| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spirit XBR95 Check Discounted Price | L:57" W:30" H:50" | 350 lbs | 30 lbs | Self-powered, Eddy current, 40 levels | 12 programs |
The Spirit Fitness XBR95 has a similar design and construction as the Spirit XBR55 that we’ve already reviewed here. However, it’s a self-powered exercise bike (does not need a power cord), has a heavier internal flywheel, and offers two extra workout programs. But on the other hand, this particular model does not have Bluetooth connectivity and does not connect to the Spirit Fitness app.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 57L x 30W x 50H inches (145L x 76W x 127H cm)
- Assembled weight: 147 lbs (67 kg)
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs (159 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 30 lbs (13.6 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Backrest: Mesh, reclining
- Resistance: Eddy current, self-powered, 40 levels
- Console: 12 programs
- Extras: Bottle holder, device holder, sound system, cooling fan
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Brake lifetime / Parts 10 years / Labor 1 year
Frame construction
The Spirit Fitness XBR95 is a commercial-grade recumbent bike so it features a heavy-duty construction. Its frame
is made of durable steel tubing. The only exception is the seat adjustment rail which is made of extruded aluminum. The steel parts are double-coated with a rust-resistant and scratch-resistant paint finish. The color used is gray, this being the only color available for this bike, at least for the moment.
The XBR95 bike also integrates several plastic parts. However, their role is purely protective or cosmetic. The most notable ones are the seat base guards, the drive and resistance system guards, the base frame guards, and the console casing.
The bike has a step-through design. This is great especially for users with certain disabilities as it allows an easy entry and exit. Not all recumbent bikes have this feature, so it’s quite a plus.
The fully assembled bike is fairly large. It is approx. 57″ (145 cm) long, and 30″ (76 cm) wide. Plus, it is recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance all around it, for easy access and safe usage. The highest point of the bike is the top of the backrest. This reaches approx. 50″ (127 cm) above the floor level.
The bike is also pretty heavy. Its net weight is 147 lbs (67 kg). This being said, the transport of the packaged unit requires two people. But once the bike is assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person. That’s because its front base features a set of wheels. Also, both its base stabilizers have adjustable levelers with large rubber pads.
Seat and handlebars
The Spirit Fitness XBR95 is equipped with a high-comfort seat. First of all, the seat pad is fairly large so it provides
plenty of contact surface. It integrates a thick layer of foam cushioning and is slightly contoured for improved comfort. Its top is made of durable vinyl material which is very easy to maintain and also sweatproof.
The backrest has a different design than most other recumbent bikes. Its frame is metallic, while its cover combines vinyl, synthetic mesh, and adjustable buckle straps. The vinyl sections are meant to improve the positioning of the backrest cover on its frame, the mesh center area gives it a good flex, and the buckle straps on the back improve its structural sturdiness.
The bike’s seat is attached to an adjustment rail made of extruded aluminum. It offers 14 adjustment positions and it’s meant to accommodated users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm). The adjustment system uses a lever lock which allows you to change the position of the seat without standing up from it. Both the seat and the backrest are rated for a maximum user weight limit of 350 lbs (159 kg).
The backrest has an adjustment system as well. It offers reclining possibilities. It has a hydraulic cylinder at the base connected to a separate lever from the seat adjustment lever. This allows you to adjust its angle. This feature is quite a plus; most exercise bikes made for home use don’t have it.
The Spirit Fitness XBR95 features two sets of handlebars, one is attached to the seat assembly, the other one to the front mast of the bike. The seat handlebars integrate pulse sensors and resistance controls. The front handlebars don’t have any controls or pulse sensors. They are attached directly to the upright bar via screws so they are non-adjustable. They feature PVC foam sleeves for improved comfort.
Resistance system
As opposed to the other two Spirit Fitness XBR recumbent bikes, the Spirit XBR95 has a self-powered eddy
current resistance system, similar to the LifeSpan R5i bike. This means that you don’t need a power cord or adapter for it as it has its own internal power generator. This generator turns the kinetic energy created by your pedaling into the power necessary to activate the bike’s resistance system and power up the console.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake and a servo motor. The motor puts the bike’s console in connection with the brake. Therefore, when you adjust the resistance, or when the console adjusts the resistance automatically, the motor changes the magnets’ pull on the flywheel which results in more or less pedaling resistance.
Needless to say, the magnetic resistance is a big plus for any exercise bike or elliptical trainer. That’s because the magnets don’t touch the flywheel or the other internal parts. Therefore, there is no friction and no wear-and-tear for the brake elements, while the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet. On top of that, the self-generating power system allows you to use this bike off-grid, even when there’s a power outage.
The bike makes available 40 levels of resistance, delivering superior micro-adjustability. The lowest levels of resistance offer a fairly light pedaling difficulty, great for users who require recovery training. Conversely, the highest tension levels provide considerably more resistance, simulating a hill climb, great for strength and stamina development.
Drive system
The Spirit Fitness XBR95 recumbent exercise bike is equipped with a heavier flywheel than most recumbent
bikes. It weighs 30 lbs (13.6 kg) so it provides a consistent pedaling motion. It also has a perimeter-weighted design for improved inertia.
The bike’s flywheel is bi-directional. This means you can pedal in reverse as well. When pedaling in reverse, the generator continues to produce the power necessary for the resistance system, and the console keeps on tracking your workout data. Coasting is not possible on the bike; the internal flywheel will stop from spinning when you stop pedaling.
The Spirit XBR95 exercise bike is equipped with a belt drive system. It uses a poly-v belt highly resistant to abrasion and stretching. Needless to say, the belt and the pulley are concealed by the front ABS guards. There are two main advantages to the belt drive over a chain drive. One, the belt does not require lubrication, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of removing the front guards, pedals, etc, apply lubricant, and then re-assemble those parts. And two, the belt generates slightly less vibration than a chain.
The bike features a pretty narrow Q Factor (spacing between the pedals). Due to this fact, the positioning of your feet on the pedals is pretty natural and comfortable, while the pedaling motion does not generate lateral stress on the knees and ankles. The pedals have weight elements so they always self-level when you remove your feet from them. They also have adjustable straps.
Console
The Spirit Fitness XBR95 has a multi-function console. However, it’s important to mention here that this 
particular model does not have Bluetooth or online connectivity, and it is not compatible with the Spirit Fit app.
The console features a 7.5-inch LCD display with blue LED backlight. It is divided into multiple sub-sections in order to show as many workout metrics at once, so you don’t have to manually press buttons to swap them. It tracks time, speed, distance, pace, resistance level, calories, and heart rate. Speed and distance are by default set to imperial units but you can also set them to metric. The distance is also displayed as a 1/4 mile track with a lap count indicator. Also, the console can read your pulse either via the sensors integrated into the seat handlebars or via the included wireless HR chest strap.
The console makes available 12 workout programs. The first program is the Manual mode. This gives you the possibility to pedal freely, adjusting the resistance manually as you like throughout the workout. The Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength, Interval, Calories, and Fusion are pre-set programs. Each one has a specific segment layout and will adjust the resistance accordingly for the whole duration of the program. You can make adjustments for all of them, though.
The last two program buttons cover two Custom User programs, and two Heart Rate programs. The Custom User programs allow you to create and save two programs with the resistance adjustments of your choice. The HR programs are pre-set for 60% and 80% of the maximum heart rate which is calculated depending on your age, weight, gender, and other data.
Among other notable console features, we can count the sound system, the cooling fan, and the device holder. The sound system consists of two small speakers and an AUX port at the base of the console. Thus, you can connect your phone or MP3 player to the console to play your music through the integrated speakers for better audio quality. The fan is placed between the two speakers. The device holder is above the fan and it is large enough to accommodate most tablets.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the bike comes pre-assembled but the rest of the parts do require user assembly. So, as a general idea, you will have to attach the two base bars, the front mast, the front handlebars, the console, the seat base, the backrest, seat handlebars, and the pedals. This may take more than two hours of your time, but the manual provides clear assembly instructions and schematics. Also, all the tools necessary for the assembly are included.
Once the bike is fully assembled, you only have to keep it clean and periodically check for loose parts. The internal parts do not need periodic lubrication.
The Pros
- Heavy-duty construction – can support users up to 350 lbs;
- Aesthetic design and multiple covers for the frame;
- Transport wheels on the front base bar;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both bases;
- Step-through frame design;
- Pulse sensors and resistance controls integrated into the seat handgrips;
- High-comfort seat with a thick layer of cushioning;
- Large, flexible, and sturdy mesh backrest;
- Reclining backrest with a hydraulic adjustment system;
- Quick and easy lever-based seat adjustment system;
- Quiet eddy current resistance system with 40 difficulty levels;
- Self-powered – no external power source needed;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
- Multi-function console with a large LCD display (7.5″);
- 12 programs on the console;
- Each program has its own quick-access button on the console;
- Wireless pulse reading function;
- HR chest strap included;
- Sound system included;
- Cooling fan included;
- Tablet holder included;
- Bottle holders included;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- A tablet placed on the tablet holder will cover the console display;
- No online connectivity;
- The cooling fan is not too powerful.
Summary
The Spirit Fitness XBR95 is a commercial-grade recumbent bike. It is equipped with a 40-level self-powered eddy current resistance system, a high-comfort seat with superior micro-adjustability, and a multi-function console with 12 workout programs. It’s a heavy-duty bike rated for a maximum user weight limit of 350 lbs. It’s great for users of all levels, for recovery training, cardio training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.