| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Horizon Comfort R Check Discounted Price | L:65" W:26" H:53" | 350 lbs | 15.4 lbs | Eddy current, 16 levels | 10 programs |
Although the Horizon Comfort R is not a commercial recumbent bike, it definitely does have a construction and range of features comparable at least to the light-commercial models. Not only that it has an impressive weight capacity of 350 lbs (158 kg), it also excels in comfort factors and provides a decent range of exercise programs. For reference, this is the Horizon Fitness bike part number HRB0092-01.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 65L x 26W x 53H inches (165L x 66W x 135H cm)
- Assembled weight: 99 lbs (45 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 15.4 lbs (7 kg)
- Supported weight: 350 lbs (158 kg)
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Eddy current, 16 levels
- Console: 10 programs
- Extras: Bottle holder, sound system
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 1 year / Labor 1 year
Frame construction
The Horizon Fitness Comfort R recumbent bike features a heavy-duty steel frame, 
combining ovalized and cylindrical tubes in its construction for improved aesthetics. All the steel parts in its construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish, black in color. The only exception is the seat rail which has a chrome finish. On top of that, most of the frame also has ABS covers which not only improve the aspect of the bike, they add protection to the overall finish.
The bike has a step-through design. This can be quite a plus for users with certain disabilities. Other recumbent bikes, such as the 3G Cardio Elite don’t offer this feature.
The bike’s main frame is a one-piece element which is reflected in its overall sturdiness. Also, the seat base consists of two sustaining steel bars set in an “X” manner. This definitely improves the seat’s durability resulting in a superior user weight capacity of 350 lbs (158 kg).
Compared to other recumbent bikes, the Horizon Comfort R is a fairly large unit. It is approx. 65″ (165 cm) long, and 26″ (66 cm) wide. Plus, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for safe usage and ease of access. So, as a small conclusion here, the bike won’t fit too well in a small room.
The fully assembled bike is considerably heavy as well. It weighs approx. 99 lbs (45 kg) which is more than twice the weight of the average mountain bike. Therefore, its transport and assembly require two people. However, once it is assembled, the bike can easily be moved by using the two transport wheels integrated into its front base bar, and the lifting handle at the rear base bar.
The bike’s weight also plays an important role in its overall stability. Plus, both its base bars feature adjustable levelers which allow you to perfectly level it on any type of floor. This being said, you can be sure that the bike won’t rock or move even if you engage in a more intense workout.
Seat and handlebars
The Horizon Fitness Comfort R exercise bike is equipped with an adjustable seat. The seat is
attached to a rail system and can be moved closer or farther from the pedals. The adjustment system consists of a lever placed under the seat, on the right side. This allows you to easily unlock and re-lock the seat in the desired position. It also offers the possibility to adjust the position of the seat while you are seated.
The seat adjustment rail is fairly long. Its exact length is not specified, but as a general idea, the bike can accommodate with no problem, users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm). It is also important to mention here that the backrest does not adjust independently from the seat. It doesn’t have a reclining system. It attaches directly to the backbone of the seat frame and only moves along with the rest of the seat on the bottom adjustment rail.
The seat pad and the backrest are generously padded with high-density foam. The seat pad is fairly wide, approx. 12″ (31 cm), offering plenty of contact support. Also, the backrest has lumbar support contouring which results in extra comfort. Also, their top covers are made of thick and durable vinyl material designed to last a lifetime.
The bike is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one attached to the front upright bar of the bike, the other to the seat frame. The front handlebars have a multi-grip design; their main grips are curved upward featuring a converging design in order to provide a more comfortable positioning for the hands.
The seat handlebars are directly connected to the rest of the seat frame. They integrate pulse sensors and the console can monitor your pulse if you hold on to them. Both handlebar sets are non-adjustable. Also, they both have rubberized grips for superior comfort.
Resistance and drive
The Horizon Fitness Comfort R recumbent bike features an automatic magnetic 
resistance system or an eddy current brake. This means the bike requires an external power source (an adapter is included with it). It also means that the console can adjust the pedal resistance automatically.
The bike’s resistance system consists of an internal magnetic brake and a servo motor. As you adjust the resistance, the motor changes the pull of the magnetic brake which results in more or less resistance. Needless to say, one of the major pluses of a magnetic brake is the fact that the resistance elements do not touch. This leads to a very smooth and quiet pedaling motion.
Similar to the Gold’s Gym 400R bike, the Horizon Comfort R offers 16 levels of resistance. The first few resistance settings offer a light pedal tension which can be great for users with certain disabilities, or for recovery training. Conversely, the 15-16 levels add a considerably higher pedaling difficulty, great for anyone who wants to improve stamina or benefit from a more consistent cardiovascular training.
The bike is equipped with a 15.4 lbs (7 kg) flywheel. Most of its weight is distributed into its perimeter for extra inertia. Therefore, the pedaling motion is pretty consistent even when using lighter tension levels. The flywheel allows reverse pedaling. However, coasting on the bike as it is the case for road bikes, is not possible. The pedals continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning.
The crankset features heavy-duty steel crank arms. The pedals are made of durable ABS material. They have a self-leveling design and adjustable straps. The connection between the crank wheel and the flywheel is made by a durable poly-v belt. This means the bike’s transmission does not require any lubrication. Also, it generates less vibration than a chain drive.
Console
This Horizon Fitness exercise bike is equipped with a mid-range console. It features a
5.5″ LCD display without backlight. It tracks time, distance, speed, RPM, watts, calories burned, and pulse. It also indicates the selected difficulty level and the profiles of the program in use.
The console is not telemetric. This means it cannot read your pulse through a wireless HR chest belt or armband. It can only read your pulse if you hold on to the sensors integrated into the seat handlebars. Also, speed and distance are shown in MPH and miles; it cannot be set to metric units.
The console does not connect online and it is not compatible with any fitness apps. However, it does offer 10 programs (some of them with multiple levels) to keep you entertained and motivated. These are Manual, Intervals, Game, Weight Loss, Rolling, Cadence, Random, Constant Watts, Heart Rate, and Custom.
The Manual program gives you the possibility to adjust the resistance as you like during your workout. You can also set a time goal for it. The Intervals program promotes weight loss by increasing and decreasing the resistance while keeping you in the fat burning zone. It has 16 levels.
The Game program is RPM-based. It simulates a racing game where you must pedal faster or slower in order to steer a car to avoid obstacles. It has 3 levels of difficulty. The Weight Loss program focuses on burning as many calories as possible. Just as the Interval program, it has 16 levels. The Rolling Hills program simulates a ride on terrain with ups and downs, gradually increasing and decreasing the resistance. It has 14 levels.
The Cadence program is designed to help you improve your cadence comfort. It’s basically an Interval program as well, but with different intervals than the first one. It also has 16 levels. The Random program, as its name suggests, generates a random profile setup for each workout. The Watts program gives you the possibility to select a Watts output and you have to keep that level for your whole workout.
The Heart Rate program takes into consideration your BPM and depending on the selected value, it will increase or decrease the resistance in order to keep you within the selected BPM range. And finally, the Custom program gives you the possibility to design your own program with 15 different segments.
Two other notable features with regards to the bike’s console are the sound system and the tablet holder. The sound system consists of two speakers integrated at the bottom of the console. An audio jack port gives you the possibility to connect your smartphone, MP3 player, or tablet to the console in order to listen to your music through the integrated speakers. The tablet holder is placed right above the unit’s speakers. It consists of a small shelf that can host your smartphone or tablet.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the bike comes pre-assembled. However, you still have to attach the two base bars, the console mast, the bottle holder, the console, the seat frame, the seat pad, the backrest pad, and the pedals. This may take more than an hour of your time. However, the manual provides very clear assembly instructions and schematics. Also, all the tools necessary for this task are included.
Once the bike is assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. All you have to do is periodically check for loose parts and keep the unit clean.
The Pros
- Sturdy, steel frame – 350 lbs capacity;
- Aesthetic design;
- Adjustable 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;
- Superior lumbar support;
- Multiple adjustment positions for the seat;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
- Eddy current resistance system with 16 tension levels available;
- Multi-window LCD display with LED backlight that tracks time, distance, speed, RPM, watts, calories, and pulse;
- 10 programs with multiple difficulty levels;
- Sound system included;
- Tablet holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No backlight on the console display;
- No online connectivity.
Summary
The Horizon Fitness Comfort R is a heavy-duty recumbent bike made for home use. It features an eddy current resistance system with 16 difficulty levels, superior micro-adjustability, excellent comfort, and a console with multiple workout programs. It also has an impressive weight capacity of 350 lbs. It’s a great bike for users of all levels, for light to medium-intensity workouts, interval training, muscle toning, building stamina, and losing weight.