Although the Domyos Challenge Bike is not the first indoor cycling bike from the French discounter, at first glance it looks significantly more sophisticated than the 100 model. The new Domyos Challenge Bike was designed after four years of development with the support of professional athletes such as David Hauss, the 2015 European triathlon champion. The aim is to make the bike a high-performance training partner for winter days.
Domyos Challenge Bike: Heavy, but affordable
The new indoor cycling bike from Decathlon (>> available here) maps over 40 specific programmes to adapt the training to the individual performance level. Intensive training for experienced and high-performance cyclists is made possible by the 32 load levels with a maximum resistance of 1500 watts at 60 revolutions per minute. The high weight of the device should ensure smooth running and quiet pedalling despite the high power.
The patented micrometric height adjustability of the saddle on the Domyos Challenge Bike is a special feature. This is characterised by a robust adjustment option that is easy to operate without tools. Decathlon emphasises that both the height and the distance of the handlebars (reach) are easily adjustable. In addition, the tilt of the saddle and handlebars can also be adjusted to take the individual's posture into account, thus rounding off the overall package.
The electromagnetic wheel of the Domyos Challenge Bike is made of robust materials, resulting in a total weight of 59 kilograms. It is a complete indoor bike, also known as a spinning bike. Compared to other smart trainers, such as the Tacx Neo 3M Garmin with a weight of around 30 kilograms, the Domyos Challenge Bike is considerably heavier, but can be operated without additional equipment and without a complete bike frame. The Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift (36 kilos) is significantly more expensive than the Domyos Challenge Bike at 2999.99 euros. Spinning bikes usually have large, heavy flywheels, which increases the overall weight, but Decathlon does not provide any specific information on this.
Despite the higher weight, this is relativised by the price. At 1300 euros, the Domyos Challenge Bike is a cost-effective alternative compared to other spinning bikes, as it is already equipped with a monitor. The manufacturer does not provide any specific information on the control system. In contrast to conventional spinning bikes, however, the resistance appears to be controlled electronically, as it is also possible to use training software. An enquiry with Decathlon for further information has already been initiated.
Boredom? Not a chance!
Against a possibly emerging Monotony in indoor cycling is provided by the internet with its training platforms. Because even though you're only pedalling on the spot, it doesn't get boring on the indoor cycling trainer.
Apps such as Zwift or Kinomap can be used on the Challenge Bike. Or you can choose the in-house training app Domyos E-Connected App. It's available free of charge. The E-Connected app is designed to take the training experience to a new level with customisable challenges and make indoor training more fun. The app is available free of charge in the App Store and Google Play Store.
Further details on the Domyos Challenge Bike
The home trainer is equipped with a TFT display that shows virtual landscapes as well as data such as distance, speed, duration, cadence (RPM) and calories burned. This display is not only used to control training during the current session, but also to analyse training progress afterwards. The robust components of the Challenge Bike are easy to repair. The manufacturer grants a 5-year guarantee on all parts and a 10-year guarantee on the repairability of these parts.
The Challenge Bike also has two bottle holders under the handlebars, which is considered practical. The pedals are equipped with "baskets", a holder that encloses the foot and allows you to pedal in a rounded manner, as with clipless pedals. The traction phase when pedalling is important for both training and muscle strain. With regard to a possible device for SPD or Look cleats, we are currently trying to obtain this information for you.
The most important information about the indoor cycling bike
- Product dimensions: 158 cm × 59 cm × 128 cm
- Weight: 59 kg
- Maximum user weight: 130 kg
- Body size user: 1.60 m to 1.95 m
- Performance: up to 1500 watts at 60 rpm (32 resistance levels)
- Guarantee: 5 years on all parts
- Price: 1299,99 Euro (>> available here)
Lukas Niebuhr
Working student
