| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Efitment RB034 Check Discounted Price | L:54" W:25" H:38.5" | 300 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Speed, Pulse, Goals, Scan | 3 years limited |
The Efitment RB034 is in the same range of features as the Marcy NS-40502R but has a different frame design. Although it’s an affordable trainer, it offers several extra features which place it slightly above the average basic model. It’s actually a well-rated recumbent bike; so far, it has gathered a significant amount of 5-star reviews.
Technical Details & Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 54L x 25W x 38.5H inches (137L x 66W x 99H cm)
- Assembled weight: 60 lbs (27 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Console: Time, distance, speed, calories, RPM, odometer, goal functions
- Amenities: Tablet holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: 3 years
Frame construction
The Efitment RB034 recumbent exercise bike features a frame made of steel tubing; the only major parts in its construction
that are not made of steel, are the covers of the drive and resistance elements. It has a one-piece chassis which considerably improves its overall sturdiness. It combines cylindrical and square tubing boasting a fairly decent-looking design.
The frame features a step-through design. Therefore, it offers excellent entry and exit possibilities even for elderly users or for users with certain disabilities. Also, the front section of the bike’s body has a molded bottle holder which can accommodate most types of hydration bottles.
All the steel parts in its construction are coated with a rust-resistant paint finish. The color used is silver, this being the only color available for this bike. The covers of the flywheel are black/silver, with the Efitment logo written in white/blue.
The fully assembled unit is fairly large. It measured approx. 54″ (137 cm) in length, and 25″ (66 cm) in width, while its highest point is given by the top of the console, which is at approx. 38.5″ (99 cm) above floor level. It’s also recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance on the sides of the bike, and at least one foot of clearance at its front and rear, for safe access and operation.
The bike isn’t extremely heavy. With all the parts assembled, it weighs approx. 60 lbs (27 kg). But nonetheless, its front base incorporates transport wheels which facilitate its relocation. Also, its rear base has polygonal caps which can rotate in order to provide a better stability for the unit.
Seat & handlebars
The Efitment RB034 exercise bike is equipped with a pretty standard seat. Its bottom and backrest integrate a thick layer of 
padding and feature a durable vinyl upholstery. They are approx. 14″ (34 cm) at their widest points, providing plenty of contact surface.
The whole seat assembly is attached to an oblique monorail. In case you’re wondering, at its highest point, the bottom of the seat is placed at approx. 17″ (43 cm) above floor level. The adjustment system is lever-based, which means you can easily move it forward or backward while you are seated, simply by pressing and releasing the lever on its right side.
The backrest cannot be adjusted independently from the seat. It doesn’t tilt or move up/down. Since it’s attached directly to the seat frame, it can only move along with the seat on the adjustment rail.
The seat offers plenty of travel on its rail. It can accommodate users with an inseam between 29″ and 34″ (73.6 – 86.3 cm). It’s also durable enough to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
The bike is equipped with two sets of handlebars. One set is attached to the front mast. These have a standard, straight design. The other is attached to the seat assembly. These integrate pulse sensors. Both handlebar sets have rubber-foam grips in order to provide optimal comfort.
Drive & resistance
This Efitment recumbent bike is equipped with an internal belt drive system. This means it provides a very quiet operation.
A belt drive also generates less vibration than a chain, and does not require lubrication.
The weight of the internal flywheel is approx. 6.6 lbs (3 kg). It has a perimeter-weighted structure in order to provide a steady motion and a consistent momentum. It also offers the possibility to pedal in reverse. Therefore, you can diversify your workouts.
The bike’s crankset features solid steel crank arms equipped with nylon pedals. Each pedal has a weight element at the bottom which enables it to turn face-up if you remove your foot from it. Also, the pedals have standard 9/16 threads and adjustable straps.
The Efitment RB034 is equipped with a magnetic resistance system. It integrates a magnetic brake which is attached to the tension knob on the front mast. The brake is mechanical, with manual action, so the bike does not need to be connected to a power circuit.
There are 8 resistance levels on the tension knob. By turning it from left to right, the brake comes closer to the flywheel which increases the internal magnetic field, and this way the bike generates more resistance. As a general idea, the first level of resistance is fairly light, providing little pedaling difficulty. The 7-8 levels aren’t extreme, though. This being said, the bike is made for light to medium intensity workouts.
Exercise meter
The console included with this Efitment exercise bike features an LCD display which tracks time, distance, total distance,
speed, calories, and pulse. The unit is not telemetric. It cannot track your pulse via an ANT or Polar HR chest strap. However, you can still benefit from a pulse reading by using the sensors integrated into the seat handlebars.
The speed and distance are shown in English units (MPH and miles). There is no metric setting.
The console doesn’t have any preset programs, nor it has any online capabilities. However, it does offer goal settings for time, distance, and calories. You can select a value for any of these metrics and it will begin to countdown from the selected value until it reaches zero.
The unit is quite easy to operate. There are three main buttons: SET, MODE, and RESET. The SET button allows you to enter setup mode and select a goal for time, distance, and calories. MODE button toggles ON/OFF the unit’s scan function. The RESET button, as the term suggests, clears all the values to zero.
The unit uses two 1.5V (AA) batteries which are not included. It starts up when you begin to pedal or press a button. It also has a sleep mode to which will enter if there is no activity on the bike for 4 minutes.
A tablet holder is also integrated into the console. This accessory is large enough to accommodate any type of tablet. However, a tablet placed on it will cover the console display.
Assembly & Maintenance
The bike’s base frame with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the base stabilizers, the console mast, the console, the seat, and the pedals. This may take an hour of your time. However, the included booklet provides step-by-step assembly instructions. There’s also a basic toolkit with all the necessary tools for the assembly.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. Basically, you only have to keep the unit clean, keep liquids away from the console, and periodically check for loose or broken parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy, steel frame – 300 lbs capacity
- Adjustable rear stabilizers;
- Transport wheels;
- Step-through frame design for easy access to the seat;
- Seat handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Front handlebars;
- Padded seat and backrest, for optimal comfort;
- Lever-based seat adjustment;
- Quiet magnetic resistance system;
- Adjustable resistance offering distinctive 8 levels;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
- Exercise meter that can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Goal setting functions for time, distance, and calories;
- Tablet holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Lightweight, easy to handle;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little to no maintenance required;
- Decent warranty.
The Cons
- A tablet placed on the tablet holder will cover the console display.
Summary
The Efitment RB034 is a recumbent exercise bike designed for home use. It offers several extra features than most basic bikes, such as a level-adjustment system for the seat, and goal settings for the console. It has a pretty durable construction, being rated for users up to 300 lbs. It’s a great trainer for light to medium intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, and weight loss. It’s also an affordable trainer, currently available for less than $200.