ProForm Carbon Pro10 Studio Bike Review | Sweat Tested

Dimensions/Storability

Exercise bikes are fairly easy to move around, and the Carbon Pro10 is easier than most. It weighs only 114 lbs as it comes shipped in the box. It is even lighter on its own! I have no trouble rolling it around by the wheels located on the front stability bar.

The dimensions of the bike are 54.8″ x 22.6″ x 56.6″.

It should fit into most small spaces, and you don’t have to worry about ceiling height as much as you would with a treadmill or elliptical.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

If you haven’t heard of iFIT, allow me to introduce you to the platform. It is a subscription-based fitness platform that provides training classes for the Carbon Pro10 exercise bike and tons of other cardio machines. It’s pretty integral to the experience on this bike, so I don’t recommend it as much for anyone who doesn’t want to subscribe.

There are two options for training without a paid subscription.

First, you can create a free iFIT account. You can then log into the bike and access a few preset workouts (I counted 10 of them). Warning: You will be bombarded with messages urging you to sign up for the premium version of iFIT.

Second, do not connect your bike to Wi-Fi. Trust me—it’s easier this way. Then, you can train in manual mode while seeing all your metrics on the screen. There’s not much else to it. I recommend this bike for iFIT subscribers rather than non-subscribers.

iFIT

If you sign up for iFIT, you’ll never run out of new workouts to take on the ProForm Carbon Pro 10. The iFIT library is one of the most extensive fitness libraries, with thousands of on-demand classes. There are also over one hundred iFIT coaches to choose from, ensuring there’s a good fit for you in there.

Use the filter function to find the kind of class that suits your mood and style.

A typical iFIT class follows a coach as they cycle along a scenic route. The resistance on the Carbon Pro10 will automatically adjust to the trainer’s cues. However, since the Carbon Pro10 does not have incline like some iFIT bikes do, some of the training cues will not be relevant to you, unfortunately.

The lack of incline did not bother me while cycling on the ProForm Carbon Pro10.

In addition to the default resistance levels, you can also enable SmartAdjust. This feature learns your fitness level over time and makes adjustments to the current and future classes based on what it learns. The fastest way to teach SmartAdjust whether it needs to make your training harder or easier is to override the preset resistance levels by selecting the appropriate level on the screen.

You are not limited to iFIT classes on the ProForm Carbon Pro10. iFIT also gives you access to other workout options.

Google Maps is a fun integration that allows you to draw a route anywhere in the world. You can then watch your progress along the route as your resistance adjusts to mimic the terrain.

You can also create your own workout or build from a template workout.

To keep things interesting, I recommend trying some of the entertainment options with these custom workouts. The Carbon Pro10 has Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify, Audible, Pluto TV, and iHeartRadio. You can listen to or watch any of these options while training in any of the other workout modes, including iFIT classes.

Use the menu at the bottom to toggle between your apps while staying in a workout.

Console

A 10″ touchscreen may not be the biggest screen option on the market, but it is a decent size for viewing training and entertainment content. There are no buttons on the console itself, so it’s important that you are comfortable with using the screen.

I had no trouble interacting with the screen as close as I was situated to it, and I frequently find larger bike screens a little overwhelming.

The biggest limitation with this screen size is that, although the console rotates from side to side, it may be harder to view for off-bike classes. If you are right next to the bike, you should be fine, but if you are any farther from it, I recommend pulling iFIT up on your TV. They have a smart TV app, thankfully!

Below the screen, you will find the speakers, which provide clear audio for all the onscreen content. The volume controls are on the screen, and I could easily adjust them how I wanted them. If I listened to both music and iFIT, I could find the right balance between the two.

If you prefer to train quietly, you can pair headphones with the Pro10. It’s easy to connect your devices in the workout settings menu.

Bluetooth also allows you to connect a heart rate monitor so that you can view your heart rate on the screen.

The Carbon Pro10 does not have a fan. You will need to use a floor or ceiling fan to stay cool while in your workout.

Interestingly, there is a USB-C charging port on the side of the console. However, there is no easy storage space for a phone nearby. Without a phone holder or tablet rack, I don’t think I would get much use out of this charging port.

The only storage available on this bike is a metal water bottle cage on the bike frame and two dumbbell holders behind the saddle. The water bottle holder is fine, but I found the dumbbell holders to be a bit precarious. Two 3-lb dumbbells are included with the bike, and I found that they could slip out of the holders pretty easily. I removed them before I moved the saddle post or the bike.

You should also note that the red button on the frame is only a brake. While many exercise bikes have resistance adjustment knobs here, this one does not adjust the resistance. It applies a felt pad to the flywheel to bring it to a stop since the bike does not allow freewheeling. Resistance can only be adjusted through the onscreen controls.

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Build Quality

The ProForm Carbon Pro10 has a very practical build that skips the flashy stuff to keep the cost low. I really appreciate a good budget bike that balances performance and price. I have a few notes below on where I think the build quality could be improved, but overall, it’s pretty nice.

Frame

A welded steel frame makes this bike pretty sturdy.

It has two nice stabilizers: one with adjustable feet and the other with transport wheels.

The weight capacity is 250 lbs, which is a little below the industry standard. I do think that is a reasonable limit for this bike, though, but I would like it if ProForm could get that a little higher in the future to compete with other models better.

Flywheel

The flywheel is 24 lbs. It is a little lighter than the flywheels found on NordicTrack’s premium iFIT bikes. Pedaling the Carbon Pro10 didn’t feel quite as smooth of an experience as I’ve had on bikes that cost twice as much. I think if you aren’t testing a bunch of bikes back to back like I am, you might not notice, but I do want to point it out for anyone wondering what the tradeoffs are at this price.

Resistance

You get two main choices for resistance on studio cycles like the ProForm Carbon Pro10: friction or magnetic resistance. The Pro10 uses magnetic resistance, which is typically regarded as the more premium option due to its quieter nature and less maintenance required.

The main drawback to magnetic resistance is the limited range of resistance levels. The Carbon Pro10 has 22 resistance levels, which is less than many of its competitors. Because of this more limited range, I like the Pro10 for new to intermediate cyclists.

Since the resistance is magnetic, it is fairly quiet. I noticed very little noise coming from the resistance mechanism and flywheel while I was training.

The Carbon Pro10 uses a belt drive instead of a chain drive to keep the bike quiet and low maintenance.

Handlebars

I was surprised that the handlebars on the Carbon Pro10 were so adjustable. They adjust both vertically and horizontally. Most exercise bikes with smart screens don’t adjust horizontally, so I was pleased that this one did.

The amount of grip options is nice.

As for the handlebar texture, it’s a bit smoother than I normally prefer on an exercise bike, but I didn’t have any problems with my hands sliding around.

Saddle

The saddle is pretty firm, and I recommend upgrading it if you are not accustomed to firm, narrow saddles.

While I really liked the handlebars, the saddle was a little underwhelming. It did the job, but I did experience a little saddle soreness from it. If this were my main exercise bike, I would probably opt for a different, more comfortable saddle.

It adjusts vertically and horizontally. However, I wasn’t able to position the saddle forward enough to properly align my knee over my ankle. The pedals always felt like they were a little too far forward.

For reference, I am 5’4″, and if you are taller than me, this bike might be even more comfortable for you. The bike fits an inseam between 28″ and 36″, by my estimations.

Pedals

The ProForm Carbon Pro10 has hybrid pedals, with toe cages on one side and SPD clips on the other. They easily pair with any athletic shoe, including SPD cycling shoes.

You can also upgrade these default pedals to your preferred road cycling pedals if you prefer.

Warranty

ProForm offers a 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year tablet, and 1-year labor and repairs warranty on this bike. That’s a pretty standard warranty for an exercise bike in this price range. Keep in mind that this warranty only covers the bike for residential use. It is not appropriate for commercial use. Typically, products like this are not under warranty when they are stored in a non-climate-controlled space, like a garage.

To keep your bike working for as long as possible, be sure to follow all the maintenance guidelines in the user manual. We recommend wiping your bike down after each use and cleaning the area around your bike regularly.

Should You Buy the ProForm Carbon Pro10

The ProForm Carbon Pro10 is a sweet exercise bike with a price that’s easier to swallow than that of other iFIT bikes. Yet, you get the same awesome fitness platform with both training classes and entertainment streaming apps.

My only recommendation before you add this bike to your shopping cart would be to consider that you might have to upgrade the saddle. But the handlebars and pedals are all good to go.

I love how quiet this bike is and the automatic resistance adjustments due to the magnetic resistance. Pair it with an iFIT membership, and you are ready to ride!

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ProForm Carbon Pro10 Q&A / FAQ

Is the ProForm Carbon Pro10 worth it?

The ProForm Carbon Pro10 is worth it for any indoor cyclist who wants a guided training platform with entertainment features, automatic resistance, and a powerful and quiet performance.

Can you use the ProForm Carbon Pro10 without iFIT?

Yes, you can use the ProForm Carbon Pro10 without iFIT. You can train in the manual cycling mode without an iFIT account. If you create a free account, you can access a few featured iFIT classes and a few preset workouts.

Does the ProForm Carbon Pro10 have Netflix?

With an iFIT membership, you can access Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify, Audible, Pluto TV, and iHeartRadio.

Is this a paid review?

No, this is not a paid review. We received the ProForm Carbon Pro10 Studio Bike for free from ProForm in exchange for a review. However, ProForm has no say in what we write in our review. We have a similar relationship with many exercise bike brands, allowing us to steer you toward your perfect match—not any one bike.

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