| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XTERRA SB4500 Check Discounted Price | L:58.5" W:25.6" H:45.9" | 265 lbs | 22 lbs | Motorized magnetic, 24 levels | 8 pre-set programs, 3 target programs, Bluetooth |
The XTERRA SB4500 is one of the recumbent bikes released by XTERRA Fitness in the second part of 2020. Although it’s an exercise bike made for home use, it has a construction and range of features pretty close at least to a light-commercial model. It also comes with a Bluetooth console and is compatible with various fitness apps.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 58.5L x 25.6W x 45.9H inches (149L x 65W x 117H cm)
- Assembled weight: 107.1 lbs (48.5 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 22 lbs (10 kg)
- Weight capacity: 265 lbs (120 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable, 10 levels
- Resistance: Motorized magnetic, 24 levels
- Console: 8 programs, goal settings, Bluetooth connectivity, compatible with FTMS apps
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame & brake lifetime / Parts 3 years / Labor 1 year
Frame construction
The XTERRA Fitness SB4500 features a frame made of steel tubing. It combines rectangular and oval tubes in
its construction for improved sturdiness, stability, and aesthetics. All the steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The tubes of the main frame are metallic light gray while the base bars and the backbone of the seat are painted black. The adjustment rail of the seat is made of stainless steel.
Of course, the bike also integrates several plastic parts. The most notable ones are the drive system guards, the base seat guards, and the console casing. These are made from a durable ABS polymer, featuring a blue & black theme color for a great aesthetic touch.
The XTERRA SB4500 is a medium-size recumbent bike. It is approx. 58.5″ (149 cm) long, and 25.6″ (65 cm) wide, while its highest point is the top of the console which reaches approx. 45.9″ (117 cm) above the floor level. It is also recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the bike for easy access and correct usage.
The bike is also pretty heavy. Its net weight is 107.1 lbs (48.5 kg). Therefore, the packaged unit may require two people. Also, unlike many other exercise bikes, this one does not have transport wheels and may be a bit difficult to lift and relocate once it is assembled.
The bike has a step-through design. This can be quite a plus for users with certain disabilities as it makes entry and exit considerably easier. Also, both its base bars are equipped with adjustable levelers.
Seat and handlebars
The XTERRA Fitness SB4500 is equipped with a seat designed for superior comfort. Both the backrest pad 
and the bottom pad integrate a generous layer of foam cushioning. They’re both contoured for improved positioning. Also, they have durable double-stitched covers made from vinyl material which is also moisture-proof.
The whole seat assembly is adjustable. Its rail offers 10 adjustment positions. This being said, the applicable inseam range for this recumbent bike is 25.6″ – 36.4″ (65 – 92 cm). In other words, the bike should accommodate with no problem, users between 5’0″ and 6’4″ (153 – 193 cm). It is also rated for a maximum user weight limit of 265 lbs (120 kg).
It’s important to mention, though, that the backrest does not have a reclining function as is the case for other recumbent bikes, such as the Teeter FreeStep model. It attaches directly to the backbone of the seat and you cannot adjust it independently from the rest of the seat.
The bike is equipped with two sets of handlebars. One attaches to the seat assembly, the other to the front mast of the bike. The seat handlebars are equipped with pulse sensors. Both handlebars feature PVC foam sleeves for improved and comfortable contact. None of the handlebars are adjustable.
Resistance system
The XTERRA SB4500 is equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system. This means that you will
need to connect it to a power source in order to start the console and to adjust the resistance. It also means that the console can adjust the resistance automatically, depending on the selected program. An adapter with power cord is included with the bike.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake integrated into the flywheel system and a servo motor. The motor mediates the console and the brake. Thus, when you adjust the resistance, or when the console automatically makes adjustments, the magnets’ pull on the flywheel changes which increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty.
The resistance system makes available 24 settings. The lowest setting delivers a fairly light pedaling difficulty, great for muscle toning, recovery training, or a workout warm-up. Conversely, the 24th resistance setting provides quite a challenge even for the most seasoned cyclist.
The bike’s magnetic resistance system comes with two main advantages. One, the magnets do not touch the flywheel and there is no friction. Thus, the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet. Two, you don’t have to worry about brake lubrication or brake pad replacement, as it would be the case for a friction-type brake.
Drive system
The XTERRA SB4500 recumbent bike is equipped with a 22 lbs (10 kg) flywheel. This type of construction is meant to provide superior inertia and a consistent momentum. Thus, the pedaling motion is very smooth, with a very low impact on your joints.
The flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, you can pedal in reverse on this bike. This way, you can alternate forward pedaling sessions with reverse pedaling sessions to involve more muscle groups. Coasting on the bike is not possible, though. The pedals continue to spin for as long as the internal flywheel is spinning.
The bike is equipped with a belt drive system. It uses a poly-v belt designed for superior traction. As opposed to a chain drive, you don’t have to lubricate the belt. It also delivers slightly less vibration than a chain.
The bike is equipped with a durable crankset. It features long and flat crank arms similar to road bikes. They’re made of steel and have a chrome finish. The included pedals are made from a durable thermoplastic material and have a metallic core. They feature a textured surface and adjustable straps for maximum foot stability. They also have a weighted design; in other words, they always self-level when you remove your feet from them.
Console
The XTERRA Fitness SB4500 exercise bike is equipped with a console similar up to a point to the one included 
with the Bowflex C7 bike. It features a 7-inch LCD display with LED backlight and touchscreen technology. It tracks time, speed, distance, RPM, calories, and pulse. It also indicates the selected resistance level.
Speed and distance can be set either to English or metric units. For the pulse reading, you can either hold on to the sensors integrated into the seat handlebars or wear a Bluetooth heart rate chest strap. This accessory is not included, though.
The console has 8 pre-set programs, 3 target programs, and the manual mode. The pre-set programs have different segment layouts in order to target different workouts. They are P1-WeightLoss, P2-Climb, P3-Intervals, P4-RollingHills, P5-WarmUp, P6-BeachSport, P7-FatBurn, and P8-HorseRace. The target programs allow you to set workout goals for time, distance, and calories. If a target is selected for any of these metrics, the console will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero. And finally, the Manual Mode allows you to just pedal adjusting the resistance as you like throughout the workout.
The console also has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with various FTMS-enabled apps. Some of the most popular apps are Zwift and Kinomap. These offer various extra features such as virtual cycling classes, riding on virtual trails, games, and online progress tracking. The console has its own workout summary function as well.
Last but not least, the console also integrates a device holder and has a USB charging port. The device holder is at the top of the unit; it offers the possibility to put your tablet or phone on it. The USB port is on the right bottom corner of the unit; it’s only for charging your unit. It does not allow data transfer.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s drive and resistance unit comes pre-assembled, attached to the front section of the frame. The rest of the parts require user assembly. You will have to connect the front base stabilizer, the rear base stabilizer, connect the two main frame pieces together, add the console mast, the console, the seat, the handlebars, and the pedals. This may take more than an hour of your time, but the process is not too complicated. Plus, the manual provides step-by-step assembly instruction with attached schematics 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 do not require lubrication. You only have to keep the bike clean and periodically check for loose bolts.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 265 lbs;
- Aesthetic design;
- Large, cushioned, and contoured seat with 10 levels of adjustment;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the seat handlebars;
- Weighted pedals, with adjustable straps for extra stability;
- Motorized magnetic resistance – 24 levels;
- Multi-function console with a 7-inch touchscreen display;
- 8 pre-set programs;
- 3 target programs for time, distance, and calories burned;
- Bluetooth connectivity – compatible with FTMS-enabled apps such as Zwift, Kinomap, and more;
- Workout summary function;
- Bluetooth pulse reading function;
- USB charging port;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the necessary assembly tools are included;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No transport wheels;
- HR chest strap is not included.
Summary
The XTERRA Fitness SB4500 is a recumbent bike made for home use. It features a 24-level motorized magnetic resistance system, a 22-lb. internal flywheel, and a comfortable seat with 10 adjustment positions. It also has a 7-inch touchscreen display console with Bluetooth connectivity, compatible with apps like Zwift and Kinomap. It’s a great exercise bike for light to medium-intensity workouts, muscle toning, weight loss, recovery training, and stamina development.