| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Body Champ BRB852 Check Discounted Price | L:53" W:23.5" H:36" | 250 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, Pulse, ODO, SCAN | 1 year |
The Body Champ BRB852 is a budget recumbent bike in the same feature and price range as the Sunny SF-RB4601 or the Goplus SP35650. It’s pretty much a basic exercise bike designed for home use and light to medium intensity workouts. As opposed to other similar trainers, this bike offers double adjustability for its rear part and seat. We’ll cover this particular aspect in detail in the section below, as well as all the other features and functions offered by this cycling trainer
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 53L x 23.5W x 36H inches (135L x 60W x 91H cm)
- Assembled weight: 52.8 lbs (24 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Console: Time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, pulse, SCAN
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The Body Champ BRB852 recumbent exercise bike features a two-piece frame, similar to the Marcy NS-908R. In other words, the rear part of the frame which holds the seat requires being
attached to the front part. The lower bar of the rear frame part has several adjustment holes in it and can be locked closer or farther from the pedals. This being said, you can adjust the length of the bike not only the position of the seat which also has an individual adjustment system.
The bike’s frame is made of cylindrical and ovalized steel tubing. Is durable enough to support users up to 250 lbs (113.3 kg). All the steel parts in its construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish, the color used being silver. However, the guard elements that protect the internal flywheel and resistance system are made of ABS material.
Compared to other recumbent bikes, the Body Champ BRB852 is not extremely large. With the frame fully assembled, it is approx. 53″ (135 cm) long and 23.5″ (60 cm) wide, while its highest point is given by the top of the console, which reaches approx. 36″ (91 cm) above floor level. It is recommended, though, to assign a usage area for the bike of at least 70″L x 50″W (178 x 127 cm) for safe operation and easy access to the seat.
Speaking of easy seat access, the bike’s frame features a step-through design. This means you can easily take a seat or stand up and leave the unit. This can be quite a plus for users with disabilities.
Although the bike isn’t extremely heavy, weighing only 52.8 lbs (24 kg) when fully assembled, it offers an excellent stability. Its rear base features rotating polygonal caps which fulfill the role of stabilizers, while the midsection of the base frame, where the two parts connect also has a small, rubberized stabilizer. The front base also has a set of small wheels which facilitate the unit’s relocation if needed.
Seat & handlebars
Although the bike’s frame is length-adjustable, the seat itself is also attached to an adjustable rail system. It offers several inches of front to back travel which along to the base adjustability, 
enables the bike to accommodate users between 4’10” and 6’3″ (147 – 190 cm), promoting a complete leg extension. The whole seat assembly has a very durable base. It can support without problem users up to 250 lbs (113.3 kg).
The adjustment rail of the seat is locked into position via two knobs. They provide extra security for the seat position, but since the adjustment system doesn’t involve a lever, you cannot adjust it while seated. This shouldn’t be a major inconvenience, though.
In terms of comfort, the seat and the backrest integrate 2″ of foam cushioning. Their upholstery is made of durable, sweatproof vinyl material and with proper care, it can last a lifetime. In case you’re wondering, the surface of the seat is placed at approx. 17″ (43 cm) above floor level, and is approx. 16″ (40 cm) wide.
The backrest does not adjust independently from the seat. It doesn’t recline, and you cannot move it up or down as for the Diamondback 910SR, for example.
This Body Champ exercise bike is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one attached to the console mast, and one attached to the seat assembly. The front handlebars have a simple design, being slightly curved towards the user. They’re not extremely far from the seat, so if you decide to hold on to them, your posture won’t be awkward as for other recumbent bikes.
The recumbent handlebars are connected to the backbone of the seat via two bolts. They cannot be adjusted independently from the seat. They are equipped with stainless steel pulse sensors. Also, just as the front handlebars, they have rubberized grips for extra comfort and hand adherence.
Drive & resistance
The Body Champ BRB852 recumbent bike is equipped with a bi-directional flywheel. This means you can pedal in reverse if you want. Also, when pedaling in reverse, the exercise meter will continue to track your workout statistics. The weight of the flywheel is not specified, but 
considering that the overall weight of the bike is only ~53 lbs (24 kg), the flywheel is probably between 8-12 lbs (3.6 – 5.4 kg).
The flywheel delivers a very smooth and steady pedaling motion. Since it’s not an extremely heavy one, it doesn’t generate a very high inertia, and therefore the bike can be used for recovery training.
The bike’s internal transmission consists of a durable poly-v belt. The main advantages of a belt drive are the smooth and silent operation and the fact that you don’t have to lubricate it periodically as a chain drive.
The bike is equipped with a standard set of pedals. They have a weighted design which enables them to always turn face-up when you remove your feet from them. They’re also equipped with adjustable straps and have a non-slip surface, so you can perfectly secure your feet in place.
This Body Cham exercise bike features a standard manual magnetic resistance system. This means you don’t have to connect the bike to a power source. Also, its exercise meter doesn’t play any role in the resistance adjustment.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a small magnetic brake connected to the tension dial on the console mast through a steel wire. As you adjust the resistance, the brake changes its position in relation to the flywheel, which increases or decreases the intensity of the internal magnetic field. This, of course, leads to an increase or decrease in the pedaling difficulty.
There are 8 distinct levels of resistance marked on the tension dial. The first 1-3 settings deliver a light resistance, while the 8th does simulate a bit of a climb and will allow you to break a sweat. However, as a general idea, this exercise bike is not made for highly intense cardio training or leg muscle strength.
Exercise meter
This Body Champ recumbent bike is equipped with a basic exercise meter, without any preset workout programs. It features an LCD display which can track time, distance, total distance 
(odometer), speed, calories, and pulse rate.
The unit is not telemetric, so it can’t read your pulse via a wireless HR chest strap transmitter. In order to benefit from a pulse reading, you will have to use the EKG sensors within the seat handlebars.
The meter unit is easy to operate. It has only one button which toggles the SCAN function On and Off, and also serves as a Power On button and as a Reset button. When the SCAN function is On, the display will show each workout metric for several seconds, then moving to the next and so on. By toggling the SCAN function Off, you can select any of the workout metrics to be shown on the display all the time. To reset all the workout metrics on the console, you simply have to press and hold the button for a few seconds.
The console is battery powered. It also has a sleep mode to which will enter after several seconds of inactivity on the bike. To turn it on, you can either press the button or begin pedaling.
Assembly & Maintenance
The front part of the bike with the internal elements of the drive and resistance systems is already in one piece. Thus, for assembly, you only have to connect the two main pieces of the frame together, attach the seat, the console mast, the handlebars, the pedals and the console. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. A basic toolkit required for the assembly is included. Also, the manual provides very clear assembly instructions.
Since the bike features a magnetic resistance system, there isn’t any maintenance required for the internal parts. So, the only thing to do for this matter is to periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Durable frame for a light exercise bike – can hold users up to 250 lbs;
- Adjustable frame length;
- Step-thru frame design;
- Transport wheels;
- Adjustable base stabilizers;
- Two sets of handlebars (other recumbent bikes don’t have front handlebars);
- Pulse sensors in the seat handlebars;
- Foam-padded seat and backrest, for maximum comfort;
- Adjustable seat;
- Durable vinyl upholstery on the seat and backrest;
- Quiet magnetic resistance system;
- Adjustable resistance offering distinctive 8 levels;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps and standard threads;
- Fitness meter included;
- Easy to assemble and operate;
- Lightweight, easy to handle;
- Little to no maintenance required.
The Cons
- No bottle holder;
- No tablet holder;
- The meter display doesn’t have backlight.
Bottom Line
The Body Champ BRB852 is a recumbent exercise bike equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system and a basic fitness meter. Its frame is length-adjustable but the seat is also adjustable. It features a comfortable, foam-padded seat, pulse sensors in the seat handlebars, and an overall pretty sturdy construction. It’s bike made for light to medium cardio workouts, endurance development, recovery training, muscle toning, and weight loss. And finally, it’s a budget bike, currently available for a price lower than $200.