The Speed Race X from Hammer boosts my fitness
5.11.2026
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Siri Schubert
Despite the cold and wet weather, I want to maintain my fitness throughout the autumn and winter. Can the Speed Race X from Hammer help me with that? Spoiler: Yes, and there is even an additional benefit specifically for runners.
The dark months present special challenges for my endurance: the days are short, wet, and cold. Training therefore has to compete against the tough opposition of cozy evenings on the sofa with series and snacks.
To ensure my fitness doesn't suffer too much, I am testing a speed bike for home use: the Speed Race X from Hammer Fitness in the new 2026 version. I have been using it for about six weeks now, pedaling for between 30 and 60 minutes almost every day, and even longer on weekends.
Assembly and first impression
The 45-kilogram fitness bike is delivered in a bulky box. Two people are needed to carry it up two flights of stairs to its designated spot.
Assembly, on the other hand, is child's play and can be done by one person within 30 to 45 minutes. Hammer Fitness has included step-by-step instructions and the necessary tools – even labeled ones.
With a length of 110 cm, a width of 55 cm, and a height of 120 cm, the bike takes up very little space. However, the manufacturer points out that at least 1.5 meters of clearance should be left in every direction during use. The speed bike has wheels so you can push it into a free corner after training. Since it is susceptible to moisture, it is not suitable for bathrooms, balconies, or gardens.
Once assembled, the bike stands securely. It makes a solid impression; nothing rattles or wobbles. Particularly practical: the handlebars and saddle are height-adjustable with simple clamping levers. You can also adjust the distance between the handlebars and the saddle to suit your height and build. This allows you to choose how sporty or upright you want to ride and make adjustments if you feel any tension. You can also change the tilt angle of the saddle. According to the manufacturer, the speed bike is suitable for a maximum load of 130 kilograms.
The pedals have a 9/16-inch thread, which is standard on almost all sporty bikes. I have the choice between a click mechanism or cages on the opposite side. The cages are a bit big for my feet (shoe size 39). If it were my own ergometer, I would swap the pedals for magnetic ones from Magped and wear my regular cycling shoes.
How smoothly the workouts run
The first thing I notice: the fitness bike stands stable and secure. It is also quiet. Even during intense workouts, I hear almost nothing except my own heavy breathing. This is ideal for apartments.
The 20-kilogram flywheel ensures a smooth ride without jerky transitions. This makes riding feel realistic, like being outside on a real bike. There is no comparison to the cheap ergometers I used to struggle with. Another plus: the quiet belt drive, which is supposed to be low-maintenance.
The round, discreet display shows me time, cadence, wattage, calories, and speed per kilometer. A fun detail: depending on the cadence, the outer ring lights up green, blue, or red – so you can see at a glance whether you are in the target range and can adjust your effort accordingly. However, the calorie values on the display seem very high to me. I would only use them if I were desperate for an excuse for a completely excessive binge. Otherwise, I ignore them.
A small heart rate monitor is also located on the handlebars, but I wouldn't rely on these values either. I usually wear my Garmin chest strap, which connects to the speed bike within seconds without any problems. And just like that, the heart rate display is accurate too.
I complete my first rides in the basic endurance range, i.e., in Zone 2. I listen to podcasts or audiobooks while doing so. And this is where the first truly decisive advantage of the speed bike becomes apparent: even on days when I have little time and it is cold and dark, I still complete a workout in the training zone that is right for me at the moment. I don't have to dress warmly, nor do I have to clean the bike afterward. The fewer hurdles there are, the more likely I am to do a session. So, there is no danger of me losing too much fitness over the winter.
Resistance and training modes
I can set the resistance from 0 to 32 via the display. That is enough for me. At the highest level, I can only move the pedals while standing. The resistance is provided by a magnetic brake that changes the distance to the wheel depending on the level. This works without wear and tear because the wheel and brake do not touch.
There is also a physical brake that stops the wheel when you are finished. Since the fitness bike has no freewheel and the flywheel continues to spin for a while, it prevents the pedals from accidentally attacking your calves and shins.
You can also set the desired ride time, target kilometers, and other parameters on the display by turning and pressing. This is simple and intuitive.
In addition to the manual mode, you can choose between 16 different workouts. Sometimes it feels like going uphill and downhill, other times two-minute intervals are on the program. The resistance changes automatically. I particularly like these sessions when I venture out of Zone 2 and pedal with music in my ears and energy in my legs.
Rides with the Zwift app
The Speed Race X can be connected via Bluetooth to indoor cycling apps like Zwift and Kinomap. I decided on Zwift and took out a paid subscription. The connection between the fitness bike and my iPhone is established immediately. The fact that it doesn't work between my iPad and the bike is probably because my iPad is older.
I have mixed feelings about gamification apps for sports. Sometimes I find them entertaining and motivating, other times I prefer a self-directed workout with a podcast or music of my choice. That's why I especially like that you don't need an app or even a smartphone for the Speed Race X. If I feel like cycling in the room, I can get on, tap "Quickstart" on the display, and start riding. If I want to do a virtual group ride with points, challenges, and digital thumbs-ups, that is also possible.
What the training does for my running
I enjoy mountain biking, so training with the speed bike will prepare me well for the spring. But I am out and about in running shoes even more often. And I hope that the endurance sessions will also do something for my jogging.
In fact, this is supposed to work well. A 2026 meta-analysis of various studies shows that VO2 max, i.e., the maximum oxygen uptake per kilogram of body weight, remains practically the same if you replace some running sessions with cycling.
And I noticed something else: since I have been training regularly with the indoor bike, my cadence when running has increased. A faster cadence is generally considered a sign of higher efficiency. Is that a coincidence? Apparently not. The running website Lauf Campus and the magazine Runners World report consistently that cycling can increase cadence. Win-win, I would say. Of course, I will continue to jog, bike, paddle, and foil outside. But replacing a few of the workouts with indoor cycling or completing sessions that would otherwise have been lost to the temptations of the sofa and the like, and even getting a fitness bonus in the process, I think is really good.
In a nutshell
The Speed Race X from Hammer convinces me across the board
Until now, I wasn't a big fan of indoor bikes. Boring, rickety, and not enough resistance were my (pre)judgments. That has changed so much now that I am returning the Speed Race X after the test phase with a heavy heart and have already ordered a model for myself privately. I am convinced by the solid construction, the simple operation with and without the app, the smooth and jerk-free ride thanks to the 20-kilo flywheel, and the fact that I was in the saddle almost every day during the six weeks.
Pro
- simple structure
- solid quality
- very quiet
- easily adjustable to your own body height
- uncomplicated operation via the display
- Resistance adjustable to 32 levels
- 20 kg flywheel for a smooth riding experience
- works with and without the app
Header image: Siri Schubert
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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