We’re not sure if the Ciclotte Black Bike Class is the most unique, weird, or fancy exercise bike ever.
For some, a stationary bicycle it’s just a means of packing in a tough workout to improve fitness and it’s hidden away inside the garage. For others, form matters as much as function, and the bike becomes an integral part of the interior décor.
(Image credit: Ciclotte)
That’s why it even has home specialists like John Lewis who sells NOHrD indoor bikes in hickory, ash, club, and oak (for £2,429 (opens in a new tab)), because you wouldn’t want your wooden exercise bike bumping into the coffee table or the legs of your lounger of course.
(Image credit: NOHRD)
Ciclotte describes his invention in a circular way to indoor cycling sessions as “design exercise bike / exclusive fitness equipment / perfect decoration object [presumably, delete as appropriate] for home interiors, from luxury living rooms to unique bedrooms and bathrooms, hotel suites and yachts.”
Even assuming enough space, I can’t say I’ve ever considered installing my turbo in the bathroom. But now that I think about it, maybe Ciclotte has something here… sweating is not a problem for bathroom tiles and you can walk right into the shower so that’s ideal. On the other hand, it may not be the best place for any electronic device…
Handmade in Italy, the Ciclotte is made from lacquered steel or carbon fiber and features a minimalist look. The carbon fiber model features a sleek black, gray or white look, while the steel version is available in more colorful shades of yellow, red, blue, green and white and gray.
“It consists of a frame that can be adapted to five different turning positions [crank lengths? Saddle heights? Tri-bar extensions?] to simulate a realistic exercise experience,” says Ciclotte.
The composite components have been “hand applied and autoclaved”, while the plastic components have been “thermoformed”.
The resistance is obtained by means of a remotely controlled electromagnetic system via Bluetooth and provides 10 different levels to adapt your effort.
(Image credit: Ciclotte)
Ciclotte says that the seat can be adjusted “two in height, one obliquely and one horizontally through the movement of the wheel cover”. A simple system for those who can identify as ‘macro-adjusters’, but if you have a bike fit spreadsheet it’s probably best left at the door.
The carbon handlebars are distinctive and are designed to “encourage constant arm exercise” for a more complete body workout. This is an idea that you will also find in group fitness classes in the gym.
(Image credit: Ciclotte)
Stationary bikes must also be able to cope with your maximal efforts, such as the high-intensity intervals that form a large part of 30 minute cycling workouts..
The Ciclotte’s large support base and 55kg weight are designed to distribute the rider’s weight for stability for this purpose.
(Image credit: Ciclotte)
That’s basically all the detail that Ciclotte provides. For bikes even less than a sixth of the price, we’d normally expect to see at least one claim power meter precision, the simulated maximum gradient and the Q-factor. But even receiving a suggested height range is no surprise.
If you’re interested, it’ll set you back $16,890 / £13,974 at Artemest (opens in a new tab) and take 18 weeks before it arrives to fill the space in your living room, after all, it is handmade.
