Here's the Gist
I am Katie Pierson, an indoor cycling instructor, and I tested Freebeat's rhythm-based bikes to see how they perform. In this guide, I compare the high-end Lit bike with the budget-friendly Boom model to help you decide.
- The Freebeat Lit starts at $1,199 with a 21.5-inch screen, while the Boom starts at $649 with a 15.6-inch display.
- The Lit features a 28.6-pound flywheel for a smoother pedal stroke, compared to the Boom's lighter 15.4-pound flywheel.
- Both models share a 300-pound weight capacity, a Beat V belt drive, and a user height range of 4'11" to 6'4".
- Each bike uses Smart Saddle Detection+ and an auto-resistance algorithm to gamify workouts and award leaderboard combo points.
- Neither bike supports SPD or LOOK Delta cleats, as both models only come equipped with toe-cage pedals.
- Be careful when tightening screws during assembly, because the powder coating can chip and flake off around the frame hardware.
If you love to ride to the beat, Freebeat’s Lit or Boom bike might be perfect for you. Freebeat creates the ideal combination of feeling like you are at the club and playing your favorite video game, all while getting a fabulous workout. The team at Indoor Cycling Love was fortunate to have the opportunity to ride the Lit bike for thirty days (read my detailed Lit Bike review) and see what this bike had to offer, including assessing Freebeat’s unique riding experience.
Stick around as we break down the differences between the Lit and Boom bikes.
Freebeat Lit & Boom Bike Review
The Lit and Boom bikes from Freebeat are great bike options due to their clean bike designs and the gamified riding experience they provide. Freebeat also allows riders to compete for the top spot on the leaderboard. Before Freebeat, Peloton was the only bike that offered a leaderboard option.
Pros & Cons of Freebeat Bikes
Pros
- Riding experience
- Affordability
- Automatic resistance algorithm
- Smart Seat Technology+
- Leaderboard
Cons
- Toe cages only
- No app available without the bike
Freebeat Lit and Boom Bike Quick Comparison
| Freebeat Lit | Freebeat Boom | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Starting at $1,199 | Starting at $649 |
| Resistance | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| User Height Range | 4’11” – 6’4” | 4’11” – 6’4” |
| User Weight Maximum | 300 pounds | 300 pounds |
| Screen Size | 21.5” diagonal | 15.6″ diagonal |
| Dimensions | 49.3” L x 58.8” H x 22.6” W | 51.5″ L × 51.5″ H × 24.7″ W |
| Flywheel Weight | 28.6 pounds | 15.4 pounds |
| Bike Weight | 113 pounds | 79 pounds |
Detailed Comparison of Freebeat Lit & Boom Bikes
While the Freebeat Lit and Boom bikes are almost identical in their specifications and riding experiences, there are minor differences. Please look below to see how these bikes stack up against one another.
Riding Experience
Vibrant graphics and fantastic music help to keep the pedals easily moving to the music. Whether you like to ride to an instructor-led workout or prefer to ride to a workout that is more like a video game, Freebeat offers both. These riding experience variations are available on both the Boom and Lit models.
Want to get paid to ride? Freebeat will pay riders for their time on the bike with money sent to their PayPal account. While the accumulation of money is slow, it is worth it. In addition to earning a little extra cash while riding, monthly contests help keep riders engaged, and they can win prizes such as gift cards to Starbucks and Amazon.
Leaderboard
Riders climb the leaderboard when they continue to ride to the beat of the music. The more times in a row the beat is hit, the higher the combo points are awarded. If riders continue to ride out of the saddle and remain on the beat, a higher point value is given, and they can climb the leaderboard faster.
Frame
The frames of the Lit and Boom bikes are ED and powder coated.
Tip: Be careful when tightening the screws on the bikes, as I accidentally chipped the pink powder coating on my Lit bike when initially assembling it, and the coating continued to flake off in that area.
Katie Pierson, Indoor Cycling Instructor
Flywheel
The flywheel weight varies between the two models. The Lit model features a 28.6-pound flywheel, while the Boom is only 15.4 pounds.
Note: Heavier flywheels are often associated with a smoother ride as they help to keep a more even pedal stroke.
Belt Drive
The Freebeat Lit and Boom bikes feature a Beat V power transmission belt drive.
Resistance
The auto resistance algorithm offered by Freebeat analyzes each rider’s performance level and finds the perfect resistance to apply per the instructor’s cue.
Saddle
The competitive style saddles also include Smart Saddle Detection+. This technology identifies when riders are in or out of the saddle. Higher point values are awarded for riding on the beat out of the saddle through the Smart Saddle Detection+ technology.
Screen
The Lit bike offers a much larger screen coming in at 21.5” in comparison to the 15.6” diagonal of the Boom bike.
Dimensions
Although both bikes can fit on a yoga mat, the Lit bike has a slightly larger profile with dimensions such as 49.3” L x 58.8” H x 22.6” W. In contrast, the Boom bike dimensions are 51.5″ L × 51.5″ H × 24.7″ W.
Pedals
Unlike many commercial-grade cycles on the market that come with the dual pedal with an SPD or LOOK Delta and a toe cage. However, the Freebeat models only include a toe cage option.
Power Input
The other noticeable difference is the power input. The Boom bike offers a Type-C power input, while the Lit bike offers an input of 100V to 240V, 50Hz to 60Hz, and 1.5A Max.
Additional Freebeat Alternatives
Bowflex C6 / Schwinn IC4
The Bowflex C6 and Schwinn IC4 from Nautilus are affordable commercial-grade cycles priced at $799. They offer 100 levels of magnetic resistance and a poly-v belt drive. These bikes have SPD pedals, a free Bluetooth heart rate monitor, and 3lb dumbbells. Although this bike does not include a monitor, the LED console displays basic metrics and can link to various apps, including the Peloton app.
BODi Bike
The BODi bike, or the MYX II, costs $1,399. This unique bike includes a platform powered by Beachbody and includes live and on-demand classes taught by some of the biggest names in fitness. This bike also has BODCast, which consists of a camera in the large touchscreen monitor that allows the instructors to see the participants in real-time—the BODi Bike also has friction resistance.
NordicTrack S22i
Priced at $1,599, the NordicTrack S22i mimics riding outside terrain with the bike’s ability to adjust resistance, incline, and decline automatically. This bike also includes a one-year membership to iFit with full access to various classes and rides.
Related: Peloton vs Freebeat Bikes
Who Should Purchase
Who should purchase a Freebeat Lit Bike?
The Freebeat Lit Bike is ideal for those riders who prefer to ride to the rhythm of the music and are looking for a different riding experience than your usual cycling class that focuses on metrics and output.
Offers a smooth riding experience with excellent resistance and adjustable features for different heights. It has a music-based app with gaming elements, and the construction is sturdy and durable. Comes with a 22" HD Touchscreen, Auto Resistance System, and more.
Exclusive Coupon for GirlBikeLove Users: Apply the Code GBL100 for -$100 OFF. It can be combined with other discounts!
Who should purchase a Freebeat Boom Bike?
The Freebeat Boom Bike is an excellent opportunity for people who want to purchase their first quality indoor cycling bike but do not have a large budget or space to buy the Lit.
Offers a smooth riding experience with excellent resistance and adjustable features for different heights. It has a music-based app with gaming elements, and the construction is sturdy and durable. Comes with a 15.6" HD Touchscreen, Auto Resistance System, and more.
Exclusive Coupon for GirlBikeLove Users: Apply the Code GBL100 for -$100 OFF. It can be combined with other discounts!
Bottom Line
The riding experience that the Freebeat Lit and Boom Bike provides is both fun and exciting because of the gamification platform.
Quick Answers
What is the difference between the Freebeat Lit and Boom bikes?
The Lit starts at $1,199 with a 21.5-inch screen and a heavier 28.6-pound flywheel, weighing 113 pounds total. The Boom starts at $649 with a 15.6-inch screen, a 15.4-pound flywheel, weighs 79 pounds, and uses a Type-C power input instead of the Lit's standard power input.
Do Freebeat bikes work with clip-in cycling shoes?
No. Unlike many commercial-grade cycles that come with dual pedals compatible with SPD or LOOK Delta cleats, both the Freebeat Lit and Boom models only include toe cages.
How do you climb the Freebeat leaderboard?
You climb the leaderboard by riding to the beat of the music. Hitting consecutive beats earns combo points. Thanks to Smart Saddle Detection+ technology, remaining on the beat while riding out of the saddle awards higher point values to help you climb faster.
Can you really earn money riding Freebeat bikes?
Yes, Freebeat pays riders for time spent on the bike with money sent directly to their PayPal account. While accumulating cash is slow, you can also participate in monthly contests to win prizes like Starbucks and Amazon gift cards.
What are the rider height and weight limits for Freebeat bikes?
Both the Freebeat Lit and Boom bikes share the same user requirements. They accommodate riders between 4'11" and 6'4" in height, with a maximum user weight capacity of 300 pounds.
The Freebeat bikes are terrible from a UI perspective; especially for people with disabilities such as vision or joint; getting the small icons to work (turning off the AI in a scenic ride for example) or seeing the light-gray on white icons on the left is terrible. My son can’t even use the bike because he can’t see the screen. Generally turning high-contrast options on and allowing for larger readouts (zoom) would be amazing for differently abled.
Kevin,
Thanks so much for sharing your experience to our community.