Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Resistance	Apps	Warranty
Exerpeutic 400XL Check Discounted Price	L:46" W:19" H:33"	300 lbs	Magnetic	No	Frame: 1 year Parts: 90 days Wear: 90 days

There are many models of recumbent exercise bikes that come for an inexpensive price. But most of them also have a flimsy build, and may not last very long. There are though, several models that simply excel in price/quality ratio, and so far benefit from an overwhelming amount of positive reviews from users. One of them is the Exerpeutic 400XL.

This bike is also referred to as Exerpeutic 1110 (which is its item model number). It’s a simple recumbent bike, offering comfort, foldability, and the setting for a light to medium cardio workout. Although it’s far from being an exercising machine with all the belts and whistles, there’s a lot to be said about this bike. And in this review, we’ll try to cover every possible aspect regarding it.

Specifications and Details

• Assembled dimensions: 46L x 19W x 33H inches (117L x 48W x 84H cm)
• Product weight: 39 lbs (18 kg)
• Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Handlebar: Non-adjustable
• Seat: Adjustable
• Pedals: With straps
• Brakes: Magnetic
• Resistance: Adjustable, 8 levels
• Performance monitor: Yes
• Warranty: Frame 1 year / Parts & wear items 90 days

The Exerpeutic 400XL recumbent bike features quite a 2-piece frame, made of steel tubing, with an anti-corrosive powder coating finish. It’s far from being bulky and heave like many other recumbent bikes. Fully assembled and unpacked, it weighs 39 lbs (18 kg), being quite easy to handle and store. The bases also have roller caps, which help with the relocation and transport of the bike.

In case you’re wondering, the packaged dimensions are 16.4″W x 10.4″H x 47.2″L (41.6 x 26.4 x 119.3 cm), while the box weighs 43 lbs (19.5 kg).

This stationary bike is space savvy, occupying only a 19″W x 33″L (48 x 84 cm) floor surface. However, despite its rather small footprint, it’s a considerably stable bike. Even if the user is near the maximum supported weight, it won’t wobble, or move around. Also, even though it’s rated for a maximum supported weight of 300 lbs, it can support users up to 330 lbs without any problem.

Both frame and back support are foldable, with a folding mechanism similar to the Exerpeutic 1200. The folding is done with ease, for the frame all you need to do is pull out the pin that holds it, and pull the bike up. The bases will come together, considerably cutting from the bike’s depth. Also, the backrest folds down, reducing from the bike’s height. The folded machine can easily be stored in your average closet.

The main comfort factor on this recumbent bike is evidently its seat. The saddle features a contoured, ergonomic design, to prevent any discomfort. Both the saddle and the backrest are consistently cushioned, in order to supply the best comfort even to users with back pain or other back problems. The seat is adjustable, being 25″ (63.5 cm) above the floor on its lowest setting, and at 30″ (76 cm) on its highest setting. The bike can easily accommodate users between 5’00” and 6’3″ (152.5 – 190.5 cm), or differently put, users with an inseam between 28″-34″ (71 – 86 cm).

The armrest are attached to the seat assembly. They’re not adjustable, but the move up and down along with the seat, as you adjust it. They’re padded with thick rubber foam for a good grip, and to prevent the occurrence of blisters on your hands. They also have integrated pulse sensors, enabling the console unit of the machine to indicate your heart rate.

Regarding the drive mechanism of this bike, one of the most important aspects to be mentioned, is the fact that it’s belt-driven. It uses a V-belt, double-drive transmission system, with belts made to withstand many years of use without stretching or wearing out. And since it uses a belt drive mechanism instead of a chain one, the bike basically doesn’t require any maintenance of its “insides”. It’s also a really quiet exercising machine. While you pedal, it emits only a soft whirring noise, which by no means should bother anyone or interfere with the sound of your TV, or sound system.

The drive mechanism also includes a precision balanced, small flywheel, for smooth pedaling. The crankset is 3-piece made, with a steel pulley, and two solid steel crank arms, similar to the ones used in spin bikes or mountain bikes. Crank arms are finished with weighted pedals, with a ribbed design and toe straps.

When it comes to the brake mechanism, this Exerpeutic bike features a simple, magnetic brake, with 8 levels of resistance. The resistance is adjusted via a tension knob placed on the front part of the frame, near the console. The knob tightens or loosens the tension wire, which moves the magnetic brake pad closer or farther from the flywheel. The resistance levels offered by this bike range from virtually no resistance on the first setting, while on the 7-8th resistance settings, it actually simulates a steep climb.

The console unit of this exercise bike, is a pretty basic one, but nonetheless it gives you the possibility to track your activity and progress. It indicates time, pulse, speed, distance, and calories burned. The console will cycle throughout all these values, showing each one for 6 seconds, then moving to the next and so on. There’s also an Odometer function which displays the total accumulated distance traveled.

In case you’re wondering, this performance tracking monitor is not telemetry enabled. So, you won’t be able to use it for pulse reading with a HR chest strap. In order to read pulse, you will have to hold onto the EKG grips built-in the handlebars. It’s battery powered, and requires two AAA-type batteries.

Assembly and Maintenance

This bike is easy to assemble, tools for this task come with the box, as well as the owner’s manual. The drive and brake system, which would be the most difficult to assemble, are already put together, connected to the main frame, and closed in the plastic gearbox. Therefore, the assembly requires you to add the bike’s bases, connect the console, add the seat post, the seat, handrests and then the back support of the seat, and finally the pedals.

For maintenance, you don’t have to do much at all. Just keep the bike clean, make sure you don’t spill anything on the console, and from time to time check to see if the bolts hold tight in place.

The Pros

• Sturdy and solid frame, being able to easily hold users up to 300 lbs.
• Foldability.
• Really small footprint, in comparison to other recumbent bikes.
• Belt-driven, quiet bike.
• 8 levels of magnetic resistance, the 7-8th settings being quite a challenge.
• Contoured and nicely padded seat. Both saddle and backrest cushioned for maximum comfort.
• Integrated pulse sensors within the handrests.
• Performance monitor included.
• Easy to assemble.
• Basically no maintenance required.
• Excellent price/quality ratio.

The Cons

• No front handlebar. Even though in most bikes the front handlebar is not that easy to use, it does offer several other workout postures.
• No bottle holder.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a decent, foldable recumbent bike that comes for an affordable price, the Exerpeutic 400XL is one of the models that should be high on your list. It’s a well-built exercising machine, offering an excellent, light to medium cardio workout setting, for users of all ages. It’s great for muscle toning and even for losing weight, if you control your diet a bit. It offers all the postural comfort a recumbent bike should offer, making it a great choice for elderly users, or for anyone who requires rehab exercising.