Merax Deluxe S500 Indoor Cycling Bike | Provides Reliable Performance

While the Merax Deluxe S500 Indoor Cycling Bike may appear to be one of those flashy bikes designed to attract you with their aesthetics, it’s nothing of the sort. Instead, the Merax Deluxe S500 indoor cycling bike offers reliable performance, proven to be challenging even for seasoned users.

The S500 has a 22 lb chromed solid flywheel that helps simulate the momentum and feel of biking on the road. The wheel keeps the bike steady and securely weighted down while pedaling. In addition, the pedals are caged and counter-balanced, which makes it very easy to mount up and start cycling.

Switch up the intensity of your workout with the convenient tension knob. With a simple twist, you can increase or decrease resistance so your training can remain challenging and effective throughout your fitness journey.

Tracking your progress is simple with the S500 Multi-functional Digital Monitor! It displays your time, speed, distance, calories burned, and scan; you will be able to see your results to keep you motivated and on pace.

Learn more in my complete review below!

Product: Merax Deluxe S500 Indoor Cycling Bike

Price: For a great deal on this bike, merely go here on Amazon

Warranty: 1 year limited

My rating: 8/10

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate Program participant, I earn commissions on purchases made through links in this post. Full disclosure

Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 41L x 21.3W x 48H inches (104L x 54W x 122H cm)
• Assembled weight: 65 lbs (29.4 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 22 lbs (10 kg)
• Supported weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
• Seat: 4-way adjustable
• Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
• Drive: Belt
• Resistance: Friction, felt-pad
• Fitness Monitor: Time, speed, distance, total distance, calories, scan
• Accessories: Bottle holder
• Warranty: 1 year limited

S500 Frame construction

There are two versions of the Merax Deluxe S500 indoor cycling bike. Both have a corrosion-resistant black paint finish, but one features blue gaskets, tension knob, stickers on the frame, flywheel, and belt guard, while the other has red elements. The two versions are the same in terms of specs and features.

The Merax S500 exercise bike features a triangular frame with a suspended seat tube, similar to the Body-Solid ESB250. All the bike’s construction pipes are steel, so the frame offers excellent sturdiness, with a weight capacity of 330 lbs (150 kg).

This Merax indoor cycling bike is not extremely heavy, though, compared to other models. It only weighs approximately 65 lbs (29.4 kg). So, its transport and assembly is a one-person job. Also, once assembled, its easily relocated via the wheels integrated into its front base.

Like most other spin bikes, the Merax S500 isn’t a large fitness machine. Its footprint is approx. 41″L x 21.3″W (104 x 54 cm), while its maximum height is given by the handlebar when fully extended, reaching approx. 48″ (122 cm) above floor level. It is advisable to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the bike for safe access and usage.

One last aspect to mention regards the bike’s stability. Even though it does not have an extra-heavy frame, its center of gravity is pretty close to the ground, adding stability. Plus, both base tubes of the bike are equipped with adjustable stabilizers featuring rubber pads to prevent the unit from sliding and prevent floor damage.

Seat and handlebars

The Merax Deluxe S500 indoor cycling bike includes a saddle designed to provide extra comfort. First of all, it integrates a thick layer of foam cushioning, while most spin seats are very slim and rather hard.

It has two rear springs that reduce shock and improve the saddle’s overall flexibility, enabling it to adapt better to the user’s movement during pedaling. It also has a center cutout, which enhances breathability.

Along with all the mentioned comfort factors, the bike’s saddle also features a standard attachment system. Therefore, in case you will ever want to replace it, compatible options are widely available.

The bike’s seat offers four-way adjustability (up, down, forward, backward). Its upright post offers 5″ (12.7 cm) of adjustment, from 34″ to 39″ (86.3 – 99 cm) above floor level. The horizontal slider adds 2.5″ (6.3 cm) of front-to-back adjustment, as well. Therefore, the bike can accommodate users up to 6’3″ (190 cm), allowing a complete leg extension.

The bike’s handlebar only offers two-way adjustability (up, down). It does not have a horizontal slider like the seat. Its upright post offers 6″ (15.2 cm) of adjustment, from 42″ to 48″ (106.8 – 122 cm) above floor level. It has a multi-grip design, with two extended side grips curved upward and a loop aero bar in the middle.

A layer of rubber foam material covers the side grips for extra comfort. However, the handlebar does not have pulse sensors, and the bike does not offer a pulse reading function.

S500 Drive System

The Merax Deluxe S500 indoor cycling bike has a belt drive system. Therefore, it provides an exceptionally smooth pedaling motion. Also, since the transmission uses a belt, not a chain, it does not require lubrication, while the bike usage is very quiet.

The Merax Deluxe only has a 22 lbs (10 kg) flywheel. Thus, it doesn’t offer such substantial momentum as a commercial spin bike. However, the wheel still is perimeter-weighted to provide more consistent inertia.

The bike’s flywheel is chrome-plated with ABS-made side covers. It is also bi-directional; therefore, you can pedal in reverse to diversify your workouts. However, since the bike’s drive system is simple, you cannot coast on it.

When pedaling in reverse, you will get the same pedal resistance as when pedaling normally. Also, the pedals continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning.

Since it’s a bike designed for spin workouts, the Merax S500 comes with a heavy-duty crankset. Both the crank arms and the pedal should withstand users up to 330 lbs (150 kg). The pedals are an aluminum alloy.

They have adjustable toe cages but do not integrate SPD clips for spin shoes. However, their threads are standard 9/16″, so replacement options are widely available.

Resistance System

The Merax Deluxe S500 comes with a friction resistance system, consisting of a felt pad attached to the main tube of the bike’s frame and the tension knob on top of it. This brake is not motorized, so the bike does not require an external power source.

The resistance mechanism is relatively simple. To increase the resistance, you have to turn the tension knob clockwise. This will enable the brake pad to apply more friction to the flywheel, increasing the drag and the overall pedaling difficulty.

There are no tension levels specified on the resistance adjustment knob. You can adjust the resistance up to the point you can barely pedal.

The resistance knob also fulfills the function of an emergency brake. You can press it down to immediately stop the flywheel from spinning. This is necessary if you have been pedaling at high speed and you suddenly need to stop, or you want to begin pedaling in reverse.

S500 Console

The Merax Deluxe S500 indoor cycling bike comes with a Multi-functional Digital Monitor. It tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories. The speed and distance display in metric units (km/h and km), and there’s no possibility of changing them in imperial units.

As I’ve mentioned earlier, the bike does not have any pulse sensors, and the monitor does not have a pulse reading function.

The monitor is relatively straightforward to operate. However, it only has one (MODE) button. The button allows you to toggle ON and Off the unit’s SCAN function, which rotates the workout values, showing each one for several seconds.

As you stop the SCAN function, you can select the time, speed, or other workout statistics to be shown on screen all the time. The MODE button also covers the unit’s RESET function. By pressing and holding it for a few seconds, it will clear all the values to zero.

The unit is battery-powered. It starts up when you begin pedaling or when you push the button. It also has a sleep mode to enter after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike.

S500 Assembly and Maintenance

The mainframe of the bike comes pre-assembled. Also, the flywheel, the belt, the brake system, and the crank are already attached. Therefore, you only need to connect the two base bars, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the fitness console, and the pedals.

This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. All the tools for the assembly come included, and the manual provides precise assembly instructions.

Since it’s a belt-drive bike, its transmission doesn’t require lubrication. However, the resistance pad may need a bit of silicone lubricant, especially if it overheats during a more intense workout or generates a squeaking sound. Besides that, make sure to keep the bike clean and periodically check for loose bolts and parts and retighten or replace if necessary.

Pros

• Sturdy, steel construction – can support users up to 330 lbs;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• It comes with adjustable stabilizers on both base bars;
• Extra comfortable seat for an indoor cycle, featuring a thick layer of padding, contoured surface, and a longitudinal groove;
• Perimeter-weighted flywheel for improved inertia;
• Heavy-duty crank, able to support any user up to the maximum listed weight, in upright pedaling position;
• Aluminum pedals with toe cages for extra thrust and standard threads;
• Standard friction resistance system;
• 4-way adjustable seat;
• Multi-grip handlebar;
• The bottle holder included;
• Fitness monitor included;
• Quiet operation, great for apartment use;
• Easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance is required.

Cons

• No pulse reading function;
• The LCD does not have a backlight.

Merax Deluxe S500 Indoor Cycling Bike Summary

The Merax Deluxe S500 is an indoor cycling bike designed for home use. It features a standard friction resistance system with a manual action, a belt drive system, superior micro-adjustability, and a cushioned saddle. It also includes a multi-functional Digital Monitor.

Moreover, it’s an affordable exercise bike that can support most spin workouts. It’s excellent for light to intense cardio training, interval training, muscle toning, and weight loss.

I hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have anything you’d like to share or opinions about my website, please speak up. I look forward to your comments, questions, and the sharing of ideas.