The ProForm 290 SPX Bike – This Spinning Bike is a Big Big Hit!

Designed for more intense cardio workouts, the ProForm 290 SPX bike is an affordable indoor cycle with a traditional bike design to take training to the next level.

The Bike

The ProForm 290 SPX bike is equipped with a resistance knob; turn it clockwise to increase resistance and counterclockwise to decrease resistance. To stop the flywheel completely, use the brake lever near the post.

The specs are:

• 16 Personal Trainer Workouts
• Adjustable Seat
• Pedals with Toe Cage
• Water Bottle holder, transport wheels
• Max user weight – 250 lbs
• Dimensions/wt: 48.6"L x 19.9"W x 46.5"H / 112 lbs
• Warranty: 5 years frame, 90 days parts and labor

The Buzz

UPDATE:  The ProForm 290 SPX has been discontinued and is no longer being sold. Check out the new Carbon CX, an updated version that's similarly priced.

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The ProForm 290 SPX bike uses a chain drive system to deliver a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride. It features dual-sided pedals, adjustable non-slip handlebars, and a padded saddle that moves up/down and fore/aft for the best fit.

The seat is a tad hard but you can replace it with a better one, or buy a gel cover to alleviate the problem.

ProForm has been hit and miss with some of their bike models; the misses are the recumbents and uprights that are feature-rich but very weak in design, but the ProForm 290 SPX spinning bike is a big big hit. 

Reviews on this model are highly favorable and most reviewers remark that they would absolutely buy it again. Given the fact that it is well built, easy to assemble, attractive, pedals smoothly, and only costs $299 on sale, users have enough extra money in their pocket to buy a longer warranty to add on to the weak 90-day warranty.

Our Take

A 2- or 3-year warranty should only cost you about $50 extra, and this is one of those situations where it is a good idea to buy a longer warranty.

The ProForm 290 SPX is intended for the casual rider who wants a spin bike rather than an upright. However, if you plan to train seriously, riding perhaps 8 to 10 hours a week or more, it is highly advisable that you invest in a better quality bike.

But for anyone else who wants to bring the spinning class home for regular weekly exercise, the ProForm 290 SPX bike is a very good choice and just a great bike for the price. Recommended.