| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Drive | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Goplus SP35650 Check Discounted Price | L:56.6" W:23.5" H:41" | 220 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Belt | Time, Speed, Distance, ODO, Calories, Pulse, SCAN |
If you’re looking for an affordable recumbent exercise bike, the Goplus SP35650 is definitely one model to put on your list. It’s in the same price range and feature range as the Marcy NS-908R or Sunny SF-RB4601. However, as opposed to these bikes, this Goplus model has adjustable front handlebars and a tablet holder integrated into its exercise meter.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 56.5L x 23.5W x 41H inches (144L x 60W x 104H cm)
- Assembled weight: 57 lbs (25.8 kg)
- Max. user weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Adjustable base length: 41.5 – 50 inches (105 – 127 cm)
- Pedals: With adjustable straps
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Console: Time, distance, speed, calories, odometer, pulse, SCAN, tablet holder
Frame construction
The Goplus SP35650 recumbent bike features a frame construction similar to the Marcy NS-716R. Its made of two main pieces, the front part with the drive system and the rear part with the seat. The frame has an adjustable length. The base of the rear part features several
adjustment positions and actually provides an adjustment span of approx. 8.5″ (22 cm). This being said the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’1″ (153 – 185 cm), allowing a complete leg extension.
Needless to say, the bike’s frame is made of steel tubing. But evidently, since it’s a light exercise bike for home use, it doesn’t have a super weight capacity. The specified maximum user weight for it is 220 lbs (100 kg). The bike’s construction also integrates several plastic parts. However, these only have a protective and cosmetic role; among them, we can count the covers of the flywheel, the adjustment knobs, and the base bar caps.
All the steel parts in this trainer’s construction are coated with a rust-resistant paint. However, it’s a fitness machine for indoor use only. By using it or storing it outside condensation temperature changes may damage some of its parts.
The Goplus SP35650 doesn’t have a folding design. However, it’s far from being a trainer difficult to handle or store. To begin with, it weighs only ~57 lbs (25.8 kg) so it can be assembled with no problem by one person. Also, its front base has a set of transport wheels, so you can easily relocate it once you have finished your workout. The bike’s rear base is equipped with two rotating polygonal caps which serve as stabilizers.
Compared to other recumbent bikes, such as the Body Solid B4R or Kettler GIRO R, this one isn’t extremely large. With the frame extended at maximum, its length is approx. 56.5″ (144 cm), while its widest point is given by the seat handlebars, being approx. 23.5″ (60 cm). Also, its highest point is given by the front handlebars; by adjusting them all the way up, the bike’s height becomes approx. 41″ (104 cm).
Seat and handlebars
As we’ve mentioned above, the seat itself doesn’t have an adjustment system such as for the Body Champ BRB5872. It’s attached directly to the rear part of the frame. However, you can
adjust the whole rear part of the frame including the seat. This way you actually adjust the length of the bike’s base which will place the seat closer or farther in relation the pedals. It can accommodate users up to 6’1″ (185 cm).
The seat and backrest have a contoured surface to adapt perfectly to your body. They both integrate a thick layer of foam padding to provide optimal comfort and lumbar support. In case you’re wondering, the seat is 9.5″ (24 cm) deep and 14″ (35.5) wide, while the backrest is 15.5″ (39 cm) long, and 13″ (33 cm) wide.
This Goplus recumbent exercise bike features two sets of handlebars, one attached to the seat assembly and one to the console mast. The front handlebars are angle-adjustable. This is a feature that many recumbent bikes in this price range don’t have. The rear handlebars are non-adjustable; they’re equipped with EGK sensors so the console can monitor your pulse. Both sets of handlebars feature rubberized grips for extra adherence and comfort.
Drive and resistance
The Goplus SP35650 exercise bike is equipped with a belt drive system using a durable rubber belt. This type of drive has two main advantages. First of all, a belt doesn’t require periodic lubrication, and second of all, the pedaling motion is almost completely silent, which makes it a
great choice for apartment use.
Since it’s a lightweight exercise bike, its flywheel is also not too heavy. Its weight isn’t specified, but as a general idea, recumbent bikes of this caliber are equipped with a light flywheel between 8 and 12 lbs (3.6 – 5.4 kg). The flywheel is balanced and provides a steady and smooth motion.
The crankset is equipped with steel crank arms and weighted pedals. The pedals feature adjustable straps and an adherent surface in order to deliver optimal foot stability during pedaling. They also have standard threads, so you should easily find replacements for them if it’s the case.
The bike’s Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) is quite narrow. This means that your feet are positioned naturally on the pedals, which results in no lateral stress on the knees and ankles during pedaling. This makes the bike a good choice for users that require recovery training due to a joint injury.
The Goplus SP35650 recumbent bike is equipped a magnetic resistance system. The resistance adjustment can only be done manually, by using the dial on the console mast. Also, you don’t have to connect it to a power source. The resistance system consists of a small magnetic brake attached to the tension dial under the console. The dial and the brake pad are connected by a steel wire. Its operation is simple. As you turn the knob, the position of the brake in relation to the internal metallic flywheel will change, resulting in more or less tension.
There are 8 resistance settings (or 8 clicks) marked on the resistance knob. The 1-3 resistance settings offer the possibility to perform light workouts. Conversely, the top 7-8 resistance settings put quite a bit of tension on the pedals, allowing you to undertake more intense workout sessions and break a sweat.
Exercise meter
The Goplus SP35650 recumbent bike features a large LCD display which can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It’s not telemetric, though, so it can only track your heart rate if you hold on the sensors in the seat’s handlebars; it cannot read pulse via
an HR chest strap.
The console is very easy to operate. It has only one MODE) button. By pressing the button you can toggle the unit’s SCAN function On / Off. When the SCAN function is on, the display shows each workout metrics for a few seconds, rotating all of them for the duration of your workout. When you turn the SCAN function off, you can also lock the desired workout metric on the display to view all the time.
The unit is battery-powered, and the batteries are included. It starts up when you begin pedaling, but also has a sleep mode to which will enter after several minutes of inactivity on the bike.
One last aspect to mention here is the tablet holder. The console unit is equipped with a small shelf which can serve as a tablet or phone holder so you can use it or view your favorite online streams while exercising. The console does not have online connectivity, though.
Assembly and Maintenance
The Goplus SP35650 recumbent bike comes partially assembled. The flywheel, magnetic brake and the other parts of the drive and resistance system are already in their places, attached to the front part of the frame. So, all you have to do for the assembly part is attach the console mast, console, and front handlebars, the bike’s bases, put together the seat and finally connect the two main bike parts. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 min. All the assembly instructions are included in the manual.
Since the bike features a magnetic resistance system, there isn’t any maintenance required for the internal parts. So, the only thing to do for this matter is to periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Durable construction;
- Adjustable frame; can accommodate users between 5’0″ – 6’1″;
- Transport wheels;
- Adjustable base stabilizers on the rear base;
- Step-thru frame design;
- Both front and seat handlebars (other recumbent bikes don’t have front handlebars);
- The front handlebars are angle-adjustable;
- Pulse sensors in the seat handlebars;
- Padded seat and backrest, for maximum comfort;
- Quiet magnetic resistance system;
- Adjustable resistance offering distinctive 8 levels;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps and standard threads;
- Fitness meter included;
- Tablet holder included;
- Batteries for the meter are included;
- Easy to assemble and operate;
- Lightweight, easy to handle;
- Little to no maintenance required.
The Cons
- No bottle holder;
- The console display does not have backlight.
Bottom Line
The Goplus SP35650 is a basic recumbent exercise bike meant for home use. It offers 8 levels of manual magnetic resistance and comes with a basic console. It has an adjustable frame, adjustable front handlebars, a foam-padded seat, a wide backrest, and a sturdy frame construction. It’s an exercise bike for beginners, great for light cardio workouts, stamina training, recovery training and weight loss. It’s also one of the most affordable recumbent bikes and does offer excellent value for the price.