MaxKare Recumbent Magnetic Exercise Bike

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Resistance	Console	Warranty
MaxKare Recumbent Bike Check Discounted Price	L:45.7" W:18.9" H:41.7"	220 lbs	Manual magnetic, 8 levels	Time, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Speed, Pulse, Goals, Scan	2 years

The MaxKare recumbent bike has a similar design and range of features as the Efitment RB034. It’s an exercise bike made for home use and light cardio workouts. It also has a smaller footprint than other models, so if usage and storage space is an issue, this might be a good choice to put on your list.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 45.7L x 18.9W x 41.7H inches (116L x 48W x H cm)
• Assembled weight: 62 lbs (28 kg)
• Weight capacity: 220 lbs (100 kg)
• Seat: Adjustable
• Pedals: Weighted, with straps
• Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
• Console: Time, distance, odometer, speed, calories, pulse, goals, SCAN
• Warranty: 2 years limited

Frame construction

As we’ve mentioned above, the MaxKare has a similar frame design as the Efitment RB034; however, it has a smaller footprint and weight capacity. It is designed for users up to 220 lbs (100 kg) only and has a footprint of 45.7″L x 18.9″W (116 x 48 cm). The whole bike is a few inches wider and gains a few inches in length if the seat is adjusted all the way to the back. Anyway, just as for any other recumbent bike, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for safe access and usage.

The bike has a step-through design. In other words, you can easily pass through the frame and have a seat. This can be a plus for users with certain disabilities.

The bike’s frame is made of steel, featuring a one-piece chassis that results in extra sturdiness. All the steel parts in its construction are powder coated with a gray corrosion-resistant paint finish, so far this being the only color available for this bike. Of course, the bike’s construction also integrates several ABS parts. For example, the covers of the drive elements and several other small covers are made of tough ABS plastic.

Since it’s not a high-capacity trainer, the MaxKare recumbent bike isn’t too heavy either. With all the parts assembled, it weighs approx. 62 lbs (28 kg). Thus, it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Plus, once the bike is assembled, it can easily be transported via the small front wheels.

Although the bike isn’t too heavy, it still weighs considerably more than the average road bike. All this weight is reflected in its overall stability. Also, with regards to stability, its rear base is equipped with two polygonal caps which can rotate and serve as levelers.

Seat and handlebars

The MaxKare recumbent bike is equipped with a fairly comfortable seat. The seat pad is 14.5″ (36.8 cm) wide, and 11″ (27.9 cm) long, offering plenty of contact surface. The backrest is approx. 2″ (5 cm) narrower than the seat, but longer, designed to provide all the necessary lumbar support. Both the seat pad and the backrest pad feature approx. 1.5″ (3.8 cm) of foam padding and durable vinyl upholstery for optimal comfort.

The bike’s seat is adjustable. It is attached to an oblique rail and can be locked into a position closer or farther from the pedals. Its adjustment system is lever-based which is quite a plus because you can adjust it while seated and bring it to the exact position that you need. The adjustment is done with ease by simply pulling the lever on the right side.

The seat’s rail offers an adjustment span for a user inseam between 27″ and 35″ (68.5 – 89 cm). Differently put, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’3″ (153 – 190 cm), providing a complete leg extension. And as we’ve mentioned above, the bike is rated for a user weight capacity of 220 lbs (100 kg) which pretty much applies to the seat.

In terms of handlebars, the bike is equipped with two sets, one attached to the seat assembly, the other to the front mast. The seat handlebars integrate pulse sensors. They do not adjust independently from the seat. Also, in case you’re wondering, the distance between them is approx. 22″ (56 cm).

The front handlebars are slightly curved towards the user in order to provide a more natural hand positioning and minimize the impact on the wrists. Just as the seat handlebars, they are non-adjustable. However, due to the smaller size of the bike, they aren’t awkwardly placed too far away from the user as it is the case for other bikes, so holding on to them when pedaling is pretty comfortable as well.

Drive and resistance

Like most other recumbent exercise bikes, the MaxKare model integrates a flywheel. The exact weight of this part is not specified, but since the bike weighs approx. 60 lbs (28 kg), the weight of the internal flywheel should not exceed 10-15 lbs (4.5 – 6.8 kg). The flywheel is balanced though, in order to provide a smooth and steady pedaling motion. Reverse pedaling is possible as well.

The bike features a magnetic resistance system with manual action. This being said, it doesn’t have or need a power adapter and does not require an external power source. Also, the console cannot adjust the resistance automatically and does not have preset workout programs, like the Tunturi E50-R, for example.

The resistance system consists of an internal magnetic brake that is attached to the tension knob on the front upright bar of the unit through a steel wire. By turning the knob, the brake changes its position in relation to the flywheel, moving closer or farther, which increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty.

There are 8 resistance levels available on this bike. This first level provides a very light pedaling difficulty, which is great for users that require recovery training. Conversely, the 8th level provides considerably more resistance, great for anyone who wants to burn more calories and improve their stamina.

The bike is equipped with a durable crankset, but nonetheless, since it’s not a spin bike, it’s not made of standing on the pedals; it is meant for seated workouts only. The included pedals are made of durable nylon material. They have a weighted design so they always turn face-up if you remove your feet from them. They are also equipped with adjustable straps for improved foot stability during pedaling.

One last aspect to mention here regards the bike’s drivetrain. Like most other bikes with a magnetic resistance system, the MaxKare model features a belt transmission. This means it saves you from the hassle of periodic lubrication. Also, it provides a very smooth, vibration-free traction.

Console

The bike’s console features an LCD display that tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It is not telemetric, though, and can only track your pulse through the sensors integrated into the seat handlebars. It cannot receive information from a wireless HR chest strap and cannot communicate with a smartphone or smartwatch; it’s pretty much a basic fitness meter.

Since it’s a bike with a manual resistance system, the console cannot adjust the resistance and doesn’t have preset programs. However, it does have goal settings for time, distance, and calories. If a goal for any of these metrics is selected, it will show the remaining value until the goal completion.

The console unit is very easy to use. It has three buttons. These are Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to select any of the workout metrics to view on the unit’s display or select the Scan Mode. When this mode is selected, all the metrics rotate in a sequence, each one appearing on the display for a few seconds. The Set button allows you to select workout goals, and finally, the Reset button gives you the possibility to clear all the values on the console to zero.

The unit is battery-powered. It requires two AA batteries. It starts up when it detects pedal movement and also automatically turns off if it does not detect any input on the bike for a few minutes.

Finally, the console unit does not have Bluetooth, speakers or a cooling fan, but does integrate a tablet or phone holder. This consists of a small shelf placed under the main controls.

Assembly and Maintenance

The main body of the bike with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. You only have to add the bike’s base bars, the seat, the front upright bar, the handlebars, the pedals, and the console. This shouldn’t take more than one hour. The manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions and a basic toolkit is included.

Maintenance doesn’t require much. The internal parts shouldn’t need any maintenance for a long period of time. So, basically, you only have to keep the bike clean, keep liquids away from the console, and periodically check for loose or broken parts.

The Pros

• Sturdy, steel frame – 220 lbs capacity
• Adjustable rear stabilizers;
• Transport wheels;
• Step-through frame design for easy access to the seat;
• Seat handlebars with pulse sensors;
• Front handlebars;
• Padded seat and backrest, for optimal comfort;
• Lever-based seat adjustment;
• Quiet magnetic resistance system;
• 8 levels of magnetic resistance;
• Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
• Exercise meter that can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
• Goal setting functions for time, distance, and calories;
• Tablet holder included;
• Lightweight, easy to handle;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little to no maintenance required.

The Cons

• No bottle holder;
• The console display is not backlit;
• A tablet placed on the tablet holder will cover the console display and controls.

Summary

The MaxKare recumbent bike features a manual magnetic resistance system with 8 difficulty levels. It includes a padded seat that offers plenty of adjustment and an exercise meter that tracks all the important workout metrics. It’s a bike designed for light cardio workouts, recovery training, muscle toning, and weight loss. And finally, it’s among the most affordable exercise bikes available at the moment.