| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Phoenix 99608 Check Discounted Price | L:58" W:24" H:38" | 250 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Calories, Speed, Scan | 1 year limited |
The Phoenix 99608 is a pretty basic recumbent exercise bike. It’s also a fairly old model; it has been around since 2007, but it’s still available in 2020. In terms of features, it can be compared with the Marcy ME-709 bike, but lacks the front handlebars and has a slightly different design.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 58L x 24W x 38H inches (147L x 61W x 96H cm)
- Assembled weight: 59 lbs (26.7 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Pedals: Weighted, with straps
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Console: Time, distance, speed, calories, scan
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The Phoenix 99608 exercise bike features a steel frame combining cylindrical and rectangular tubing in its 
construction. The base bars are 2″ cylindrical, while the main chassis of the bike is 3″ rectangular. The drive and resistance elements are covered by two durable ABS-made guards.
All the metallic parts within the bike’s frame are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is gray, this being the only color available for this bike. The only exceptions are the crank arms which have a chrome finish.
The bike’s frame consists of two main pieces, the front piece which holds the drive mechanism, and the rear piece that supports the seat. It’s a frame type similar to the pooboo W268. The base tube of the rear piece slides into the tube of the front base and has several adjustment positions. There is also an adjustable stabilizer at the joint point of the two frame pieces.
The frame features a step-through design. Therefore, it offers excellent entry and exit possibilities even for elderly users or for users with certain disabilities.
Although it’s a basic exercise bike, the Phoenix 99608 is fairly large. It is approx. 58″ (147 cm) long, and 24″ (61 cm) wide. Due to this size and base bar design, the bike provides excellent stability. It also weighs approx. 59 lbs (26.7 kg), quite a bit more than the average road bike, and this weight is reflected in its overall stability as well.
Seat and handlebars
The Phoenix 99608 is equipped with a padded seat. Both the backrest pad and the bottom pad integrate
approx. 2″ (5 cm) of foam padding. Also, their covers are made of durable vinyl material which is also sweatproof.
The seat itself does not have an adjustment rail like the Efitment RB034 bike, for example. However, as we’ve mentioned above, the whole frame of the bike is adjustable. The rear part with the seat can be secured in a position closer or farther from the pedals via the base knob. This being said, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’2″ (153 – 188 cm). It is also durable enough to support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg).
It’s important to mention that the backrest does not have a reclining feature and cannot be adjusted independently from the rest of the seat. It attaches directly to the frame backbone with four screws.
The bike only has one set of handlebars. It doesn’t have a long front upright bar with an additional set of handlebars like most other recumbent bikes.
The bike’s handlebars are attached to the seat frame. They feature long grips covered by a layer of high-density foam for improved comfort. They don’t integrate pulse sensors and the performance monitor included with the machine does not have a pulse reading function. Just like the backrest, the handlebars cannot be adjusted independently from the seat.
Drive and resistance
The Phoenix 99608 recumbent exercise bike features a standard manual magnetic resistance system.
This being said, you don’t need an adapter for it. But on the other hand, the included performance monitor does not have pre-set programs and cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
The resistance system consists of a magnetic brake connected to the tension knob on the right side of the front upright bar of the bike by a steel cable. By turning the knob clockwise, the internal brake moves closer to the flywheel which increases the pedaling resistance.
Similar to most other magnetic resistance exercise bikes, the Phoenix 99608 offers 8 resistance settings. The first settings offer a very light workout, great for users who require recovery training. The top resistance settings (7-8) are not too hard, though. They deliver a mid-range resistance which can help you break a sweat if needed.
The bike’s internal flywheel is considerably smaller and lighter than the usual spin bike flywheels. However, it still has a perimeter-weighted design. This type of construction is meant to provide a more consistent momentum and add stability to the pedaling motion. The flywheel is also bi-directional, but you cannot coast on the bike. The pedals continue to move for as long as the flywheels is spinning.
The bike is equipped with a fairly sturdy crankset featuring chrome-plated steel arms. The pedals are weighted in order to always turn face-up when you remove your feet from them. They have a textured surface and adjustable straps for improved foot stability.
Last but not least, the bike’s drive system uses a belt. This type of drivetrain comes with three main advantages. One, the belt does not require any lubrication. Two, the belt generates less vibration than a chain. And three, the pedaling motion is whisper-quiet.
Performance monitor
Since it’s a basic bike, the Phoenix 99608 also includes a basic performance monitor. It features an LCD
display that tracks time, distance, speed, and calories burned. It does not track pulse and does not show RPM and odometer. Needless to say, the monitor unit does not have pre-set workout programs or online connectivity. It also does not offer the possibility to select goals for your workouts.
The monitor unit only has one button (Mode). By pressing the Mode 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 meter unit is battery-powered. It requires one AA battery which is included. It starts up when you press the button or when you begin pedaling. It also automatically turns off after four minutes of inactivity on the bike to save battery life.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s drive and resistance elements come pre-assembled, concealed by the plastic guards, and attached to the front part of the frame. The rest of the parts require user assembly, but the task is fairly easy. You will have to connect the two main frame parts together, add the two base stabilizers, assembled the seat, connect the performance monitor, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. The manual provides clear assembly instructions and a set of basic tools is included.
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
- Solid frame – can support users up to 250 lbs;
- Thick cushioning on the seat and backrest;
- Durable vinyl covers for the seat pad and backrest pad;
- Multiple adjustment positions for the seat section;
- Adjustable magnetic resistance offering 8 difficulty levels;
- Quiet belt drive;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
- Exercise meter that can track time, distance, speed, and calories;
- Fairly light, easy to handle;
- Easy to assemble;
- Tools for assembly included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No front handlebars.
Summary
The Phoenix 99608 is a basic recumbent exercise bike made for home use. It features a manual magnetic resistance system, padded seat, and backrest, and a performance monitor that tracks time, distance, speed, and calories burned. It’s a bike for light to medium-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, recovery training, and stamina development.