Spirit XBU55 Upright Bike | Improves Fitness and Strength

The Spirit XBU55 Upright Bike from Spirit Fitness provides sturdy and stable construction and a comfortable ride with various features. With this in mind, its features make it one of the ideal bikes for working out. It gives a complete workout experience versatility by improving cardiovascular health, burning calories and fat, and increasing metabolism.

The Spirit XBU55 helps improve fitness and strengthens the entire body, including legs, thighs, hips, calves, arms, and chests. In addition, working out on this bike can be a great way to get the heart pumping and improve blood and oxygen flow throughout the body.

The Spirit XBU55 upright bike has a 7.5 inches blue backlit fitness monitor that displays nine pieces of data, including RPM, calories, time, distance, pulse, level, Mets, segment time, program, watt, and laps, to keep you motivated and informed. In addition, the monitor is also Bluetooth compatible with the Spirit Fit app for Android and iOS.

The XBU55 bike has 20 levels of resistance and a 30 lb flywheel for a smooth and intense workout. Additionally, the bike’s Poly-V belt drive system comes with a self-tensioner, three-piece crank, cold-forged steel, case-hardened axle, and commercial-grade sealed bearings.

Learn more in my complete review below!

Product: Spirit XBU55 Upright Bike from Spirit Fitness

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

Warranty: Frame lifetime / Brake lifetime / Parts 10 years / Labor 1 year

My rating: 9.5/10

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: 43L x 22W x 54H inches (110L x 56W x 137H cm)
• Assembled weight: 100 lbs (45.3 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 30 lbs (13.6 kg)
• Supported weight: 350 lbs (159 kg)
• Seat: 4-way adjustable
• Resistance: Eddy current, 20 levels
• Fitness Monitor: 10 programs, Bluetooth, Spirit Fit App
• Extras: Sound system, cooling fan, tablet holder, bottle holder
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Brake lifetime / Parts 10 years / Labor 1 year

XBU55 Frame Construction

The Spirit XBU55 upright bike features a heavy-duty steel frame offering an impressive weight capacity of 350 lbs (159 kg). In addition, it has heavy-gauge, ovalized steel tubing for improved sturdiness and aesthetics.

Furthermore, all of the steel parts in its construction are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant and abrasion-resistant paint finish. The color used is light gray, this being the only color available for this model. In addition, durable ABS panels cover the bike’s base, the drivetrain, and the main resistance elements.

The XBU55 bike has heavy construction and weighs 100 lbs (45.3 kg) with all the parts assembled. This weight and a low center of gravity provide superior stability. As a result, you can ensure that the bike won’t rock or move even if you engage in the most demanding workouts.

The bike is relatively easy to move despite its weight because its front base bar is equipped with two large silicone wheels. Therefore, you won’t handle more than 30% of the bike’s total weight when relocating it using these wheels.

Also, both base bars come equipped with adjustable stabilizers featuring rubber pads, which considerably improve the unit’s grip on the floor and allow you to level your bike correctly.

The Spirit Fitness XBU55 is not extremely large like most other upright bikes. However, with all the parts assembled, it is approximately 43″ (110 cm) long and 22″ (56 cm) wide. Also, its highest points are its handgrips, which reach approx. 54″ (137 cm) above floor level.

It is advisable to assign at least 24″ (61 cm) of clearance on each side of the bike and at least 12″ (30.4 cm) of clearance at its front and rear for ease of access and unhindered usage.

Seat and handlebars

The Spirit XBU55 upright bike includes a pretty standard saddle. Its top is polyurethane, featuring a foam padding layer and a durable vinyl cover. It is considerably larger than a race seat, providing extra contact surface and comfort.

The saddle features a standard, collar-based attachment system. Therefore, you can easily disconnect it if necessary. It also means that compatible options are widely available. For example, you can find a compatible seat with the bike in any bike shop.

The seat offers four-way adjustability (up, down, forward, backward). In addition, its vertical post features multiple adjustment positions with increments of approx. 1″ (2.5 cm), while its horizontal slider adds several inches of fore/aft adjustment.

Thus, the bike can comfortably accommodate users between 5’0 ″ and 6’5 ″ (153 – 196 cm) with no problem. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, the seat assembly supports users up to 350 lbs (159 kg).

The bike comes equipped with a multi-grip handlebar. It offers the possibility of adopting a standard grip, a racing grip, a climbing grip, and a parallel one. Its sidebars feature a layer of rubber foam material for improved comfort. Also, its lower grips integrate metallic pulse sensors.

The bike’s handlebar assembly is non-adjustable. It attaches to the front mast of the bike via bolts, so you cannot adjust its angle. Also, the front upright bar doesn’t offer any adjustability.

XBU55 Resistance system

The Spirit XBU55 upright bike has an eddy current resistance system. Therefore, you can only adjust the resistance from the fitness monitor. Furthermore, the monitor must be powered up by connecting the bike to an electrical outlet (110v). A power cord comes with the cycle.

In addition, it also means that the monitor can automatically adjust the resistance depending on the workout program in use.

The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake and a servo motor. The motor changes the magnets ‘ pull to increase or decrease the pedaling load as you adjust the console’s resistance or automatically adjust the resistance during a program.

The bike offers 20 resistance levels. For example, its first few levels provide a relatively light pedaling difficulty and serve recovery training. Conversely, the 20th tension level is considerably higher, offering the possibility to improve strength and build muscle and stamina.

Drive system

The Spirit XBU55 upright bike comes equipped with a reasonably heavy internal flywheel for an upright bike. It weighs 30 lbs and has a perimeter-weighted structure for improved inertia. The wheel is bi-directional but also permits coasting; in other words, you can stop pedaling while it spins so that you won’t lose all the momentum.

The bike features a heavy-duty 3-piece crankset featuring arms similar to spin bikes. However, standing up on the pedals is not recommended since this bike is upright. Instead, the pedals are weighted and equipped with adjustable straps for improved foot stability. They also have 2° of inversion for correct and more comfortable foot positioning.

Lastly, the bike’s drivetrain uses a belt, not a chain. Therefore, the pedaling motion is very smooth, also considering that it has a magnetic resistance system. In addition, the belt produces less vibration than a chain. Also, a belt drive system does not require periodic lubrication.

XBU55 Fitness monitor

The Spirit XBU55 upright bike comes equipped with an advanced fitness monitor. First, it has a 7.5″ LCD with an LED backlight and significant digits for superior readability. Second, it tracks time, distance, calories, pace, speed, pulse, and watts. The distance also displays as a 1/4-mile track, and the monitor indicates the number of laps you have completed.

The monitor is telemetric. It can read your pulse from a Polar T34 transmitter or other HR chest straps. Unfortunately, an HR chest strap does not come with the bike. However, you can still benefit from a pulse reading if you hold on to the pulse sensors integrated into the handlebars.

The fitness monitor makes available ten workout programs. These are 1 Manual Program, 5 Preset Programs (Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength, and Interval), 2 User Defined Programs, and 2 Heart Rate Programs. Each program has its quick selection button on the console.

The Manual Program allows unrestricted pedaling and manual resistance adjustment during the session. Each preset program covers a specific type of workout (as their name suggests). The workout load for each one is adjustable.

The Heart Rate programs have a maximum HR of 60% and 80%. Just like the other programs, they are also customizable. And finally, the User Defined Programs allow you to design, save and re-use your custom workouts.

Amenities

The fitness monitor has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with the Spirit Fit App for Android and iOS. Therefore, you can sync your smartphone or tablet with the bike’s monitor to stream your workout data into your online Spirit Fit account for better monitoring.

I count a sound system, a cooling fan, and a tablet holder, among other monitor features. The sound system consists of two speakers and an AUX port on the bottom-right corner of the unit. Thus, you can connect your smartphone or tablet to the monitor and play your music through the integrated speakers.

The cooling fan is not significant and integrates into the monitor’s middle. In addition, the tablet holder has a small shelf above the speakers and fan system. However, it is large enough to support any tablet.

XBU55 Assembly and Maintenance

The base body of the bike comes pre-assembled. Therefore, you only need to attach the front and rear base bars, the front mast, the handlebars, the fitness monitor, the seat post, the saddle, and the pedals.

Therefore, it shouldn’t take more than one hour of your time. The manual offers clear assembly instructions and schematics, and an essential toolkit also comes with the bike.

The bike’s internal parts don’t need periodic lubrication. Therefore, once assembled, you only have to keep it clean, periodically check for loose bolts or parts, and retighten them as required.

Pros

• Heavy-duty construction – can support users up to 350 lbs (159 kg);
• Aesthetic and compact design;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Adjustable stabilizers on both base bars;
• Multi-grip handlebar;
• Pulse reading function;
• 4-way adjustable, padded seat;
• Hefty (30 lbs) internal flywheel for consistent momentum and improved stability;
• Weighted, ergonomic pedals with 2° tilt for a natural foot positioning;
• Quiet belt drive;
• 20-level eddy current resistance;
• 7.5″ fitness monitor LCD with an LED backlight;
• Ten workout programs;
• Each workout program has its quick-access key on the monitor;
• Bluetooth connectivity;
• Compatible with the Spirit Fit app;
• The monitor can read pulse from a wireless HR chest strap;
• The sound system included;
• Cooling fan included;
• Tablet holder included;
• Easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance is required;
• Excellent warranty.

Cons

• A tablet placed on the device support will cover the fitness monitor LCD;
• The cooling fan is not too overpowering;
• A wireless HR chest strap does not come with the bike.

Spirit XBU55 Upright Bike Summary

The Spirit XBU55 is a heavy-duty, commercial-grade upright bike with a 20-level eddy current resistance system, a heavy internal flywheel, and a fitness monitor with ten workout programs. In addition, the monitor is also compatible with the Spirit Fit app for online progress tracking.

Moreover, it’s a great exercise bike for light to intense cardio training, intervals, stamina and strength development, recovery training, and weight loss. It’s not exactly an affordable bike, but it offers excellent value for the price.

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

Please remember that you should consult your physician to determine if you have any medical or physical conditions that could risk your health and safety or prevent you from using the equipment properly. In addition, your physician’s advice is essential if you are taking medication that affects your heart rate, blood pressure, or cholesterol level.