| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Assembled weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TRUE ES700 Check Discounted Price | L:58" W:26" H:50.5" | 350 lbs | 163 lbs | Eddy current, 30 levels | T9 |
The TRUE Fitness ES700 recumbent bike has been around for quite a few years and it’s still available at the moment. Although it’s an exercise bike for home use, it offers the sturdiness, construction, design, and range of features of a commercial recumbent bike. It is available with two consoles, the basic LED display model, and the advanced touchscreen T9 console. In this post, we’re going to address the ES700 bike that includes the T9 console.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 58L x 26W x 50.5H inches (147L x 66W x 128H cm)
- Assembled weight: 163 lbs (74 kg)
- Supported weight: 350 lbs (159 kg)
- Resistance: Eddy current, 30 levels
- Drive: Belt
- Console: T9
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 10 years / Labor 1 year
Frame construction
The TRUE Fitness ES700 recumbent bike features a heavy-duty construction matching commercial-grade 
standards. Most of the bike’s frame is made of steel tubing, with the exception of the seat’s adjustment rail which is made of extruded aluminum. All the steel parts are double-coated with a black paint finish, highly resistant to abrasion and corrosion. Also, the base of the seat and the drive mechanism are concealed by large panels made of durable thermoplastic material.
The bike features a step-through design with a fairly large gap between the seat unit and the drive unit. This being said, the user can easily position themselves on the seat and make the desired seat adjustment. Also, the base frame section between the seat and the drive unit features a rubberized protective cover.
The is pretty bulky compared with other models. Its footprint is 58″L x 26″W (147 x 66 cm), while its highest point is given by the top of the console which reaches approx. 50.5″ (128 cm) above the floor level. It is also recommended to leave at least 20″ (51 cm) of clearance on each side and at the front of the bike, and approx. 40″ (101 cm) of clearance at the rear, for ease of access and safe usage.
The bike is quite heavy as well. Its net weight is 163 lbs (74 kg). Therefore, the transport of the packaged unit requires two people. However, once it is assembled, the bike can easily be moved by only one person via the wheels integrated into its front stabilizer. On the other hand, all this weight, as well as its low center of gravity, provides the bike with superior stability.
Seat and handlebars
The TRUE Fitness ES700 recumbent exercise bike is equipped with a seat designed for superior comfort. 
Differently put, the seat is pretty close to an expensive office chair. To begin with, its bottom pad integrates a thick layer of foam cushioning. It is also contoured and can be attached to the seat frame closer or farther from the backrest, depending on the size of the user.
The backrest features a mesh structure with a thick, durable frame made of polypropylene material. This mesh structure is flexible, allowing it to adapt perfectly to the shape of the user, as well as provide superior breathability. Also, the backrest is huge, designed for users of all sizes.
In terms of adjustability, the whole seat assembly slides on a rail system with 24 adjustment levels. This being said, the bike can accommodate users between 5’2″ and 6’7″ (157 – 201 cm). It is also rated for a maximum weight limit of 350 lbs (159 kg), similar to the Spirit Fitness XBR55. The backrest is also adjustable offering several reclining positions.
The bike is equipped with two sets of handlebars. One attaches to the front mast, the other to the seat assembly. The seat handlebars have two angle adjustment positions. They integrate pulse sensors and resistance adjustment controls. The front handlebars feature a simple design with their grips pointing up and forward. These do not integrate any sensors and resistance controls. Both handlebar sets feature high-density foam sleeves for improved contact and comfort.
Resistance and drive
The TRUE ES700 exercise bike is equipped with an eddy current resistance system. This means you will need to
connect it to a power source. It also means that it can automatically adjust the resistance load depending on the program in use. An adapter with a power cord is included with the bike.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a servo motor and a magnetic brake. The motor is connected to the brake and to the console. Therefore, when you adjust the resistance, or when the console automatically adjusts the resistance, the motor changes the magnets’ pull which increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty.
The bike makes available 30 levels of resistance. The first few levels deliver a fairly light resistance, great for rehab training, muscle toning, or light cardio. Conversely, the top resistance levels simulate a steep hill climb and will provide quite a challenge even for the most seasoned athletes.
The weight of the internal flywheel is not specified. However, considering that the bike is quite heavy, it probably weighs more than 20 lbs (9 kg). It is perimeter-weighted for improved momentum. It is also bi-directional. Thus, you can pedal in reverse if you want to diversify your workouts.
The bike’s drive train uses poly-v belts. These deliver a very smooth traction as they generate less vibration than a chain drive. They also don’t require lubrication, so you won’t have to worry about taking the protective panels apart for monthly maintenance.
Last but not least, the ES700 recumbent bike is equipped with a heavy-duty 3-piece crankset. Its crank arms are pretty thick, even though they’re not meant for pedaling while standing up. The pedals are made of durable thermoplastic material with metallic internal elements. They have a textured surface for improved contact and adjustable straps.
Console
As we’ve mentioned above, this particular TRUE ES700 recumbent bike model comes with the T9 console.
It features a large LCD display with LED backlight and a touchscreen interface. It offers a wide array of features and settings. To begin with, it tracks time, speed, RPM, distance, total distance, calories burned, and heart rate. Speed and distance can be set either to U.S. units (MPH and miles) or Metric units (kmh and kilometers). Also, the distance can be viewed as a 1/4 mile race track with a lap count function.
For the pulse reading function, the console is telemetric. It can read your pulse from a Polar T34 HR chest strap; this accessory is included. However, if you don’t want to wear the strap, the console can still track your pulse if you hold on to the sensors integrated into the seat handlebars.
The console has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with the GymTrakr app which allows you to track your workout progress online and share it with other apps. However, the console also has its own internal fitness tracking functions. For example, you can see the summary of each workout or the summary of your last 10 workouts.
There are four user profiles available. Each user can input their own data such as weight, height, gender, etc. so that the console can calculate the calories output better. Also, each user can save and re-use their own preferred program settings.
The console has multiple built-in workout programs. First of all, it has the Manual program which gives you the possibility to just pedal while adjusting the resistance as you like throughout your session. You can also set workout targets for calories, time, distance, or heart rate. Second of all, there are pre-set workouts, such as Hill Intervals, Rolling Hills, Random Hills, Glute Buster, etc. These have pre-determined resistance segments and the bike will auto-adjust the resistance depending on the segment in use. And finally, there are interval programs and heart rate-based programs. The interval programs have a work / pause layout. The heart rate programs require you to select a certain heart rate interval and will auto-adjust the resistance depending on your heart rate, in an attempt to keep you within the selected BPM interval.
Among other console features, we can mention the AUX port and the USB port. You can connect headphones to the AUX port during media playback. Also, the USB port allows you to export workout data to an external USB drive or update the console software via USB.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s base frame with the seat adjustment rail and the drive system comes pre-assembled. However, the rest of the parts require user assembly. You will basically have to connect the two base stabilizers, the console mast, the console, the seat pad, the backrest, the handlebars, and the pedals. This may take more than an hour of your time, but the task isn’t too complicated. Plus, the manual provides clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
Once the bike is assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. All you have to do is periodically inspect the bike to make sure that all the parts function properly, there are no loose bolts or parts, etc. At the end of each workout, it is recommended to wipe the perspiration that may have dropped on the frame. The internal parts do not require lubrication.
The Pros
- Heavy-duty, commercial-grade construction;
- Aesthetic design;
- Great user weight capacity (350 lbs);
- High-comfort seat cushioned seat;
- Breathable mesh-structure backrest;
- 24 adjustment positions for the seat;
- Reclining function for the backrest;
- Seat handlebars with pulse sensors and resistance controls;
- Smooth and quiet belt drive system;
- Eddy current resistance system featuring excellent micro-adjustability;
- 3-piece crankset with large pedals;
- T9 console featuring an LCD display with LED backlight and touchscreen technology;
- Multiple pre-set workout programs;
- Four user profile settings;
- Built-in workout summary function;
- Bluetooth connectivity;
- Telemetric pulse reading function;
- Polar T34 HR chest strap included;
- USB and AUX ports;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- All the necessary tools for assembly are included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- The console is not compatible with RunSocial or other similar apps.
Summary
The TRUE Fitness ES700 is a recumbent exercise bike made for home use. It features a commercial-grade construction with a max. weight limit of 350 lbs. It is equipped with a high-comfort seat with multiple adjustment positions, an eddy current resistance system, and the T9 touchscreen console. It’s a bike for users of all levels, for light to high-intensity cardio training, recovery training, muscle toning, stamina and strength development, and weight loss. It’s not exactly an affordable bike, but definitely offers excellent value for the price.