How We Test

Our methodology is built to replicate real‑home ownership, not lab‑only perfection. We evaluate bikes across noise and vibration, interoperability and app support, fit and ergonomics, footprint and moveability, accuracy and drift, maintenance and TCO, and overall build quality—so you can ride any app, any time, without lock‑in.

Test Environment & Setup

Rooms: Small apartment room and a larger living area; hard floor and rug over subfloor to observe structure‑borne vibration.
Assembly: Time to unbox and build, required tools, clarity of instructions, and first‑ride readiness under 60 minutes where possible.
Power & Firmware: We record firmware versions, update process, and offline behavior if the internet drops.

Noise & Vibration

Sound Level: A‑weighted dB at 1 m at 90 rpm steady state, light sprint, and cool‑down; additional reading in adjacent room with door closed.
Vibration: Tri‑axis phone accelerometer on the floor and frame to detect transmitted vibration and resonance; notes on neighbor‑friendly operation.

Connectivity & Apps

Protocols: Verify Bluetooth FTMS and ANT+ FE‑C support, dual‑band stability, concurrent sensor broadcasting (HR/cadence/power), and pairing latency.
Apps: Peloton App, Zwift, TrainerRoad, Apple Fitness+, Kinomap, and others. We map what works natively, what needs workarounds, and what features are lost or preserved (resistance control, ERG, cadence/power streaming, class metrics).
Data Freedom: Test exports to Health/Strava/Garmin, local file access, and privacy controls.

Power Accuracy & Drift

Reference: Dual‑sided power‑meter pedals as the control.
Protocols: Stepped erg ramp, steady endurance block (30–45 minutes), and repeated sprints; pre‑ and post‑calibration checks.
Reporting: Average error, peak deviation, and drift over time (target ±2% or better) with notes on calibration friction and temperature sensitivity.

Fit & Ergonomics

Rider Range: Short and tall rider fit with measurements for saddle height, setback, handlebar reach/stack; note adjustability increments and repeatability for multi‑user homes.
Contact Points: Saddle comfort, Q‑factor options, pedal standard (9/16"), lever feel, and hand positions.
Safety: Child lock, covered flywheel, base stability, and materials compliance.

Footprint & Moveability

Dimensions: Verified footprint, ceiling clearance, cable management, and visual impact in living spaces.
Mobility: Transport wheel effectiveness, weight distribution, and ease of moving without floor damage.

Maintenance, Parts & TCO

Schedule: Lubrication, belt tension, calibration cadence, and cleaning access.
Spares: Availability and pricing for pedals, belts, bearings, saddles, and electronics; expected wear and warranty mapping (aiming for 3–5+ years of realistic use).
Corrosion: Sweat‑exposure checks around hardware, coatings, and cable ports.

Scoring & Updates

Total‑Ownership Score: Weighted categories reflecting real‑home value and future‑proofing.
Comparisons: Head‑to‑head matrices and long‑term follow‑ups after firmware updates or part changes.
Transparency: We publish methods, anomalies, and firmware notes so you can replicate or understand limitations.

Limitations & Fairness No test is perfect. We disclose environmental factors, sample variance, and any known quirks. When products update meaningfully, we retest and amend scores with a visible changelog.