JOROTO X1S Review: Is This Spin Bike Worth It?

The JOROTO X1S is a mid-range indoor cycling bike that punches well above its price, and the Friction Resistance Updated X1S brings a number of significant upgrades over the original. If you're in the market for an affordable spin bike that doesn't feel cheap, this could be just the machine you're looking for.

The following JOROTO X1S review is our comprehensive, unbiased opinion on the indoor bike and how it performs against other machines at a similar price point.

Delivery, set up and assembly

Delivery took just two days directly from JOROTO on Amazon, and was handled by two people who brought it straight inside for us.

It's a fairly large and heavy box, so we'd suggest having a second pair of hands available for carrying it into your home and assembling the bike.

Set up and assembly was very straightforward, taking just 15 minutes from unpacking to fully built. No additional tools are required, although you'll definitely want an extra pair of hands, as attaching the handlebars is difficult to do single-handedly.

The majority of the parts simply bolt together or slot into each other, so it's nice and hassle-free.

Using the JOROTO X1S indoor cycling bike

First off, this is one of the best-looking bikes we've seen at this price point. Styling may not be high on your list of priorities, but it's good to know the JOROTO has a quality finish that makes it feel more expensive and high-end than it is.

Using the bike is comfortable and sturdy thanks to the AV-type frame. The build quality is superb, with solid 50mm metal frame tubing helping to anchor the bike to the ground while you exercise. Some cheaper bikes fall down here, with noticeable rocking and movement while pedalling. With the JOROTO, the build quality ensures steady operation throughout your workout.

Everything is adjustable too, from the seat to the handlebars and the pedals, which is ideal for those on the shorter or taller side. Bonus points to JOROTO for a bike with a weight capacity of 127kg.

What are the features like?

The JOROTO X1S is packed with features. Rather than just listing them all, we've focused on the ones that stood out, with a bit more detail on how they work and perform.

Digital monitor

The multi-functional digital monitor gives you live feedback on all the typical metrics you'd expect on a stationary bike: speed, distance covered, time, RPM and total calories burned for your current workout. The best part is that it's responsive and snappy, with a simple layout that's very easy to use.

On top of that, quite literally, there's a large tablet stand that lets you securely mount a phone or tablet to the front of the bike. We tested this with an iPad and everything felt sturdy, giving us the chance to watch Netflix while exercising.

Adjustable resistance

Similar to a spin bike, the adjustable resistance is managed via a knob just below the handlebars. With a simple twist, you can quickly increase or decrease the flywheel resistance, getting the most out of your workouts without any extra hassle.

The bike also comes with an emergency brake feature. Pushing the resistance knob stops the bike abruptly. We didn't need to use it during testing, but it's reassuring to have just in case.

Heavy-duty flywheel

The 16kg (35lb) flywheel provides a smooth and consistent riding experience. It uses felt pads for the adjustable resistance, which reduces the amount of maintenance needed on the bike.

Most indoor cycling bikes use a belt drive system, and this is no exception. The belt drive is smooth and frictionless, giving the benefit of an incredibly quiet machine. The bike produces very little noise, even when being pushed to its limits.

Other spin bikes in a similar price bracket typically have lighter flywheels that don't provide as much resistance. If you're serious about your spin workouts and want to keep pushing yourself, we'd always recommend a bike with a decent-sized flywheel like the JOROTO X1S.

Fully adjustable

Probably one of the most overlooked features when shopping for a new stationary bike is how adjustable it is. It may not seem important, but it can make the difference between an uncomfortable workout and a comfortable one, and it matters even more if you'll be sharing the bike with people of different heights.

Fortunately, the JOROTO has a fully adjustable handle, seat and resistance.

The multi-grip handlebars are 2-way adjustable (up and down, perfect for varying heights). The dual grips also allow for a more comfortable cycling experience depending on your riding style.

The comfy seat, which is wider than most other spin bikes, is 4-way adjustable. You can move it up or down, as well as towards or away from the handlebars for optimal comfort and positioning.

Easy to move and store

Last but certainly not least is how easy the bike is to move and store when not in use.

The JOROTO X1S comes equipped with two transport wheels at the front, right below the flywheel. Once you're done with your workout, you can simply tilt and roll the bike out of the way without any heavy lifting. It's a small touch, but a welcome one on an all-round great home exercise bike.

What's the build quality like?

Build quality is another area that's often overlooked, and it's difficult to judge until the bike arrives on your doorstep. Fortunately, we've put the JOROTO X1S through its paces to see how it holds up under pressure.

The AV-type frame is built from 50mm thickened tubing, giving it plenty of rigidity. The bike itself weighs approximately 16kg, so it's lightweight but not too lightweight.

Once built, it feels strong and sturdy. There are no flimsy pieces that feel like they'll break the moment you put weight on them. Everything is decently built and well manufactured.

We tested it on a solid floor with a gym mat underneath (to help with noise dampening and stability), and that's how we'd suggest you use it too. If you're on carpet that's no problem, but on a solid floor we recommend a gym mat or yoga mat underneath.

If you're worried about uneven floors or rocking, the bike has four horizontal adjustment knobs under the front and rear stabilisers. These can be quickly height-adjusted to keep the bike flat and stable on any surface.

The bike is quiet too, very quiet. The belt drive is near silent, making very little noise even when you're pedalling at full pelt. There's some floor noise, but as mentioned, this only occurs on a solid floor and a mat should do the trick.

The maximum user weight capacity is 20 stone (280lbs), which shows just how well-built this bike is. Even the water bottle holder feels well-made.

Finally, the pedals are a cage design with adjustable straps to comfortably buckle your feet in. Rather than being plastic like other indoor cycling bikes, they're made of steel, giving ideal foot support without bending or snapping. As an added bonus, you can pedal both forwards and backwards on the JOROTO.

Verdict: should you buy one?