| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Exerpeutic 4121 Check Discounted Price | L:58" W:23.5" H:38.5" | 310 lbs | ECB 16 lvls | 24 programs, 2 user profiles, Bluetooth | Frame: 1 year Parts: 90 days |
The Exerpeutic 4121 recumbent bike is the newer version of the Exerpeutic GOLD 975XBT. The two models are almost identical, however, the 4121 model has three extra programs on the console, and has a different paint job.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 58L x 23.5W x 38.5H inches (147L x 60W x 98H cm)
- Assembled weight: 71.6 lbs (32.4 kg)
- Supported weight: 310 lbs (140 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Resistance: Eddy current, 16 levels
- Console: 24 pre-set programs, 2 user profiles, goals, Bluetooth
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame 1 year / Parts 90 days
Frame construction
The Exerpeutic 4121 recumbent exercise bike features a steel frame combining cylindrical and rectangular tubes 
in its construction. All the steel parts are coated with a rust-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, as opposed to the color of the 975XBT (4120 model) which is light gray. The only exception is the slide rail of the seat which has a chrome finish.
Of course, the side covers of the drive and resistance mechanism are made of durable thermoplastic material. They combine black and blue panels to match the console and the rest of the bike.
The bike is fairly large, especially lengthwise. It is approx. 58″ (147 cm) long, and 23.5″ (60 cm) wide. Plus, it is recommended to assign at least two feet of clearance all around it for safe usage and ease of access. Therefore, it may not fit too well in a small room.
The fully assembled bike isn’t extremely heavy. However, it does weigh approx. 71.6 lbs (32.4 kg), which is twice the weight of the average road bike. Plus, it has a low center of gravity which adds stability. The bike is easy to move, though, once it was assembled. Its front base is equipped with two small transport wheels.
It’s important to mention that this Exerpeutic recumbent exercise bike has a step-through design. This can be quite helpful for users with certain disabilities as it allows much easier entry and exit.
Seat and handlebars
The Exerpeutic Gold 975XBT 4121 is equipped with a seat designed for optimal comfort. Both the seat pad
and the backrest pad feature a thick layer of foam padding with a durable vinyl cover. The seat is approx. 14″ (35.5 cm) wide so it provides plenty of contact surface.
The base frame of the seat is durable enough to support users up to 310 lbs (140 kg). Its rail provides several inches of adjustment. The bike is actually designed for a user height range of 4’11” – 6’6″ (150 – 198 cm). Also, the seat can easily be adjusted while the user is seated. It has a large knob placed on the right side which you can easily grip and turn. It’s important to mention, though, that the backrest does not adjust independently from the rest of the bike’s seat.
The Exerpeutic 4121 recumbent bike features two sets of handlebars. One is attached to the seat assembly, the other to the front mast of the bike. The seat handlebars integrate pulse sensors and their cable goes through the frame all the way to the console. The front handlebars feature short grips, slightly curved towards the user to reduce the impact on the wrists. None of the handlebars are adjustable. Both have a layer of rubber foam material on their grips for extra comfort.
Drive and resistance
The Exerpeutic Gold 4121 recumbent exercise bike is equipped with an eddy current resistance system. 
This means you have to connect it to a power source in order to power-up its console and adjust the resistance. It also means that the console can adjust the resistance automatically. A power adapter is included with the bike.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a servo motor and a magnetic brake integrated into the bike’s flywheel mechanism. The motor is connected to the console, so when you adjust the resistance, or when a program is in use, it shifts the pull of the magnetic brake onto the flywheel which adds or reduces the pedaling difficulty.
The bike makes available 16 levels of resistance, similar to the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4850. The first few levels deliver a light workout load, great for exercising heart and lung function. Conversely, the top levels allow you to achieve a higher calorie burn and an increased cardiovascular rate in a shorter period of time.
The exact weight of the internal flywheel is not specified. But considering that the bike weighs only ~71 lbs (32.4 kg), its flywheel probably doesn’t weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg). Most of its weight is placed in its perimeter for extra stability and a more consistent momentum. It is also bi-directional, so you can pedal in reverse if you want.
Like most other exercise bikes equipped with a magnetic resistance system, the Exerpeutic Gold 4121 features a belt drive system. This type of drivetrain comes with three main advantages. First of all, you don’t have to lubricate it. Second of all, the belt generates less vibration than a chain. And third of all, the pedaling motion is whisper-quiet.
Last but not least, the bike features a durable 3-piece crankset with a large pulley and two solid steel crank arms. The pedals are self-leveling, with a non-slip surface and adjustable straps.
Console
The Exerpeutic Gold 975XBT 4121 is equipped with a mid-range console. To begin with, it features an 
LCD display with blue LED backlight for improved readability. The display is divided into several sub-sections in order to show as many workout metrics as possible so you don’t have to use a scan mode to rotate them. It tracks time, distance, total distance, calories, RPM, speed, watts, and pulse, while the top part shows the profiles of the program in use. Distance is shown only in miles, but for speed you can select either km/h or mph.
The console unit is not telemetric. It does have a pulse reading function but you cannot sync it with a Polar or ANT+ chest strap. So, in order for it to read your pulse, you have to hold on to the sensors integrated into the seat handlebars.
The console features 24 pre-set programs. Each program is designed to cover a specific type of workout. For example, some simulate a hill climb, others have an interval layout, while others focus on helping your burn more calories.
Two user profiles are also available. Each user can input their data such as age, height, weight, and gender so that the console can calculate and display a more accurate calorie burning.
The bike’s console is compatible with the MyCloudFitness app. This app is available for both Android and iOS systems. It is free, but it also has a Premium (paid) version with more features. The free version offers the possibility to track your workout progress and view your activity reports. If you have this app installed on your smartphone, you can sync it with the bike’s console via Bluetooth so that it can collect your workout data as you exercise.
The console unit does not have an integrated sound system, fans, or other fancy features. However, its top features a small shelf that can be used as support for your smartphone or tablet.
Assembly and Maintenance
The front unit of the bike with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. However, the rest of the parts require user assembly. You will basically have to attach the two base bars, assemble and connect the seat, the front mast, the console, and the pedals. This may take more than an hour, but the manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions. As set of basic tools is also included.
Once the bike is fully assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. The internal parts don’t require any lubrication (or at least they shouldn’t for a very long period of time). All you have to do is keep the bike clean, wipe the sweat from the frame at the end of the workout, and periodically check if all the parts are functioning accordingly.
The Pros
- Solid construction – can hold users up to 310 lbs;
- Step-thru design for easy access to the seat;
- Adjustable rear stabilizers;
- Transport wheels;
- Comfortable seat with thick padding on both the backrest and lower cushions;
- Adjustable seat – can accommodate users between 4’11″ and 6’6″;
- EKG sensors integrated into seat handlebars
- Eddy current (automatic) resistance with 16 available settings;
- Very smooth, almost silent belt drive;
- Large LCD display with blue LED backlight which improves its readability;
- 24 workout programs;
- 2 user profiles;
- 3 goal settings;
- Bluetooth enabled console compatible with the MyCloudFitness app;
- Tablet holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No USB port for recharging your phone.
Summary
The Exerpeutic Gold 975XBT 4121 is a recumbent exercise bike made for home use. It features an automatic magnetic resistance system with 16 difficulty levels, a comfortable seat with a pretty long adjustment span, and a console with 24 workout programs. The console also has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with the MyCloudFitness app. It’s a great exercise bike for light to medium-intensity cardio training, muscle toning, recovery training, weight loss, and stamina development. It’s also considerably cheaper than a commercial-grade bike and offers excellent quality for the price.