| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Drive | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ProForm PFEX11916 Check Discounted Price | L:40.25" W:20.25" H:49" | 250 lbs | Belt | Motorized magnetic, 14 levels | 14 programs, Bluetooth, iFit ready |
The ProForm X-Bike Duo offers quite an impressive range of features for a foldable bike made for home use. To begin with, it can be used both as a recumbent bike and as an upright bike. Also, its resistance system is automatic and the console is programmable, features that not many other exercise bikes of this type have. For reference, this is the ProForm part number PFEX11916.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 40.25L x 20.25W x 49H inches (102L x 51W x 124H cm)
- Assembled weight: 60 lbs (27 kg)
- Supported weight: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Seat: 2-way adjustable
- Pedals: With straps
- Resistance: Eddy current, 14 levels
- Console: 14 programs, iFit Coach ready
- Warranty: Frame 5 years, Parts 90 days
Frame construction
The ProForm X-Bike Duo features an X-type frame, similar to the XTERRA Fitness FB350. The part with the 
seat and the drive system goes through the two parallel bars of the main frame piece. These two frame parts are already connected in the middle. Also, the two parallel bars of the main piece are slightly curved at the top, in order to provide a better positioning for the handlebar.
Needless to say, the bike’s frame is made of steel tubing. It’s a bit heavier than other exercise bikes of this type. It weighs approx. 60 lbs (~27 kg) with the frame fully set up, a weight that adds extra stability. It’s also durable enough to support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg).
The frame offers three main positions. These are recumbent, upright, and folded. With the frame set to the recumbent position, the bike is approx. 48″ (124 cm) long, and 20.25″ (51 cm) wide, while for the upright position, the bike’s length is only 40.25″ (102 cm). Of course, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access.
The rear base tube is equipped with polygonal stabilizers. These can rotate, allowing you to level the unit if the floor is irregular. The caps of the front base rotate as well and can be used as wheels to facilitate the bike’s relocation.
The bike’s frame is coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, with the “ProForm” logo painted white, the only exception being the seat post which has a silver color finish.
Seat and handlebars
The ProForm X-Bike Duo is equipped with a fairly large seat. The seat pad is approx. 13″ (33 cm) wide and
9.5″ (24 cm) deep, while the backrest is approx. 2″ (5 cm) narrower. They both have a thick layer of cushioning and a durable vinyl upholstery.
The seat is only two-way adjustable. Its main post offers 9 adjustment positions. Thus, the bike should accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’3″ (153 – 190 cm). The seat does not recline, but it has an extra pin at the rear which allows you to adjust its angle depending on the position you want to use the bike, recumbent or upright. Also, the backrest is non-adjustable; its backbone is part of the seat assembly.
The bike is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one at the front, the other attached to the seat assembly. They both have rubberized grips, and they’re both non-adjustable. Also, none of them has pulse sensors, but the console does have a Bluetooth pulse reading function.
Resistance and drive
The ProForm X-Bike Duo is equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system. It consists of a magnetic
brake and a servo motor. This means the bike needs to be connected to a power outlet. The resistance can only be adjusted from the console. Also, if a workout program is in use, the bike will auto-adjust the pedal resistance, depending on the segment of the program.
The bike makes available 14 resistance levels. The first level delivers a very light pedaling difficulty which makes the bike great for users who require recovery training, or for elderly users. Conversely, the 14th level of resistance provides quite a bit of extra difficulty, allowing you to burn more calories, improve stamina, or achieve a high BPM in a shorter period of time.
The weight of the internal flywheel is not specified. But considering the overall weight of the bike, it probably doesn’t weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg). It has a balanced structure and provides a very smooth pedaling motion. It is bi-directional, so you can pedal in reverse if you want on this bike. However, it does not have a freewheel, the pedals continue to move for as long as the flywheel is spinning, and you cannot coast on it.
The bike’s drivetrain uses two parallel v-belts. This being said, maintenance is not necessary as it would be the case for a chain drive system. Also, the pedaling motion is very quiet, while vibration during pedaling is zero.
The bike is equipped with a durable crankset. However, since it’s not a spin bike, it is definitely not made for standing up on the pedals. The includes pedals are made of durable ABS material; they feature a textured surface and adjustable straps so you can perfectly secure your feet on them. And finally, they’re weighted, so they always turn face-up if you remove your feet from them.
Console
The bike’s console features an LCD display similar to the one on the ProForm 135 CSX upright bike. However,
it does not have LED backlight. It is divided into three sub-sections. The top section shows speed in revolutions per minute (RPM), the power output in watts, and your heart rate when you use the handlebar sensors. It also shows the resistance level for a few seconds when you change it. The display shows each one of these metrics for several seconds. Also, if you will be using an HR chest strap, the top display will also indicate your pulse.
The middle section shows the distance and time. Both imperial (miles) and metric (kilometers) units are available for distance. And finally, the bottom section shows speed and calories burned. Just as for distance, speed can be set either to metric or imperial units.
The console is iFit ready and has Bluetooth connectivity. This means you can sync it with a tablet that has the iOS or Android iFit App in order to use the extra features offered by it. By using the iFit App, you can track your progress online, compete with other users, or even ride on a virtual trail based on GoogleMaps. Of course, this requires an iFit membership which is not included with the bike.
In case you don’t want to use iFit, or you don’t want to opt for an iFit membership, the console has its own 14 built-in workout programs. These cover a variety of workouts. Some provide an interval layout, others have a “hills” or “peak” layout, while others are great for losing weight.
Assembly and Maintenance
The two main pieces of the frame are already connected at the middle, while the drive and resistance elements are already attached to the bottom part of the seat tube. Therefore, you only need to unfold the frame, add the seat, the handlebars, the console, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 20-30 minutes. A set of basic tools is included with the bike. Also, the manual provides excellent step-by-step assembly instructions and schematics.
Once the bike is fully set-up, its maintenance doesn’t require much. You only need to remove the dust from the frame, keep liquids away from the console, and periodically look for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – can support users up to 250 lbs;
- Foldable, great for a small apartment;
- Can be used as a recumbent bike or as an upright bike;
- Small footprint when fully assembled;
- Transport wheels included;
- Large seat for optimal comfort, offering 2-way adjustability;
- Padded backrest for extra lumbar support;
- Two sets of handlebars, one at the front, one integrated into the seat frame;
- Weighted pedals, with adjustable straps;
- Eddy current resistance with 14 difficulty levels available;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Console can track time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, and pulse;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- 14 preset workout programs;
- Bluetooth enabled and iFit ready;
- Tablet holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Very little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No bottle holder;
- No backlight on the console;
- iFit membership is not included.
Summary
The ProForm X-Bike Duo is a 2-in-1 exercise bike, offering the possibility to be used as a recumbent bike or as an upright bike. It is equipped with an automatic magnetic resistance system with 14 levels, and a Bluetooth console with 14 workout programs. The console is also iFit ready. It’s a trainer designed for light cardio training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. It’s also quite affordable for a programmable exercise bike, offering excellent value for the price.