| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XTERRA SB120 Check Discounted Price | L:48.4" W:24.8" H:42.5" | 250 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, Pulse, Scan, | Frame: 1 year Parts: 90 days |
The XTERRA SB120 is one of the most basic recumbent bikes sold by XTERRA Fitness. It’s also one of the most affordable. In terms of features, it can be compared with the pooboo W268 but does offer several extra features and a slightly higher user weight limit.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 48.4L x 24.8W x 42.5H inches (123L x 63W x 108H cm)
- Assembled weight: 53 lbs (27 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 8.8 lbs (4 kg)
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Seat: Adjustable
- Pedals: Weighted, with straps
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Console: Time, distance, speed, calories, pulse, goals, SCAN
- Warranty: Frame 1 year / Parts 90 days
Frame construction
Although it’s not a commercial-grade bike, the XTERRA Fitness SB120 does have a fairly durable steel 
frame; the seat frame section is actually designed to support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg). The frame combines cylindrical and rectangular tubes in its construction for improved aesthetics. All the steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is light gray, this being the only color available for this bike.
Of course, the bike also has several ABS parts. The most notable ones are the covers of the drive system. These are black with blue sections in order to match the upholstery on the seat and backrest. So, gray, black, and blue is the only color combination available for this bike.
The fully assembled bike is not extremely large. It is only 48.4″ (123 cm) long, and 24.8″W (63 cm) wide. However, it still is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access.
Speaking of ease of access, the XTERRA SB120 has a step-through frame type. The front unit of the bike with the drive and resistance systems is a few inches apart from the seat section in order to ease entry and exit. This can be quite a plus for users with certain disabilities as it can help with their positioning on the seat.
The bike isn’t too heavy either. With all the parts assembled it is only 53 lbs (24 kg). This being said, it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Once it is assembled, it can easily be relocated via the small wheels integrated into its front bast. Also, its rear base features two polygonal ABS caps which can rotate acting as levelers.
Seat and handlebars
The XTERRA Fitness SB120 features a seat designed for improved comfort. Both the seat pad and the
backrest pad integrate approx. 1.5″ (4 cm) of foam cushioning and have durable vinyl covers.
The seat is equipped with a lever-based adjustment system. This being said, you can easily adjust its position while seated; you don’t have to get up and use adjustment knobs as it is the case for other recumbent bikes, like the Exerpeutic 2500, for example. The backrest is directly attached to the seat’s metallic frame via four screws. This means it does not adjust independently from the seat.
The sear rail offers a fairly long adjustment span. It is designed to accommodate users between 5’1″ and 6’2″ (155 – 188 cm). Also, as we’ve mentioned above, the seat can support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg).
The bike is equipped with two sets of handlebars. One is attached to the seat frame, the other to the front mast of the unit. The seat handlebars have long grips, slightly curved at the front for improved comfort. The distance between them is approx. 22″ (56 cm). They also integrate pulse sensors and the bike’s console can monitor your pulse.
The front handlebar consists of a short and slightly angled bar in the middle. They don’t have any sensors just the rubberized covers like the seat handlebars. None of the handlebars are adjustable.
Drive and resistance
The XTERRA SB120 recumbent bike integrates a belt drive system. This type of drive comes with several
advantages. For example, a belt transmission doesn’t need periodic lubrication; therefore, you don’t have to worry about taking the front unit of the bike apart to lube the belt. Also, a belt drive delivers less vibration than a chain and promotes a very quiet pedaling motion.
Like most other recumbent bikes, the XTERRA SB120 has an internal flywheel. But since it’s a light-capacity bike, its flywheel is not too heavy. It weighs 8 lbs (4.4 kg) so at least the first level of resistance is very light, great for recovery training. It is also bi-directional. Thus, you can pedal in reverse if you want to alternate muscle focus.
The bike is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This means you won’t need an adapter or an external power source for it. The only necessary power source is a pack of two AA batteries for the console. Also, since the resistance system is manual, the bike cannot automatically change the tension levels and there are no programs on the console.
The resistance system consists of an internal magnetic brake that is attached to the tension knob through a steel cable. Therefore, if you turn the knob clockwise, the magnetic brake moves closer to the flywheel and increases the pedaling difficulty.
The bike offers 8 levels of resistance. The lowest one is very light, great for rehab training. Conversely, the 8th level of resistance provides a bit of extra tension simulating a hill climb. However, due to the light flywheel, the top resistance isn’t extreme.
Last but not least, the bike is equipped with a durable crankset featuring steel arms and weighted pedals. Each pedal has a non-slip surface and an adjustable strap.
Console
Since the XTERRA Fitness SB120 is a pretty basic bike, its console does not offer too many features
either. It’s basically just an exercise meter that tracks time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse. It also has an odometer function. It’s equipped with an LCD display with large digits but without backlight. Speed and distance are shown in MPH and miles; there is no option to change them to metric units. Also, the pulse reading function requires you to hold on to the integrated pulse sensors; the unit is not compatible with any wireless HR chest strap or armband pulse transmitters.
The console unit is very easy to use. It only has one button that covers all of its functions. By pressing the button repeatedly you can scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to view. There is also a Scan Mode which you can select in the same way; when the Scan Mode is selected, the console rotates the workout metrics showing each one for a few seconds. A reset function is also available; you can reset all the numbers on the console by pressing and holding the button for a few seconds.
As we’ve mentioned above, the bike’s console unit is battery-powered; it requires two AA batteries which are included. It starts up when you press the button or then you begin pedaling. It also automatically turns off to save battery life after a few minutes of inactivity on the bike.
One last feature that we can mention here with regards to the console is the device holder. The unit has a small shelf attached to its bottom part which can hold your tablet or phone while you exercise. However, the console unit does not have any ports (USB or AUX) to connect your phone or tablet to it.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike’s drive and resistance unit comes pre-assembled and attached to the base frame. However, you still have to assemble the seat, add the two base bars, the front mast, the handlebars, the console, and the pedals. This may take up to an hour of your time. However, the task is far from being complicated; all the necessary instructions and schematics are provided by the manual. Also, a basic toolkit is included.
Once the bike is assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. The internal parts don’t need any lubrication (at least not for a very long period of time). So, all you have to do in terms of maintenance is keep the bike clean and periodically check for loose bolts.
The Pros
- Sturdy steel frame – can support users up to 250 lbs;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Step-through frame design;
- Seat handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Front handlebars included (other bikes don’t have this feature);
- Padded seat and backrest, for optimal comfort;
- Lever-based seat adjustment system;
- Quiet magnetic resistance system;
- 8 distinct tension levels;
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
- Exercise meter that can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Tablet holder included;
- Lightweight, easy to handle;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little to no maintenance required.
The Cons
- No bottle holder;
- The console doesn’t have backlight;
- No goal settings for time, distance, and calories.
Summary
The XTERRA Fitness SB120 is a recumbent bike made for home use, featuring a manual magnetic resistance system with 8 tension levels, a comfortable seat with a lever adjustment system, and a console that tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It’s a bike for light cardio exercising, recovery training, stamina development, muscle toning, and weight loss.