Is a 40-pound flywheel actually better than a 30-pound one?

Heavier flywheels generally produce a smoother pedal stroke at low cadence and feel more like a road bike when you stand up to sprint, which is why many reviewers single out 40 lb+ flywheels. That said, perceived smoothness depends on the magnetic-resistance system and bearings as well, so flywheel weight is one signal among several rather than a clean spec war.