| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Drive | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ActionLine A81829 Check Discounted Price | L:45" W:22" H:54" | 250 lbs | Motorized magnetic | Belt | 23 programs, Time, Speed, Distance, RPM, Calories, Pulse, Body Fat, Recovery |
The ActionLine A81829 is very similar in terms of specs to the ActionLine A87604 recumbent bike model. It has the same resistance system, the same console, and number of programs. It is, however, an exercise bike designed for seated upright workouts.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 45L x 22W x 54H inches (114L x 56W x 137H cm)
- Shipping weight: 75 lbs (34 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With straps
- Resistance: Motorized magnetic, 16 levels
- Console: 23 programs
Frame construction
Like most other upright bikes, the ActionLine A81829 features a frame made of steel tubing, with a fairly sturdy construction, designed to support users up to 250 lbs (113.3 kg). The covers of the drive and resistance elements are made of PVC material, though. However, these don’t
affect the overall sturdiness and stability of the bike. All the steel parts in the frame construction are powder coated with industrial paint, which is corrosion and scratch resistant.
The ActionLine A81829 is far from being a large fitness machine. Compared to an elliptical or treadmill, it has quite a small footprint. When fully assembled, it’s only 45″ (114 cm) long and 22″ wide (56 cm), which pretty much means that it can fit in a small room or apartment. The clearance around it for safe operation should be approx. two feet.
The bike isn’t extremely heavy either. With the frame fully assembled, it weighs approx. 70 lbs (32 kg), which it a bit more than the average road bike. This is actually a plus, as the extra weight adds stability. Plus, the rear base bar integrates a set of adjustable stabilizers, allowing you to perfectly level the bike on basically any type of floor. The front base is equipped with transport wheels, to facilitate its relocation once you have finished your workout if it’s the case. But to make it clear, this exercise bike does not fold.
Seat and handlebars
The first aspect to mention here regards the seat bar construction. The ActionLine A81829 features a front-back adjustment slider bar which enters directly into the upright adjustment bar. Due to this fact, the bike’s weight capacity is only 250 lbs (113.3 kg). If the slider bar would
be a standard one, such as for the Schwinn M717 170, the bike would probably be able to support even heavier riders.
The seat is 4-way adjustable. The back-forth seat slider is oblique, not horizontal, which helps a bit if the user is taller. The upright bar also offers several adjustment holes. Therefore, the bike should be able to accommodate users up to 6’5″ (195 cm), providing a complete leg extension.
The saddle supplied with this ActionLine exercise bike is a standard model, connected to the slider via a triangular plate and fixed by three bolts. It’s not an extremely comfortable bike seat but does integrate a layer of padding. Plus, its comfort can always be upgraded with a gel seat cover.
The ActionLine A81829 is equipped with a multi-grip handlebar, which is angle-adjustable. The knob on the console mast allows to untighten it and adjust its angle. The handlebar is completely covered by a layer of high-density foam, in order to provide optimal comfort. It also incorporates metallic pulse sensors, so that the console can track your pulse. The overall height of the handlebar cannot be adjusted; the console mast is a simple, slightly curved steel tube.
Drive and resistance
The ActionLine A81829 upright exercise bike features a belt drive system, using a heavy-duty, stretch-resistant belt. Naturally, a belt drive doesn’t require any lubrication and renders the operation of the bike almost completely silent. 
This exercise bike is equipped with a balanced, perimeter-weighted flywheel. Its weight is not specified, but given the 71 lbs weight of the bike, it’s not an extremely heavy one. However, it does offer a pretty consistent momentum and a smooth, steady feel.
Although the ActionLine A81829 isn’t a spin bike, it integrates a heavy-duty 3-piece crankset, with durable steel crank arms. It should be able to support the user in standing up pedaling workout routines, but this is not recommended. After all, it’s an upright bike, designed only for seated workouts, and repeated standing on the pedals may cause damage to the internal elements or pedals.
The bike features a set of standard weighted pedals. They’re equipped with adjustable straps, so you can secure your feet in place during pedaling. They also have standard threads, so in case you will ever need replacements, they should be easy to find in just about any bike shop.
This ActionLine exercise bike is equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system. This means that the resistance can only be adjusted from the bike’s console. There aren’t any tension knobs such as for manual magnetic bikes. The resistance elements are a small servo motor and a magnetic brake. As you select a specific tension level, the brake element will change its position in relation to the flywheel, generating more or less resistance. Since the bike is programmable, it will auto-adjust its resistance if you choose to exercise by using one of the onboard programs.
The bike has 16 levels of resistance. The first three resistance settings promote light workouts, great for elderly users, or persons who must undergo a recovery training regimen. Conversely, the top, 14-16 resistance settings will definitely help you break a sweat.
Console
The control unit supplied with the ActionLine A81829 quite a bit more than a basic one. To begin with, it has a multi-panel LCD display which indicates distance, time, speed, RPM, temperature, calories, and pulse. All these workout stats are shown simultaneously on the display, so you won’t have to use a SCAN function to rotate them. 
In terms of programs, the console features 12 preset workouts, 5 heart rate programs, 1 body fat program, 4 user programs, and the manual mode. The user-defined programs give you the possibility to create your own custom program. Evidently, when using a pre-defined workout program, the bike will auto-adjust the resistance. However, there’s also the manual mode which gives you the possibility to change resistance as you pedal according to your preference.
The bike’s console is really easy to use. It will automatically turn on when it detects movement on the pedals, or when you press one of the buttons. It features 6 buttons. One covers the Pulse Recovery function, one is for the Body Fat function, the Up/Down keys serve for navigation and assigning values to a custom program, while the Enter key covers the confirmation function. Finally, the Start/Stop button serves the purpose of initiating a workout or pausing it in case you want to take a break or if you want to alternate cycling sessions with other types of workouts.
The control unit is not telemetric. In other words, it doesn’t read pulse via a wireless heart rate chest strap transmitter. So, in order to monitor your pulse, you will have to use the pulse sensors within the handlebars. Also, even though this bike costs approx. as much as one of the similar Schwinn models, the console doesn’t have a sound system, cooling fan or online connectivity.
Assembly and Maintenance
Like most upright bikes, the core of the ActionLine A81829 comes pre-assembled. In other words, the drive and resistance elements are already attached to the main frame. Therefore, the assembly only requires you to attach the bike’s bases, the console mast, the console, the seat with its bar, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. The included manual provides pretty clear step-by-step assembly instructions.
Since this exercise bike has a magnetic resistance system and a belt drive, its internal parts do not require any lubrication. Therefore, when it comes to maintenance you only have to periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Solid construction – it can support users up to 250 lbs;
- Elegant design;
- Adjustable stabilizers;
- Transport wheels;
- Small footprint;
- Standard seat, easily replaceable if you want a more comfortable one;
- The seat is 4-way adjustable;
- The handlebar is angle-adjustable;
- Grip pulse sensors;
- 16 levels of resistance;
- 23 workout programs;
- Pulse recovery and body fat functions;
- Smooth and quiet drive;
- Weighted pedals, with adjustable straps for extra stability;
- Basically maintenance free;
- Fairly easy to assemble.
The Cons
- No cooling fan;
- No sound system;
- No bottle holder;
- No tablet holder.
Summary
The ActionLine A81829 is an upright exercise bike featuring a motorized magnetic resistance system and a programmable console with 23 programs. It’s a well-constructed bike, with superior micro-adjustability for the seat and handlebars, being able to support riders up to 250 lbs. Evidently, it’s not a spin bike, so it’s not meant for spin workouts, but for light to medium cardio training, muscle toning, stamina development and weight loss, it may exactly what you need. Last but not least, it doesn’t have a sound system or online connectivity, but overall it’s a pretty decent bike offering much more than a basic model, available at a decent price.