BodyCraft R200 Recumbent Bike

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Flywheel weight	Resistance	Console
BodyCraft R200 Check Discounted Price	L:48" W:21" H:39"	350 lbs	18 lbs	Motorized- magnetic, 20 levels	6 programs

The BodyCraft R200 is a heavy-duty recumbent bike which can be compared to light-commercial models at least in terms of weight capacity. It doesn’t have a self-generating energy system but does have automatic resistance and an advanced console. Therefore, if you’re looking for a solid recumbent trainer that also excels in ergonomic factors, this BodyCraft model is definitely one to put on your list.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 48L x 21W x 39H inches (122L x 53W x 99H cm)
• Assembled weight: 142 lbs (64 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 18 lbs (8 kg)
• Supported weight: 350 lbs (159 kg)
• Pedals: Weighted, with straps
• Drive: Belt
• Resistance: Motorized-magnetic, 20 levels
• Console: 6 programs
• Extras: Bottle holder, tablet holder
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 5 years / Labor 1 year

Frame construction

The BodyCraft R200 features a 4mm thick, 11-gauge steel frame. It combines rectangular with ovalized bars in its construction, while the front mast is a thick cylindrical bar. This design definitely offers superior aesthetics, an aspect which can also play the role of an excellent motivation factor.

The only metallic part in the bike’s construction that is not steel-made is the sliding seat track. This element is made of aluminum alloy.

All the steel parts in the bike’s construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint; the color used is gray, this being the only color available for the unit. Also, a big part of the base frame is covered by the ABS shields that protect the drive and resistance elements.

This BodyCraft recumbent bike is quite heavy. Its net weight is approx. 142 lbs (64 kg). This is pretty impressive for a home use exercise bike; it’s more than three times the weight of the average road bike. All this weight is reflected in its overall stability. You can be sure that it won’t rock under you during exercising. Plus, the unit’s stability is improved by the rubberized stabilizers on each one of its base bars.

Although the bike is fairly heavy, its relocation shouldn’t be a problem once it is assembled. Its front base features two wheels which facilitate its relocation.

This BodyCraft exercise bike isn’t extremely large. However, it still takes approx. 48″L x 21″W (122 x 53 cm) of floor space. On top of that, it is recommended to leave at least a few feet of clearance all around it for safe usage and access.

Speaking of access, the R200 features a semi step-through design. The frame section between the front mast and the seat is considerably lower than the seat. This considerably improves entry and exit, which can be quite a plus for elderly users or users with certain disabilities.

Seat and handlebars

The BodyCraft R200 features a seat designed for high comfort. First of all, both the backrest and its bottom section feature a thick layer of cushioning. Their surface is contoured to adapt better to the shape of your body. They have a highly durable vinyl material cover which is also sweatproof.

Needless to say, the whole seat assembly is adjustable. As we’ve mentioned above, the seat is attached to an aluminum slide rail. This rail has an angle of approx. 30° which enables the seat to slightly rise up when moved towards the back. Therefore, it creates more leg room for taller users. This being said, the bike can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem. The sustaining frame of the seat is highly durable as well, so it can support users up to a weight of 350 lbs (159 kg).

The seat features a lever-based adjustment system. It has a lever placed on its right side. By pulling it up, the seat unlocks from its position and can freely move forward or backward on its rail. This can also be done while you are seated, so you don’t have to repeatedly sit or stand up until you achieve the perfect position.

The backrest itself is also adjustable. It connects to its bar via two knobs. Each connection point offers approx. 4″ (10 cm) of adjustment. This being said, you can lock the backrest in a higher or lower position, depending on your height or on which part of the back you require more support.

The bike is equipped with two sets of handlebars. One is attached to the front mast. These handlebars are fairly simple, with an ovalized design. The other set of handlebars is attached to the seat assembly. These have rubberized grips and also integrate pulse sensors. Therefore, by holding on to them, the console can monitor your heart rate.

Resistance and drive

The BodyCraft R200 recumbent bike is equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system. This means that it needs to be connected to a power source in order for its resistance mechanism to function, and for its console to be powered up. The resistance can only be done from its console. Also, if one of the preset programs on the console is in use, the bike will auto-adjust its resistance.

The internal resistance mechanism consists of a servo motor and a magnetic brake inserted into the flywheel. As you adjust the resistance from the console, the servo motor increases or decreases the pull of the magnetic brake which results in more or less pedaling difficulty.

The bike makes available 20 levels of resistance just like the Schwinn 230. The first few levels provide very little pedaling difficulty, which makes them great for recovery training. Conversely, the 18-20 resistance levels simulate a steep climb, offering the possibility to achieve a higher heart rate in a shorter period of time and benefit from a more consistent leg workout.

The BodyCraft R200 is equipped with an 18 lbs (8.1 kg) flywheel which has a perimeter-weighted design. This type of construction enables it to deliver a very smooth motion and a more consistent momentum. It’s also bi-directional, allowing you to pedal in reverse, if you want to put some diversity into your workouts.

The internal drivetrain uses a 6-rib heavy-duty rubber belt. A belt drive comes with several specific advantages. First of all, you don’t need to lubricate it periodically. Second of all, it produces less vibration than a chain drive, which results in a much smoother ride. And third of all, the usage of the bike is almost completely silent.

The bike is equipped with a durable crankset with long, steel-made crank arms. Its Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) is quite narrow; its measurement is 127 mm (~5″). This leads to a very comfortable positioning of the feet and legs which eliminates the lateral stress on the knees and ankles.

Finally, the included pedals have a weighted design. The weight element incorporated into each one of them enables them to always turn face-up if you remove your feet. They have a non-slip surface and are also equipped with adjustable straps.

Console

The BodyCraft R200 is equipped with a console which is similar up to a point to the one on the BodyCraft U1000g upright bike. It features a Blu-View HC display which is divided into 8 sub-sections in order to show all the workout metrics at once, so you won’t need to use a scan function to rotate them. It tracks time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, watts, pulse and the program profiles.

The default units setting is English, but a Metric units setting is also available. For pulse reading, you can either use the sensors integrated into the seat handlebars or opt for a Polat T34 HR telemetry chest strap (not included).

The console does not have online connectivity, nor it is compatible with any fitness apps. However, it has its own set of programs. The first program is Quick Start. You can just press the “Go” button on the console to initiate this program. The console will begin to display all the metrics using the factory default user settings which are Age – 35, Weight – 150lbs, Program time – 30 min, Target HR – 70%.

The next 5 programs are Manual, Random, Intervals, Hill Climb, and Strength. These are preset profile programs for which you can make adjustments if needed. Each one is designed for a defined purpose. For example, the Intervals program alternates high resistance levels with low resistance levels in order to simulate a work/rest exercise, or the Hill Climb program will progressively increase resistance up to a certain point, and then decrease it until the end of the program.

The final program is heart rate based. As we’ve mentioned above, the preset target HR is 70% but you can adjust this anytime. During the HR program, the machine will auto-adjust its resistance depending on your current heart rate, in an attempt to maintain you within the HR interval, or at the selected HR target.

Last but not least, the console features two tablet holders. One of them is fixed, placed under the unit’s display. The other is extendable and placed at the back of the unit.

Assembly and Maintenance

The bottom section of the bike with all the resistance and drive elements, as well as the seat rail section, comes pre-assembled. However, there’s still some assembly required. You will have to attach the base bars, the console mast, the seat, the backrest, the handlebars, the pedals, and the console. This may take more than an hour, but the manual provides very clear, step-by-step assembly instructions and schematics. Also, all the necessary tools for the assembly are included.

The bike’s frame is very compact, and concealed by the side ABS parts. Thus, in terms of maintenance, there isn’t much to be done. The internal elements are pre-lubricated, and the drivetrain doesn’t require lubrication. Therefore, all you need to do is keep the bike clean, and periodically check its integrity.

The Pros

• Sturdy construction – can support users up to 350 lbs;
• Compact and aesthetic design;
• Semi step-through design;
• High-comfort, foam-padded seat and backrest;
• Wide aluminum adjustment rail for the seat which improves its stability;
• Lever-based seat adjustment system;
• The backrest is also adjustable (up, down);
• Handlebars with pulse sensors;
• Automatic, magnetic resistance, with 20 available settings;
• Multi-window LCD console;
• 6 workout programs;
• Smooth and quiet 6-rib belt drive;
• Narrow (127 mm) Q-Factor; 
• Heavy-duty, weighted pedals;
• Bottle holder and bottle included;
• Extendable and fixed tablet holders;
• Easy to assemble;
• Basically maintenance free;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• No sound system;
• No online connectivity.

Summary

The BodyCraft R200 is a recumbent exercise bike featuring a heavy-duty construction, a high-comfort seat with lever-based adjustment, and a motorized-magnetic resistance system with 20 distinct tension levels. Its console is telemetric and offers 5 preset workout programs and one HR program. In all, it’s a great bike for users of all levels, for light to intense workouts, weight loss, muscle toning, and interval training. It’s not exactly the most affordable but does offer an excellent value for the price.