Kouz Live Magnetic Resistance Indoor Cycling Bike Review
Designed to deliver a fulfilling indoor biking experience at an affordable price point, the KOUZ LIVE spin bike is exercise equipment worth having. It is beautifully and adequately constructed with quality and innovative features. Temporarily sold for around $315 on Amazon, the KOUZ LIVE indoor bike is as budget-friendly as it is functional. Customers are particularly pleased with its unbelievable quality which belies its low price. It is one of the few affordable indoor bikes that stays true to its spec-sheet.
The KOUZ LIVE indoor cycling bike is backed by a year warranty and a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. Suppose the cycle encounters any problems while within the warranty validity period. The KOUZ LIVE indoor bike is shipped partially assembled in a box that weighs about 100 pounds. Shipping and delivery take about eight days. Its assembly process, detailed in the accompanying instruction guide, isn’t complicated and takes all of 20-30 minutes to set up. There is a lot more to the KOUZ LIVE indoor bike, and this KOUZ LIVE spinning bike review will tell it all.
Kouz Live Magnetic Resistance Exercise Bike Review and Technical Information
Cycle Specifications:
- Q-factor: 180 mm
- Pedals: Toe-caged pedals
- Flywheel: 35-pounds
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Transmission: Belt-transmission
- Weight capacity: 330-pounds
- Height capacity: 5’4”-6’8”
- Bike weight: 108-pounds
- Bike dimensions: 45.28” L × 37.01” W × 19.69” H
- Monitor: LCD monitor without backlit
- Connectivity: N/A
- Applications: N/A
- RPM Tracking: No
- Watt Tracking: No
Bike Monitor
If you are a fan of digital monitors for spin bikes with a simple and straightforward design, you will love the KOUZ LIVE’s in-built LCD monitor. It is powered by batteries (which is included) and lacks a backlit (for illumination in dark areas) ─ which may appear basic and unsatisfactory for tech-savvy exercisers. But if you don’t care much for high-tech console features and can comfortably exercise without a backlit, the KOUZ LIVE monitor is just perfect.
What’s more, you can keep an eye on your progress as it gives accurate feedback on calories, speed, time, distance, and heart rate (Via the pulse sensors on their grips). On the downside, it doesn’t track or record your power output/watt and cadence (RPM). Nonetheless, the display is crystal-clear, and the available statistics do a good job keeping you at the top of your game.
The absence of Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity may or may not be a deal-killer for you. In any case, you can’t sync the bike to program-rich exercise apps like Zwift, Peloton, and the like. And while you can track your heart rate via the handlebar-integrated pulse sensors, the absence of app and ANT+ connectivity makes it impossible to monitor your heart rate via a chest strap or a fitness app. This is a “minus” for the bike.
Resistance and Transmission
A bike’s resistance and transmission mechanism are some of its most essential features. Bikes that use magnetic resistance technology are a crowd-favorite, and the KOUZ LIVE indoor cycling bike is not an exception to the rule. It is equipped with a powerful friction-free variable magnetic resistance which allows users to select varying resistance levels.
The resistance control is a knob located on the mainframe for easy accessibility. You can alternate resistance levels while riding with minimal difficulty. While a motorized resistance control would have been the most preferred option, this manual setup is quite efficient. With varied resistance settings, you can carry out different resistance-oriented exercises, including HIIT workouts.
In terms of transmission, the KOUZ LIVE exercise bike uses a belt drivetrain which is far better than a chain drive. Belt-driven bikes deliver a smoother and more noise-free ride than chain drives. They also need less lubrication than their chain counterparts, making them easy to maintain and own. The company does not specify the material used in making the belt or the grade-quality, but we assume they incorporate a poly-belt which is the most common variant.
Pedals, Q-factor and Flywheel
The KOUZ LIVE indoor bike features standard toe-caged pedals that comfortably secure the feet from slippage. Although the pedals are not double-sided SPD pedals (you can’t clip onto either side of the pedals to guarantee a firm foothold), it has a pretty anti-slip solid surface that prevents your feet from slipping off the pedals while cycling. The bike’s Q-factor is 180 mm, which leans towards narrow. Industry specifications favor narrow Q-factors, as they make a better and more comfortable foot positioning.
Also, the KOUZ LIVE pedals are not SPD-compatible, which may be a drawback.SPD pedals are pedal systems that are “clipless.”Instead of using clips or straps to hold the foot in place, they use a unique mechanism that binds the pedals to a cleat attached to the base of the shoes. Experienced cyclists typically prefer SPD pedals for their high power output and convenience. However, amateur and intermediate cyclists will favor the KOUZ LIVE’s toe-caged pedals. But if you prefer SPD-pedals, you can always replace the bike’s toe-caged pedals with one─ thanks to its standard 9/16 thread that unscrews easily to accommodate replacements.
A bike’s flywheel weight says a lot about its cycling consistency and feel. Flywheels that are on the heavier side of the spectrum are often recommended for their smooth cycling motion. On this note, the KOUZ LIVE’s inertia-weighted flywheel at 35-pounds is considered heavy and smooth. It collaborates with the bike’s magnetic resistance technology to facilitate a very smooth and quiet cycling experience.
Specification and Accessories
If its dimensions are anything to go by, the KOUZ LIVE spinning bike is a space-efficient exercise bike that will fit into your home nicely. It sits at 19.69 inches high, 37.01 inches wide, and 45.28 inches long. Hence, space restrictions shouldn’t be an issue. The bike’s build quality is one of its many commendable qualities. Its heavy-duty double triangle frame can sit users that weigh up to 330 pounds ─ that’s an impressive maximum weight capacity. The frame is coated in a stainless steel material which forms a protective barrier against sweat and rust, thus improving its lifespan.
The KOUZ LIVE’s seat and handlebar are not only adjustable but 4-way adjustable (forward/backward, up/down)! You can adjust the exercise bike seat and handlebar to any of four different positions that complement your comfort. Its multiple-level adjustability also means it can fit different body types and heights, whether tall, short, fat, or thin. For context, the specified maximum height capacity is 5’4″-6’8″.
A built-in tablet holder is included for security and entertainment purposes. You can keep your mobile device within reach while cycling. With the holder, you can connect with your friends on social media or watch television shows and fitness videos on your mobile device. A double bottle holder is integrated into the handlebars to promote adequate workout hydration.
KOUZ LIVE Indoor Cycling Bike Pros
- It is constructed with quality materials that guarantee long-lasting durability.
- It is ergonomically designed and highly customizable; it can fit a wide range of users with different body heights and weights.
- It has relatively compact dimensions, making it space-friendly
- Combines a belt drive train, magnetic resistance settings, and a heavy inertia-weighted flywheel for an all-around smooth and quiet cycling experience
- Its pedals are anti-slip and have a narrow Q-factor, which promotes an ergonomically correct posture
- Its monitor provides a readout of essential workout metrics that aids workout progress
- It includes a tablet and bottle holder for maximum workout entertainment and refreshment.
KOUZ LIVE Indoor Cycling Bike Cons
- Its monitor features are somewhat limited and basic; it isn’t backlit and lacks Bluetooth, ANT+, and app connectivity.
- The KOUZ LIVE’s pedals do not come with SPD pedals; you have to incur an additional cost to replace them.
- Lacks RPM and watt tracking
Final Verdict
The KOUZ LIVE indoor cycling bike combines functional features with top-notch convenience at a budget-friendly price. It is one of the most valuable affordable indoor bikes out there. It meets all essential quality and specification requirements and will give you more than your money’s worth of use and value. Constructed out of quality steel with detailed finishing, it will stand the passage of time. Offering multiple adjustability settings for its resistance, handlebar, and seat, the KOUZ LIVE indoor bike is suitable for just about any exerciser (no matter the competency level and body anatomy). Its magnetic resistance mechanism, belt transmission, and flywheel structure combines to give users a pleasant and enjoyable ride.
Additionally, the no-contact magnetic operation and belt equal minimal maintenance and problems. Though a high-quality exercise bike, the KOUZ LIVE indoor cycle has a few shortfalls, including a basic monitor without the added benefits of an app and Bluetooth connectivity. But when you consider its budget price and all the other good stuff it offers, we can overlook these flaws. Besides, these missing features are not indispensable and will only matter to exercisers who have a particular need for them. Overall, the KOUZ LIVE indoor cycling bike is worth a try and a spin!
We bet this review has explicitly described and “unboxed” the KOUZ LIVE indoor bike; hence you can use this as a purchasing guide.
