| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ProGear 190 RB Check Discounted Price | L:38" W:21" H:44" | 275 lbs | Magnetic | No | 1 year |
Another excellent recumbent bike which offers great value at a very inexpensive price, is the ProGear 190. This bike is actually pretty similar to the Exerpeutic 400XL, being also foldable, with a space saver design. It’s a pretty basic bike, focusing to provide the training setting for your daily cardio. However, it still offers several features more than your average basic recumbent bike. Therefore, if you’re looking for an affordable exercise bike for light to medium training, here’s what the ProGear 190 can do for you.
Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 38L x 21W x 44H inches (96.5L x 53W x 112H cm)
- Product weight: 38 lbs (17.2 kg)
- Supported weight: 275 lbs (125 kg)
- Handlebar: With EGK pulse sensors
- Seat: Adjustable
- Pedals: With straps
- Brakes: Magnetic
- Resistance: Adjustable, 8 levels
- Performance monitor: Yes
- Warranty: 1 year
Frame
The ProGear 190 bike supplies all the postural comfort a recumbent bike should. Its saddle and backrest are well-padded, with an ergonomic design, to eliminate any back problems that may occur, and also to offer an safe training setting for users who must undergo recovery training. The backrest, although non-adjustable itself, conditions a straight up training position, preventing you from slouching as you ride.
The handlebars are connected to the seat, and non-adjustable. They’re well-padded with rubber foam material for a good grip. They also incorporate EKG sensors which are connected to the bike’s console, rendering it capable to track your pulse as you exercise. In case you’re wondering, the distance between the recumbent handlebars is 22″ (59 cm).
Speaking of the user required size for this recumbent exercise bike, the whole seat assembly (including the handlebars, saddle, and backrest) is adjustable. This being said, the bike can accommodate users between 5’2″ and 6’2″ (157.5 – 188 cm). Evidently, if you’re several inches taller than 6’2″, you will still be able to use this bike comfortably, but in this case, you won’t benefit from a complete leg stretch, which might be required in your training. Also, the maximum user capacity for this bike is 275 lbs (125 kg), slightly lower than for the Exerpeutic 400XL, which can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
Although the frame of this bike is made of steel tubing, overall the exercising machine is pretty light, weighing only 38 lbs (17.2 kg). This makes it pretty easy to handle and move for storage. On top of that the frame is easily foldable, and when folded, the bike is reduced to at least 1/2 of its size, fitting to just about any closet.
The ProGear 190 is also space savvy when unfolded. With a footprint of 38″L x 21″W, it makes a great choice for small rooms. Despite its small footprint the bike is quite stable. Its bases are finished with rolling caps which also act as wheels, making it easier to move the bike for storage, and also enhancing its stability. In other words, you can be sure that this bike won’t tip or move, even if you undergo a more consistent exercising routine.
Resistance and drive
This stationary bike is belt-driven, featuring a heavy-duty V-belt, for a smooth ride and consistent pedaling. The drive system also includes a small flywheel and a 3-piece, high-torque 
crank assembly. Although the bike does not support a stand-up training posture, such as the spin bikes, the crank arms are made of solid steel, with a length of 6″ (15.2 cm), similar to the crank arms of a regular bike. The pedals on the bike are pretty spacious, with a ribbed design to ensure an optimal foot grip, even if you don’t use the straps.
The resistance system of the bike is magnetic, with manual adjustability. There are actually 8 levels of resistance on the bike’s knob. Even though the bike is recommended for light and medium cardio, the last levels of resistance are quite tough, simulating a hill climb. The bike also offers the possibility to pedal backwards, without losing resistance. However coasting on this bike, as you would on a regular, road bike with gears, is not possible. The pedals will spin several times if you stop pedaling.
Performance monitor
Many exercise bikes within the low price interval, such as the Sunny Pro SF-B901, do not offer 
any performance monitor. Even though the one that comes with the ProGear 190 bike is pretty basic, is nonetheless a unit that will let you track the progress of your workout up to a certain extent. The console unit of this bike indicates several important values, such as distance traveled, calories burned, time spent pedaling, speed and pulse. It’s pretty easy to operate, featuring only one button and a SCAN function which will cycle through the mentioned values, showing each one of them for several seconds.
The console is battery-powered, using AAA-size batteries. It’s also battery-saving, as it will automatically turn off several minutes after you stop pedaling. Alternatively, the console will turn on when you begin pedaling.
Assembly and Maintenance
Like most exercise bikes for home use, the ProGear 190 recumbent bike is pretty easy to assemble. The drive and brake systems come already assembled, connected to the frame and covered by the plastic shrouds. All you have to add to the main frame are its bases, seat, and console, after you connect the resistance and pulse sensors wires. The tools for the assembly are included, along with the owner’s manual.
The maintenance of this bike isn’t too much of a bother. Since it has magnetic resistance, there’s basically no wear and tear on the brake, so you won’t have to worry about replacing brake pads. Also, since it’s belt-driven, you don’t need to grease the internal parts of the bike. So, basically all you have to do for maintenance is keep the bike clean, and periodically check if the screws hold tight in their place.
The Pros
Even though it’s a pretty basic exercise bike, the 190 model from ProGear does come with quite a bunch of pluses. So, in case you’ve missed any of the ones mentioned so far, here’s a summary:
- Solid frame, supporting users up to 275 lbs.
- Lightweight bike, easy to handle and transport.
- Excellent comfort, with a cushioned seat and backrest, supplying a comfortable, straight up exercising posture.
- Adjustable seat, accommodating users between 5’2″ – 6’2″ perfectly.
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance.
- Handgrips with sensors for tracking pulse.
- Ribbed pedals with straps, and standard threads, easy to replace if it’s the case.
- Belt-driven bike, offering a smooth pedaling motion and really quiet, making a great choice for apartment building use.
- Performance computer included.
- Basically maintenance free.
- Great quality for the price.
The Cons
Considering the price interval, design and build, there are only three major aspects that can be considered drawbacks:
- There are no front handlebars.
- Distance on the monitor is displayed only in MPH.
- No bottle holder.
Summary
The ProGear 190, is a compact recumbent bike, with a space saver design, offering a great price/quality ratio. Although it’s a pretty basic exercise bike, it surely offers a great training setting for muscle toning, cardio, recovery exercising and even weight loss. Actually, by spending at least 30 minutes daily on this bike, you can burn up to 2-300 calories with ease and comfort, while watching your favorite TV shows.