Tunturi E50-R Performance Recumbent Bike

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Resistance	Console	Warranty
Tunturi E50-R Check Discounted Price	L:66" W:25" H:48"	297 lbs	Eddy current, 32 levels	20 programs, Bluetooth	Frame: 15 years Parts: 3 years

The Tunturi E50-R recumbent bike features a design similar to the Tunturi F20-R model that we’ve already covered here. However, it has digital magnetic resistance (not manual) and offers several extra features, such as Bluetooth connectivity and a reclining backrest. It’s not a light-commercial exercise bike, but it’s definitely an excellent machine for home use.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 66L x 25W x 48H inches (168L x 64W x 122H cm)
• Assembled weight: 122 lbs (55.4 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 24.3 lbs (11 kg)
• Weight capacity: 297 lbs (135 kg)
• Seat: Adjustable
• Pedals: Weighted, with straps
• Resistance: Eddy current, 32 levels
• Console: 20 programs, Bluetooth
• Warranty: Frame 15 years, Parts 3 years

Frame construction

The Tunturi E50-R Performance is a fairly large exercise bike. With the frame fully set up, it takes approx. 66″L x 25″W (168 x 64 cm) of floor space. This being said, it is recommended to assign a usage area for it of at least 100″L x 72″W (254 x 183 cm) for ease of access and safe usage.

The bike’s frame is made of steel tubing; it combines polygonal, ovalized, and cylindrical bars in its construction for an aesthetic design and improved sturdiness. The only non-metallic parts are the covers of the resistance system and several other small covers.

Due to the thick steel construction and the rather heavy internal flywheel, this Tunturi exercise bike is not exactly light. With the frame fully assembled, it weighs approx. 122 lbs (55.4 kg). This weight provides a lot of stability, and on top of that, both the bike’s bases are equipped with adjustable levelers.

Despite its weight, the unit is not too difficult to move, once it is fully assembled. Its front base tube features two wheels which facilitate its relocation.

As it can be observed in the attached photos, this recumbent exercise bike features a step-through design. This facilitates entry and exit which can be considerably beneficial to users with certain disabilities or elderly users.

Last but not least, the bike’s frame is fully coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this exercise bike (at least for the moment).

Seat and handlebars

The Tunturi Performance E50-R is equipped with an adjustable seat. It is attached to an oblique rail which has more than 10 adjustment positions. It offers a fairly long adjustment span, so the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’3″ (153 – 190 cm) with no problem. Also, the bike is rated for a user weight capacity of 297 lbs (135 kg), which basically stands for the seat and its base frame.

The backrest is also adjustable. It offers three adjustment positions, and therefore, you can change its angle by a few degrees forward or backward.

The whole seat assembly is designed for superior comfort. Both the backrest and the bottom section integrate a thick layer of foam padding. Their upholstery is made of highly durable vinyl material, and their surface is contoured to provide a bit of breathability.

This Tunturi exercise bike features two sets of handlebars; one is directly welded to the front mast, the other attaches to the seat assembly. The front handlebars have a rather simple design, curved towards the user. Also, due to the mast’s position, using the front handlebars when pedaling doesn’t result in an awkward posture.

The seat handlebars integrate pulse sensors. Therefore, by holding on to them, the console can monitor your pulse. Both sets of handlebars are non-adjustable. They have foam grips in order to provide optimal comfort.

Drive and resistance

The Tunturi E50-R has an internal flywheel which is fairly heavy for a recumbent bike. It weighs approx. 24 lbs (11 kg). It is perimeter-weighted in order to provide a smooth pedaling motion and a more aggressive inertia.

The bike is equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system. Its internal resistance elements are a magnetic brake and a servo motor, while the resistance can only be adjusted from the console. As you select a certain level of resistance from the console, the servo motor will change the position of the brake in relation to the flywheel which will result in more or less pedal tension. The bike must be connected to a power source in order to make available the resistance system. Also, the console can auto-adjust the resistance if certain programs are selected.

This exercise bike offers 32 resistance levels. The first few levels deliver a very light pedal tension; they’re great for anyone who requires recovery training or has joint problems. Conversely, the top resistance levels provide considerably more pedal tension simulating a steep climb, promoting a higher burn and a superior cardio training.

Most exercise bikes that have a magnetic resistance system are equipped with a belt drivetrain. The Tunturi E50-R doesn’t make an exception. Its transmission uses a durable PJ1016-400J poly-V belt. This type of drive system comes with a few advantages. First of all, you don’t have to lubricate it. Second of all, it generates less vibration than a chain, and finally, it promotes an almost completely silent pedaling motion.

The bike’s drivetrain permits reverse pedaling. Therefore, you can put some diversity into your workouts. Also, when pedaling in reverse, the console continues to count your workout metrics.

The bike is equipped with a heavy-duty crank featuring solid steel, chrome-plated crank arms. The pedals are made of a durable nylon material. They have a non-slip surface and weight elements so they always turn upward when you remove your feet from them. They also have adjustable straps.

Console

Since it’s part of the “Performance” series, the Tunturi E50-R is equipped with a Bluetooth capable console. This being said, you can sync it with your tablet or smartphone and take advantage of various online fitness apps such as i-Console+, Fit Hi Way, and Kinomap. Through them, you can track your progress online, or even follow a virtual trail on your device for a more entertaining experience.

The console itself features a 5.5″ LCD display with LED backlight and large digits, offering excellent readability. It tracks all the important workout metrics including time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, watts, and pulse. Speed and distance can be set either in Metric or Imperial units. For pulse reading, you can use the sensors integrated into the seat handlebars, but the console is also telemetric. It can read your pulse via a 5 – 5.4 kHz wireless chest strap. This accessory is not included, though.

There are 20 workout programs available on the console. The first one is the Manual mode, which gives you the possibility to adjust the resistance as you like during pedaling. The next 17 ones are preset. These are 4 Starter programs, 4 Advanced programs, 4 Sporty programs, 4 Heart Rate programs, and 1 Watt program. And finally, the bike offers a Body Fat Index programs and a Recovery program.

Evidently, when some of these programs are in use, the console adjusts the resistance automatically, depending on the segment in use. Also, for the heart rate programs, the console auto-adjusts the resistance depending on your current pulse rate, in order to keep you within the selected pulse interval.

In terms of extras, the console has a tablet holder. It is placed below the console display and can accommodate any smartphone or tablet. The console does not have a sound system, a cooling fan, or a USB charging port for your tablet.

Assembly and Maintenance

All the drive and resistance elements of the bike come pre-assembled and attached to its main frame. The seat rail is also pre-assembled. Therefore, the assembly task only requires you to attach the base bars, the seat, the backrest, the handlebars, the front mast, the console, and the pedals. This may take more than an hour. But on the other hand, the process isn’t too difficult; the manual provides all the necessary instructions and schematics, and all the tools required are included.

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 – 297 lbs capacity
• Adjustable, rubberized stabilizers on both bases;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Step-through frame design for easy access to the seat;
• Seat handlebars with pulse sensors;
• Front handlebars included;
• Cushioned and contoured seat;
• Multiple adjustment positions for the seat;
• Adjustable backrest (3 positions);
• Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
• Fairly heavy flywheel – 24 lbs;
• Eddy current resistance system with 32 tension levels available;
• Multi-window LCD display console that tracks time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, watts, and pulse;
• 20 workout programs available;
• Bluetooth connectivity; 
• Compatible with the i-Console+, Fit Hi Way, and Kinomap apps;
• Tablet holder included;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Decent warranty.

The Cons

• No USB port;
• An HR chest strap is not included;
• A tablet placed on the media holder will cover the console display.

Summary

The Tunturi E50-R Performance is a mid-range recumbent bike featuring an eddy current resistance system with 32 levels and a Bluetooth console with 20 workout programs, which is compatible with the i-Console+, Fit Hi Way, and Kinomap apps. Its seat offers superior micro-adjustability including 3 reclining positions for the backrest. It’s a fairly sturdy bike, great for light to mid-range cardio workouts, intervals, recovery training, boosting stamina, and losing weight. And finally, it’s not one of the most affordable recumbent exercise bikes, but definitely offers excellent value for the price.