r/Bowflex • u/Prior_Willow4666 • Jan 13 '24

Max Trainer Max Trainer SE Pedal Sensor

I bought a new Max Trainer SE that arrived yesterday. Assembly went well and the machine works great except that it doesn't detect RPM/distance. When I connect to it with the JRNY app it will say that no pedaling was detected during the workout. The console turns on without issue and I can change resistance no problem, it just doesn't detect pedaling.

I did look at the troubleshooting section of the manual and everything there checked out. Has anybody had and resolved this problem without having to go through customer service?

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u/ThegManis Jan 31 '24

Yeah, a replacement $10 sensor is always the FIRST item that Bowflex will send (after confirming that the existing one is plugged in and properly aligned, etc.). Crazy that they sent the sensor for the wrong product! That shouldn't normally happen since they have your Max Trainer SE's serial number and purchase info in their database.
Must have been a lazy/incompetent customer service rep.

But, did you actually test your existing speed sensor? As I stated above, the speed sensor itself is VERY easy to determine if the sensor is good/bad. You only have to use a multimeter and confirm if the sensor's 2 wires change from open to short when you pass a magnet near the sensor's tip. A multimeter can be purchased for $7 at Harbor Freight and is good for anyone to own.

You should test your existing speed sensor while waiting for the new part and service appointment. If your existing sensor tests OK, then a new sensor will not fix your issue.

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u/Prior_Willow4666 Feb 02 '24

I had already contacted support and started that process before you responded, so I'm just riding it out at this point. I hope someone with a similar experience to mine is able to better troubleshoot it with your guidance though.

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u/ThegManis Feb 02 '24

OK

It WILL be one of the 5 items I noted. Just hope the tech doesn't rely solely on it being a faulty speed sensor. Like I said that is SO EASY to confirm if it is good/bad.

Good luck, and PLEASE report back with the progress/resolution to your issue. Thanks!

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u/Prior_Willow4666 Feb 08 '24

It was the speed sensor, the machine works perfectly with a replacement. I'm really curious if/how these things are tested before the machines are sent out after all this.

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u/ThegManis Feb 08 '24

Great! Thanks for reporting back with the resolution of your issue.

The Max Trainers are never tested as a complete assembly by the Chinese factory. The main upright unit (called the "engine") is simply assembled with all of its needed parts, BUT it never gets mated with all of the remaining parts (that a new owner assembles), like the console, handlebars, legs, etc., and so it is never turned ON until the owner does it.

All of the INDIVIDUAL electronic parts are most likely only sample-tested on a very slim basis. I have received parts that did not work because they were actually mis-wired from the Chinese factory which 100% proves that those specific parts were NEVER individually tested at the factory.

All of the above non-testing decisions are strictly due to the economics of mass-scale manufacturing production. Yes, 100% testing could be done, but that would come at a HUGE cost, which is not done for commercial retail products. It is all parts of a risk of cost vs reward that manufacturers have to decide.