MaxKare RB-KPR201 Recumbent Bike

Unit	Size	Net weight	Supported weight	Resistance	Console
MaxKare RB-KPR201 Check Discounted Price	L:46" W:22" H:38"	52.5 lbs	300 lbs	Manual magnetic, 8 levels	Time, Distance, Calories, Speed, Pulse, Scan

The RB-KPR201 is one of the MaxKare recumbent bikes released in 2019. It’s a manual magnetic resistance exercise bike made for home use. Although it has the same resistance system as the RB-MKE901 that we’ve already reviewed here, its design is slightly different and the fitness monitor included with it lacks the target setting function.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 46L x 22W x 38H inches (116L x 56W x 96H cm)
• Assembled weight: 52.5 lbs (23.8 kg)
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Seat: Adjustable
• Pedals: Weighted, with straps
• Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
• Console: Time, distance, odometer, speed, calories, pulse, scan
• Warranty: 90 days

Frame construction

The MaxKare RB-KPR201 recumbent bike features a two-piece frame. In other words, the rear part with the seat connects to the front frame part that holds the resistance system via several bolts. However, the frame is not length adjustable as is the case for the Phoenix 99608, for example. This bike comes with an adjustable seat which will cover in more detail in the next section of this post.

The bike’s frame is made of rectangular and cylindrical tubing. All the steel parts in the bike’s construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The color used is gray, this being the only color available for this bike. The front covers of the drive and resistance elements are made of durable thermoplastic material.

The bike is not extremely large. It is approx. 46″ (116 cm) long, and 22″ (56 cm) wide. Its highest point is given by the backrest of the seat which reaches approx. 38″ (96 cm) above floor level. It’s important to consider a few feet of clearance all around the bike as well, for ease of access and unhindered usage.

The fully assembled bike is not too heavy. It weighs approx. 52.5 lbs (23.8 kg). This being said, it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Plus, once it is assembled, it is very easy to relocate as the caps of the front base stabilizer rotate and can be used as transport wheels.

Seat and handlebars

The MaxKare RB-KPR201 recumbent exercise bike features a seat designed for superior comfort. Both the seat pad and the backrest integrate a thick layer of foam cushioning while their covers are made of high-density polyurethane faux leather. This being said, the seat is pretty much sweatproof and easy to maintain as well.

The seat is adjustable. Its support rail allows several inches of front-to-back adjustment. The rail is also slanted, so if adjusted all the way to the front, the seat will also be at the closest point to the floor. This being said, the applicable inseam range for this MaxKare exercise bike is 28″ – 40″ (71 – 101 cm). Differently put, it should be able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’4″ (153 – 193 cm). It is also rated for a maximum weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg) which is not bad for a home-use exercise bike.

It’s important to mention that the backrest does not adjust independently from the seat. It attaches to the seat frame via two screws. It does not have a reclining function or an up/down adjustment slider.

The bike is equipped with two sets of handlebars. One set is attached to the seat assembly, the other set to the front mast of the bike. The seat handlebars have long grips. There is a fairly decent distance between them, so even if you’re close to the specified 300 lbs (136 kg) weight limit, your hand positioning on the seat handlebar grips should be pretty comfortable.

The front handlebars have very short grips. They attach directly to the front mast of the machine and they are non-adjustable. They integrate metallic pulse sensors and the included fitness monitor has a pulse reading function. Both handlebar sets of the bike have their grips covered by a layer of PU material for superior comfort.

Resistance system

The MaxKare RB-KPR201 exercise bike is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This means that you don’t need an adapter or an external power source. However, this also means that the bike does not have an internal motor, and cannot automatically adjust the resistance.

The resistance system consists of a magnetic brake attached to the internal flywheel assembly and connected to the tension knob visible on the front mast of the bike through a steel cable. Therefore, when you turn the knob clockwise, the magnets on the brake move closer to the internal flywheel which adds resistance to the ride. Conversely, when you turn the knob to the left, the magnets move away from the flywheel which reduces the pedaling difficulty.

There are 8 levels of resistance available on this MaxKare exercise bike. The first settings offer a very light workout, great for users who require recovery training. The top resistance settings deliver considerably more pedal tension, great for anyone who wants to improve strength and stamina, and to achieve a high cardiovascular rate in a shorter period of time.

Of course, since the bike’s brake is magnetic, it does not come in contact with the flywheel. This leads to a very smooth and quiet pedaling motion.

Drive system

Similar to most other exercise bikes equipped with a magnetic resistance system, the MaxKare RB-KPR201 features a belt drive system. That’s because a metallic chain may interfere with the magnetic brake. The bike integrates a poly-v belt designed for improved traction. This type of drive system does not require any lubrication and delivers slightly less vibration than a chain.

The exact weight of the bike’s internal flywheel is not specified. But considering that the whole unit weighs only around 52.5 lbs (23.8 kg), the flywheel probably doesn’t weigh more than 10 lbs (4.5 kg). It does have a perimeter-weighted construction in order to provide a more consistent pedaling motion.

The flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, you can pedal in reverse on this bike which can be a plus as you can put some diversity into your workouts. However, you cannot coast on it as you could on a road bike. The pedals continue to spin for as long as you pedal.

The bike’s crankset is pretty durable featuring cylindrical, chrome-plated arms. However, since it’s a recumbent bike, it’s definitely not meant for pedaling while standing up. The pedals have a textured surface and adjustable straps. They also integrate weight elements so they always self-level if you remove your feet from them.

Fitness monitor

The MaxKare RB-KPR201 recumbent bike includes a basic fitness meter. It doesn’t have Bluetooth, programs, or goal settings. It features an LCD display that tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. Speed and distance are shown in MPH and miles. The unit’s pulse reading function only works if you hold on to the integrated sensors. It cannot read your pulse from a wireless heart rate chest strap, fitness band, or smartwatch.

The monitor unit only has one button. By pressing this button, you can select and lock on to the particular workout metrics that you want. Also, you can select the Scan Mode which automatically rotates all the workout metrics, showing each one for a few seconds. The button also has a Reset function. By pressing and holding it down for several seconds, you can clear all the values to zero.

The monitor unit is battery-powered. It starts up when you press the button or when it detects pedal movement. It also automatically turns off after four minutes of inactivity on the bike to save battery life.

One last notable function to mention here regards the device holder. The monitor unit features a large backrest and a small shelf above its display where you can place your smartphone or tablet. But as we’ve already mentioned above, you cannot connect your device to the monitor unit; there are no AUX, USB, or other connection ports.

Assembly and Maintenance

The bike’s drive and resistance system comes pre-assembled and already attached to the front part of the frame. However, the rest of the parts do require user assembly. You will have to connect the two main frame parts together, attach the two base stabilizers, the seat, the backrest, the handlebars, the pedals, and the fitness monitor. This shouldn’t take more than one hour of your time. All the necessary tools are included and the manual provides clear assembly instructions.

Once the bike is assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. The internal parts shouldn’t need any lubrication for a long period of time. So, all you need to do is keep the bike clean and periodically check for loose bolts and parts.

The Pros

• Sturdy, steel frame – 300 lbs capacity;
• Adjustable rear stabilizers;
• Transport wheels;
• Step-through frame design for easy access to the seat;
• Seat handlebars included;
• Pulse sensors integrated into the front handlebars;
• Padded seat and backrest, for optimal comfort;
• Quiet magnetic resistance system;
• 8 levels of magnetic resistance;
• Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
• Fitness monitor that can track time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
• Device holder included;
• Fairly light, easy to handle;
• Easy to assemble;
• Little to no maintenance required.

The Cons

• No bottle holder;
• No backlight on the fitness monitor display;
• No goal functions or programs.

Summary

The MaxKare RB-KPR201 is a recumbent exercise bike made for home use. It is equipped with an 8-level manual magnetic resistance system, a comfortable seat, and a fitness monitor that tracks time, distance, speed, calories burned, and pulse. It’s a bike designed for recovery training, light to medium-intensity cardio training, stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss. It’s also an affordable exercise bike offering excellent value for the price.