The KingSmith W1B review. An attractively styled desk bike — more than just good looks?

Specs

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Introduction

At first glance, the KingSmith W1B looks more like a piece of modern office furniture than exercise equipment. This sleek styling usually raises a red flag for us at SitZip, where our mission is to prioritise ergonomics, productivity, and joint safety over aesthetics. We were skeptical that such a design could deliver a genuine workout.

After extensive testing, we were proven wrong. The W1B is not just a pretty face; it is one of the best-performing desk bikes currently available for users who value real biomechanics and measurable output.

Is the KingSmith W1B right for you?

This bike is a great fit if you:

• Want real cycling biomechanics, not short "toy" pedals
• Plan to pedal for 1–4 hours per workday
• Care about getting a real workout in
• Want a desk bike that stays stable under serious load

This bike may not be for you if you:

• Want the lightest or cheapest option available
• Are taller than ~185 cm (6'1") and consequently need a very high desk

Disclaimer: Our expert cyclist verifies every bike through 40+ hours of testing, using Assioma PRO RS power pedals and physics models to provide lab-grade data on resistance, calorie burn, and joint safety rather than relying on manufacturer claims.

Assembly and build quality

The box is very heavy; you will need two people to drag it up a staircase, or you will need to slide it across the ground. Once in the room, however, assembly is refreshingly straightforward: attach the handlebars and the pedals. The materials are rigid, high-quality plastic that feels tactile and secure, avoiding the brittle feel of cheaper alternatives.

Ergonomics and adjustability

This is where the KingSmith W1B starts to separate itself.

• Saddle height: adjustable
• Saddle fore/aft position: adjustable
• Table: adjustable and removable; the table is stored in the bike itself
• Foot position: each foot individually adjustable for height

This level of adjustability allows you to dial in a proper riding position, something many desk bikes simply don't allow. The saddle is comfortable enough for multi-hour sessions, and pressure distribution is well balanced. Because the bike uses a conventional seat mount, you can replace the saddle if you find a more comfortable one — and this opens up a genuinely interesting range of options.

Desk cycling is done at a slow, sustained pace for hours at a time. That is the opposite of road cycling, where narrow, firm saddles reduce drag and weight. For desk use, wide and well-padded saddles — the kind designed for casual cycling or comfort riding — are often a much better fit. If you spend long hours in the seat, swapping to a wider saddle can transform the experience.

One caveat: the integrated desk could go slightly higher. Our reviewer (183 cm / 6'0") was comfortable, but taller users may find the desk position too low.

Why crank length matters

Nearly all desk bikes on the market use short crank arms between 100–120 mm. This reduces the pedaling range of motion, limits muscle engagement, and can feel unnatural over long sessions.

We measured the KingSmith W1B's crank length at 170 mm, the same length used by professional cyclists, including some in the Tour de France. The result: greater range of motion, better muscle recruitment, higher sustainable power output, and a more realistic cycling feel.

Performance: real wattage numbers

Low intensity: at 60 rpm on the lowest setting, we measured 32 watts of resistance. That feels like biking at approximately 15 km/h, perfect for typing without breaking a sweat.

High intensity: at the highest setting, your legs must output 175 watts to maintain 60 rpm, equivalent to roughly 32 km/h.

We also pushed the bike to 275 watts in a stress test (almost 35 km/h). Unlike competitors that often slip or squeak under this load, the internals here remained smooth and silent.

How we measure the wattage

A desk bike can’t sense how hard you’re working on its own, so we measure the real force going through the pedals. That is how we get accurate power numbers for the KingSmith W1B, rather than relying on a guess.

1. 1

   Fit Assioma PRO RS power pedals. Strain gauges inside the pedal axle measure the actual torque your legs apply, accurate to roughly ±1% — the gold standard for cycling power.

2. 2

   Ride every resistance level at fixed cadences. We hold a steady 30 and 60 rpm on each level and log the watts the pedals report — dozens of readings per bike.

3. 3

   Map each level to real watts. We store the numbers for every resistance setting in the SitZip app. Tell the app which level you’re on and it converts your cadence into accurate wattage, calorie burn, and distance — no guessing.

Our Assioma PRO RS pedals and the live power they read at the pedal.

Stability, noise, and portability

The W1B is heavy, and that's a good thing: rock-solid stability even during high-intensity pedalling, no lateral wobble or frame flex. Integrated wheels make it easy to roll around the room.

It is quiet enough for most offices. Slightly louder than the Deskbike from deskbike.com, but unlikely to be a distraction unless you are extremely sensitive to noise.

Tracking with SitZip

Connect the W1B to the SitZip app and the built-in tracker accuracy issues simply go away. We have calibrated the resistance curve, so entering your level gives you accurate distance, calorie, and effort data, plus heart-rate monitor support and racing against colleagues.

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Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5/5)

The W1B disguises a serious workout machine as modern office furniture. By far the best-in-class product on the market.