| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Exerpeutic 900XL Check Discounted Price | L:54" W:22" H:34" | 300 lbs | Magnetic | No | 3 years |
Among all the recumbent bikes made and released so far, the 900XL model from Exerpeutic, is one that benefits from a lot of positive feedback from users all over the world. Even though it isn’t an exercise bike with all the bells and whistles, it sure is a bike that combines quality and comfort properly, at a very affordable price.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a recumbent exercise bike to use at home, the Exerpeutic 900XL is without a doubt a model to have a look at. That’s because it’s a bike that fulfills its purpose greatly, and without burning a hole in your bank account.
Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 54L x 22W x 34H inches (137L x 56W x 86H cm)
- Product weight: 63 lbs (28.5 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Handlebar: Non-adjustable
- Seat: Adjustable
- Pedals: With straps
- Brakes: Magnetic
- Resistance: Adjustable, 8 levels
- Progress tracking computer: Yes
- Warranty: 3 years
For a recumbent bike, the Exerpeutic 900XL has quite a small footprint and a low profile. It’s only 54 inches long (137 cm), with the seat set back as far as it can go. The distance from the floor to the back of the seat is 18″ (46 cm), which makes the bike really easy to mount and dismount, aspect quite important for users undergoing rehabilitation treatment and exercising.
Since the seat is adjustable horizontally, it enables the bike to accommodate users of various heights. The bike is listed by the manufacturer to accommodate users between 5’3″ (160 cm) and 6’3″ (190 cm), but with the lowest seat setting you will still be able to reach the pedals even if you are only 4’9″ (145 cm) tall. If you’re 1-2 inches shorter than 4’9″, it might be a bit of a stretch to reach the farthest pedal from the seat. Also, if you’re taller than 6’3″ inches, you might not have to possibility to stretch your legs at their fullest during pedaling, which may be required by your workout.
The frame of the bike is pretty sturdy and stable. Doesn’t rattle, doesn’t wobble when you work out, even if you’re a heavier user. The bike is built to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg), but it is solid enough to support users even heavier, up to 350 lbs. However, in this case the recumbent handles may get in the way, or the bike may not offer you a 100% comfortable posture.
The seat of this recumbent indoor bike is nicely cushioned, with an ergonomic design, so it doesn’t impede pedaling in any way. The back support is also consistently cushioned, shaped to ensure a correct and comfortable posture, without cutting at your shoulder blades.
The handlebars on the front post of the bike are rather formal. That’s because most users don’t use them, and the posture required to hold them isn’t much comfortable on most recumbent bikes. The seat handlebars on the other hand, have an ergonomic design, being slightly tilted upward, to offer maximum comfort. They are also equipped with pulse sensors, so that you will be able to monitor your heart rate at all time. Both front and seat handlebars are non-adjustable, and coated with rubber foam for a firm grip.
The drive system of this bike includes a smooth torque crank system, with its arms furnished with large pedals. Each pedal features a toe strap, ideal for users who require locomotor rehabilitation exercising. The flywheel of the bike, although not extremely heavy such as in spinning bikes, is precision-balanced for high inertia, and fluid pedaling. The crankshaft is connected to the flywheel via a heavy-duty v-belt, resulting in an extremely quiet and smooth ride.
The braking system of this Exerpeutic bike is magnetic, so the bike does not require to be plugged into an 
power source. It offers 8 level of resistance, and beginning with the 5th, the bike provides a considerable amount of tension, leading to a superior burn.
Last but not least, the console of this bike is far from being a fancy one. Does not include any features like user profiles, workout programs, achievement tracker or bluetooth. But if you’re looking for features of that sort, you might want to have a look at the Schwinn 270, or Nautilus 614.
Nonetheless, the console does just about everything an exercise bike computer should do. It tracks your speed, time, RPM, pulse / heart rate, calories burned, distance traveled, and it also has an odometer that will always show you how much miles you’ve ridden. It features 3 buttons: MODE, SET and RESET. Basically, the MODE key is used for navigation through the functions, the SET key to preset a target value, and the RESET key evidently to reset a value to zero. The console requires 2 AA-type batteries.
Assembly and Maintenance
The Exerpeutic 900XL is pretty easy to assemble. The drive mechanism, including crank, flywheel, transmission belt, brake pad, comes already sealed inside the front part of the bike. All you have to attach are the bases of the frame, the front handlebar, the seat, pedals, connect the tension cable and console wires, and then the console. It shouldn’t take more than 45 min. to assemble. The box includes booklet which guides you step by step on what to do, and the tools for it. Maybe the most difficult task of the assembly part is connecting the tension wires. To do make it easier, you should turn the knob to the lowest setting.
When it comes to maintenance, this bike doesn’t call for much. Every part of its mechanism is pre-lubricated, and doesn’t require any additional lubrication. Drive belt is made to last a lifetime, while the brake does not sustain any wear and tear since it does not come in contact with the flywheel. Basically, all you have to do is keep the bike clean, without using any solvents on the plastic parts, and remove perspiration or moisture from the progress tracking computer.
Comfort and Ease of Use
The Exerpeutic 900XL offers all the comfort a recumbent exercise bike should offer. Nicely cushioned seat and back support, both designed to exclude any discomfort while pedaling. Recumbent handlebars align nicely, just a bit above the seat, to boast a posture similar to the one of an armchair.
The resistance levels are easy to change, while the use of the bike’s console is also pretty much straightforward.
What’s Best About This Bike
The 900XL recumbent bike from Exerpeutic comes for an excellent price for what it has to offer. It’s far from being a flimsy bike, it’s very solid, stable, with a very comfortable seat, promoting a healthy posture.
It’s actually one of the smallest recumbent bikes that you can find. Therefore, it just might be the right one for you if you’re short on space. It’s really quiet, due to the belt-driven mechanism, and magnetic brake, so it won’t interfere with your music or TV shows, nor disturb the other members of your family. Plus, since the brake pad does not touch the flywheel, it never requires 
replacement, like the direct-contact ones present commonly in spinning bikes.
The bike has a console. Even though it’s pretty basic and simple, it does give you the possibility to track your progress, and even set up goals. It also has heart rate sensors, feature extremely important for elderly users, or users who have to maintain in a specific cardio interval.
Drawbacks
The console is not telemetry enabled, meaning that you cannot use a heart strap with the console. Therefore to track your heart rate you must hold the sensors at all times. On the other hand, not many other bikes offer this feature.
The bike’s bases don’t include levelers which may render the bike a bit wobbly on uneven flooring. But this can be easily solved by placing the bike on a carpet or exercise mat.
Final Word
If you’re on the lookout for a really affordable, comfortable, and long-lasting recumbent bike, the Exerpeutic 900XL is definitely one to put on your list. Although it’s not a bike for high intensity workouts, it can still help your bolster your cardio, tone your legs and lower body, and even lose some weight with the proper diet. Needless to say, it’s a great bike for rehabilitation exercise, and for elderly users, since it takes all the pressure from your joints and back, during your workouts. Overall, it’s an excellent exercising machine, which provides the proper setting for a save and relaxed workout.