Great Question.... I will aim to upload a video on the sounds it makes. But from my perspective it is not silent. If you have ever used a smart trainer, then you'll understand the approximate level of sound it produces. I suggest you try and test ride a SKILLBIKE if possible to help you best judge if it suits your situation at home. Good Luck! Cafe Nate
I've been using this for the last month or so at the gym. I usually do one of the set routes for about 20 minutes. Really like it but I find I need to have the saddle pushed al the way forward and the bars slightly below the seat height otherwise the riding position is too racy (i.e. uncomfortable)
Thanks for the input Peter. The Skillbike comes packed with a number of great routes that you can set and forget, but I couldn't stop smiling when I designed a STRAVA route and cycled it. What a buzz!
Thanks for the great review. Is the bike very noisy ? (can't hear the bike noise in the video) Is the riding position comfortable enough for several hours ride ? thanks
Hey Laurent, The Skillbike is louder than most traditional group cycling stationary bikes but not as noisey as some smart trainers. The pitch changes with gear and cadence changes... I actually really like it. But it all depends on where you plan to position the bike within your home. Now that we are all in isolation and I have a bit more time on my hands, I am checking out footage I am yet to release. So I'll check out some SKILLBIKE footage for you and see what I can find re: sound, and maybe post something to help you with this question better. Interesting Question re: Ride position. It's a very personal thing and a reason why some people opt for a smart trainer with their road bike such as Technogym's MYCYCLING smart trainer. So it all depends on how much emphasis you put on ride positioning. That said I am 6"2 and have had back issues, but found the SKILLBIKE comfortable. Sadly, I didn't get to ride the SKILLBIKE for as long as I would've liked as the bike was on loan for only a short time. So long rides weren't part of my experience. One benefit of a stationary bike is the quick adjustments you can make on the fly. Something to note, the handlebars and seat post do go up in a 'V' angle rather than straight up and down and the handlebars do not have fore/aft, but the saddle has a nice fore/aft range. My suggestion would be to get a test ride when the world gets back on its feet as this is a big investment. It would also help you try out the real gears which I think are really cool too! Good luck and keep me posted on your developments!
Hi Kasper, I haven't had a chance to ride the Concept2 Bike yet. So I can't give you a comparison I am sorry. It is on my list to try though! Regarding HIIT type of classes, check out this video ua-cam.com/video/N6-CCZtWwdA/v-deo.html of Technogym's SKILLATHLETICA. You'll notice the SKILLBIKE is featured throughout the video (see 1:07 for example). So, yes, it appears that Technogym themselves use it for their own HIIT classes. I think it is worth reaching out to Technogym first to ask more questions. Personally, I think that the SKILLBIKE is really good for cycling enthusiasts wanting to improve elements of their cycling ability - this is its wheel house for sure! It also requires power (via a wall socket) to function and is best utilised when users are logged in. Like you, I am intrigued by the thought of using it for HIIT training with quick changes between equipment/exercises and definitely want to see how changes between users look during a session. Thanks for the question Kasper! Regards Nate
Hi there Lenh Ho Xung, sorry for the late reply... I locked myself out of my YT account :( This bike is not a fixed wheel bike like traditional group cycling bikes. The SKILLBIKE has a freewheel hub similar to a road bike / mountain bike etc... so it does not need an emergency brake to slowdown. You simply stop peddling. I hope this answer helps in your journey!
Hi Sungmo Park, Thanks for your question. There are a number of significant differences between the 'Bike' and SkillBike. I will keep it high level for this conversation. Firstly, the 'BIKE' is based on a traditional group cycling bike that you would see in a cycling studio. It has all of the usual features including a pressure based resistance dial and a fixed hub fly wheel. Where the 'BIKE' differs from a traditional group cycle bike, is the impressive HD screen. This screen allows users to ride in classes virtually. You have the option of participating in live classes or select a class from the catalogue of classes stored in the on-demand menu. So if you want to box the 'BIKE' into a genre, think 'Virtual cycling classes' and competing companies such as Peleton. The SKILLBIKE is worlds apart from a traditional group cycling bike in every aspect. The SKILLBIKE is designed for serious road cycling enthusiasts. It has a free hub flywheel and gear levers that allow you to shift up and down, similar to a road bike. It has a smaller screen that focuses your attention of performance metrics and aims to help you improve your cycling performance indoors. It has inbuilt programs as well as the capability to pair with ZWIFT and other cycling applications. A neat feature that ties into the performance aspect, is 'controllable resistance'. This bike has the capability to hand control of your resistance adjustments over to the application you are using. Simply, if you are in Zwift and the course profile begins to go up hill, the bike will adjust the load according to the level of elevation needed. You then choose a gear (by shifting the levers) based on your ability to push agains the resistance. The amount of load issued is not generic. It is based on your FTP profile. This is a whole other story - for another day :) Both bikes display: Power, rpm, speed, distance and heart rate (if you are wearing a compatible strap) and from there they split into showing different metrics... ie the SKILLBIKE focuses on more detailed cycling stuff where as the screen of the BIKE focuses on in-class metrics, such as Technogym MOVES points. Lastly, the SKILLBIKE is approximately $2K more than the BIKE. I hope this info helped. Let me know if you need any further info. Cheers Cafe Nate
Hi Keiner, Thanks for the question. It is hard to describe, but basically it is nothing like a normal indoor group cycling bike. In short, I feel that I need more time on the bike to give it a thorough evaluation, but I liked what I experienced in the time I had. The feel of the bike under your feet is somewhat 'gritty' kind of like road vibration (which I love), it also has a mild whirring sound too, especially under load (which I found motivating to hear the bike wind up with my effort). The automated resistance takes a little getting used to. On a standard bike with power I can push 1100 watts in a short sprint, but I couldn't get anywhere near that number on the SKILLBIKE. The bike kept applying load til it broke me!!! So on that front I feel like the bike was in ERG Mode as it continually tried to guide me towards my FTP or less. Using it with Zwift was very cool, constantly shifting gears with the incline changes added a new dimension to my train, but as mentioned above, all out sprints weren't so enjoyable. That said, I joined a demonstration of a SKILLBIKE Class and the bike felt far better and less restrictive and gave me wiggle room to work above my FTP. I really enjoyed that experience. Overall this bike is incredible and is a first for commercial market. I love much of the bike and really feel they put a lot of effort into engaging the users senses (sight, sound, feel). But I need more time on it :)
Hi 15Surprises, the SKILLBIKE has a freewheel hub similar to a bicycle you'd ride on the road VS a fixed wheel spinning bike you'd ride in a group cycling class.
Hi Kevin, It depends on your region. so best jump on to the Technogym website in your area of the world. That said, at the time of posting this response the US Technogym site had the SKILLBIKE listed price @ $4,870 USD. Thanks for your comment!
Hi Regina, Thanks for your question! If you would like to see your heart rate appear on the SKILLBIKE console, you'll need a compatible heart rate monitor that has bluetooth connectivity. Note I believe that ANT+ is another option, so long as the SKILLBIKE has the ANT+ receiver installed). To do this: - Attach your heart rate monitor to you. - Press the heart icon in the top right hand corner. It is the icon in the middle of that 3 icon cluster - Tap on your heart rate monitor to pair. Alternatively, if you want just want to check your heart rate during the session and generally overall in your active life, you can use an activity tracker or smart watch with heart rate monitoring capability. This solution however won't be able to display your heart rate on the SKILLBIKE's screen. I hope this helps. I will record a how-to video soon covering this process! Nate
Thanks for the comment. Best reach out your local Technogym distributor for local pricing. That said, to give you an indication: here in Australia the SKILLBIKE is listed for $6,730 AUD at the time of posting this comment.
Why music when you use that skillbike?? Now i can’t hear how about noise? Is that too noisy or not for home?
Great Question.... I will aim to upload a video on the sounds it makes. But from my perspective it is not silent. If you have ever used a smart trainer, then you'll understand the approximate level of sound it produces. I suggest you try and test ride a SKILLBIKE if possible to help you best judge if it suits your situation at home. Good Luck!
Cafe Nate
I've been using this for the last month or so at the gym. I usually do one of the set routes for about 20 minutes. Really like it but I find I need to have the saddle pushed al the way forward and the bars slightly below the seat height otherwise the riding position is too racy (i.e. uncomfortable)
Thanks for the input Peter. The Skillbike comes packed with a number of great routes that you can set and forget, but I couldn't stop smiling when I designed a STRAVA route and cycled it. What a buzz!
Thanks for the great review.
Is the bike very noisy ? (can't hear the bike noise in the video)
Is the riding position comfortable enough for several hours ride ?
thanks
Hey Laurent,
The Skillbike is louder than most traditional group cycling stationary bikes but not as noisey as some smart trainers. The pitch changes with gear and cadence changes... I actually really like it. But it all depends on where you plan to position the bike within your home.
Now that we are all in isolation and I have a bit more time on my hands, I am checking out footage I am yet to release. So I'll check out some SKILLBIKE footage for you and see what I can find re: sound, and maybe post something to help you with this question better.
Interesting Question re: Ride position. It's a very personal thing and a reason why some people opt for a smart trainer with their road bike such as Technogym's MYCYCLING smart trainer. So it all depends on how much emphasis you put on ride positioning.
That said I am 6"2 and have had back issues, but found the SKILLBIKE comfortable. Sadly, I didn't get to ride the SKILLBIKE for as long as I would've liked as the bike was on loan for only a short time. So long rides weren't part of my experience.
One benefit of a stationary bike is the quick adjustments you can make on the fly. Something to note, the handlebars and seat post do go up in a 'V' angle rather than straight up and down and the handlebars do not have fore/aft, but the saddle has a nice fore/aft range.
My suggestion would be to get a test ride when the world gets back on its feet as this is a big investment. It would also help you try out the real gears which I think are really cool too!
Good luck and keep me posted on your developments!
@@FitnessEquipmentCafeTV thank you so much for your comprehensive response. Stay safe !
How does this bike compare to something like a Concept2 Bikeerg? Could it be used in a CrossFit style workouts combined with other fitness implements?
Hi Kasper,
I haven't had a chance to ride the Concept2 Bike yet. So I can't give you a comparison I am sorry. It is on my list to try though!
Regarding HIIT type of classes, check out this video ua-cam.com/video/N6-CCZtWwdA/v-deo.html of Technogym's SKILLATHLETICA. You'll notice the SKILLBIKE is featured throughout the video (see 1:07 for example). So, yes, it appears that Technogym themselves use it for their own HIIT classes. I think it is worth reaching out to Technogym first to ask more questions.
Personally, I think that the SKILLBIKE is really good for cycling enthusiasts wanting to improve elements of their cycling ability - this is its wheel house for sure! It also requires power (via a wall socket) to function and is best utilised when users are logged in.
Like you, I am intrigued by the thought of using it for HIIT training with quick changes between equipment/exercises and definitely want to see how changes between users look during a session.
Thanks for the question Kasper!
Regards
Nate
@@FitnessEquipmentCafeTV thank you for your reply. Hopefully you'll be able to review the Concept2 soon enough.
how do we stop this ? i mean, do we have a brake or we just slow down and it will stop :)
Hi there Lenh Ho Xung, sorry for the late reply... I locked myself out of my YT account :(
This bike is not a fixed wheel bike like traditional group cycling bikes. The SKILLBIKE has a freewheel hub similar to a road bike / mountain bike etc... so it does not need an emergency brake to slowdown. You simply stop peddling. I hope this answer helps in your journey!
What is the difference between Technogym bike and Technogym skill bike?
Hi Sungmo Park,
Thanks for your question.
There are a number of significant differences between the 'Bike' and SkillBike.
I will keep it high level for this conversation.
Firstly, the 'BIKE' is based on a traditional group cycling bike that you would see in a cycling studio. It has all of the usual features including a pressure based resistance dial and a fixed hub fly wheel.
Where the 'BIKE' differs from a traditional group cycle bike, is the impressive HD screen. This screen allows users to ride in classes virtually. You have the option of participating in live classes or select a class from the catalogue of classes stored in the on-demand menu.
So if you want to box the 'BIKE' into a genre, think 'Virtual cycling classes' and competing companies such as Peleton.
The SKILLBIKE is worlds apart from a traditional group cycling bike in every aspect. The SKILLBIKE is designed for serious road cycling enthusiasts. It has a free hub flywheel and gear levers that allow you to shift up and down, similar to a road bike.
It has a smaller screen that focuses your attention of performance metrics and aims to help you improve your cycling performance indoors. It has inbuilt programs as well as the capability to pair with ZWIFT and other cycling applications. A neat feature that ties into the performance aspect, is 'controllable resistance'. This bike has the capability to hand control of your resistance adjustments over to the application you are using. Simply, if you are in Zwift and the course profile begins to go up hill, the bike will adjust the load according to the level of elevation needed. You then choose a gear (by shifting the levers) based on your ability to push agains the resistance. The amount of load issued is not generic. It is based on your FTP profile. This is a whole other story - for another day :)
Both bikes display: Power, rpm, speed, distance and heart rate (if you are wearing a compatible strap) and from there they split into showing different metrics... ie the SKILLBIKE focuses on more detailed cycling stuff where as the screen of the BIKE focuses on in-class metrics, such as Technogym MOVES points.
Lastly, the SKILLBIKE is approximately $2K more than the BIKE.
I hope this info helped. Let me know if you need any further info.
Cheers
Cafe Nate
How does ist compare to a usual spinning bike?
Hi Keiner,
Thanks for the question.
It is hard to describe, but basically it is nothing like a normal indoor group cycling bike.
In short, I feel that I need more time on the bike to give it a thorough evaluation, but I liked what I experienced in the time I had.
The feel of the bike under your feet is somewhat 'gritty' kind of like road vibration (which I love), it also has a mild whirring sound too, especially under load (which I found motivating to hear the bike wind up with my effort).
The automated resistance takes a little getting used to. On a standard bike with power I can push 1100 watts in a short sprint, but I couldn't get anywhere near that number on the SKILLBIKE. The bike kept applying load til it broke me!!! So on that front I feel like the bike was in ERG Mode as it continually tried to guide me towards my FTP or less. Using it with Zwift was very cool, constantly shifting gears with the incline changes added a new dimension to my train, but as mentioned above, all out sprints weren't so enjoyable.
That said, I joined a demonstration of a SKILLBIKE Class and the bike felt far better and less restrictive and gave me wiggle room to work above my FTP. I really enjoyed that experience.
Overall this bike is incredible and is a first for commercial market. I love much of the bike and really feel they put a lot of effort into engaging the users senses (sight, sound, feel).
But I need more time on it :)
Hi! The flywheel is directly connected with the pedals like the spinning bike or is a stationary bike?
Hi 15Surprises, the SKILLBIKE has a freewheel hub similar to a bicycle you'd ride on the road VS a fixed wheel spinning bike you'd ride in a group cycling class.
does anyone know how expensive this bike is?
Hi Kevin,
It depends on your region. so best jump on to the Technogym website in your area of the world. That said, at the time of posting this response the US Technogym site had the SKILLBIKE listed price @ $4,870 USD.
Thanks for your comment!
Is it worth $5000?
How does one check the heart rate / bpm on this ?
Hi Regina, Thanks for your question!
If you would like to see your heart rate appear on the SKILLBIKE console, you'll need a compatible heart rate monitor that has bluetooth connectivity. Note I believe that ANT+ is another option, so long as the SKILLBIKE has the ANT+ receiver installed).
To do this:
- Attach your heart rate monitor to you.
- Press the heart icon in the top right hand corner. It is the icon in the middle of that 3 icon cluster
- Tap on your heart rate monitor to pair.
Alternatively, if you want just want to check your heart rate during the session and generally overall in your active life, you can use an activity tracker or smart watch with heart rate monitoring capability. This solution however won't be able to display your heart rate on the SKILLBIKE's screen.
I hope this helps. I will record a how-to video soon covering this process!
Nate
Hi, how much this bike ? Please
Thanks for the comment. Best reach out your local Technogym distributor for local pricing. That said, to give you an indication: here in Australia the SKILLBIKE is listed for $6,730 AUD at the time of posting this comment.