| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Workout Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bladez Fitness R300 Check Discounted Price | L:50.3" W:23" H:44.5" | 275 lbs | Automatic magnetic, 16 levels | 23 | Frame: lifetime Wear parts: 1 year Electronics: 1 year Labor: 1 year |
If you’re looking for an inclusive recumbent bike for home use, that comes for an affordable price, the R300 model from Bladez Fitness is definitely one to put on your list. This exercise bike is actually one of the best that you can find within this price range, offering 16 levels of current-assisted magnetic resistance, and 23 workout programs to keep you motivated. It has a simple but solid frame construction, covering a wide range of users when it comes to inseam length.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 50.3L x 23W x 44.5H inches (128L x 59W x 113H cm)
- Assembled weight: 70 lbs (32 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 11 lbs (5 kg)
- Max. user capacity: 275 lbs (125 kg)
- Handlebars: Fixed, with pulse sensors
- Frame: Steel, adjustable
- Pedals: With adjustable straps
- Resistance: Current-assisted magnetic, 16 levels
- Console: 23 workout programs
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Wear parts 1 year /
Electronics 1 year / Labor 1 year
Resistance system
The Bladez R300 model is an exercise bike featuring a current-assisted magnetic resistance system. This means you adjust resistance exclusively from the machine’s console. The resistance mechanism involves a set of magnets and small motor that changes the magnets’ pull onto the flywheel. Evidently, since it’s a magnetic exercise bike, the resistance elements do not touch, therefore the pedaling motion is extremely smooth and quiet. Also, it requires to be connected to a power circuit as it comes with an adapter with the following specs: 110V/50Hz or 60Hz Output: 6V DC/0.5~1A. The adapter plugs into the machine near the front base of the bike.
This exercise bike can supply up to 16 levels of resistance. The resistance can be adjusted manually, but in case you will be using one of the preset training programs, it will adjust resistance automatically. The first resistance settings are quite soft, great for users with joint problems, users who require a recovery training regimen, or elderly users. On the other hand, the top resistance settings will offer quite a bit of a challenge. However, keep in mind that this bike is not made for commercial use, such as the Ironman X-Class 410, or Sole LCR. Thus, it can offer a light to medium training setting.
Drive system
This recumbent exercise bike is belt-driven, another factor that adds to the smoothness of the pedaling motion. It uses a tough, industrially tested v-belt, stretch resistant, which should last for many years of regular use.
The bike’s flywheel is not extremely heavy. It’s a perimeted-weighted flywheel though, meant to neutralize the “stair climbing effect” when pedaling, adding as well to the smoothness of the ride. The flywheel is set in motion by a 3-piece, solid crankset, with solid steel crank arms. The pedals are pretty sizeable, weighted, and also featuring straps with 7 adjustment holes, in order to accommodate shoes of any size.
In case you’re wondering, this bike allows reverse pedaling. But when pedaling in reverse, you will get the same resistance as for pedaling normally. For example, if the bike is on the level 8 resistance setting, you will get the same resistance for pedalling normally or in reverse. Also, when pedaling in reverse, RPM and distance continue to be registered on the console monitor.
Frame and parts
The Bladez Fitness R300 recumbent exercise bike features a frame construction similar to the Marcy ME 709, or the Sunny SF-RB921. It’s made of two main pieces which connect at 
the middle. The middle bar of the frame also serves as adjustment rail for the bike’s length. Differently put, the bike’s seat is non-adjustable, but the whole rear part of the bike can be moved closer or farther from the pedals. The rear part has several adjustment holes, while the front part features a knob which secures the two frame pieces together. As opposed from the Marcy and Sunny models, the Bladez R300 can actually accommodate a wider range of users, beginning with 4’8″ (142 cm), and up to 6’7″ (200 cm). The weight capacity is rather limited. This exercise bike can only support users up to 275 lbs (125 kg).
The bike’s frame is steel-made, coated with scratch and corrosion resistant paint. There are several plastic parts within the construction of this bike, but these fulfill a cosmetic role, mostly. These are the guards of the seat base, and shrouds that seal the flywheel and the resistance system.
The bike rests on 3 bases, each base being finished with adjustable stabilizers, with rubber caps. These will supply a tight grip to the floor when adjusted correctly. But in order to maximize stability and sturdiness, it’s best to place the bike on a mat.
The bike is not extremely heavy. With a weight of 70 lbs (32 kg), it’s still pretty easy to assemble, move and handle, as the front base has built-in caster wheels. You can easily tilt the bike on its wheels to move it for storage, if necessary.
The bike’s seat is fixed, welded to the rear part. It cannot be adjusted in any way. But as we’ve mentioned above, in order to adjust the bike’s length, the whole rear part can be moved forward or backward. The seat features foam padding, which helps with the even 
dispersion of the user’s weight, supplying a comfortable seating. It’s not extremely soft cushioned though.
The seat’s backrest is mesh-made, with a contoured, ergonomic frame. It offers excellent lumbar support, and easily adapts to your body shape, in order to supply maximum comfort. Also, due to the fact that it’s a mesh-type backrest, it provides superior airflow, keeping you cool, and enhancing comfort.
Last but not least, the bike features two sets of handlebars: one set attached to the seat, and one to the console mast. The seat handlebars integrate pulse sensors, connected to the console, which is able to track heart rate and offer several HR specific workouts. The console mast is slightly curved towards the user, placing the front handlebars quite conveniently close. This results in a less awkward workout position, if you choose to hold the front handlebars. Both recumbent and front handlebars are covered with rubber-foam fabric, to supply a comfortable grip.
Console
The console unit supplied with the Bladez R300 recumbent bike is a medium range one. In other words, it does not include amenities such as cooling fan or speakers. However, when it comes to fitness oriented functions, it’s quite inclusive. First of all, it can track distance, time, speed, RPM, calories burned, and pulse. It offers 23 workout programs, including 12 
preset programs, 5 heart rate programs, 4 user profile programs, 1 body fat program, and of course, 1 manual program.
The number 1 program is the manual program, which allows you to freely control the bike’s resistance.
The programs from 2 to 13 are the preset programs, which include: Steps, Hill, Rolling, Valley, Fat Burn, Ramp, Mountain, Intervals, Random, Plateau, Speedplay, Precipice. These programs will auto-adjust resistance, depending on each segment of the program.
The 14 to 17 programs are the User Profiles, programs which allow you to customize your own program, and save it for later use.
The Heart Rate Control programs are the ones from 18 to 22, including 55% HRC, 65% HRC, 75% HRC, 85% HRC, and Target HRC. These programs will allow you to setup your Age, or setup goals for Distance, Time, Calories or Target Pulse.
Finally, program no. 23 is a special one, designed to calculate your body fat ratio, depending on your Age, Height, Weight and Gender, data which you need to input, and pulse.
The console starts by pressing any key, or when it detects the movement of the pedals. It will also enter sleep mode 4 minutes after you stop pedaling. It’s quite easy to operate. You navigate through the programs, adjust resistance and the required values for the given workout programs, via the Up/Down keys. Selection of a certain value is done via the Enter button. The Body Fat program has it’s own special key. And there’s also a Start/Stop button which allows you to pause and resume your workout, if it’s the case.
Last but not least, the console incorporates a media shelf, which you can use to place your tablet, phone or a book, in order to make your ride more enjoyable.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s whole drive system, including the resistance motor, comes fully assembled, its plastic enclosure and connected to the front part of the frame. This being said, the most complicated part of the frame does not require user assembly. This recument bike is actually not difficult to put together, but due to the many parts, bolts and nuts that you will have to attach, it may take more than an hour. The main steps of assembly include the addition of the bases, seat, seat’s backrest, console mast, both sets of handlebars, the connection of wires and finally, the console. The hard copy of the manual that comes with the bike provides clear instructions for each step. Also, tools for assembly are included.
Maintenance is almost inexistent. You basically need to wipe the dust off the bike from time to time, and periodically tighten the bolts, in case they’ve loosened up.
The Pros
- Solid frame construction;
- Length-adjustable frame, being able to accommodate users of all heights;
- Padded, wide seat;
- Contoured backrest, mesh-type, for an even weight distribution, and superior airflow;
- Recumbent handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Automatic, magnetic resistance system;
- 16 levels of resistance;
- 23 workout programs;
- Tablet holder;
- Smooth and quiet drive;
- Fairly easy to put together;
- Basically maintenance free;
The Cons
- May wobble when used by a heavier user, especially if the frame is adjusted to a point close to its maximum length. This can easily be fixed though, by placing the bike on a mat;
- No bottle holder;
- Tablet placed on the media tray will partially block the view of the console screen.
Summary
The R300 model is the most basic recumbent bike offered by Bladez Fitness. However, this bike still has a lot to offer, especially when it comes to workout programs. It’s a great bike for light to medium cardio, muscle toning, and even weight loss, actually featuring a dedicated program to fat burning. It has a solid construction, offers excellent comfort, and finally, it comes with a decent price / quality ratio.