Hammer indoor cycles

Why choose a Hammer indoor cycle?

Hammer is a German brand from HAMMER Sport AG, with over a hundred years of experience in sporting goods and today one of the best-known home fitness brands in Germany. You notice that background in the build quality: sturdy frames, solid finish and a bike that can handle intensive home use. Note: this is Hammer from HAMMER Sport AG, not the American Hammer Strength. Have a look at the other Hammer fitness equipment too.

What above all characterises the Hammer spin bikes in this category is the combination of a heavy flywheel and a quiet V-belt drive. The weight of the flywheel, around 18 to 22 kilos, provides a smooth, even pedalling motion and a realistic ride feel, as if you were really cycling on the road. The V-belt runs softly and needs little maintenance, which is pleasant for home. You set the resistance steplessly with a turn knob, from a gentle endurance ride to a tough, standing sprint.

There is one fair caveat, though. For these spin bikes Hammer deliberately chooses a direct-contact brake system with a felt brake instead of a magnetic brake. That gives a wonderfully direct, firm ride feel that many keen spinners appreciate, but it is not completely maintenance-free: the felt brake is not as silent as a magnetic system and the brake felt wears over time and is then replaceable. If you are specifically after the maximum quiet and zero maintenance of a magnetic brake, another type may make more sense. If you want an authentic, direct spinning feel with a heavy flywheel, Hammer is a good fit.

Which Hammer indoor cycle suits you?

The choice depends mainly on your budget, the desired flywheel weight and how intensively you train. The situations below quickly point you in the right direction.

You want an affordable, solid start with home spinning: choose the entry model from the Speed Race line. You get the same heavy flywheel and the same V-belt drive as the more expensive models, in a simple, robust version. Ideal for an easy, effective start.

You want the most realistic ride feel: choose a model with the heaviest flywheel, up to around 22 kilos. The heavier the flywheel, the smoother and more even the pedalling motion, which is especially pleasant on long rides and standing pedalling.

You train intensively and want a sturdier top model: choose a model from the HyRace line or the Maximum Speed Pro. These are more robustly built and tuned to frequent, intensive workouts, with a stable frame that also handles standing sprints well.

You want to train with your own tablet or phone: the Hammer spin bikes are mechanical bikes without a large built-in screen. You can simply place your own tablet or phone on the handlebar and ride along with your favourite video or cycling app, while you set the resistance yourself with the turn knob.

You train in an apartment or early and late: choose a Hammer with the quiet V-belt drive and put a floor mat underneath. That dampens noise and vibration and protects your floor, so your housemates or neighbours notice less of your workout.

What to look for when buying a Hammer indoor cycle

Brake system and ride feel

The Hammer spin bikes use a direct-contact brake system with a felt brake. That gives a firm, direct ride feel and a steplessly adjustable resistance with the turn knob. Bear in mind that the brake felt wears over time and is then replaced; that comes with this type of brake.

Flywheel weight

The flywheel on these models weighs around 18 to 22 kilos. A heavier flywheel gives a smoother, more even pedalling motion and a more realistic ride feel. For intensive and standing workouts a heavier flywheel is pleasant.

Drive and noise

All Hammer spin bikes have a V-belt drive instead of a chain. It runs softly, needs little maintenance and keeps the noise low. Combined with a floor mat you also train in an apartment without much nuisance.

Adjustability and fit

Check whether the saddle and handlebar are adjustable in height and distance, so you find a correct, comfortable cycling posture. That prevents back, knee and shoulder complaints and is important if several people train on the bike.

Space and dimensions

Measure your available space and keep some free room around it for a safe training posture. Most models have transport wheels, so you move and store the bike easily.

Our advice: choose a Hammer indoor cycle above all if you like a firm, direct ride feel with a heavy flywheel and the sturdiness of a German brand. Go for a heavier flywheel if you train long and intensively, and for a top model from the HyRace line if you cycle frequently and keenly. If you specifically want maximum quiet and zero maintenance, bear in mind that this is a felt brake and not a magnetic brake.

Who is a Hammer indoor cycle suitable for?

• Keen home spinners who like a firm, direct ride feel with a heavy flywheel.
• Beginners with ambition who want an affordable start but are looking for solid German quality.
• Road cyclists and mountain bikers who want to stay in shape at home in the off-season.
• Users who want to lose weight and are looking for an effective, time-efficient way to burn calories.
• Users with joint complaints who want to train intensively low-impact without impact loading.

A Hammer indoor cycle is less suitable if you mainly want a silent, maintenance-free magnetic bike or a ready-made app-driven studio experience. If you would rather have a relaxed, upright training, look at an exercise bike.

Need help choosing?

Would you like to buy a Hammer indoor cycle but are not quite sure which one best fits your wishes and needs? We are happy to help. You can reach our spinning specialists by phone on +31 85 773 00 57, through our customer service, or visit our fitness store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about Hammer indoor cycles

Is Hammer the same as Hammer Strength?

No. Hammer is a German home fitness brand from HAMMER Sport AG with over a hundred years of experience. Hammer Strength is an American, commercial strength brand and is unrelated here. The indoor cycles on this page are from the German Hammer.

Why a felt brake instead of a magnetic brake?

A direct-contact felt brake gives a firm, direct ride feel that many keen spinners appreciate, with a steplessly adjustable resistance. The system is simple and robust. The downside is that the brake felt wears over time and is replaced, and that it is slightly less quiet than a magnetic brake.

How heavy is the flywheel of a Hammer indoor cycle?

On these models the flywheel weighs around 18 to 22 kilos. That is substantial, which provides a smooth, even pedalling motion and a realistic ride feel, especially on long rides and standing pedalling.

Can I train with a Hammer indoor cycle with apps such as Zwift?

The Hammer spin bikes are mechanical bikes without a large built-in screen. You can place your own tablet or phone on the handlebar and ride along with a video or cycling app. You set the resistance yourself with the turn knob; it does not adjust automatically to the app.

How much maintenance does a Hammer indoor cycle need?

Little. The V-belt drive is virtually maintenance-free. Wipe the bike dry after training, especially around the flywheel, and occasionally check the bolts. The brake felt of the brake system wears slowly and can be replaced when needed.

Is a Hammer indoor cycle suitable for intensive training?

Yes. The heavy flywheel, the sturdy build and the stepless resistance make the bike suitable for tough interval and endurance workouts. The sturdier top models from the HyRace line are extra tuned to frequent, intensive use.