protect it from dirt and sweat and prevent accidents, such as getting your laces caught in the chain.

Many spinning bikes have direct-drive belts. The Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II spinning bike uses a more traditional chain drive. While a little noisier than a flat belt, chains are usually more hardwearing and easier to adjust and replace.

With its adjustable saddle and handlebars, you should have no problem setting this bike up for a comfortable workout, and you can fix your feet to the pedals using the toe clips and straps.

Ease of Use

One of the advantages of spinning bikes like the Phoenix 98623 Revolution is how easy they are to use. With nothing to program, and very few adjustments to make, this machine comes very close to being an instant workout.

Just set the seat and the handlebars, hop on, strap your feet to the pedals, and get to work!

Some people may view this low-tech design as a disadvantage, but it could actually be a good thing.

After all, with no electronics and a simple design, there is very little to go wrong with the Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II spinning bike, which means fewer breakdowns and no expensive parts to replace. It’s also very low maintenance; just keep it clean and oil the chain from time to time. Easy!

The Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II spinning bike is short on features, but that’s what makes it so easy to use, reliable, and good value for money.

Drawbacks

The Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II spinning bike is a solid performer and ideal for home workouts. Using this bike regularly will help you lose weight, get fit, and tone up. However, there are a few disadvantages to consider before you break out your checkbook and buy one:

No workout display – this spinning bike has no onboard computer, not even a speedo or timer. While it would be unrealistic to expect a high-tech multifunctional performance monitor on such a budget-friendly spinning bike, a basic timer would have been helpful and appreciated.

Limited height range – the Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II spinning bike does not cater to shorter or taller than average users. If you are less than 5’ 4” or more than 6’ 4”, you will not be able to set this bike up for your height.

No markings for adjustments – with no reference markings, setting up the saddle and handlebars is not as straightforward as it could be. Markings would make adjustments much more straightforward process.

Uncomfortable seat – some users have reported that the saddle is not very comfortable. Thankfully, it can easily be removed and replaced, or you can use an aftermarket gel seat cover. Wearing padded cycling shorts will also help.

No media holder – you’ll need to set your bike up in front of your TV or play music to make your workouts more enjoyable. There is no media holder for your phone or tablet.

Emergency brake lever position – a lot of spinning bikes have a combined emergency brake and resistance adjuster. The Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II spinning bike has a small, separate brake lever that may get in the way if you are tall and when you get out of the saddle and pedal standing up.

You’ll need to remember to keep your knees out of the way to avoid inadvertently engaging the emergency brake during your workout.

Assembly

The Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II spinning bike requires very little assembly as most of the main components are already attached. You’ll need to put on the saddle, handlebars, and pedals, but that’s really it.

All the necessary tools are supplied, and most users report that they had their bike unpacked and assembled in less than 30 minutes.

Warranty

The Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II spinning bike comes with a one-year parts and labor warranty. If you buy your bike from Amazon, you can purchase an extended warranty for increased peace of mind.

Bottom Line

The Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II is a budget-friendly exercise bike designed for home use. It’s a low-tech product, but that’s part of what makes it such a good workout machine. There is very little to go wrong with this bike, and, as such, it should provide many years of reliable service.

The lack of a display monitor is a bit of a drawback, but a lot of spinning bikes are made the same way. This makes a lot of sense because these bikes are mostly designed to be used in a group environment, with an instructor leading the workout. Get around this problem by following a spinning workout on YouTube.

If you are looking for a well-priced, well-made spinning bike for your home gym and don’t mind the lack of high-tech features, The Phoenix 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II spinning bike is well worth considering.