We’ve reviewed a ton of exercise bikes – and the Slim Cycle 2-in-1 is a great choice for many reasons.
This review will get into the details, but the summary is simple. The Slim Cycle you’ve seen advertised on TV is perfect for someone looking for a low cost, foldable, safe and adjustable cycle. The addition of the resistance bands offers the potential for increased weight loss through the combination of cardio and resistance training, giving you the ability to do both in half the time! If that’s you, check it out on Amazon now.
Or, read the rest of the review to learn more.
What Is The Slim Cycle?
The Slim Cycle 2-in-one exercise bike, as seen on TV, is the world’s most versatile fitness bike, offering workouts for people of all physical levels and workout goals. It is a stationary, folding indoor exercise bike with arm resistance bands and a heart monitor – all in one.
The Slim Cycle Is Right For You If You’re Looking For:
- An Interactive Display Screen
- Programming Options
- Built-in Heart-Rate Monitor
- Resistance Training (Adjustable)
- Safety
- Easy Storage (folds in half)
- Upper and lower body workout
- Any fitness level
Why Combine Cardio And Resistance Training With A Slim Cycle?
Cardio is one of the best ways to lose weight and get in shape. The problem with cardio is that it can be monotonous, and if you don’t do it right, you have to be on it for hours at a time. Resistance training is a great way to tone your muscles and build lean muscle mass. But, resistance training alone won’t provide a ton of weight loss. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology showed that resistance training alone didn’t provide substantial weight loss, but when combined with cardio training participants, did have good results in reducing their body mass.
But that same study also showed that the people in the study didn’t like the extra time commitment of having to do both strength/resistance workout and cardio workouts.
Even though combining cardio and resistance training is ideal for getting in shape… and even though combining the two you can work out your entire body and see results faster than if you were only doing one type of exercise…
It just takes a lot of TIME. Doing 2x the workouts eats up a ton of TIME.
That’s where something like the Slim Cycle can really shine. A Slim Cycle 2-In-1 combines cardio with arm strengthening – all on the same device and all at the SAME TIME.
That’s how the company can claim two times the results in half the time.
Space and cost saving
We don’t have a ton of space (or money), so at FitnessMasterly we love devices that save both.
Another great thing about this device is that it folds up to fit in a closet. It’s not even that big when it’s expanded and ready to use – at around 46″ long by 20″ wide. So this is a great space saving device if you don’t have a ton of room.
The Slim Cycle 2-in-1 is usually available for around $200. So when it comes to some of the 2-in-1 devices that we’ve reviewed that can cost well north of $2,000, it’s a pretty solid deal. You can check the current pricing here now.
Whoa, that is a dream come true. Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s review the Slim Cycle 2-in-1, the as seen on TV version, so that you can make the right buying decision. This Slim Cycle review will provide you with all the details you would need to consider before parting with your money and giving up part of your closet space.
There was a time in the past when I was looking to buy an exercising bike to add to my home gym setup. Slim cycles grabbed my attention for their minimal space requirements and they have pretty great features for a pretty low price. I wanted something less cumbersome, less professional (read “beginner friendly”) – but still challenging and able to help me work up a good sweat.
Although I come across many types of exercise bikes in my line work, and use them from time to time, I always recommend Slim Cycles for their adaptability. For example, a Slim Cycle from TeleBrands (via As Seen TV) promises an upright bike that can be turned into a recumbent bike. If you don’t know what a recumbent is, don’t worry, we’ll go over that later in this review! Plus, this version also can let you strengthen your arms with the two resistance bands.
In business since 1983, Telebrands is one of the longest-running As Seen on TV Company. They pride themselves with hundreds of product releases every year. Don’t let the cheesy “As Seen on TV” brand fool you – for the right user, this is an excellent 2 in 1 exercise bike. Slim Cycle 2-in-1 stationary bike is worth seriously considering adding to your home gym equipment – or even as your first equipment in your fitness journey.
If you’re in a hurry, the following is the Slim Cycle I am going to review today:
- Most Comfortable Exercise Bike: Slim Cycle is the most comfortable exercise bike ever designed. With a thick, extra-wide seat with a back support cushion and padded support handles on either side of the seat, you’ll pedal away calories comfortably at home!
- Lose Weight & Build Muscle at the Same Time: achieve your fitness goals faster with Slim Cycle! Our exercise bike delivers a cardio workout combined with strength training so you can shed pounds and sculpt muscle. You’ll get twice the results in HALF the time!
- Endorsed by Harley Pasternack: Slim Cycle is endorsed by Harley Pasternack, Hollywood’s #1 trainer to the stars!
- Upright & Relined Positions: it’s like having two bikes in one! Pedal away in the upright position for an intense workout sure to burn calories or cycle in the reclined position for a low impact workout that gets the heart pumping and is easy on your knees!
- Folds for Easy Storage: When you’re finished with your workout, Slim Cycle conveniently folds for easy storage. Put it in your closet, the corner of your room, or under the bed! Slim Cycle is great for all types of homes, whether you’re in a small apartment or have a house with tons of space.
Exercise Bike Buying Guide
Exercise bikes (Wikipedia) such as the Slim Cycle are an excellent alternative for your home workout instead of going to the gym or running. They provide an easy, hassle-free way of getting the physical activity required and help you lose weight, and if adjusted correctly can be low impact and easy on your joints.
Currently, there are many choices available in the market. If you are looking for budget-friendly options, you could opt for one with the bare minimum of essential features like various levels of workout resistance, a few (to none) programming options. The higher-end ones will come with more advanced features such as many preset workout programs, multiple profile settings, more extended warranty, and connectivity options. And, of course, if you want to spend thousands of dollars you can get a Peloton and pay for a monthly subscription.
Before we dig deep into the must-have features, you need to have a good understanding of your fitness goals. Think about how frequently you are going to use it, and your level of fitness. Be realistic, and don’t make the mistake of overestimating your needs – that’s a classic trap in the fitness industry and it’s part of the reason many people overspend on equipment with features that they don’t need. So be honest, and make sure you know if you want to try to keep up with sophisticated workouts, or if you just need a simple machine that gets your heart rate up.
Once you have realistic expectations, it will be easier for you to choose the right exercise bike
Yet another topic to spend some time on before getting into the essential features – let’s talk about the different types of home cycles so you can make sure this one is the best option for you. There are three types of bikes: 1) Upright, 2) Recumbent, and 3) Spinning. We shall take a quick look at the first two types as they are relevant to this article.
Upright exercise bikes
Upright exercise bikes resemble regular bicycles. They come with a small and high seat, without any back support. Your hands hold handles in front. Your body sits above the frame, and you pedal like you would ride a traditional bicycle. If you are used to riding a normal bicycle on the road, then this will feel normal and you’ll feel like you have good control of the movement.
These are not recommended for people with a higher BMI, as the smaller seat can cause aches and pains in the buttocks. The lack of back support could pose issues to some. At the same time, an upright exercise bike will provide the following benefits:
- Very similar workout when related to outdoor cycling
- The same set of muscles, including abdominal muscles, will be used as in outdoor cycling
- Also provides some limited upper body workout, since you lean onto the handles
Recumbent exercise bikes
Using a recumbent bike, you will be sitting in a reclined position, which is a more comfortable position for many people. Typically, because they can be bigger, the seats are more comfortable. Many have back rests, so you’ll feel like you are sitting in a regular chair. However, using this bike may not give you the feeling of riding an outdoor bicycle.
Recumbent bikes typically should be more gentle on all of your joints. Because your lower back is supported by a large seat and your knees and ankles are stretched, protected for any impact, you’ll feel a more fluid movement when you bike. Plus, if the seat has a back rest, you’ll be able to relax your core a bit. If you don’t mind spending more money and want to really focus on a low impact workout machine, check our our Best Recumbent Elliptical Cross Trainer article.The following are the benefits of recumbent bikes:
- Easier on the lower back
- Safer to use, especially for seniors and for those that are rehabilitating
- Due to the low impact, an excellent choice for those that are currently overweight and working out to lose weight
Main Features to look for in a home cycle:
The following are some of the features you might be looking for when you buy a slim cycle.
Display
You’ll want a bright display with easy-to-use controls. The screen should show at the minimum your heart rate, calories burned (this would be an estimate), speed, RPM (revolutions per minute), and selected resistance levels. Of course, the speed and distance covered should be shown as well.
Programming
For budget-friendly options, you may not get as many programming options. More expensive bikes come with a multitude of these options. These options include storing many profiles in a family, for example, heart-rate controlled workouts, fitness progress, and preset workouts.
Heart-Rate Monitor
Most bikes come with this option. They monitor your heart rate via surface measurements, and you will have to touch these surfaces while you workout. Basically, in order to register your heart rate there is a particular part of the device that you’ll need to grab for a few seconds. These are generally the handles on an upright bike and rods next to your seat if it is a recumbent bike.
Resistance
In my experience, this feature is one of the essentials. Giving users the ability to set different levels of resistance is a key feature. Based on your fitness levels, you can choose from a low level and challenging level. The resistance level is usually selected electronically by using the controls.
Safety
Like with any other exercise equipment, you need to be careful as these bikes have moving parts. If left alone with children around, this can be dangerous. Bikes that can be folded and stowed away are generally safer if you’ve carefully stowed them away from small children.
OK – with the list of key features in the buying guide above, let’s review the Slim Cycle 2-in-1 exercise bike from As Seen on TV (Telebrands).
Slim Cycle 2-In-1 Exercise Bike Review
The Slim Cycle TV ads bill it as “the perfect home exercise machine for cardio”. Plus, with the arm resistance bands, they say you can get a full body workout. But is it true? Is this a great folding indoor stationary exercise bike?
The commercials say that all you need is 10 minutes of cycling to transform your body. But, even if you are working hard, that’s probably not really enough to get you the results you want. Ten minutes is far better than none, but, if you want to achieve any serious fitness or weight loss results, you’ll have to do longer workouts on this OR ANY machine.
That being said, Slim Cycle from BulbHead (as sold on Amazon) does provide you all the features you would need to succeed in achieving the desired results.
So, YES, our review is positive – you can get the results you want out of this machine. It’s got the features you’ll need at an attractive price point.
The main selling point for this Slim Cycle is that it gives you the ability to change it from an upright position (used for an intense workout) to a recumbent position (for low impact workout). This is the 2-in-1 option that is advertised. We really like this, since you may have different members of the family at different ability levels or want to experience different exercises at different times. Users can choose a super-low impact workout that the recumbent can give, or a tough workout in the upright position.
Secondly, we really like the arm resistance bands. With these bands, you can also get some upper body workout going during your cardio, so it’s another way this is a 2-in-1 product.
Slim Cycle Reviews: What are customers saying?
The Slim Cycle has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with ~12,900 reviews on amazon and an average 4.6 stars, with 92% of them being 4 or 5 stars. The numbers speak for themselves.
This user recommends for anyone looking to get some movement in, especially as a mother of young children.
Slim Cycle’s design, features, and functionality impressed this reviewer, who notes that the bike and the set-up was great for a senior citizen:
As we can see, this bike is great for people of all walks of life and in any area of their fitness journey. One of the things we like best is the the access this provides, like this user recovering from the hospital:
There are only a few that are negative, so I decided to dig in and figure out why.
Slim Cycle Pros and Cons
This bike also comes with handles and a large opening. This large opening helps riders to get on and off the Slim Cycle quickly. The seat is 2.5-inches thick memory foam and the height can be adjusted. The specification says that the bike should be able to accommodate users with heights between 4′ 11″ and 6′ 4″. However, users taller than 5′ 11″ have reported slight discomfort. The bike should be able to support users up to 300 lbs with its backrest, although some user reviews that we’ve read have said that people over 250 pounds worry about how sturdy it is for them.
Who isn’t it a great fit for – and what are the best alternatives?
So, we’ve already said that this is a great option for people with limited space (and budget) who are looking for a cardio + arm workout device. However – it’s not the best fit for everyone.
There are more folding options that we’ve got reviews for if you are looking to save space and money. But if you want a more robust machine, and care less about space and your wallet, check out some of these alternatives:
- Sunny Health Magnetic Recumbent (with cross training arm exercisers) – it’s a little more pricey, but is a well made option with upper body resistance training built in
- Schwinn Upright – everyone knows this brand; it’s a quality option at a higher price, and is great for a cardio-focused workout
- Exerpeutic has a line of indoor bikes ranging in price from under $200 to the high $500’s with a variety of features. They are a quality brand with many, many great options. You’ll pay more, take up more space, but get a solid piece of equipment.
Slim Cycle: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Slim Cycle’s measurements?
When open: 42-inches H x 21.5-inches W x 43-inches L
When closed: 52-inches H x 21.5-inches W x 22-inches L
Can I adjust the upper body resistance bands?
The upper body resistance bands can be adjusted. To increase resistance, just push the band up through the handle to the desired length, then pull through locking ring. To decrease, push the band through the handle to the desired length, then pull through the locking ring. Only one side of the upper body resistance band is adjustable. If you’re unable to adjust the upper body resistance bands, try adjusting the other side.
What is Slim Cycle’s weight limit?
Slim Cycle can support a person up to 300 lbs. However, please note at least one rider above 225 lbs found it difficult to use.
How much does The Slim Cycle weigh?
Slim Cycle weighs 39 pounds, 6 ounces. That’s pretty light for a piece of exercise equipment, so it is easier to stow away when you aren’t using it. For reference, 40 pounds is the size of a medium sized bag of dog food.
How many pedal settings are there?
The Slim cycle has 8 magnetic resistance settings for the pedals. Just turn the dial below the handlebars to increase or decrease the pedal resistance. It is advised to set this setting back to zero while storing the bike.
Does Slim Cycle offer Workouts?
The Slim cycle has 8 magnetic resistance settings for the pedals. Just turn the dial below the handlebars to increase or decrease the pedal resistance. It is advised to set this setting back to zero while storing the bike.Slim Cycle recently partnered with Echelon to offer classes and workouts that pair with the bike itself. This includes both live and on-demand classes and new workouts every day to help you reach your fitness goals. Slim Cycle is also offering 4 free weeks to take as many classes as you like and 10 free classes to keep, should you cancel before the 30-day trial expires.
First time riders review the Slim Cycle:
Slim Cycle Reviews: What are customers saying?
The Slim Cycle has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with ~12,900 reviews on amazon and an average 4.6 stars, with 92% of them being 4 or 5 stars. The numbers speak for themselves.
This user recommends for anyone looking to get some movement in, especially as a mother of young children.
Slim Cycle’s design, features, and functionality impressed this reviewer, who notes that the bike and the set-up was great for a senior citizen:
As we can see, this bike is great for people of all walks of life and in any area of their fitness journey. One of the things we like best is the the access this provides, like this user recovering from the hospital:
There are only a few that are negative, so I decided to dig in and figure out why.
Most common issues in the reviews
In order to tell you about common complaints about the Slim Cycle, I read through all of the complaints and negative on Amazon.com, as well as some other sites like Walmart.com. The first common issue is for taller people (seems to mainly be people who are over 6 foot tall), the device isn’t quite big enough for them to straighten their legs. The second most common problem was the instructions that come with the bicycle. Some customers were concerned that they did not understand how to assemble the bike. Many customers reported that the instructions were hard to read and some even said it was difficult to assemble.
In our comments below, you’ll see that some purchasers are complaining about the company’s customer service. That’s partly why we recommend you purchase your Slim Cycle through Amazon – companies tend to be WAY more responsive to customer service issues if you buy through Amazon – click here to get it on Amazon.
However, the overall star/ratings on these sites are very high – over four stars (basically four and a half). So it’s a very highly reviewed exercise device – and again, for the price, wow. It’s a great deal.
The Verdict: Is the Slim Cycle 2-in-1 stationary bike worth it?
The Slim Cycle As Seen on TV 2-in-1 stationary bike is an excellent choice if you are looking for a versatile bike (upright, recumbent), easy to fold, and includes upper body strengthening. The reviews are very positive across the board. This should remove any question you may have regarding brands from As Seen on TV.
With gym membership prices increasing, getting the Slim Cycle 2-in-1 bike could save you money in the long run and help you achieve your fitness goals. This will be a great addition either to home gym equipment or as a stand-alone indoor exercise bike. Check it out on Amazon now!
I just ordered a Slim Cycle 5/27/2020 and was happy to get it shipped free. But at the end of getting my order complete Fernando, the agent I was speaking with said he was going to send the top 20 magazine for 1 month free then I would be billed if I decide to keep the subscription. I said no do not send them. He said thank you, you enjoy the rest of the day and hung up. I just wanted someone else to know I said no to the magazine and do not want a subscription. Didn’t know where to note my complaint.
It is a nice bike, but the company is terrible.. I ordered the slim cycle with the upgrade, selecting the offered payment plan thru Klarna. For over a month I could not get confirmation of my order. Every time I called I sat on hold 20-30 minutes or was hung up on. The only people I could talk to were the representatives who take orders who could not find a record of my order. Klarna took my money but stated they did not see an order. 7 weeks later after I disputed the charge, I received the bike with none of the upgraded equipment I had paid for. I called and the customer service representative needed to be told countless times what we did not receive (belt, mat, water bottle holder, etc). Here it is a month later and despite him promising these items, nothing. I will never buy from them again and will spread the word to all the active duty and veteran members I know. Buyer beware
Call your credit card company. Dispute the charge and have it reversed. The company will contact you
Never received my bike. The customer service is awful. They lie and tell you that you will get what you order! Don’t recommend to order from them.
Wow, that is not good to hear! Thanks for sharing.
i ordered my slim cylcle from bulbshed the did not debot account until it was sent out, i was told will tale 3 -6 weeks to to te pandemic. THey debit account on 9-28-20mand i receied by bicycle on sunday 10-4-20 by fed exp and i am doing the payment plan. Myhusband out it together i used same day it arrived and it give you a workout. I used aagin todau 10-5-20 so far i know it is short to tell i am happy i waited , customer service was hoest the only thing i did nt get a onformation of order send out like i was told but happy, oh did i mentioned i got a free slim cyke belt for waitinf. I receievd that sautursday 10-3-20 , one day before for waiting and being patient, I order staright from the company. i will post in a month if i lose the weight i want, my goal 40-50 lbs and i am good and tgen just keep exercising. I hope everyone else get a good review and get it there order soon, It is free shipping. Good bye for now.
i ordered my slim cylcle from bulbshed they did not debit account until it was sent out, i was told will talk 3 -6 weeks due to the pandemic. THey debit account on 9-28-20 and i received my bicycle on sunday 10-4-20 by fed exp and i am doing the payment plan. My husband put it together i used same day it arrived and it give you a workout. I used again today 10-5-20 so far i know it is short to tell i am happy i waited , customer service was honest the only thing i did not get a confirmation of order send out like i was told but happy, oh did i mentioned i got a free slim cyle belt for waiting.I receievd that satursday 10-3-20 , one day before for waiting and being patient, I order straight from the company. i will post in a month if i lose the weight i want, my goal 40-50 lbs and i am good and then just keep exercising. I hope everyone else get a good review and get it there order soon, It is free shipping. Good bye for now.
I called and ordered the slim cycle after seeing the infamercial. Very friendly representative and assured me I could easily put it together. Gave all my info along with email address. I never recieved a email verification. I called the customer service number he gave me and it was in Asia. She refused to transfer me to US office. I called the order number again as I was getting uncomfortable with the order. She told me it was better to call them on Monday rather than the weekend. Called back on Monday and asked to talk to US office. She said OK and hung right up on me. I called the order number again and asked if the bike is produced and shipped from China, as I searched on line and could not find that info. She said yes it is and I said I want to cancel the order. Told again only customer service can cancel. I called them back yet again and told them I do not want it and to cancel the order. He took all my info and gave me a reference/cancelation number. This was 6 days after placing order and was told in the beginning it would take up to 3-4 weeks to recieve. 4 days later, the bike was delivered. It is, now Sat. and I can not reach my credit card bank to refute the charge and told to call Monday. I called Customer Service in China again and she said she will send postage paid slip for me to send it back and 5 days later I would get my refund. I said they would not get my payment and they need to halt the charge immediately. Also when I asked why I never received any email verification of order and asked for one for the cancelation, he said “we do not have access to emails”. So, I’m guessing i will not be receiving any postage paid form to mail it back and I will not pay for it to my credit card while they take the 60 days to figure it out! China has done this to me before which is why I do not buy anything from them. All the companies that sell their products hide it a lot of the time. You have to search and search to find where it is produced.
I love the slim cycle, the best stationary bike i have ever had, and with the hand cables, absolute total work out,LUV IT, and so quite,
My delivery and customer service was excellent, the product was the easiest i have ever assembled (15 minutes)
Thanks!
Great exercise bike and really good feedback too… thanks for sharing!
Really like this product. Thanks for writing this.