Spinner Chrono Power Review: What You Should Know

Spinner Chrono Power Overview

The Spinner Chrono Power is an indoor cycle made by Precor. They have been in the Spin bike industry for quite a long time and know what they are doing. I have been on the edge of my seat, waiting to find out more about this bike. I was lucky enough for years to teach spin on the previous version of this bike and found them excellent. The price is about $2000, which is definitely on the higher end of the market, but if it’s anything like its previous versions, then it’s going to be value for money. It looks fantastic and sets itself apart from the cheaper competition with some great technology. Assembly is a bit more technical than other commercial spin bikes like this and will require moving the bike around a bit and some lifting, but it comes with all the tools, though and the assembly guide is well pictured and written. Precor has three spin bikes in their range currently, Spinner Ride, Spinner Shift, and Spinner Chrono Power. The warranty states seven years on the frame and two years mechanical and electrical parts, and one year on wearable pieces. Precor is a brand that has been around a lot of time, and with so many advances in technology from other competitors like Life Fitness, Stages, and Wahoo, can they keep up?

Precor has changed a lot on this spin bike compared to the previous model. The first thing to talk about is the screen. It has had a massive upgrade and gives out some serious data. Watts, Average Watts, Calories, Cadence (RPM), Average Cadence, Heart Rate (BPM), Average Heart Rate, Time, and Distance. Up to ten intervals with each including interval time, interval Calories, interval average watts. This is going to take your training to another level. It is a self-charging unit and takes its power is generated while you ride. It’s backlit and multicolor, depending on what data field you are looking for. I didn’t find it intimidating, the data display is very user-friendly. It can connect via Bluetooth and ANT+. You can even get it linked up to your tablet for Zwift, Peloton, or Les Mills on Demand. It also means you can link nearly any Heart rate monitor or external device to this bike and have it displayed on the screen. However, Precor doesn’t have an app for virtual classes. They have made a bold move and made their bike as compatible as possible to work with apps from other companies, risky or a clever move? They even recommend some on their website that works best with the cycle.

The bike has a very advanced transmission system. This would be expected on a bike this price, but knowing about 90% of these indoor bikes will end up in spin rooms, it has to be highly durable, and they have done that here. It uses a magnetic resistance system, but these are not mounted on the top unlike other bikes. They are a caliper system where they sit on the side. To match up with this, we have a new heavy Perimeter Weighted Flywheel. Perimeter means that the Flywheel’s weight is not held in the centre and is held on the outside. To link these two together, you have a Kevlar-reinforced cogged belt. This is a powerful belt and puts cheaper spin bike belts to shame. This mix of technology makes riding this bike such a pleasant experience. Not only do you have smoothness like no other, the resistance system glides in and out of place with no sharp, jerky motions. It has a fixed design, so it cannot freewheel, but this is the case with most spin bikes. It’s tranquil and even in heavy climbs or sprints will not be heard by your neighbour. Maintenance will be the least of your worries. Precor makes these bikes for spin studios that can see them used two or three times a day and serviced every few years, so you know it will last at home for all the family.

The pedals are a morse taper mounted slightly different from other brands but still very easy to install. They do mean you can’t change these pedals out easily for road pedals or other bands. The standard pedals it comes with are very high quality and have a toe clip on one side and an spd clip on the other. The bike has a Q factor of 162mm. This is the size of the bracket where the crank arms attach. 162mm is a great size. I look for anything about 140mm to 170mm in higher-end spinning cycles as this is a more natural size and is similar to road and mountain bikes. The Flywheel is 11.8kg, it is lighter than most, but you have to give credit to the design and the fact it is perimeter technology and works quite differently from other bikes.

The frame quality is excellent. Precor is known for this. They make robust bikes that can handle anything. Using these most days as a Spinning instructor, I can vouch they are built to last and perform well. It accommodates a rider up to 159kg, and the sizing will work for 4ft 11” to 6ft 4” a little bit less on the height compared to its competitors but still a reasonable range. The actual bike itself weights 50kg and is made of aluminum. It is 48” in length and 20.4” wide, compared to other bikes. This is on the smaller side, and knowing these will be in studios, I can see this as a big plus and will save you space at home. It is effortless to move with the wheels on the front assisting you. The frame is solid and is made even more grounded with adjustable feet. You can be giving it some power, and it will just stay planted to the ground. It has the classic spinning style handlebars with two bottle holders built-in for longer rides. A sports saddle is ok, for some might take time to get used to. The handlebars and saddle will move vertically and horizontally, meaning it’s easy to find the correct position for yourself. When you need to do this, it has a pin system with numbers and letters, so you can always make sure it’s correct if another person has used it. Other bikes such as the Life Fitness IC7 use grip systems that are much more precise, but this has enough movement options.

Spinner Chrono Power Bike Features:

Spinner Chrono Power Spin Bike Pros:

• Built to last commercial quality
• Great Looking Design
• Self-powered technology
• Top-notch accurate Power Meter
• Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity to Apps
• Perimeter Flywheel and Caliper Magnetic system
• Low Maintenance and Quiet operation
• Easy to move and easy to reach bottle holders
• Carbon/Toothed belt single transmission

Spinner Chrono Power Spin Bike Cons:

• Pin system for adjustments
• Assembly is a bit more complex
• Morse Taper Pedals
• No streaming options on the monitor

The Final Verdict

This is an excellent exercise bike. I highly rate it and would recommend it to anyone. I want to say it’s a spin studio bike, and that’s what it was designed for, but I can’t. What they have done to this bike over the years through upgrading it, has turned it into an excellent bike for home, not just the gym. This bike could work for anyone, the home spinner who wants to sit and watch a film while riding, the Peloton or Zwift rider, even the Semi-Pro cyclist getting ready for a race. What Precor has done is made a bike that falls right in between what everyone else is doing, and it sits there perfectly. It’s a complex product made simple for whoever uses it, and that’s what I love about it. No matter where you want your indoor cycling to take you, this bike will be able to cater every step of the way. Is it worth the money? 100%

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Robbie Ferri

Robbie Ferri from “Riding with Robbie” has been cycling for almost ten years. In that time, he has broken World Records, Bikepacked all over the World, and also raced ultra distance at a top-level. Robbie picked up a bike and started cycling when he was about 25 years old and said it was the best thing he ever did. The experiences and the fun he’s had have given him a huge passion for helping inspire others to ride further, farther, and get fitter.

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