| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Drive | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Body Xtreme BXF003 Check Discounted Price | L:59.1" W:23.7" H:41.4" | 300 lbs | Belt | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Odometer, Speed, Calories, Pulse, SCAN |
The Body Xtreme BXF003 is a budget recumbent bike, offering a basic range of features. However, it does have a higher weight capacity than other similar bike models. It has a frame construction which resembles the Goplus SP35650 or Marcy NS-908R and is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. Even though it’s a basic exercise bike, there’s a lot to be said about its parts, features, pros, and cons, and in this review, we’ll try to cover them all.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 59.1L x 23.7W x 41.4H inches (150L x 60W x 105H cm)
- Assembled weight: 56 lbs (25.4 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Pedals: With adjustable straps
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Console: Time, distance, speed, calories, odometer, pulse, SCAN
- Extras: Workout towel
Frame construction & accessories
The Body Xtreme Fitness BXF003 features a 2-piece frame similar to the Marcy ME-709. This means the seat is directly attached to the rear part of the frame and doesn’t have an adjustment rail as the
Exerpeutic 900XL, for example. The rear part with the seat slides into the front part which holds the bike’s drive system, and the two parts are locked together via a small knob.
The bike is not extremely large compared to other fitness machines. However, with the frame fully extended, it takes approx. 59″L x 24″W (150 x 60 cm) of floor space. On top of that, it is recommended to assign at least two feet of clearance at the rear and on each side, for safe operation and easy access.
Like most recumbent bikes, the BXF003 features a pretty stable construction. Plus, its rear and mid bases are equipped with polygonal rotating caps which can serve as stabilizers.
The fully assembled bike is not extremely heavy. It weighs approx. 56 lbs (25.4 kg), and its relocation is facilitated by its front rotating caps which can serve as wheels.
Most of the bike’s frame is made of steel tubing. In fact, the unit has a pretty impressive weight capacity for a basic exercise bike. It can hold users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). Of course, the covers of resistance system and drive elements are made of plastic material, but they don’t influence the unit’s overall sturdiness in any way.
The bike features a step-through design. This is quite a plus for users with disabilities as it considerably improves the access to the seat.
All the steel parts in its construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint. The color used is gray, this being the only color available for this Body Xtreme bike for the moment.
Like most other fitness machines provided by Body Xtreme, the BXF003 bike includes the workout towel. It’s a sweat-proof towel made of synthetic material, with the Body Xtreme logo embroidered on it. This is basically the only accessory included by this bike. It doesn’t have a bottle holder or tablet holder. As for the fitness meter, we’ll cover all of its features in the section below.
Seat & handlebars
As we’ve mentioned above, the Body Xtreme BXF003 does not have an adjustment rail for the seat. Its seat base is directly attached to the rear part of the frame which has several adjustment positions on its
low bar. Therefore, in order to adjust the distance between the seat and the pedals, you simply have to lock the rear part of the frame closer or farther from the front part. Also, in case you’re wondering, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’4″ (153 – 193 cm), and can support weights up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
Both the seat and backrest feature a durable, and perspiration-proof upholstery, made of double-stitched vinyl material. They both integrate more than 2″ of foam padding in order to provide optimal comfort. Also, the backrest has a pretty sturdy, steel backbone, and therefore it provides an excellent lumbar support.
The bike is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one attached to the console mast, and one attached to the seat assembly. They’re both non-adjustable and feature a layer of rubber foam material in order to provide a comfortable and secure grip. Also, the seat handlebars incorporate pulse sensors to which you can hold on to, in order for the console to measure your pulse rate during your workouts.
Drive & resistance
The Body Xtreme Fitness BXF003 features a belt drive system, using a poly-v belt resistant to stretching, which provides an excellent transmission between the pulley and flywheel assembly. Since it’s a belt drive, it doesn’t require lubrication. Also, the pedaling motion is almost silent.
The bike integrates a balanced flywheel, designed to provide a smooth pedaling motion. Its weight is not specified, but considering that the whole weight of the bike is only 56 lbs (25.4 kg), its flywheel is probably pretty light, with a weight between 8 – 12 lbs (3.6 – 5.4 kg). This being said, the bike doesn’t offer a very aggressive inertia like spin bikes, for example, being great for recovery training, or for light to medium-intensity, low-impact cardio training.
The bike features a durable 3-piece crankset which is equipped with steel crank arms and weighted pedals, which means that they will always turn face-up when you remove your feet from them. The pedals have adjustable straps and an adherent surface in order to deliver optimal foot stability during pedaling.
The bike’s Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) is fairly narrow. This means that your feet are positioned naturally on the pedals, which results in no lateral stress on the knees and ankles during pedaling. This makes the bike a good choice for users that require recovery training due to a joint injury.
Like many other recumbent bikes in this price range, such as the Sunny SF-RB4602 for example, this Body Xtreme bike features a manual magnetic resistance system. This means you don’t have to connect it to a power source, the console plays no role in the bike’s resistance adjustment, and there are no automatic exercise programs.
The resistance system consists of a small magnetic brake attached to the tension dial placed on the console mast through a steel wire. When you turn the knob, the position of the brake in relation to the metallic flywheel changes, which results in an increase or decrease of resistance.
The bike offers 8 resistance settings. The highest resistance levels (7-8) are not too hard, though. Differently put, this exercise bike delivers a light workout, being an adequate choice for users who require recovery training or elderly users.
Exercise meter
Since it’s a basic bike, the BXF003 is also equipped with a basic fitness meter. The meter unit can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It’s equipped with only one button which
essentially covers all of its functions. As we’ve mentioned above, the unit doesn’t have preset programs, nor it allows you to set up goal targets.
The meter is very easy to operate. By pressing the button you can toggle On/Off its SCAN function. With the SCAN function set “On”, all the workout metrics are displayed in a sequence, each one being shown for 4 seconds. By toggling the SCAN function “Off”, you can basically select one of the metrics to remain on screen all the time.
One of the downsides of this meter unit is that the speed and distance are shown only in km/h and km, without the possibility to change them to standard MPH and miles.
Since it’s a basic unit, the meter is not telemetric. Thus, it can only read your pulse via the sensors integrated into the seat handlebars.
The meter is battery-powered. It also has an auto-shutdown function which will initiate after several minutes of inactivity. To power it on, you can either press the button or begin pedaling.
Assembly & Maintenance
The front part of the base frame with the resistance and drive elements comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the rear part to the front part, connect the base bars, the seat, the backrest, the console mast, the handlebars, the console, and the pedals. This may take up to an hour. However, the task is fairly simple; plus, the manual offers all the necessary assembly tips. A basic toolkit is also included.
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
- Solid frame for a light recumbent bike, with a user capacity of 300 lbs;
- Adjustable frame; can accommodate users between 5’0″ – 6’0″;
- Step-thru frame design;
- Adjustable stabilizers;
- Transport wheels;
- Cushioned seat and backrest, for maximum comfort;
- Quiet magnetic resistance system;
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps and standard threads;
- Fitness meter included;
- Workout towel included;
- Easy to assemble and operate;
- Lightweight, easy to handle;
- Transport wheels and rear stabilizers;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- Only metric units for speed (km/h) and distance (km);
- No tablet holder;
- The console doesn’t have backlight.
Summary
The Body Xtreme Fitness BXF003 is a basic recumbent exercise bike for home use. It’s equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system, a comfortable seat, and a basic fitness meter. It has an adjustable frame, which allows you to position the seat closer or farther from the pedals. It’s a perfect trainer for beginners, recovery training, light cardio workouts, stamina development, and weight loss. In all, it’s a budget bike that offers an excellent value for the price.