With the weather cooling off, it gets harder and harder to convince myself to take my bicycle outdoors for an exercise ride, but spinning for miles on an indoor bike can be a mind-numbing bore. Fortunately, the gear heads at PAFERS have released a new exercise aid to help add some motivation to indoor cycling. Their new XSPIN is a Bluetooth enabled device that works with many exercise apparatuses to inspire harder training.
The XSPIN is an app-supported training sensor that employs Bluetooth Smart (4.0) technology to take the data generated from your efforts on an indoor cycle, stationary bike, or even an elliptical machine and detects your motion and pedaling cadence to feed into various iOS exercise programs.
The sensor easily attaches to the pedals of a bicycle or the moment arm of an elliptical with an adjustable Velcro strap system. The speed data integrates with two recommended apps, Cycle on Earth and Cycle Rush. Cycle on Earth helps to motivate you by allowing you to take virtual rides on lifelike routes around the world, thanks to Google Maps.
Cycle Rush simulates a gym-like workout experience while you exercise at home. The app comes packed with specific indoor cycle training programs based on different levels of fitness or desired exertion, motivating coaching sessions, and inspiring music.
XSPIN is compatible with the following iOS devices:
- iOS 6.0 or later
- iPhone 4S (or later)
- iPad 3 (or later)
- iPad mini 1st Gen (or later)
- 9iPod touch 5th Gen (or later)
XSPIN is also compatible with the following popular cycling apps:
- Strava Cycling
- MapMyRide
- Runtastic Road Bike
- Runtastic Mountain Bike
- Map My Track Outfront
- Digi?t iCardio
- Motivo Cycling
The XSPIN has an MSRP of $79.95 and should be available for purchase in Apple Retail Stores and online, as well as Amazon.com.
I’ve recently received a review sample to take for a “spin,” but it will probably be after Thanksgiving until I get to run it through its paces. Lawdy knows, I’ll need to burn off some turkey by then. I’ll report back soon.