Body-Solid B5R Endurance Recumbent Exercise Bike

Unit	Size	Weight	Weight capacity	Resistance	Workout programs
B5R Endurance Check Discounted Price	L:75" W:29" H:51"	165.5 lbs	400 lbs	Eddy current, 16 lvls Self-powered	11

Although it’s not exactly one of the most affordable recumbent exercise bikes, the Endurance B5R model from Body-Solid does offer the construction, sturdiness, and range of features of a light commercial recumbent bike. It’s a machine with a self-generating power system; therefore it does not require to be connected to a power circuit. It’s definitely an exercise bike designed to withstand 24/7 use within the premises of a gym club.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 75L x 29W x 51H inches (190.5L x 73.6W x 129.5H cm)
• Assembled weight: 165.5 lbs (75 kg)
• Supported weight: 400 lbs (180 kg)
• Handlebars: Recumbent (with pulse sensors) and front
• Seat: Adjustable
• Pedals: With straps
• Resistance: Self-generating power, eddy current, 16 levels
• Console: Touch-screen display, 11 workout programs,
• Amenities: Tablet holder, accessory holders
• Warranty:
  • Light commercial: Frame 15 years / Parts 3 years / Electronics 2 years / Wear parts 6 months / Labor 1 year
  • In-home: Frame lifetime / Parts 5 years / Electronics 2 years / Wear parts 6 months / Labor 1 year

Frame

This Body-Solid exercise bike features a heavy frame, made of steel tubing. It weighs over 160 lbs, which means it’s an incredibly stable machine. You can be sure that it won’t move, tip or slide over, even if you engage in a more demanding workout. On top of that, its rear frame legs are finished with adjustable rubberized stabilizer caps, which offer the possibility to level the bike fully. Despite its weight, though, it can easily be moved, as its front base integrates a set of wheels, while its rear end is equipped with a handle, to facilitate the lifting and transport of the assembled machine.

The Endurance B5R features a different design than other similar, light commercial recumbent bikes, such as the IRONMAN Triathlon X-Class 410 or SOLE LCR. Its rear rests on two solid metallic legs instead of a base tube stabilizer. But like most other models, it does feature a step-through design, which means it’s quite easy to take position on the seat.

All steel parts in the frame are double coated with anti-corrosion paint, gray in color, this being the only available color for now. The adjustment rail of the seat features a chrome finish, though, not paint. Also, the frame integrates several plastic covers, and other parts, blue and black in color. None of the plastic parts play any role in the bike’s overall sturdiness. They mostly fulfill a protective or cosmetic role.

One last aspect to mention here regards the bike’s dimensions. It’s not exactly a small fitness machine as it takes 75″L x 29″W (190.5 x 73.6 cm) of floor space, and on top of that, it requires at least two feet of clearance on each side, for safe operation. Also, the frame doesn’t have any folding properties.

Seat and handlebars

This Endurance recumbent exercise bike features a seat with superior ergonomics. It’s approx. 16″ (41 cm) wide, has a contoured surface and a thick layer of padding, to deliver the required comfort for the longest rides. The seat is equipped with a reclining mesh backrest. Its mesh structure allows an optimal airflow to your back during workouts, preventing overheating, or over sweating. Also, since the backrest has a reclining design, you can select the angle that feels the most comfortable to you, or you can adjust it to target different areas of the quadriceps muscles.

Needless to say, the position of the seat in relation to the pedals is adjustable. The seat glides on a rail system, and you can lock it into the desired position. Its adjustment span is quite long. Differently put, the bike’s seat can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’6″ (153 – 198 cm). Also, both the frame and seat structures are designed to support users up to 400 lbs (180 kg).

The Body-Solid Endurance B5R exercise bike features two sets of handlebars, one on the console mast, and one connected to the seat assembly. The handlebar set on the console mast features small, plastic grips. The recumbent handlebars move along with the seat on its adjustment rail. Their angle is non-adjustable, though. They integrate stainless steel pulse sensors. Also, the rear end of each recumbent handlebar features a cup or bottle holder.

Resistance and drive

This Body-Solid recumbent bike features an eddy current resistance system, integrating a magnetic drum. Resistance adjusts by shifting the magnets’ pull. However, the bike doesn’t require to be connected to a power circuit, since it’s equipped with a Tri-phase generator. Differently put, the pedaling motion generates all the energy needed to power the console and make available the resistance settings.

Resistance can only be adjusted from the console. There are 16 resistance settings available, offering the possibility to undertake light, medium or highly intense workouts. The resistance elements do not touch; therefore the pedaling motion is smooth and almost silent. Also, the bike’s flywheel is balanced, offering an excellent momentum and steadiness to your workouts.

Needless to say, since the bike’s resistance system involves magnets, it uses a belt drive system, integrating a heavy-duty, stretch-resistant belt.

The bike is equipped with a set of solid steel crank arms, finished with standard, weighted pedals, with adjustable straps. The bike’s Q Factor is narrow, resulting in a natural positioning of the feet, and zero lateral stress on the knees.

Console

Although the console unit supplied with the Endurance B5R does not integrate amenities such as a cooling fan or sound system, nor does have any online connectivity features, it still offers an impressive array of features. First of all, it has an 8″ LCD display, with touch-screen technology. It can show several workout parameters simultaneously, including, time, distance, calories, pulse, watts, speed, RPM, and of course, the selected resistance system. You will have to insert your current age and weight for it to provide an accurate estimate of your calories burned. Also, at the end of your workout, the console will present you with a workout summary.

The console unit features 6 pre-set workout programs, and 5 heart rate programs. The 6 pre-set workouts include Manual, Hill, Speed Training, Random, Fatburn and Interval.

The Manual program is the one that basically allows you to have complete control over the resistance, and change it as you like during your pedaling routine.

The Hill program offers “hill profiles”, with small resistance adjustments, ideal for beginners or light workouts.

The Speed Training program alternates intervals of high and low intensity.

The Random program, as its name suggests, will generate a random profile every time you select it. It always offers a new challenge.

The Interval program alternates low resistance with very high resistance settings, for a quick increase of heart rate.

Finally, the Fatburn program maintains your heart rate at 65% with slight variations, in order to provide a consistent cardio workout and focus on burning calories.

When it comes to heart rate programs, the console offers 5 settings: 60-85% (Hill), 60-85% (Interval), 65% (Fatburn), 80% (Cardio) and Custom target HR, which basically gives you the possibility to select the desired HR to maintain during your workout.

The console is telemetry enabled. This means it can read your pulse via a HR transmitter, an accessory which is also included with the machine. Also, the lower part of the console integrates a small tray, to support your tablet, magazine, etc.

Assembly and Maintenance

The assembly of this Body-Solid exercise bike isn’t complicated. Its mechanism comes assembled. All you have to do is attach the rear frame legs, the backrest, the seat, the console mast, and console. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. The assembly manual supplied provides clear, step-by-step instructions.

For maintenance, there’s nothing much to do. The internal parts come pre-lubricated and won’t need further lubrication for many years. Therefore, concerning maintenance, all you have to do is periodically check the machine’s bolts and nuts, and re-tighten them if its the case. Also, the console is not waterproof, so make sure you don’t spill anything on it, and remove any perspiration that may fall on it.

The Pros

• Commercial grade construction; can support users up to 400 lbs;
• Can accommodate users up to 6’6″;
• Elegant design;
• Contoured, cushioned seat;
• Reclining, mesh backrest;
• Grip pulse sensors;
• Advanced console, with touchscreen LCD display;
• 16 levels of resistance;
• 11 workout programs;
• Goal tracking;
• Bottle holders included;
• Tablet holder included;
• HR chest strap transmitter included;
• Smooth and quiet drive;
• Weighted pedals, with adjustable straps for extra stability;
• Basically maintenance free;
• Relatively easy to assemble;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• No sound system or cooling fan;
• A tablet placed on the tablet holder may block the view of the console display;
• No online connectivity.

Summary

The Body-Solid B5R Endurance is a heavy-duty, commercial grade recumbent exercise bike, featuring an eddy current resistance system with 16 distinctive levels and self-generating power. It’s equipped with a touchscreen console, with 11 pre-set workouts, capable of tracking your heart rate wirelessly. It’s a bike for users of all levels, perfect for cardio workouts of all intensities, interval training, stamina gaining, and weight loss. It’s not one of the most affordable exercise bikes, but it’s definitely built to last and comes with a consistent warranty plan.