Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Drive | Console |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Goplus Recumbent Bike Check Discounted Price | L:56.3" W:16.1" H:34.6" | 300 lbs | Magnetic | Belt | Time, Speed, Distance, ODO, Calories, Pulse, SCAN |
The Goplus recumbent bike is one of the most affordable exercise bikes that you can find at the moment. It’s in the same range of specs as the Sunny SF-RB921 and Marcy NS-908R. It’s a bike with manual magnetic resistance, perfect for light cardio exercising at home.
Even though it’s a rather basic bike, there’s still a lot to be said about it. Therefore, in this review, we’ll try to cover each and every one of its features.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 56.3 x 16.1W x 34.6H inches (143L x 41W x 88H cm)
- Assembled weight: 51.7 lbs (23.4 kg)
- Max. user weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Pedals: With adjustable straps
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Console: Time, distance, speed, calories, odometer, pulse, SCAN
Frame construction
The Goplus recumbent bike features a frame construction similar to the Marcy ME 709. It’s a two-part frame, with the two main parts connecting at the middle. The connection point between the rear part with the seat and the front part with the pedals serves as adjustment point for the length of the bike.
The bike’s frame is made of steel tubing, but the bike doesn’t have an extremely heavy overall construction. When fully assembled, it weighs only 51.7 lbs (23.4 kg). Therefore, its assembly and transport shouldn’t be a problem for one person. Plus, the front base is equipped with rotating end caps which can serve as transport wheels, so relocating the bike once you have finished your workout is fairly easy.
Although the bike isn’t extremely heavy, its stability shouldn’t be a problem. The rear base, as well as the middle small base, are both equipped with polygonal rotating caps which serve as stabilizers. So, even if you’re not going to place and use the bike on a rubberized mat, these elements should give you the possibility to perfectly level it.
The bike doesn’t have a folding frame. However, if you need to save space when you’re not using it, you can simply disconnect the two main parts of the frame and store them one over the other, or in a different way that takes less space.
This Goplus exercise bike isn’t very large, though. With the frame fully assembled, it takes approx. 56.3″L x 16.1″W (143 x 41 cm) of floor space. However, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for safe entry and exit. This being said, it may not fit very well in a small room or apartment.
All the steel parts in the frame construction feature a corrosion-resistant powder coating, light gray in color, this being the only color available for this Goplus bike. The covers of its drive elements are made of plastic material, gray and silver in color.
Seat and handlebars
To begin with, this recumbent exercise bike is equipped with a comfortable seat, approx. 14″ (36 cm) wide. Both the seat and the backrest integrate a consistent layer of padding in order to deliver optimal comfort. Their upholstery is made of durable vinyl material, designed to last for many years of use.
The seat is directly attached to the rear part of the frame; it doesn’t have any adjustment rail or mechanism. However, as we’ve mentioned above, the two main parts of the frame permit the bike’s length adjustment. The seat frame lower bar which enters the front frame bar features several adjustment holes. Therefore, this bike can accommodate users between 4’6″ to 6’0″ (137 – 183 cm). Also, in case you’re wondering, the backrest is also directly attached to the seat frame; it cannot move independently from the seat and doesn’t recline.
The Goplus recumbent exercise bike features two sets of handlebars, which can be considered a plus, as the other models, such as the Universal R20, don’t have front handlebars. The front handlebars which are attached to the console mast feature a multi-grip design. The seat handlebars are equipped with metallic pulse sensors. Both sets of handlebars feature rubber foam grips for optimal comfort. None of the handlebars have any adjustability on their own.
Resistance and drive
The Goplus recumbent bike features a manual magnetic resistance system. This means you don’t have to connect it to a power source in order to benefit from pedal adjustment. The resistance system consists of a small magnetic brake attached to the dial on the console mast, under the console via a steel wire. As you turn the knob, the position of the brake in relation to the internal metallic flywheel will change, resulting in more or less tension.
The resistance dial has 8 “clicks” on it, making available 8 distinctive levels of resistance. The 1-3 resistance settings offer the possibility to perform light workouts. Conversely, the top 7-8 resistance settings put quite a bit of tension on the pedals, allowing you to undertake more intense workout sessions, simulating a steep climb.
Since this is an exercise bike with a magnetic resistance system, it has a belt drive using a durable rubber belt. This type of drive has two main advantages. First of all, a belt doesn’t require periodic lubrication, and second of all, it renders the bike’s operation almost silent. This being said, the Goplus bike is an excellent choice if you live in an apartment building or in a house with multiple persons. When operating the bike you can be sure that they won’t hear it.
The bike’s flywheel isn’t a large one. Its weight isn’t specified, but since the overall weight of the bike isn’t more than 52 lbs, the flywheel can’t be that heavy. As a general idea, recumbent bikes of this caliber are equipped with a light flywheel, between 8 and 12 lbs (3.6 – 5.4 kg). But nonetheless, the flywheel is balanced and provides a steady and smooth motion.
The crankset is equipped with steel crank arms and weighted pedals. The pedals feature adjustable straps and an adherent surface in order to deliver optimal foot stability during pedaling. They also have standard threads, so you should easily find replacements for them if it’s the case.
Finally, the bike has a fairly narrow Q-Factor. 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.
Fitness meter
Since it’s a basic model, the Goplus recumbent bike is equipped with a basic exercise meter. However, this unit does offer a bit more than the basic units, as it has an odometer function and a pulse reading functions. It’s equipped with an LCD display which can track time, distance, total distance (odometer), speed, calories, and pulse. But since it doesn’t offer any options to input user data such as age or weight, the calorie reading isn’t too accurate.
The unit is not telemetric, so it can’t read your pulse via a wireless HR chest strap transmitter. In order to benefit from a pulse reading, you will have to use the EKG sensors within the seat handlebars.
The meter unit is easy to operate. It has only one button which toggles the SCAN function On and Off, and also serves as a Power On button and as a Reset button. When the SCAN function is On, the display will show each workout metric for several seconds, then moving to the next and so on. By toggling the SCAN function Off, you can select any of the workout metrics to be shown on the display all the time. To reset all the workout metrics on the console, you simply have to press and hold the button for a few seconds.
The console is battery powered. It uses two AAA batteries which are included. It also has a sleep mode to which will enter after several seconds of inactivity on the bike. To turn it on, you can either press the button or begin pedaling.
Assembly and Maintenance
This exercise bike is really easy to put together; the whole assembly process shouldn’t take more than an hour. The included manual provides very clear assembly instructions and the tools are included. Basically, for assembly, you will have to connect the two main frame parts together, connect the base tubes, the seat, the console mast, the console and the pedals.
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 max. user capacity of 300 lbs;
- Adjustable frame; can accommodate users between 4’6″ – 6’0″;
- Transport wheels;
- Adjustable base stabilizers;
- Step-thru frame design;
- Both front and seat handlebars (other recumbent bikes don’t have front handlebars);
- Pulse sensors in the seat handlebars;
- Padded seat and backrest, for maximum comfort;
- Quiet magnetic resistance system;
- Adjustable resistance offering distinctive 8 levels;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps and standard threads;
- Fitness meter included;
- Easy to assemble and operate;
- Lightweight, easy to handle;
- Little to no maintenance required.
The Cons
- No tablet holder;
- No bottle holder;
- The console display does not have backlight.
Summary
The Goplus recumbent bike is a basic model meant for home use. It features 8 levels of manual magnetic resistance and comes with a basic console. It has an adjustable frame, padded seat and wide backrest, and a sturdy frame construction. It’s an exercise bike for beginners, great for light cardio workouts, stamina training, recovery training and weight loss. It’s one of the most affordable recumbent bikes and does offer excellent value for the price.