Compact cardio: A review of the Yosuda mini exercise bike
The 16-level magnetic resistance system on the Yosuda min exercise bike delivers smooth, quiet control for everything from light rehab to steady cardio. Picture: Yosuda
I love going for a cycle in the fresh air with the sun shining, but I have no problem admitting that I’m a fair-weather cyclist. When the sun is out, I am happy to be on the road, but as the weather has recently turned wetter, my outdoor routine has suffered. I considered buying a full-sized exercise bike to compensate, but I cannot justify the floor space a large machine would take up. The Yosuda Mini Exercise Bike offers a sensible middle ground for anyone looking to keep moving without turning their living room into a dedicated gym.
The build quality is excellent. The mini bike feels sturdy and well-built, with excellent rigidity that prevents it from feeling flimsy during more intense sessions. The integrated handle also makes it easy to pick up and move between rooms, simplifying storage.
The resistance dial is well-placed, making it easy to reach and use. I often change the resistance frequently, and the 16 levels offer a good range of intensity in a single session. The built-in LCD display shows the essential stats, and the two AAA batteries that power it are located on the back of the display.
For those wanting a bit of variety, the bike includes resistance bands that connect to the frame for upper-body work. One small disappointment was the included non-slip mat. On my wooden floors, it was ineffective and let the bike slide. Fortunately, the four rubber feet on the base did a much better job of keeping the unit stable while I worked out. The mat may perform better on carpet, but on hard surfaces you will rely on those rubber feet.
Sitting and watching TV is a great way to pass the time and get a little exercise. I couldn't get it to work under my desk while working. My knees hit the underside of the desk, and if I raised the desk to avoid this, it was too high to work comfortably.
If you want more than the basic information shown on the LCD, you can connect the bike to the Kinomap app via Bluetooth. This provides a wealth of extra data, including elapsed time, kilometres travelled, watts, speed, and RPM. While the app can be used for virtual rides or coaching, I primarily used it to get more detailed feedback on my progress.
I did encounter one frustration: a noticeable lag. I experienced a delay of over 10 seconds between my actual pedalling and the data updating on the screen. Even with that latency, it remains a valuable tool for anyone who wants a deeper dive into their performance metrics or just something to keep you motivated compared to the basic on-board display. The app offers many features, but most feel like overkill for the Yosuda. To access the more advanced features, you’ll need to pay a monthly subscription of €11.99.
The Yosuda Mini Exercise Bike is a practical solution for staying active when you cannot get outside. It is exceptionally quiet, which is perfect for my favourite way to use it: pedalling for half an hour while catching up on TV. At 10dB, it doesn't distract from whatever I am watching. It is a compact, sturdy, versatile mini bike that makes indoor cardio feel much less like a chore.
€120 Amazon.ie
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