Octane Fitness XR650 Recumbent Elliptical

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Resistance	Console	Warranty
Octane XR650 Check Discounted Price	L:71" W:35" H:56"	400 lbs	Eddy current, 30 levels	16 workouts, 3 Booster programs	Parts: 3 years Labor: 1 year

The Octane Fitness XR650 recumbent elliptical is a light-commercial grade fitness machine. It offers quite a few more features than the Octane XR4X that we’ve previously covered here, as well as a bulkier, sturdier frame, designed for a greater weight capacity. The machine focuses on providing superior comfort and ergonomics. However, its console doesn’t have online connectivity as the more inclusive XR6000.

Technical Details & Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 71″L x 35″W x 56″H (180L x 89W x 143H cm)
• Assembled weight: 268 lbs (121.5 kg)
• Weight capacity: 400 lbs (181.4 kg)
• Seat: 4-way adjustable
• Handlebars: Mobile, with simple grips
• Resistance system: Eddy current, 30 levels
• Console: 16 programs
• Extras: Bottle holder, tablet shelf
• Warranty: Parts 3 years / Labor 1 year

Frame construction & parts

Needless to say, since it’s a light-commercial machine, the Octane XR650 features an extremely sturdy construction. It’s rated for a maximum weight load of 400 lbs (181.4 kg) which is pretty impressive for any recumbent elliptical trainer, or recumbent bike. The unit’s base frame is completely made of steel tubing; it combines ovalized with cylindrical bars which not only improve overall sturdiness, it also provide a nice aesthetic touch to the unit. However, the machine’s construction also integrates several ABS parts. These are mostly covers, though; they fulfill only a cosmetic and protective role, without reducing the unit’s overall sturdiness.

Due to the impressive amount of thick steel bars and other parts, this Octane recumbent elliptical trainer is considerably heavy. Its net weight is approx. 268 lbs (121.5 kg). Therefore, it is recommended to be transported, unboxed, and assembled by at least two persons. However, with the frame fully assembled, the trainer isn’t too difficult to move; its front base is equipped with a set of rollers which facilitate its relocation, while its rear section, behind the seat, features a lifting handle.

The machine’s weight is quite an important factor in its overall stability. Not only that, but its rear base is also equipped with two adjustable stabilizers.

Compared to other light commercial recumbent bikes, the Octane XR650 is fairly large. Its assembled footprint is approx. 71″L x 35″W (180 x 89 cm). On top of this, it is recommended to assign a workout surface for it of at least 90″ x 80″ (228 x 203 cm), for safe operation and ease of access.

Like many other recumbent bikes, this one features a step-thru design. This considerably improves the access to the seat. Also, the bottom frame section right under the seat is reinforced by a metallic plate, so you can safely step on it.

The unit is equipped with a set of curved, moving arms. They feature simple, rubberized grips. They’re interconnected with the pedals; therefore, they cannot move independently from the pedals. In other words, for as long as the pedals are moving, the arms will also move, and vice-versa.

The machine is equipped with a set of large enough pedals to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They’re made of durable ABS material, featuring a non-slip surface. They have an all-around border to improve foot stability and positioning. Also, their metallic bars feature high-grade ball bearings to each connection point to the crank and console mast.

The unit also features a set of footrests. The footrests bar attaches directly to the console mast, under the console. This element offers the possibility to keep your feet and legs stationary while you exercise using only your arms, focusing on an upper body workout.

Last but not least, the machine features a durable paint finish, resistant to corrosion and chipping. The main color used is gray, this being the only color available for this Octane trainer.

Seat & comfort factors

Although the Octane Fitness XR650 doesn’t offer online connectivity as other recumbent bikes in this price range, it definitely offers some of the best comfort that you can find out there. To begin with, the seat features a 3″ (8 cm) thick layer of cushioning, and this also goes for the backrest. The upholstery is made of highly durable vinyl material. Both the backrest and the seat have a contoured surface, in order to adapt perfectly to your body.

The backbone of the seat assembly consists of a wide steel tube; therefore, you can be sure that the unit’s backrest won’t fail you. Due to this fact, the backrest provides a firm and healthy lumbar support.

One of the main pluses of this Octane recumbent bike is the 4-way seat adjustability. The seat assembly is attached to an oblique, slightly curved bar which features more than 10 adjustment positions, allowing the seat to move lower and closer to the pedals, and vice-versa. On top of that, it is also reclining. It offers 5 tilting positions, and these being said, you can always find the perfect position for your size.

Speaking of size, the machine can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm), promoting a complete leg extension and a comfortable positioning of the feet and body. Also, as we’ve mentioned above, the seat can support users up to 400 lbs (181.4 kg).

The unit’s seat is equipped with a set of small handlebars. They integrate pulse sensors, so by holding on to them, the console can read your pulse. Two bottle/accessory holders are also included with the machine. They attach to the rear part of the seat handlebars.

Drive system

There are several drive elements and features with regards to the unit’s drive system that we must mention here. To begin with, the Octane xR650 is equipped with a balanced, internal flywheel which is also a key part of its resistance system. The flywheel’s weight is not specified, but due to the magnetic resistance, its weight is not too relevant. It’s a flywheel designed and sized to minimize startup resistance and deliver a smooth and steady motion throughout the workout.

The unit’s internal transmission uses a heavy-duty poly-v belt, designed for maximum traction. Just as any belt drive system in a recumbent bike, it doesn’t require lubrication and renders the operation of the unit extremely quiet.

An aspect that sets the XR650 recumbent elliptical trainer apart from other is the 16″ PowerStroke technology. In other words, the machine features an optimal stride and leg extension in order to engage more muscles. The elliptical path is inclined forward, delivering more glute activity, which leads to more calories burned during the workout.

As we’ve mentioned above, the pedals are inter-connected with the moving arms of the machine. Differently put, the arms cannot be locked into position; they will always move for as long as the pedals are moving, and they cannot move independently from the pedals or from one another.

The machine is also bi-directional. Its drive system allows backpedaling. Therefore, you can alternate reverse pedaling with normal pedaling sessions to diversify your workout.

Resistance system

The Octane XR650 integrates an eddy current resistance system with exclusive digital control. This means the resistance can only be adjusted from the console and that the machine required being connected to a power source. A power adapter with cable is included.

The unit’s resistance system consists of an internal magnetic brake system and a small servo motor. When you select a certain tension level from the console, the servo motor will adjust the position of the magnetic brake in relation to the flywheel, increasing or decreasing the intensity of the magnetic field. This will result in an increased tension on the pedals and moving arms.

Needless to say, the units resistance system is automatic. In other words, if you select one of the onboard programs to follow during your workout, the unit will auto-adjust the resistance.

There are 30 resistance levels available. The first 5 levels deliver a very light pedal and arm tension, great for users who require recovery training. Conversely, the top 25-30 resistance settings are meant for a high-intensity burn, providing high pedal tension and simulating a steep climb.

Console

The console included with the XR650 Octane elliptical is the basic one. If you’re looking for an online capable console, the XR6000 is the one for you.

The included console feature a LED-based display; it actually has 6 display sections. The top, longer display is the “message center”. This window prompts you to take certain actions during the workout or provides motivational support. The center, larger display covers the workout programs matrix, the interval duration during an interval program, and several other notifications. The two smaller windows to the left cover time, time-in-zone, distance, and target HR, while the right side small windows show calories burned, heart rate, speed, and heart rate interval.

The console offers both English and Metric options for the speed and distance readings. There are personal input settings as well; the console will prompt you to input your weight and age, in order to calculate the calorie output more accurately.

Although the seat handlebars are equipped with pulse sensors, the control unit is also telemetric. It can read your pulse rate through a wireless HR chest strap transmitter. It works with any Polar transmitter, actually. However, an accessory of this sort is not included with the machine.

The console unit offers 16 workout programs to keep you motivated. These are divided into four categories. These are Preset Resistance Programs, Heart Rate Controlled Programs, Constant Power Programs, and one Fitness Program.

The Preset Programs category includes 6 programs – Manual, Random, Interval, Custom Interval, Hill, and 10K. The HR Programs category features 7 programs. These are Fat Burn, Cardio, HR Preset Interval, HR Custom Interval, New Leaf Custom, HR Hill, HR Speed. For these programs, the unit will auto-adjust the resistance according to the required HR interval, in order to keep you within that interval.

The Constant Power Programs are Constant Watts and Constant METs. They allow the user to enter the power output level, in watts or METs, for the program. The resistance level during these constant workouts is controlled by the machine, increasing or decreasing as necessary in tandem with the user’s speed to keep the output on target. And finally, the Fitness Program is a 30-30 interval program, featuring 5 sets of 30-sec sprint and recovery interval.

Along with the standard keys for program access, resistance level or value changing, start, and pause, the machine’s console also has three Workout Booter Keys. These are Chest Press, Muscle Endurance, and Leg Press. These workout boosters are actually quick-key interval programs. The Chest Press is designed to build endurance, strength and tone muscles in the upper body. The Leg Press focuses on building strength and endurance for your legs, while the Muscle Endurance booster is a combination of the other two.

Assembly & Maintenance

Although the core of the bike, including the drive and resistance elements, comes pre-assembled, the Octane Fitness XR650 still requires quite a bit of assembly. There are many other parts to put together, and therefore, the whole process may take up to two hours. You will basically have to attach the console mast, the two parts of the console, the footrests, the pedals, the seat, the seat handlebars, the backrests, and the moving arms of the unit. The manual provides pretty clear assembly steps, though.

Maintenance, on the other hand, doesn’t require much. The internal parts are pre-lubricated. Thus, all you have to do is keep the unit clean, and periodically check for loose bolts and parts.

The Pros

• Heavy-duty, commercial-grade construction;
• Great weight capacity – can hold users up to 400 lbs;
• An aesthetic design which can also be a motivation factor;
• Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base
• Transport wheels at the front;
• Transport handle at the rear;
• Cushioned and contoured seat;
• Vertical and tilting seat adjustment;
• Pulse sensors integrated into the seat handlebars;
• Bottle holders included;
• Motorized magnetic resistance system with 30 settings available;
• Very smooth, almost silent belt drive;
• Balanced flywheel which delivers a smooth and steady pedaling motion;
• PowerStroke technology for an optimal stride and leg action;
• Large pedals with a non-slip surface;
• LED-based console with a 6-window display and adjustable brightness;
• The console is telemetric – can read pulse via different HR chest strap transmitters;
• 16 built-in programs;
• 3 quick-key Booster Programs;
• Recovery test function;
• User settings available;
• Reading rack included;
• Little maintenance required;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• No online connectivity;
• No sound system;
• No cooling fan;
• HR chest strap is not included.

Summary

The Octane Fitness xR650 is a light-commercial recumbent elliptical trainer offering superior comfort, adjustability, and sturdiness. It offers a longer elliptical motion for more glute activity, and a 4-way adjustable consistently cushioned seat. It’s equipped with a LED-based console with 16 programs and has an eddy current resistance system which provides 30 levels of resistance. In all, it’s an excellent machine for a low-impact cardio training, for light to intense interval training, for leg, core and arm workouts, stamina development, and weight loss. It’s not exactly an affordable unit, but its overall quality definitely matches the price.