JLL IC350 PRO Indoor Cycling Bike Review
The JLL IC350 Pro indoor cycling bike is one of JLL’s acclaimed stationary bikes. The Birmingham-based company has carved an outstanding reputation for itself from the production and sale of high-grade fitness equipment. The JLL IC350 pro indoor bike is one of its many reputable exercise equipment. It precedes the JLL IC400 Pro from the same brand. The stationary bike is an excellent find for fitness enthusiasts looking to replicate gym-like spinning activities in their homes. Buying a top-quality indoor bike like the JLL IC350 Pro is a high-yielding investment ─ you are guaranteed a maximum return on fitness! Our JLL IC350 review will help you decide if the bike is worth your pennies and your thought!
The JLL IC350 Pro bike’s beauty is its mid-range price tag that gives more value than its projected figures. JLL, as a company, is known for its flexible and reasonable pricing, aimed at bridging the gap between price and affordability. All JLL fitness equipment (except treadmills) comes with a 12-month warranty on parts and components ─ the JLL IC350 pro exercise bike is not an exception. A year warranty is far too limited, you will agree. Perhaps the company can consider an extended modification soon. Shipping and delivery are as prompt and efficient as it gets. JLL usually ships the IC350 Pro indoor bike for free. The bike is delivered within 3-21 working days. Before COVID-19, delivery was much faster. Its assembly takes 30 minutes on average. In essence, it is easy to install. A detailed manual and tools are also included to aid and fast-track the procedure.
JLL IC350 Pro Indoor Cycling Bike Review and Technical Information
Cycle Specifications:
- Q-factor: 180 mm
- Pedals: Adjustable toe cages
- Flywheel: 15 Ibs
- Resistance: Magnetic resistance
- Transmission: Belt-drive
- Weight capacity: 150 Kg
- Height capacity: Up to 6’ ft
- Bike weight: 37 Kg
- Bike dimensions: 103cm × 54cm × 107cm (L × W × H)
- Monitor: LCD
- Connectivity: N/A
- Applications: N/A
- RPM Tracking: Yes
- Watt Tracking: No
Bike Monitor
The JLL IC350 Pro monitor may not as high-tech or large as those seen on higher-end indoor bikes, but it is a functional piece of beauty with 6 functions. It measures and displays vital workout statistics that are instrumental to workout progress and success. With each spinning session, you will get a near-accurate account of your time, distance, calories, RPM and pulse. The monitor automatically switches on as soon as you start exercising.
If you become inactive for 4 minutes, it will power off, and it will reset your digits to zero. You can also set a target for distance, calories, heart rate and time. Unlike its sister model, the JLL IC350 Pro indoor cycle is neither Bluetooth nor ANT+ compatible. This limits its functions to a large degree. For one, you won’t be able to use any fitness app with this bike, and neither can you use a chest strap device. Not to mention the “sad” absence of a power meter for tracking watts.
Considering the limitless benefits offered by the fitness app, it sucks not to have at least one compatible with the JLL IC300 Pro spin bike. In another light, the lack and absence thereof of Bluetooth connectivity will not devalue your workout. It is simply a case of “your workouts will be more engaging and productive with one”. The JLL IC350 Pro indoor bike’s monitor provides a monitor’s essential functions, but it could have been better.
Resistance and Transmission
With a fully functional magnetic resistance system, you are assured of a smooth-sailing ride that is devoid of bumps, jerks, wobbles and all of those unpleasant motions. A magnet is strategically placed close to the IC350 PRO’s flywheel to initiate variable resistance. A great magnetic spin bike in the UK market, you can adjust the intensity of the bike’s resistance by turning a knob that is within reach. Because the JLL IC350 PRO spinning bike operates a hand-controlled resistance system, it does not automatically track, control, nor display your resistance intensity on the console. You have to depend on your gut instinct to weigh the resistance that best suits your workout.
On the plus side, adjusting resistance via the resistance knob is a simple enough task. The knob is just a touch away from your fingers, so you can make adjustments without stopping your workout. This resistance control model is only a problem when you have to perform exercises that demand quick and consistent resistance transitions. In this case, it will significantly test your ability to multi-task. Truth be told, the chances of operating the dial-in quick successions while simultaneously focusing on your workout are slim. To be on the safe and easy side, it would be best to steer clear of activities designed to work with automated resistance.
For transmission, the JLL IC350 PRO spin bike relies on a belt drive. This type of transmission mechanism is one of the best, second only to tooth/timing belts. The belt transmits the power from the pedals to the flywheel. Generally, belt drives are the more preferred option to chain drives. While chain drives produce annoyingly clunky noises and require a truckload of grease to function, belt drives are the opposite. They are blessedly quiet and completely low-maintenance!
P.S. The material the JLL IC350’s belt-drive is made of is unspecified.
Pedals, Q-factor and Flywheel
To secure your feet firmly and prevent the all-too-familiar slippage are the IC350 Pro’s fitted toe cages with adjustable straps. The cycle boasts an impressive three-piece crank as well. But then, these pedals are anything but upgraded. Toe cages are considered inferior to SPD pedals which offer better functionality, comfortability and flexibility. That said, the inclusion of SPD elements would have made the JLL IC350 pro completely irresistible. Nonetheless, the bike appears to use the standard 9/16 pedal thread size, making it possible to swap the traditional toe cages for the more contemporary SPD pedals. But if you don’t mind the toe clips, you are good to go.
The distance between pedals, known as Q-factor, is crucial to cycling comfort and safety. Pedals with minimal space between each other bear a badge of approval. Wider pedals, on the other hand, are frowned upon. The JLL IC350 Pro’s pedals have a 180 mm Q-factor, which falls in the wide category. This may not be a deal-breaker for some exercisers, but it may be a problem for others (especially) shorter individuals.
The JLL IC350 Pro indoor cycle is equipped with a 15lbs bi-directional flywheel. At 15Ibs, the flywheel is on the lighter side. However, if you are familiar with flywheels and their operation, you will know that sometimes weight is just a number. The IC350 Pro’s flywheel is quite efficient at delivering a smooth momentum with sufficient resistance. Its wool-felt brake pads serve as its emergency brake that works to stop the flywheel mid-spin.
Specification and Accessories
The JLL IC350 PRO exercise bike is a solid piece of equipment, no questions asked. Its black and silver exterior makes a minimalistic yet beautiful design. And to think that its pleasant exterior mirrors its engineering! About 80% of the bike’s build incorporates steel, which speaks volumes about its sturdiness and durability. With a 125kg (276lbs) maximum weight recommendation, the JLL IC350 invites both light and moderate-weight users; it is not for heavy-weight exercisers.
The IC350 PRO covers a footprint that measures 103cm in length, 54 cm by width and 122 cm in height. This bike should fit into your home without issues. It is worth noting that its frame is not foldable. Also, there is no tablet/phone holder to secure your phone during workouts. This is a disappointing bit of information considering its monitor has limited capabilities. Having a tablet mount would have made workouts on the bike less boring and monotonous ─ users can download and follow workout videos or keep themselves entertained with a phone or tablet. On the other hand, a bottle holder is provided, but some users have criticized its small size.
The saddle is embedded in a foam-padded, soft fabric that is every inch butt-friendly. It is well-stitched, too, promising longevity. However, you may find it uncomfortable if you are starting. The seat, like the majority of stationary bike seats, is 4-way adjustable. It offers 10-levels of seat height and 6 levels of horizontal seat adjustments. Its handlebars are also ergonomically constructed and have pulse grips for tracking heart rate. They are height adjustable with fore and aft positioning.
JLL IC350 Indoor Cycling Bike Pros
- The frame sports quality and durable craftsmanship that can withstand years of use and abuse
- It provides users with ample variable resistance via a magnetic flywheel and a belt drive.
- It has minimum noise output, making it suitable for use in noise-intolerant areas and settings.
- Owing to the belt-drive, it spares maintenance cost and effort
- The standard monitor provides a near-accurate record of workout statistics, including speed, time, distance, calories, RPM and pulse.
- It is reasonably priced with good value for money.
JLL IC350 Pro Indoor Cycling Bike Cons
- Its monitor lacks Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity which translates to app and chest strap incompatibility.
- It uses variable magnetic resistance instead of automated resistance; thus, you can’t (conveniently) perform specific bike workouts.
- There is no tablet mount to promote workout entertainment and productivity.
Final Verdict
All specifications considered, the JLL IC350 Pro indoor cycling bike is an indoor bike with many benefits to offer. With this bike, you can ditch your spinning classes for good and embrace result-driven, at-home spinning exercises. JLL took their “sweet” time to construct the 1C350 spin bike, ensuring that everything the average exerciser needs is covered. Albeit not mainly designed for avid cyclists with plenty of experience, it is good enough for everyday spinning activities. Among its pleasant perks are magnetic resistance settings and a belt drive. However, it has some notable flaws, such as its lack of a Bluetooth-compatible monitor and a tablet mount. All-in-all, the JLL IC350 Pro Indoor cycling bike is a value-added investment at a mid-range price class.
