Being able to work out from home will not only save you time but will also help you be more consistent, helping you to achieve your fitness goals. But not everyone has room for a treadmill in their home but want a piece of equipment that delivers an effective workout and this is why indoor cycles are so popular.
Today we will be reviewing the JLL IC300 Pro which is one the most popular models in the UK.
JLL IC300 Pro Features:
- LCD monitor that Shows speed, calories burned, time, distance, rpm, odometer and heart rate.
- Flywheel: 20kg magnetic resistance flywheel
- Belt drive transmission
- Vertically adjustable handlebar
- Vertically and horizontally adjustable seat
- Transport wheels
- Emergency stop button
- Maximum user weight: 130kg
- Dimensions: 131cm x 51cm x 112cm
- Product weight: 45kg
- Warranty: 12 months
JLL IC300 Indoor Cycle Review
Step 1 - Delivery and Assembly
First things first, delivery is handled by ArrowXL who specialise in two-man deliveries. We weren’t expecting a room-of-choice delivery for a bike in this price range, which is a nice surprise considering the bike weighs 45kg.
Plus, it is a book-in-delivery service so they will contact you a few days after placing your order, to schedule a convenient delivery date. Then on the day of delivery, they provide a specific time window, so you're not left waiting all day.
As for the assembly, the process is fairly straightforward, with the necessary tools included in the box.
The steps are simple and easy to follow, starting with attaching the front and rear supports, followed by assembling the seat and post, installing the handlebars, attaching the display, and finally screwing on the pedals.
From unboxing to the first ride, the entire assembly process took about 30 minutes. JLL also offers a helpful YouTube video to walk you through the process.
Overall, both delivery and assembly was hassle free and we have no complaints.
Resistance - 20kg Magnetic Resistance Flywheel
Equipped with a 20kg flywheel that utilises magnetic resistance, the IC300 Pro is nearly silent when being used.
This heavy flywheel not only provides a smooth cycling experience but also produces plenty of resistance to deliver a challenging workout which will be more than enough for a high intensity workout. Or you can use the adjustable resistance knob to ease up the resistance and have a leisurely ride.
However, it's worth noting that the resistance knob does not have marked levels, which can make it difficult to track your exact resistance setting.
Despite this minor inconvenience, once you have used the bike a few times you will get a feel for the resistance levels and what works for you.
Additionally, the resistance knob doubles as an emergency brake, allowing you to stop quickly if needed.
As a general rule of thumb, the heavier the flywheel is on a spin bike, the better. With this in mind, the JLL IC300 Pro is a good option for anyone looking for a challenging but smooth ride.
Display and Heart Rate Monitor
The display is basic but clearly shows all your key workout metrics such as time, distance, calories, heart rate, and RPM.
The top half of the screen shows the selected workout metric and will scan through the different options. However, you can choose to have the metric you are focusing on to be constantly shown.
There are built-in heart rate sensors that allow you to track your heart rate as you exercise. However, the readings can sometimes be slightly inaccurate, which is a common issue with indoor cycles in this price range.
If you would like a more accurate pulse reading, then we would recommend choosing a model with Bluetooth connectivity that supports a chest strap heart rate monitor.
If there was one improvement we could make to the display, it would be to include a lip to hold tablets and phones. But this is more of a personal preference and you could always easily wheel it in front of your tv thanks to the transport wheels if you want to watch a show as you workout.
For a bike in this price range, the display on the IC300 Pro does everything we were expecting and is clear and tracks all the basic information that you need.
Comfort
Next up, we are looking at how comfortable the IC300 Pro is to use. As we expect with an indoor cycle, it comes with a standard racing-style seat. While there is some padding, the seat may not be the most comfortable for extended sessions, which is a typical issue with this type of saddle.
However, a common solution to this issue is to use a gel seat cover or wearing padded shorts, which can make a significant difference during longer rides.
Getting the bike setup to suit your body is crucial for comfort, and the IC300 Pro is good in this area.
The seat can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally, allowing you to find the perfect position. Additionally, the handlebars can be adjusted vertically for a perfect fit.
The pedals come equipped with toe cages to keep your feet secure during workouts. For cycling enthusiasts who prefer using cleats, the pedals can be swapped out for compatible options, ensuring the bike meets your specific needs.
Construction and Durability
As we expect with a spin bike, it has a strong steel frame to keep the bike stable even during high-intensity workouts.
Although it does come with some plastic covers, which we typically don't like on gym equipment, this is understandable given its price point of around £300.
Some users reported a slight rocking motion after a few uses, which can usually be fixed by tightening the bolts on the front and rear supports.
We always recommend checking the tightness of all bolts after the first few sessions, as they can loosen slightly as the machine settles into use.
A Closer Look at JLL
JLL is a UK-based company known for its good quality but affordable equipment. They also have a showroom in Birmingham so you have the opportunity to see the equipment before making up your mind.
They have a close-knit team which ensures a higher level of customer service compared to many foreign-based companies.
JLL’s commitment to supporting their customers is easy to see with their attention to detail and gives added peace of mind when buying any of their equipment.
Final Thoughts
At the time of this review, the JLL IC300 Pro costs £300, which is excellent value for money for a good quality bike.
While there are a few areas which could be improved, such as the basic display and the standard, slightly uncomfortable seat, the bike's overall performance and features make it a solid choice for those seeking a challenging workout.
Plus, the 20kg flywheel with magnetic resistance delivers a smooth, challenging and quiet ride, and the adjustable seat and handlebars allow for a comfortable riding experience. The bike’s compact design is perfect for home use without taking up too much space.
We always like to support UK companies whenever possible and with JLL’s good reputation for customer service and equipment, they are a good choice. Also, being able to try the equipment before you buy at their showroom adds an extra level of confidence in your purchase.
With all the above taken into consideration, it is easy to see why the JLL IC300 is one of the top selling spin bikes under £500 in the UK. So, if you're looking for a reliable indoor cycle that won’t break the bank, the JLL IC300 Pro is a great option.
If you found this review useful, you may also be interested in our review of the JLL IC200 Pro which is a the light brother to the IC300.
