Spirit Fitness XBR25 Recumbent Bike

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Flywheel weight	Resistance	Console
Spirit XBR25 Check Discounted Price	L:57" W:30" H:50"	350 lbs	20 lbs	Eddy current, 20 levels	6 programs

The Spirit Fitness XBR25 is a recumbent exercise bike made for home use but does offer the construction, sturdiness, and range of features of at least a light-commercial model. It also has an impressive weight capacity of 350 lbs (159 kg) while most other recumbent bikes made for home use can only support around 250 – 300 lbs (113 – 136 kg).

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 57L x 30W x 50H inches (145L x 76W x 127H cm)
• Assembled weight: 132 lbs (60 kg)
• Weight capacity: 350 lbs (159 kg)
• Seat: Adjustable
• Resistance: Eddy current, 20 levels
• Console: 6 programs
• Extras: Bottle holder, device holder, sound system, cooling fan
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 5 years / Labor 1 year

Frame construction

The Spirit Fitness XBR25 recumbent bike combines steel, aluminum, and ABS plastic parts in its construction. Needless to say, the bike’s main chassis is made of thick steel tubing for superior sturdiness, while the seat adjustment rail is made of aluminum alloy. All the steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish, gray in color. Plus, most of the base frame and the drive mechanism is concealed by several ABS covers which not only provide extra protection, they also considerably improve the aesthetics of the bike.

The fully assembled bike is fairly large compared to a spin bike, or an upright bike. It is approx. 57″ (145 cm) long, 30″ (76 cm) wide, and its highest point (the top of the console) reaches 50″ (127 cm) above floor level. It is also recommended to assign a clearance of at least 24″ (61 cm) on each side of the unit for ease of access and unhindered usage.

The bike’s net weight is 132 lbs (60 kg). This is quite a plus as it considerably improves its overall stability. But due to this fact, the transport of the boxed unit and its assembly requires two people. However, once it is assembled, it can be easily relocated by only one person, as its front base is equipped with large transport wheels. Plus, its overall stability is improved by the four adjustable levelers (two on each base bar).

One last important aspect to mention here regards the bike’s step-through design. Although this may seem like an insignificant feature, it can be quite a plus for users who have to deal with certain disabilities. Other recumbent bikes, such as the BodyCraft R200 for example, require the user to step over the frame when they position themselves on the seat.

Seat and handlebars

The Spirit Fitness XBR25 recumbent bike features a seat designed for superior comfort. To begin with, the seat pad integrates a generous layer of foam cushioning. It’s also contoured for a better positioning and features a durable vinyl cover which is also sweatproof and easy to maintain.

The backrest has a pretty unique design. Its frame is metallic, while its cover combines vinyl, synthetic mesh, and adjustable buckle straps. The vinyl sections improve the positioning of the backrest cover on its frame, the mesh center area promotes superior breathability and allows it to flex, and the buckle straps on the back improve its structural sturdiness. It’s quite an impressive backrest construction.

Needless to say, the seat is adjustable. It is attached to a sturdy aluminum rail that offers 14 distinct adjustment positions. This being said, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm) allowing a complete leg extension. It is also durable enough to support users up to 350 lbs (159 kg).

The seat adjustment system uses a lever mechanism. Therefore, the seat can easily be adjusted while you are seated; you don’t have to stand up to adjust its position. It is important to mention, though, that the backrest does not have the recline. Only the XBR55 and XBR95 models have the reclining backrest feature.

The Spirit Fitness XBR25 exercise bike is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one is attached to the seat assembly, the other to the front mast. The seat handlebars feature curved-up grips for a more comfortable hand positioning. They’re pretty far apart (approx. 28″). They are equipped with pulse sensors and have bottle holders at the rear.

The front handlebars attach directly to the console mast. They are non-adjustable. They also don’t have pulse sensors. Their grips are fairly long and the front mast of the bike is slightly inclined towards the user to result in a less awkward position if holding on to them.

Resistance and drive

The Spirit Fitness XBR25 recumbent exercise bike is equipped with an eddy current resistance system. This means that the bike requires an external power source (a power cord is included with the bike). It also means that the console can automatically adjust the resistance.

The bike’s resistance system consists of an internal magnetic brake and a servo motor. As you adjust the resistance from the console, or as the console automatically adjusts the resistance, the motor changes the magnets’ pull on the flywheel which leads to more or less pedaling difficulty.

The bike offers 20 distinct levels of resistance. The first ones are fairly light, great for entry-level cardio or injury recovery training. Conversely, the 20th tension level provides quite an impressive pedal tension, simulating a steep climb.

The bike is equipped with a fairly heavy flywheel; it weighs 20 lbs (9 kg) which is not bad for a recumbent bike. Most of its weight is placed in its perimeter which leads to a bit of extra inertia, a more consistent pedaling feel, and improved stability.

The flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, the bike permits pedaling in reverse. However, coasting is not possible. So, when pedaling in reverse, you will benefit from the same difficulty (given by the selected tension level) as when pedaling forward.

The bike’s internal transmission uses a poly-v belt. This being said, it does not require periodic lubrication. It also provides a vibration-free and silent pedaling motion.

The Spirit XBR25 recumbent bike is equipped with a heavy-duty crankset. Its arms are steel-made, similar in shape and length to the ones of a road bike. The pedals have a metallic core but they’re covered by a layer of heavy-duty ABS plastic. They’re also weighted (self-leveling) and feature adjustable straps.

Console

The Spirit Fitness XBR25 recumbent exercise bike includes a mid-range console. To begin with, it features a 7.5″ LCD display with LED backlight and large digits for improved readability. It tracks time, distance, calories burned, pace, and pulse. All these metrics are shown on the top windows simultaneously. The center larger window shows the segments of the program in use, while the lower section of the display is a “message center” for the program and indicates the Watts workload, the laps completed, segment time, and resistance level.

The console is telemetric. This means it can read your pulse through a wireless HR chest strap, but this accessory is not included. However, you can still benefit from a pulse reading by using the sensors integrated into the handlebars.

The console does not have online connectivity but has its own 6 workout programs. Each program has its own key on the console. The programs are Manual, Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Interval, and Heart Rate. Each program covers a specific type of workout. For example, the Hill program gradually increases the resistance, and after reaching the peak level, it will gradually decrease it. The Cardio program offers resistance fluctuations that allow your heart rate to repeatedly elevate and recover, while the Heart Rate program is set at a default of 60% projected heart rate.

The console offers several other features as well. For example, it has built-in speakers, a cooling fan, and a device holder. The speakers allow you to play your music through the console; you can connect your smartphone or tablet to the console via AUX cable. The cooling fan is not too powerful but does offer some cooling during a more intense workout. The tablet holder consists of a small shelf integrated right above the speakers and under the LCD display of the console.

Assembly and Maintenance

The main body of the bike comes pre-assembled with all the resistance parts and covers in place. However, you still need to attach the base bars, the seat, the backrest, the front upright bar (or the mast), the handlebars, the console, and the pedals. This may take more than an hour but the task isn’t too complicated. The manual provides all the necessary instructions and all the necessary tools are included.

For maintenance, you only need to periodically inspect the bike for loose parts and re-tighten them if necessary. The internal parts should not need any maintenance for a long period of time.

The Pros

• Heavy-duty construction – can support users up to 350 lbs;
• Aesthetic design and multiple covers for the frame;
• Transport wheels on the front base bar;
• Adjustable stabilizers on both bases;
• Step-through frame design for easy access to the seat;
• Seat handlebars with pulse sensors;
• Front handlebars included;
• High-comfort seat with a thick layer of cushioning;
• Large, flexible, and sturdy mesh backrest;
• Quick and easy lever-based seat adjustment system;
• Quiet eddy current resistance system with 20 difficulty levels;
• Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
• Mid-range console with a large LCD display (7.5″);
• 6 programs on the console;
• Sound system included;
• Cooling fan included;
• Tablet holder included;
• Bottle holders included;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• No online connectivity;
• No reclining feature for the backrest;
• HR chest strap accessory is not included;
• A tablet placed on the tablet holder will cover the console display.

Summary

The Spirit Fitness XBR25 is a heavy-duty recumbent exercise bike made for home use. It is equipped with a 20-level eddy current resistance system, a high-comfort seat, and a console with six preset workout programs. It’s an excellent exercise bike for recovery training, light to mid-range cardio training, intervals, stamina development, and weight loss. It’s not exactly an affordable trainer, but definitely offers at least light-commercial quality and an impressive 350 lbs weight capacity.