Fitness Reality R4000 Magnetic Recumbent Bike

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Resistance	Console	Warranty
Fitness Reality R4000 Check Discounted Price	L:49" W:22" H:43"	250 lbs	Magnetic, 14 levels	Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, RPM, ODO, Goal functions	1 year limited

The Fitness Reality R4000 recumbent bike is in the same range of specs as the ProGear 555LXT model. It’s a rather basic bike, but so far it has received a large number of positive reviews. This being said, it offers excellent quality and durability for the price. So, if you’re looking for an affordable recumbent bike, this is definitely one to put on your list.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 49L x 22W x 43H inches (124L x 56W x 109H cm)
• Assembled weight: 60 lbs (27.2 kg)
• Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
• Seat: Adjustable
• Pedals: With straps
• Drive: Belt
• Resistance: Magnetic, 14 levels
• Performance monitor: Time, distance, speed, calories, RPM, odometer, goal functions
• Amenities: Tablet holder, bottle holder
• Warranty: 1 year limited

Frame construction

To begin with, the Fitness Reality R4000 features a one-piece base frame, unlike the Marcy NS-908R or the Body Champ BRB6285 which are divided into two main pieces. The base frame of the seat is also directly welded to the main chassis. This results in a sturdier construction. However, the console mast and the base tubes still have to be attached to the main frame by bolts.

Needless to say, most of the bike’s frame is made of steel tubing. The only plastic parts in its construction are the covers of the resistance and drive elements and the caps of the base bars. All the steel tubes are powder coated with a corrosion-resistant and scratch-resistant powder finish, silver in color.

The frame features a step-through design. Although this may seem like an insignificant feature, it’s quite a plus for users with disabilities as it facilitates entry and exit.

In terms of stability, there are several pluses with regards to the Fitness Reality R4000 recumbent bike. First of all, the rear base is equipped with rotating, polygonal caps which act as stabilizers. The main longitudinal tube of the frame is also equipped with a small, adjustable and rubberized stabilizer which is also an element that plays an important role in the bike’s stability.

The bike isn’t extremely heavy. With the frame completely assembled, it weighs approx. 60 lbs (27.2 kg). Therefore, transport and assembly shouldn’t be a problem. But nonetheless, the front base tube is equipped with transport wheels which facilitate its relocation.

Finally, the bike isn’t extremely large, compared to other models, such as the LifeSpan R3i. It’s only 49″ (124 cm) long, and 22″ (56 cm) wide, so it doesn’t take a lot of space. But for safe and unhindered operation, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it.

Seat and handlebars

The Fitness Reality R4000 recumbent exercise bike is equipped with an adjustable seat. The seat offers an adjustment span of several inches and can accommodate users between 5’0 and 6’3″ (152 – 190 cm). If you’re taller, you should still be able to use the bike, but you may not benefit from a complete leg extension.

The seat offers excellent comfort for a bike in this price range. To begin with, it’s 16″ (40.6 cm) wide, and 12″ (30.4 cm) deep, offering plenty of space for users of many sizes. The dimensions of the backrest are not specified, but it’s fairly long and set at a comfortable angle, in order to deliver the best lumbar support.

The backrest cannot be adjusted independently from the seat. It’s connected to the same frame and will move along the oblique adjustment bar along with the seat. The same goes for the handlebars, which are directly attached to the seat frame.

Both the seat and the backrest feature a double-stitched, durable and moisture-proof upholstery. They’re padded with a thick layer of foam material, delivering excellent comfort.

One last aspect with regards to the seat is weight capacity. It can support users up to 250 lbs (113.3 kg), which is not bad for an exercise bike of this caliber.

An aspect that can be considered a minus for this Fitness Reality exercise bike is the lack of handlebars on the console mast. Even though for the most workouts you may be using the handlebars attached to the seat, having a set of handlebars at the front can diversify your workout possibilities.

The handlebars attached to the seat assembly are simple. They don’t integrate pulse sensors. In fact, this bike does not have a pulse reading function, this being one of the main reasons it is inexpensive. The handlebars are covered by a layer of rubber foam material, in order to deliver a secure and comfortable grip.

Drive and resistance

This Fitness Reality recumbent exercise bike is equipped with a belt drive system which uses a heavy-duty, stretch-resistant, poly-v belt. This results in a very quiet operation for the bike. Also, since it’s belt-driven and not chain-driven, it doesn’t require lubrication.

The bike is equipped with a small flywheel. Its weight is not specified but considering that the overall weight of the bike is approx. 60 lbs (27.2 kg), the flywheels should be somewhat between 8-12 lbs (3.6-5.6 kg). In other words, it’s heavy enough to provide a decent momentum; it’s also perimeter weighted, so the pedaling motion is smooth, without any jerks.

The bike uses a 3-piece crank, with a large pulley (larger in diameter than the flywheel), and two steel crank arms. The pedals supplied with the bike are weighted; they feature a metallic core with a PVC shell, that has a lugged surface, in order to provide optimal adherence. Each pedal is equipped with an adjustable strap, offering the possibility to secure your feet on the pedals when exercising.

The Fitness Reality R4000 features a manual magnetic resistance system. This means you don’t have to connect it to a power source in order to be able to adjust its resistance.

The resistance system consists of a small magnetic brake attached to the tension dial on the console mast through a steel wire. As you turn the dial clockwise, the brake element will come closer to the flywheel and generate more resistance.

The bike offers 14 distinctive levels of resistance. The first 1-3 resistance settings offer a light pedal tension, great for users with disabilities or recovering from injuries. The 12-14 levels of resistance offer considerably more resistance, and the possibility to burn more calories in a shorter period of time. But as a general idea, this exercise bike is for light to medium workouts, and not for extreme cardio training.

Exercise meter

The first aspect to mention here is that the bike’s console doesn’t play any role in its resistance adjustment since the bike has a manual magnetic tension system. It’s equipped with a fairly large LCD display, which shows several workout metrics, including time, distance, total distance (odometer), speed, calories, and RPM. Speed and distance are calculated only in MPH and miles; the unit doesn’t offer the possibility to switch to metric units.

As we’ve mentioned above, this exercise bike doesn’t have pulse reading feature. The seat handlebars do not have pulse sensors, and the console cannot read pulse. Therefore, if you want to monitor your heart rate during your workouts, you will have to use a separate device. Also, since the unit doesn’t offer the possibility to input personal data, such as weight, age or gender, the calories reading isn’t extremely accurate.

The console doesn’t have any preset programs, online connectivity, nor it has a recovery function. It does allow you, though, to set up countdown targets for distance, time, and calories.

The bike’s meter unit is quite easy to operate. It has three buttons, MODE, SET, RESET. The MODE button allows you to scroll through the console values and select the desired one to be shown on the display. However, you can also select a SCAN function which rotates all the workout statistics, showing each one for 4 seconds. The SET button allows you to set a target goal for time, distance and calories, while the RESET button, as the term suggests, gives you the possibility to reset all the workout values to zero.

The meter unit uses 2 AAA batteries which are included with the bike. It has a sleep mode to which will enter after 4 minutes of inactivity on the bike, to save battery life. To turn on the console you can either press one of the buttons or begin pedaling.

One last aspect to mention here regards the tablet holder. The console integrates a small shelf which can serve as support for your tablet or smartphone.

Assembly and Maintenance

The bike’s “problematic” parts are pre-assembled. In other words, the drive and resistance elements are already assembled, with the covers already in place, attached to the main frame. Therefore, you only have to attach the console mast, the console, the seat, the backrest, the handlebars, the pedals and the base bars. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. All the tools needed for the assembly are included. Also, the manual provides very clear assembly instructions, so you shouldn’t need professional assembly for it.

The bike’s maintenance doesn’t require much. All you have to do is keep the bike dust-free, periodically check the integrity of its main parts, check for loose bolts, and make sure to keep any liquids from the console.

The Pros

• Solid frame for a light recumbent bike – can support users up to 250 lbs;
• Adjustable stabilizers;
• Transport wheels;
• Adjustable seat position, for users between 5″ – 6’3″ ;
• Padded seat and backrest, providing excellent comfort;
• Durable, moisture-proof upholstery;
• Quiet magnetic brake system;
• 14 levels of magnetic resistance;
• Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
• Exercise meter that tracks speed, distance, time, RPM and calories burned;
• SCAN, odometer and goal setting functions; 
• Tablet holder included;
• Bottle holder included;
• Easy to assemble and operate;
• Lightweight, easy to handle;
• Little to no maintenance required.

The Cons

• No handlebars on the console mast;
• No pulse reading function;
• A tablet placed on the tablet holder may cover the console display;
• The meter display doesn’t have backlight.

Bottom Line

The Fitness Reality R4000 is a recumbent exercise bike with manual magnetic resistance, offering 14 distinctive tension levels. It features a sturdy construction with a weight capacity of 250 lbs. It’s also equipped with a fitness meter with goal setting functions, which can track time, distance, total distance, calories, and RPM. It’s an excellent exercise bike for light to medium cardio training, recovery training, muscle toning, endurance development and weight loss. And finally, it’s quite an affordable exercise bike, currently available for less than $200; therefore, it offers excellent value for the price.