Bladez 200R Recumbent Bike

Unit	Size	Net weight	Supported weight	Resistance	Console
Bladez 200R Check Discounted Price	L:59" W:24" H:46"	83.5 lbs	275 lbs	Eddy current, 16 levels	23 programs, Goals, Recovery

The Bladez 200R by BH Fitness features a similar magnetic resistance system with electronic adjustment as the older R300 model. However, it’s a larger unit and has a rail adjustment system for the seat rather than a length-adjustable frame. It’s a mid-range recumbent bike designed for home use. It also offers pretty decent weight capacity and workout programs.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 59L x 24W x 46H inches (150L x 61W x 117H cm)
• Assembled weight: 83.5 lbs (38 kg)
• Weight capacity: 275 lbs (125 kg)
• Seat: Adjustable
• Resistance: Eddy current, 16 levels
• Console: 23 programs, goals, recovery
• Extras: Tablet holder
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 1 year / Labor 1 year

Frame construction

The Bladez 200R features a durable steel frame coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish and ABS covers for the tension system and seat base. As opposed to the 300R model, this exercise bike has a one-piece chassis which results in a sturdier construction.

The bike has a step-through design. This means it offers easier access to the seat which can be a plus for users with certain disabilities. Also, the front tube (or front mast) that supports the console has a greater curvature than for other recumbent bikes; therefore, using the front handlebars won’t result in an awkward posture.

The fully assembled bike isn’t extremely large but still is approx. 59″ (150 cm) long, and 24″ (61 cm) wide. Plus, it is recommended to leave at least two feet all around it for unhindered usage. Needless to say, the bike’s frame does not fold and its vertical storage is not recommended.

The bike isn’t too heavy either but does weigh approx. 83.5 lbs (38 kg), which is considerably more than the average road bike. All this weight add stability. Also, with regards to the unit’s stability, its rear base is equipped with two adjustable levelers which give you the possibility to perfectly stabilize the unit on an uneven surface.

The bike’s front base integrates two small transport wheels while the rear base features a lifting handle. Therefore, it can be relocated with ease once it was fully assembled.

Seat and handlebars

The Bladez 200R by BH has a similar seat to the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4880. It’s a seat designed to provide superior comfort featuring a thick layer of foam cushioning on the seat pad and a flexible mesh backrest. The seat pad is fairly wide (approx. 15.5″ / 40 cm) offering plenty of contact surface and its upholstery is made of durable, double-stitched vinyl material. The mesh structure of the backrest not only that adapts better to the shape of your body, but it also provides a high level of breathability so you won’t overheat during a more intense or prolonged workout.

The whole seat assembly is attached to a rail adjustment system. This being said, you can move it and lock it into a position closer or farther from the pedals. This rail adjustment system involves a lever placed under the seat on the right side. This type of adjustment system allows you to change the position of the seat while you are seated which can be quite a plus.

It’s important to mention, though, that the backrest does not adjust independently from the seat. It is directly attached to its steel backbone and moves along the adjustment rail with the seat pad.

The seat assembly is durable enough to support users up to 275 lbs (125 kg), which is not too bad for a bike made for home use. Also, its rail is long enough to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’2″ (153 – 188 cm).

This Bladez exercise bike includes two sets of handlebars; one is attached to the front mast, the other to the seat assembly. The front handlebars are curved up, featuring a pretty simple design. They are non-adjustable and don’t have any integrated sensors.

The seat handlebars integrate pulse sensors. Therefore, if you hold on to them, the console can monitor your heart rate. They cannot be adjusted independently from the seat; they are attached directly to the seat frame via two bolts. Both sets of handlebars are covered by a layer of high-density foam material to provide a secure grip and optimal comfort.

Resistance and drive

The Bladez 200R recumbent exercise bike is equipped with an automatic magnetic resistance system. This means that it requires an external power source. A power adapter is included with the bike. Also, the console can automatically adjust the bike’s resistance depending on the selected program.

The bike’s resistance system consists of an internal magnetic brake and a servo motor. This being said, when you select a certain tension level from the console, the motor will adjust the position of the magnetic brake in relation to the metallic flywheel, this way increasing or decreasing the pedaling difficulty.

The bike offers 16 levels of resistance, similar to the Gold’s Gym 400R model. The first three levels provide a light pedaling difficulty which can be great for users who may need recovery training. As opposed to that, the top resistance settings add a considerably higher pedaling difficulty, great for anyone who wants to improve stamina or benefit from a more consistent cardiovascular training.

The weight of the internal flywheel is not specified, but considering the total weight of the bike, it probably weighs between 20 lbs and 30 lbs (9.0-13 kg). Most of its weight is distributed into its perimeter in order to provide a higher inertia. Therefore, the pedaling motion is pretty consistent even when using the lighter tension levels.

Like most other recumbent bikes, the Bladez 200R is not made for standing on the pedals. But nonetheless, it has a sturdy crankset with durable, weighted pedals. They also have a non-slip, rubberized surface and adjustable straps for maximum foot stability.

The bike’s drivetrain system uses a heavy-duty poly-v belt. This being said, you don’t have to worry about taking the protective covers apart in order to lubricate the transmission. Also, a belt generates considerably less vibration than a chain, so the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet as well.

Console

The Bladez 200R recumbent bike is equipped with a mid-range console. It features an LCD display with blue LED backlight for better readability. Also, the display is divided into multiple sub-sections in order to show all the workout metrics at once, so you won’t have to scroll through them.

The unit’s display tracks time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, and pulse. Speed and distance are shown in MPH and miles; there is no setting for metric units. Also, for the pulse reading function, you can either use the integrated sensors or a wireless Polar HR chest strap (this accessory is not included, though).

The console does not have any online connectivity, nor it can communicate with any fitness apps. However, it has 23 built-in programs to keep you motivated. The first program is the Manual mode. This allows you to adjust the resistance as you like during your session. You can also select targets for time, distance, calories, and pulse when using it.

The next 12 programs (P2-P13) are preset programs. They have different profile layouts in order to meet different training needs, such as Steps, Hill, Rolling Hills, Valley, FatBurn, Ramp, Mountain, Intervals, Random, Plateau, SpeedPlay, and Precipice.

The P14-P17 programs are user setting programs. Therefore, up to four users can input their own data (age, weight, height, gender) and create their own program. The next 5 programs are heart rate based. The first four have preset target heart rate values of 55%, 65%, 75%, and 85%, while the fifth is a custom HR program and allows you to select a desired target HR value.

The 23rd program is a Body Mass Index calculator. Based on your weight, height, age, and gender data input, it can calculate your body fat ratio and offer a specific loading profile.

One last function to mention with regards to the bike’s console is Recovery. Just as the BMI calculator, this function has its quick key on the console. It can be used at the end of your workout to determine how long it takes your heart to return your pulse to normal. Based on this count, the console will give you a fitness rating between F1 (excellent) and F6 (poor).

In case you’re wondering, the bike’s console does not have an integrated sound system, cooling fans, or a USB function. It does have a media holder, though, so you can place your tablet or smartphone on it in order to watch your favorite shows or browse the web while you exercise.

Assembly and Maintenance

The main body of the bike comes pre-assembled; you don’t have to worry about assembling the drive and resistance elements. You only have to attach the bike’s base bars, the pedals, the seat, the backrest, the seat handlebars, the console mast, the front handlebars, and the console with its cable connection. This shouldn’t take more than an hour of your time. A set of basic tools for the task is included. Also, the manual provides very clear assembly instructions.

Maintenance doesn’t require much. Basically, you only have to keep the unit clean, keep liquids away from the console, and periodically check for loose or broken parts.

The Pros

• Sturdy, steel frame – 275 lbs capacity;
• Adjustable, rubberized stabilizers on the rear base;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Step-through frame design for easy access to the seat;
• Seat handlebars with pulse sensors;
• Front handlebars included;
• Cushioned and contoured seat;
• Flexible and breathable backrest;
• Multiple adjustment positions for the seat;
• Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
• Eddy current resistance system with 16 tension levels available;
• Multi-window LCD display with LED backlight that tracks time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, and pulse;
• 23 programs available;
• Goal settings for time, distance, calories, and pulse;
• Recovery function included;
• BMI function included;
• Polar-compatible console;
• Tablet holder included;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Decent warranty.

The Cons

• No bottle holder;
• A tablet placed on the bottle holder will cover the console display;
• An HR chest strap is not included.

Summary

The Bladez 200R by BH is a mid-range recumbent bike featuring an eddy current resistance system with 16 levels and a console with 23 workout programs, including a Recovery and a BMI function. It features a comfortable seat with mesh backrest and a sturdy frame which can hold users up to 275 lbs. It’s a great trainer for light to medium-intensity cardio workouts, intervals, recovery training, stamina, and weight loss.