| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Drive system | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Circuit Fitness AMZ-587R Check Discounted Price | L:55" W:24.8" H:48.5" | 300 lbs | Eddy current | Belt | 15 programs, BMI, Recovery |
The Circuit Fitness AMZ-587R is one of the recumbent bikes released in the second part of 2019. In terms of features, it can be compared with the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4880; however, the backrest of its seat is cushioned not mesh type, and its console has a different design. Although it’s not an exercise bike made for commercial use, it does have a pretty robust construction, close at least to light-commercial models.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 55L x 24.8W x 48.5H inches (140L x 63W x 123H cm)
- Shipping weight: 99.2 lbs (45 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Eddy current, 24 levels
- Console: 15 programs, BMI, Recovery
- Extras: USB charging port, sound system, bottle holders, tablet holder
- Warranty: Frame 2 years
Frame construction
The Circuit Fitness AMZ-587R recumbent exercise bike features a heavy-duty frame made of steel tubing. 
It combines rectangular, ovalized and cylindrical tubes in its construction for improved sturdiness and aesthetics. All the steel parts in its construction are coated with a chip-resistant and abrasion-resistant paint finish. Plus, along with the drive and resistance elements, several parts of the frame have ABS covers.
The fully assembled bike is fairly heavy. Its specified shipping weight is 99.2 lbs (45 kg), so its net weight should be at least 90 lbs (40.8 kg). This weight is reflected in its overall stability. Plus, the bike has adjustable and concealed stabilizers on both bases.
Although transporting the boxed bike may require two people, once the unit is fully assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person. Its rear base features a lifting handle, similar to the Harison B8 model, while its front base is equipped with transport wheels.
The bike is not extremely large compared to other fitness machines. But still is 55″ (140 cm) long, and 24.8 (63 cm) wide. Plus, it is recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access.
The bike features a step-through frame design. This being said, taking position on the seat is considerably easier, as you don’t have to step over the front unit of the bike. This can be quite a plus for users with certain disabilities.
Seat and handlebars
The Circuit Fitness AMZ-587R is equipped with a contoured and cushioned seat, designed for improved 
comfort. The seat pad is fairly large; it is approx. 17″ (43 cm) wide and 11″ (28 cm) long, offering a bit of extra contact surface compared to other recumbent bikes. The backrest integrates extra cushioning in the lumbar area in order to deliver a better support. The covers of both the seat and backrest pads are made of durable vinyl material which is also sweatproof.
The seat offers plenty of adjustability. It is attached to a solid rail system and is rated for a user weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg) which is not bad for a home-use recumbent bike. The exact adjustment span of the seat is not specified, but as a general idea, the bike should accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm) with no problem.
It’s important to mention here that the adjustment system of the seat features a lever mechanism. This means you can easily un-lock it, move it into the desired position, and re-lock it while you are seated which is considerably more convenient than in the case of a knob-adjusted seat. It’s also important to mention that the backrest does not recline, nor it adjusts independently from the seat.
The AMZ-587R recumbent bike features two sets of handlebars, one attached directly to the seat frame, the other to the front mast. The seat handlebars are equipped with pulse sensors. The front handlebars come pretty close to the user due to the curvature of the front mast of the bike resulting in a more comfortable positioning. None of the handlebars are adjustable; they seat handlebars attach to the seat frame via bolts, while the front ones are directly welded to the upright mast of the bike.
Resistance and drive
The Circuit Fitness AMZ-587R exercise bike is equipped with an eddy current resistance system. This 
means you have to connect it to a power source to be able to adjust the resistance. Also, the bike’s console has multiple workout programs and adjusts the resistance automatically if you select one of them to train with. A power adapter is included with the bike; it attaches to the main drive unit right above the front base.
The bike’s resistance system uses a magnetic brake and a servo motor. As you adjust the resistance from the console, or the console automatically adjusts the resistance, the servo motor changes the magnets’ pull in relation to the flywheel which results in more or less pedaling difficulty.
The bike makes available 24 levels of resistance. The 1-3 difficulty levels deliver a light resistance, being recommended for exercising heart and lung function. The 4-6 levels are for advanced aerobic exercise and burning calories, the 7-10 levels are great for toning leg muscles and improving strength and stamina, while the 20-24 levels allow you to achieve a higher calorie burn and an increased cardiovascular rate in a shorter period of time.
This Circuit Fitness recumbent bike integrates a balanced flywheel. Its exact weight is not specified, but considering the bike’s weight, it is probably between 15-25 lbs (6.8 – 11.3 kg), in other words, a mid-range flywheel. It is designed to provide a steady pedaling feel and does provide a bit of inertia as well.
The flywheel allows reverse pedaling. Therefore, you can alternate normal pedaling with backpedaling sessions in order to focus more muscle groups. Also, when pedaling in reverse, the console continues to monitor your workout metrics.
The bike’s crankset features heavy-duty steel arms. The pedals are made of durable ABS material. They integrate self-leveling elements and adjustable straps, so you can perfectly secure your feet on them during pedaling. This can be a plus for users with certain disabilities.
Finally, this exercise bike has a belt drive system. This means the bike’s transmission does not require any lubrication. Also, it generates less vibration than a chain drive.
Console
The AMZ-587R recumbent bike comes with a fairly large console that incorporates several other
features besides the workout computer. For example, it has a USB charging port for smart devices, a sound system compatible with MP3 players, and a foldable tablet holder. It has an LCD display that tracks multiple workout metrics including time, distance, RPM, speed, watts, calories, and pulse.
The unit is not telemetric. In other words, it cannot communicate with wireless HR chest strap transmitters. So, for it to track your pulse, you have to hold on to the sensors integrated into the seat handlebars. Also, speed and distance can be shown either in metric or English units.
The console has 15 workout programs. The first one is the Manual mode. This not only allows you to freely adjust the resistance during your workout, it also gives you the possibility to set up workout goals for time, distance, calories, and pulse.
The next 12 workout programs are divided into 3 categories: Beginner, Advanced, and Sporty. Each one has 4 preset programs. Their workout profiles are shown on the console section right above the display.
The 14th and 15th programs are for Cardio and Watts. The Cardio program has 3 preset HRC values (55%, 75%, and 90%), but also gives you the possibility to set a custom HRC value. The Watts program is designed for constant work, great for losing weight and toning muscles.
The console also has a Recovery function and a BMI calculator. Both these functions have their own quick keys on the console. The Recovery function helps you establish your fitness level. It measures the amount of time it takes your pulse to return to normal after the workout and based on it, it will rate your performance between F1 (excellent) and F6 (poor). The BMI function calculates your body fat percentage based on your height, weight, and gender input. This is not bad if you want to keep an eye on your weight loss progress.
The console is very easy to use. As we’ve mentioned above, the Recovery and BMI functions have their own buttons. In order to increase/decrease the resistance, scroll through the programs, or assign goal values, you can use the Up / Down keys. The Enter key fulfills the confirmation function, the Reset key clears all the values on the console to zero, while the Start / Stop key initiates or pauses your workout.
Assembly and Maintenance
The base frame of the bike with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the two base bars, the seat frame, the seat pads, the seat handlebars, the front mast, the console, and the pedals. This may take up to an hour, but the assembly task is far from being too complicated. Plus, the manual offers pretty clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools for the task are included.
All the internal parts are pre-lubricated from the factory and shouldn’t need any maintenance for a long time. Therefore, once the unit is assembled, you only need to check for loose bolts and parts from time to time.
The Pros
- Sturdy, steel frame – 300 lbs capacity;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Lifting handle on the rear base;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both bases;
- Step-through frame design for easy access to the seat;
- Seat handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Cushioned and contoured seat pad and backrest;
- Lever-based rail adjustment system for the seat;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
- Eddy current resistance system;
- 24 resistance levels available;
- Mid-range console with an LCD display which can track time, distance, speed, RPM, Watts, calories, and pulse;
- 15 workout programs;
- Body Fat calculator;
- Recovery function;
- Foldable tablet holder included;
- Sound system included;
- USB charging port included;
- Two bottle holders included;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- The calorie reading is not too accurate;
- The console is not telemetric;
- No online connectivity;
- Water bottle is not included.
Summary
The Circuit Fitness AMZ-587R is a heavy-duty recumbent bike made for home use. It features an eddy current resistance system, superior ergonomics, and a console with 15 workout programs. It’s a mid-range exercise bike, great for recovery training, light to medium-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, interval training, and weight loss. It’s not exactly one of the most affordable recumbent bikes for home use but does offer excellent quality for the price.