HARISON B8 Recumbent Exercise Bike

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Flywheel weight	Resistance	Console
HARISON B8 Check Discounted Price	L:60.2" W:21.6" H:41.3"	300 lbs	29 lbs	Manual magnetic	Time, Distance, Odometer, Speed, RPM, Calories, Pulse

Most recumbent bikes with a manual magnetic resistance system offer 8 resistance settings. There are exceptions, though. One of them is the HARISON B8 exercise bike. This is also a slightly larger model, featuring a construction that is pretty close to light-commercial. It also has a decent weight capacity and excels in comfort factors.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 60.2″L x 21.6″W x 41.3″H (153L x 55W x 105H cm)
• Assembled weight: 120 lbs (54 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 29 lbs (13 kg)
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Seat: Adjustable
• Resistance: Manual magnetic, 14 levels
• Console: Time, speed, distance, total distance, RPM, calories, and pulse
• Extras: Bottle holder, tablet holder, phone holder
• Warranty: Frame 1 year, Parts 5 years

Frame construction

As we’ve mentioned above, the HARISON B8 features a frame made of steel tubing, featuring a construction and overall sturdiness which is pretty close to a light-commercial recumbent bike. It is also rated for a weight capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg) which is not bad for a bike made for home use. Of course, the bike also integrates several ABS part. For example, the frame of the backrest, the covers of the flywheel, and several other covers are made of durable ABS.

All the steel parts in the bike’s construction are coated with a corrosion resistant paint finish. The color used is black with the exception of the seat sliding rail which has a chrome finish.

The bike’s frame is made of two main pieces, the rear part with the seat, and the front part with the drive and resistance elements. These two pieces connect at the middle via a set of screws. There is also a small adjustable stabilizer at the joint between the two frame sections.

The bike’s bases consist of two cylindrical tubes. The front base tube features two small transport wheels. The rear base tube is equipped with two polygonal caps which can be rotated in order to stabilize the unit on any type of floor. Also, the rear base bar features a lifting handle which facilitates the use of the front transport wheels.

The fully assembled bike is fairly large. It is approx. 60.2″ (153 cm) long, and 21.6″ (55 cm) wide. This being said, it should require a minimum usage area of 80″ x 60″ (203 x 152 cm). Also, in terms of height, the highest point of the unit is given by the tablet support which reaches approx. 41.3″ (105 cm) above floor level.

Last but not least, the bike is considerably heavy. With all the parts assembled, it weighs approx. 120 lbs (54 kg). This being said, it is recommended to be transported and assembled by two persons. However, once it is assembled, its relocation can easily be done via its front wheels by only one person.

Seat and handlebars

The HARISON B8 recumbent bike is equipped with a comfort seat. The seat pad features 2″ of foam padding and a durable vinyl upholstery. It’s fairly large, approx. 15.7″ (40 cm) wide, and 11.4″ (29 cm) long, offering plenty of contact surface.

The backrest features a heavy-duty ABS frame with a mesh structure for superior breathability and flexibility. It is approx. 20.5″ (52 cm) long, and 18.5″ (47 cm) wide, and slightly arched for extra comfort. The backrest does not adjust independently from the rest of the seat, nor does have a reclining system.

The whole seat assembly is adjustable. It is attached to an oblique rail and can move closer or farther from the pedals. The adjustment system consists of a dial placed on the right side. The adjustment span is long enough to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’3″ (153 – 188 cm). Also, as we’ve mentioned above, the seat assembly is durable enough to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg).

This HARISON exercise bike is equipped with two sets of handlebars. One is attached to the seat assembly, the other to the front mast. The seat handlebars integrate stainless steel pulse sensors. The distance between them is approx. 23″ (58 cm), similar to the distance between the armrests of the average office chair. The front handlebars feature a multi-grip design but do not have pulse sensors. Both sets of handlebars feature rubberized grips for extra comfort and hand adherence.

Drive and resistance

The HARISON B8 exercise bike features a magnetic resistance system. However, it does not have an internal motor, and the resistance adjustment is done manually. Also, the console does not control the resistance in any way, and the bike does not require an external power source.

The bike’s resistance system consists of a mechanical magnetic brake which is connected to the adjustment dial on the front mast. By turning the dial clockwise, the brake moves closer to the flywheel which results in a higher intensity of the internal magnetic field, which ultimately leads to an increased pedaling difficulty.

Since the bike’s resistance is magnetic, the resistance elements do not touch. This leads to a smooth and quiet operation, and almost inexistent wear and tear of the brake system.

The HARISON recumbent bike offers 14 levels of resistance. This is quite a plus, as most exercise bikes with a manual magnetic brake only offer 8 tension levels. The 1-3 levels deliver a light resistance, being recommended for exercising heart and lung function. The 4-6 levels are for advanced aerobic exercise and burning calories, the 7-10 levels are great for toning leg muscles and improving strength and stamina, while the 11-14 levels offer the possibility to undergo a high-intensity training.

The bike’s internal flywheel is fairly heavy for a recumbent bike. It weighs approx. 29 lbs (13 kg) and has a balanced design. It delivers a pretty consistent momentum and also allows pedaling in reverse. The bike is equipped with a belt drive system. This leads to a very smooth, vibration-free pedaling motion. Plus, you will never have to lubricate it as it is required by a chain drive system.

The bike is equipped with a large pulley featuring solid steel crank arms. The included pedals have a weighted design which enables them to always turn face-up when you remove your feet from them. They have a textured, non-slip surface and also include adjustable straps so you can perfectly secure your feet on them during pedaling.

Console and accessories

Since the bike doesn’t have an automatic resistance system, the console does not have preset programs and does not automatically adjust the resistance. This being said, it’s only a fitness meter that tracks the main workout statistics, including time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, and pulse. It also has an odometer function which keeps track of the full distance covered since the first use of the machine.

The pulse reading function can only use the sensors integrated into the handlebar. The console cannot read your pulse through a wireless strap transmitter.

The console unit features a large LCD display and three main buttons. It offers the possibility to select any of the workout metrics mentioned above to be shown on the display at all time or select the SCAN mode which rotates all the metrics showing each one for several seconds. It also has goal settings for time, distance, and calories burned.

The console starts when you begin pedaling or when you press the Start button. It also has a sleep mode to which it will enter after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike.

In terms of accessories, the HARISON B8 includes large tablet support which attaches on the back of the console, the support being above the console unit. This accessory also integrates a bottle holder compartment which can hold any type of hydration bottle. And finally, another small shelf is integrated at the bottom of the console; this accessory can serve as a phone holder.

Assembly and Maintenance

The front unit of the bike with the drive and resistance elements comes fully assembled. However, the other parts still require assembly. Differently put, you will have to connect the two main frame sections together, add the two base stabilizers, add the console mast, the console, the tablet support, assemble the seat, and finally add the pedals. This may take up to two hours of your time. The manual provides fairly clear assembly instructions, though, and a basic toolkit is also included.

Maintenance doesn’t require much. Once the bike is assembled, you only have to keep the unit clean, keep liquids away from the console, and periodically check for loose or broken parts.

The Pros

• Sturdy, steel frame – 300 lbs capacity
• Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Step-through frame design for easy access to the seat;
• Seat handlebars with pulse sensors;
• Multi-grip handlebars at the front;
• Cushioned and contoured seat;
• Multiple adjustment positions for the seat;
• Vented backrest for superior breathability;
• Quiet magnetic resistance system;
• 14 levels of resistance available for superior micro-adjustability;
• Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
• Exercise meter that can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, RPM, and pulse;
• Goal setting functions for time, distance, and calories;
• Tablet holder included;
• Bottle holder included;
• Phone holder included;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little to no maintenance required;
• Decent warranty.

The Cons

• The console display does not have backlight;
• No preset workout programs.

Summary

The HARISON B8 is a recumbent bike made for home use, featuring a manual magnetic resistance system with 14 distinct tensions settings. It is equipped with a comfortable seat and a console that tracks the most important workout metrics. It’s a great exercise bike for light to mid-range cardio training, recovery training, muscle toning and weight loss. In all, it offers excellent value for the price.