This review aims to cover everything you may want to know about the ProGear 225 Bike, which is also known as the ProGear 225 Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike with Heart Pulse.
Cycling is an excellent form of aerobic and lower-body toning exercise.
Done regularly, it tones and strengthens the bones and muscles. It offers cardio benefits; it aids weight loss and more.
But not everyone wants to go to a gym or ride a pushbike on the street. With your own stationary bike, such as the one we are looking at today, you can get a great workout in the comfort of your home, and it won’t cost you a fortune to do so.
While this model doesn’t have a lot of fancy extras, it has everything you will need for effective workouts. This includes variable resistance, pulse grips to monitor your heart rate, and a screen that enables you to track your sessions and set new fitness goals.
It operates smoothly and quietly, no matter how vigorously you pedal.
Many buyers have stated that the bike is comfortable to use, and with its sleek and modern appearance and fresh and appealing color mix, it will look great in any home gym.
Keep reading to learn more about the ProGear 225, including its specs, whom it best suits, and an overview of its features, pros, and cons.
Click here to read an article on the benefits of stationary bike workouts for weight loss and toning,
Table of Contents
Who does it suit?
The ProGear 225 Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike is suitable for new to intermediate-plus level cyclists looking for a compact, budget-friendly model. It caters to people of most heights weighing 220 pounds or less.
ProGear 225 Folding Magnetic Upright Bike Specs
Assembled dimensions – The ProGear 225 Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike measures 32″ (L) x 17.5″ (W) x 46″ (H)
Folded dimensions – Folded, it measures 19″ (L) x 17.5″ (W) x 53″ (H)
Weight – It weighs 34.8 lbs
User weight – The maximum user weight for this model is 220 pounds
User height – It best suits people from 5′ 1″ up to 6′, though taller and shorter users have left favorable feedback
Color – It is white with blue and black highlights
Batteries – 2 x AAA batteries are included for the monitor
ProGear 225 Overview
Drive –
The ProGear 225 Bike uses a light balanced perimeter weighted flywheel and a belt drive system.
Construction and Finish –
The bike’s steel tube frame has a rust, scratch, and chip-resistant painted finish.
Stability, Smoothness, and Noise Level –
Adjustable stabilizers hold the bike steady, so you will be secure and not have to worry about the bike wobbling or tipping over, even if you are going all out.
A three-piece crank system with magnetic tension allows for a smooth and consistent pedaling motion.
The bike’s precisely balanced dual-transmission flywheel and belt drive ensure virtually silent workouts.
Resistance –
Eight levels of magnetic resistance are accessible by turning a dial beneath the handlebars. This easy accessibility enables you to do interval training and/or increase the intensity of your sessions as your fitness grows.
Levels 1 and 2 offer very light resistance, suitable for people who are new to exercise.
The higher the resistance level you choose, the greater 
the challenge will be. Levels 7 and 8 are pretty intense but probably won’t challenge experienced cyclists.
Console –
An easy-to-read LCD monitor shows the Time elapsed, your Speed in minutes and seconds, Distance in miles, and approximate Calories or Kcals burned.
By pressing the blue mode key beneath the screen, you can scroll through these. Or, if you select the Scan setting, each metric will automatically display for six seconds.
You can also view your Pulse rate.
The monitor automatically starts when you begin pedaling and shuts off after several minutes of inactivity is detected to save on battery power.
Heart Rate Monitoring –
Heart pulse sensors built into the middle of the bike’s handlebars enable you to track your pulse rate during workouts.
This function is easy to use. Simply press the monitor’s mode key until an arrow displays above the pulse rate setting. Next, grip the silver pulse sensors, and after 7 seconds, you will see your heart rate on the screen in beats per minute.
Seat –
The wide ergonomic contoured seat of the ProGear 225 is faux leather with foam rubber padding. It is height-adjustable to accommodate users of different heights, with several adjustment positions available.
The majority of buyers who left reviews stated that it is comfortable. Keep in mind, though, that new cyclists typically note initial discomfort. Most become accustomed to the feeling after a while.
For more comfortable workouts right away, you can place a folded towel on the seat, buy a gel seat cover, or wear gel cycling pants.
Alternatively, you can replace the seat with another one providing it is a standard size.
Pedals –
The pedals are large enough to fit feet of any shoe size. They are textured so your feet won’t slip, and they have adjustable safety straps.
Reverse pedaling is possible when working with zero resistance.
Handlebars –
The slip-resistant multi-grip foam-lined handlebars enhance the comfort of workouts. Their position and angle are not adjustable.
Transportation Wheels –
The bike’s light weight and transport wheels in the front stabilizer bar make moving it easy should you need to do so.
Accessories –
An accessory holder located beneath the tension control knob can store your phone or another small electronic device.
Assembly –
The bike arrives partially assembled, so you will have to finish the job. This process takes most people 30 minutes or less.
All you need to do is attach the larger pieces of the seat, the handlebars, connect the console, and add a few small parts such as the pedals and accessory holder.
The instructions for this are easy to understand, and the necessary tools are included. However, the supplied wrench is a little flimsy, so if you have a sturdier one, I recommend using it instead.
Warranty –
The ProGear 225 Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike with Heart Pulse comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
ProGear 225 Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike Infomercial
Pros
- Excellent value
The ProGear 225 Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike is more affordable than many upright bikes of similar quality
- Compact
This model has a small footprint, making it suitable for apartments and people with limited space
- Smooth & quiet
With this bike, the pedal action is smooth, and your sessions will be quiet enough that you can easily carry on a conversation or watch the television during workouts
- Reverse pedaling
Reverse pedaling is an option; however, the flywheel isn’t bi-dimensional, so you won’t be able to reverse pedal when working with resistance
- Variable resistance
Eight magnetic resistance levels cater for beginners through to relatively fit individuals
- LCD
The bike’s LCD enables you to monitor basic workout metrics and set new fitness goals
- Heart rate monitor
An inbuilt pulse grip monitor lets you track your heartbeat
- Handlebars
The foam-lined multi-grip handlebars are comfortable to hold
- Pedals
Self-leveling pedals with adjustable straps provide safe, slip-free workouts
- Stabilizers
The ProGear 225 Bike has stabilizers that prevent it from wobbling and moving around
- Quick & Easy assembly
Assembling the bike is a straightforward process, taking most people around thirty minutes using the easy to understand instructions and tools provided
- Rollers
Rollers on the front base facilitate the relocation of the bike if this is required
- Folds to store
The ProGear 225 folds small enough to store in most closets
Cons
- Handlebar limitation
The handlebars’ position is not adjustable
- Crank system limitation
While the ProGear 225 is robust for its size, pedaling standing up could compromise its stability
- LCD
The monitor is not backlit, so it could be hard to read your stats in a room with low lighting
- Lacks accessories
While this model has a phone holder, it does not have a water bottle holder or a cooling fan
Final Thoughts on the ProGear 225
The ProGear 225 is a budget-friendly upright bike best suits new and intermediate plus level users. It is light in weight, compact, and it folds to almost half of its assembled size. 
Workouts are smooth and quiet, and most buyers who have left feedback for the bike have stated that its seat is comfortable.
Noteworthy features include eight levels of magnetic resistance and a fitness monitor that tracks your time, distance, speed, calories burned, and pulse rate.
If this isn’t the bike you are looking for, click here to read reviews of other popular upright models.
