| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Exerpeutic 525XLR Check Discounted Price | L:48.5" W:24 H:46" | 400 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Speed, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Pulse, Scan | Frame: 1 year Parts: 90 days |
The Exerpeutic Gold 525XLR is a recumbent bike featuring a similar design and range of features as the ProGear 190 or the Exerpeutic 400XL. However, it has a more solid construction (it’s rated for a user weight capacity of 400 lbs) and a larger seat with more cushioning. For reference, this is the Exerpeutic part number 4153.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 48.5L x 24W x 46H inches (123L x 61W x 117H cm)
- Net weight: 54.7 lbs (24.8 kg)
- Supported weight: 400 lbs (181 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Drive: Dual belt
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Console: Time, distance, speed, odometer, pulse, calories, scan
- Warranty: Frame 1 year / Parts 90 days
Frame construction
The Exerpeutic Gold 525XLR recumbent bike features a heavy-duty construction with a frame 
made of thick steel tubing. Despite the fact that it’s an exercise bike made for home use, it offers a superior weight capacity to most other models in this price range. As we’ve mentioned above, it is rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 400 lbs (181 kg), and users up to 350 lbs (159 kg) have actually reported that it holds them pretty well.
The bike’s frame is coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish; the color used is metallic gray, this being the only color available for it. The only major ABS parts are the covers of the flywheel and resistance elements.
The fully assembled bike isn’t extremely large compared to other recumbent bikes, such as the Fitness Reality X-Class 450SL, for example. It is only 48.5″ (123 cm) long, and 24″ (61 cm) wide. However, in case you’re wondering, this recumbent bike is not meant to be used at a desk. Not only that its front section with the console is approx. 26″ (66 cm) above floor level, you may also hit the top of a desk with your knees when pedaling.
Despite its sturdiness, the bike isn’t extremely heavy. Its net weight is approx. 55 lbs (~25 kg). This being said, it can be transported and assembled by only one person. Plus, once it is assembled, it can easily be rolled away for storage via the small wheels integrated into its rear base bar.
This Exerpeutic exercise bike is also foldable. The rear frame locks into folded or unfolded position via two safety pins. With the frame folded, the bike’s dimensions are: 27″L x 18″W x 48″H (68.5L x 46W x 122H cm).
Seat and handlebars
The Exerpeutic Gold 525XLR exercise bike features a seat that offers considerably more comfort than
the 400XL model. To begin with, the seat pad is larger, approx. 14″W x 9″D (35.5 x 22.8 cm) so it provides more contact surface. Both the seat pad and the backrest integrate a generous layer of cushioning; for the seat pad, it’s actually about 1/2 inch thicker. They also feature a durable vinyl upholstery.
The whole seat assembly is adjustable. Its post has several adjustment positions, so the bike can accommodate users between 5’2″ and 6’5″ (157 – 196 cm). At its lowest setting, it is approx, 25″ (63.5 cm) above floor level and 27.5″ (~70 cm) at its highest setting.
The backrest folds forward when you need to fold the bike. However, it does not recline and does not adjust independently from the seat. Its backbone consists of two steel beams so it provides a firm and healthy lumbar support.
The bike only has one set of handlebars. These are attached to the seat assembly. They have rubberized grips for improved comfort and integrate metallic pulse sensors. The front section of the bike doesn’t have handlebars and a standard handlebar cannot be attached to the bike. Also, the seat handlebars cannot be adjusted independently from the rest seat.
Drive and resistance
First of all, as opposed to many other recumbent bikes in this price and feature range, the Exerpeutic
Gold 525XLR features a dual belt drive system. Due to this fact, the pedaling motion provides more consistency than for a bike with a single belt drive. Also, since the bike uses belts for its transmission, you don’t have to take the protective panels apart for periodic lubrication.
Like most other magnetic recumbent bikes, the Exerpeutic 525XLR has an internal flywheel; it is actually visible through the transparent front cover. Its exact weight is not specified, but considering that the bike only weighs 55 lbs (25 kg), the flywheel probably doesn’t weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg).
The flywheel is bi-directional; differently put, you can pedal in reverse. The manual specifies, though, that you shouldn’t pedal in reverse on this bike. That’s because pedaling in reverse may cause the pedals to unscrew and fall off. However, this can be solved with some threadlocker like Loctite, for example.
This Exerpeutic exercise bike is equipped with a standard manual magnetic resistance system. This being said, you don’t need an adapter for it and you don’t have to connect it to a power source. But on the other hand, the bike cannot adjust the resistance automatically. Also, its console doesn’t have workout programs.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake which is connected to the front tension knob through a steel cable. Therefore, when you turn the knob clockwise, the brake moves closer to the internal flywheel which adds pedaling difficulty.
The bike makes available 8 levels of resistance. The lowest resistance level does provide quite a bit of extra pedal tension compared to other recumbent bikes made for home use, due to the dual belt drive. The 8th tension level adds considerably more tension simulating a steep climb and giving you the possibility to improve muscle strength.
Last but not least, the bike’s crankset is similar to the one of a mountain bike, with thick, and slightly longer crank arms. The pedals are made of durable nylon material; they are self-leveling and are equipped with adjustable straps.
Exercise meter
The Exerpeutic Gold 525XLR recumbent bike includes a basic fitness meter. As opposed to the console
of the 900XL model, this doesn’t have Bluetooth, nor it has goal settings. It features an LCD display that tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It also has an odometer function in order to keep track of the total distance you have pedaled.
The meter unit only has one button (Mode). By pressing this button, you can select and lock on to the particular workout metrics that you want. Also, you can select the Scan Mode which automatically rotates all the workout metrics, showing each one for 4 seconds. The button also has a Reset function. By pressing and holding it down for several seconds, you can clear all the values to zero.
The unit’s pulse reading function only works if you hold on to the integrated sensors. The unit does not integrate an HR receiver so it cannot communicate with any HR chest strap or armband.
The meter unit is battery-powered. It requires two AA batteries which are included. It starts up when you press the button or when you begin pedaling. It also automatically turns off after four minutes of inactivity on the bike to save battery life.
Assembly and Maintenance
The two main sections of the frame are already connected together, and all the drive and resistance elements are already assembled. Therefore, you only have to connect the seat post, the seat, the backrest, the two base bars, connect the tension cable, and the console. This shouldn’t take longer than an hour. The manual offers very clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
Once the bike is assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. The internal parts shouldn’t need any lubrication for a long period of time. So, all you need to do is keep the bike clean and periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Solid frame – can support users up to 400 lbs;
- Transport wheels included;
- Handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Thick cushioning on the seat and backrest;
- Multiple adjustment positions on the seat;
- Adjustable magnetic resistance offering 8 difficulty levels;
- Dual belt drive for extra pedaling resistance;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
- Exercise meter that can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Fairly light, easy to handle;
- Easy to assemble;
- Batteries for the console included;
- Tools for assembly included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the console display;
- No bottle holder;
- No tablet holder;
- No front handlebars.
Summary
The Exerpeutic Gold 525XLR is a recumbent exercise bike made for home use. It offers a superior weight capacity (400 lbs), it’s equipped with a frictionless magnetic resistance system, and has an internal dual belt drive. It also includes a basic fitness meter that can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It’s an excellent bike for light to medium-intensity cardio workouts, leg muscle strength development, and toning, building stamina, and losing weight. It’s also an affordable bike, offering excellent value for the price.