Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike Review
Usually when a recumbent bike model comes for a low price, it’s found that it has compromised the quality of the built and other factors. However, some models, like the Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike by Paradigm Health & Wellness, which maintains their motto of offering something really high-quality at an affordable price.
The Exerpeutic 400XL has been created with simplicity and straightforwardness in mind and designed to offer light to medium cardio workout. It doesn’t have too many attractive features but does its job perfectly.
Published: January 21, 2022.
Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike Specifications
- Dimensions when assembled: 46 x 19 x 33 inches (117 x 48 x 84 cm) (L x W x H)
- Weight when assembled: 39 lbs. (18 kg)
- Resistance: 8 levels, magnetic, adjustable
- Maximum user weight capacity: 300 lbs. (136 kg)
- Warranty: 1 year for frame, 90 days for parts and wear items
Features of Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike
Assembly
The Exerpeutic 400XL is quite easy to assemble. The brake and drive system which may be the most challenging to assemble come already assembled, attached to the main frame, and enclosed in the plastic gearbox that prevents tiny hands from getting caught inside. Thus users have to attach the bases, add the seat post, seat, handlebars, and backrest, connect the console, and then the pedals. This should be done within an hour.
Tools required for the assembly are included in the package and the owner’s manual has all the instructions.
Frame
The Exerpeutic 400XL has a strong 2-piece frame made of steel tubing, coated with an anti-corrosive powder finish. It’s not at all bulky or heavy as several other recumbent bikes are.
Footprint and Folding Ability
The Exerpeutic 400XL doesn’t make a large footprint as it’s only 19” (48cm) wide and 33” (84cm) long. Plus, the frame and back support of the bike can be folded, so, it can be easily stored.
Folding is easy as the frame can be folded by pulling out the pin that holds it and pulling the bike up. This will bring the bases together and cut down the bike’s depth significantly. When the backrest is folded, it will cut down its height.
Stability
Although the bike is smaller in size, it’s quite stable and even if a user with weight equal to the maximum user weight supported, it won’t shake or wobble.
Maximum User Weight
As such the maximum user weight capacity of the Exerpeutic 400XL is 300 lbs. But the bike can support a 330 lb. user comfortably.
Console
Although the console of the Exerpeutic 400XL is quite basic, it is easy to read and enables users to track all their activity and progress. It features a 3” x 1.6” LCD display which displays time, distance, speed, calories burned, and pulse. All the values keep rotating with each one being displayed for 6 seconds. There is an odometer function that indicates the total accumulated distance traveled.
The console is not telemetric and users cannot monitor their heart rate through an HR chest rate. But by holding the EKG grips integrated in the handlebars, they can monitor it.
The console is battery-powered and needs two AAA-type batteries. The only way to turn the monitor off is to wait for 4 minutes after which it goes off due to the auto-off function or remove the batteries, but the latter will cause users to lose any stored odometer data.
Seat and Backrest
The seat of the Exerpeutic 400XL is a major comfort feature. It features an ergonomic, contoured design. The seat, as well as the backrest, is consistently cushioned, so, can provide optimum comfort even to users with back pain or other back issues. The seat is adjustable and is 25” above the floor on its lowest setting and at 30” on its highest setting. Thus the bike can accommodate users with heights ranging from 5’00” (152.5cm) to 6’2” (190.5cm).
This bike can even be used as a desk bike with height-adjustable desks.
Handlebars/Armrests
There are handlebars/armrests attached to the seat assembly. They are non-adjustable but move up and down with the seat while the seat is being adjusted. They have thick rubber foam padding for a nice grip and protection of users’ hands from blisters. They also have integrated pulse sensors that enable the console to show users’ heart rate.
Portability
Being not too heavy, the Exerpeutic 400XL is easy to relocate. Plus its bases have transport wheels which further help in the relocation.
Drive Mechanism
The drive mechanism of the Exerpeutic 400XL is belt-driven. It features a V-belt, double-drive transmission system. The belts are designed to withstand years of use without wearing out or stretching. Since it’s belt-driven, the bike virtually needs no maintenance for its inner components.
The other advantage is the machine is very quiet, giving out only a soft whirling sound as users pedal. This allows users to exercise while others are sleeping or while watching TV or listening to a sound system.
Pedal System
The drive mechanism also consists of a precision balanced, small flywheel which enables smooth pedaling. The crank set is made of 3 pieces i.e. two solid crank arms and a steel pulley. Crank arms feature weighted pedals with a grooved design and toe straps.
Resistance
The Exerpeutic 400XL features an uncomplicated, magnetic brake with 8 levels of resistance. Users can adjust resistance via a tension knob located on the front side of the frame, close to the console.
The tension wire is tightened or loosened by the knob due to which the magnetic brake pad moves closer or farther from the flywheel. The resistance offered by the first setting is almost zero whereas at levels 7 or 8 it truly simulates a steep climb.
Maintenance
As mentioned earlier, the bike needs no maintenance for its inner components since it’s belt-driven. What users have to do is to clean the bike regularly and make sure to remove any spills, especially on the console, and regularly check for any loose nuts and bolts, and tighten them if they are loose.
Pros of Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike
- Solid sturdy frame
- Maximum user weight capacity of 300 lbs.
- Foldable
- Excellent stability
- Small footprint, therefore suitable to those with a small space
- Foldable design, therefore easy to store
- Handlebars with integrated pulse sensors
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- Nicely cushioned, contoured seat and cushioned backrest for optimum comfort
- Quiet
- Easy assembly
- Almost no maintenance
Cons of Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike
- No front handlebars
- No accessories like bottle holder, media holder, or fan
- Some users may find assembly instructions too complicated
Bottom Line
Although the Exerpeutic 400XL doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles that pricier bikes have, it offers all the essential features that an exercise enthusiast is looking for. It is an affordable, yet well-built, stable, portable, and foldable semi-recumbent bike that offers light to medium cardio workout for all types of users.
If a user is looking for muscle toning or even weight loss, this is a very good bike for those purposes. It offers optimum comfort thus very good for elderly or disabled users and is great for physiotherapy or rehab exercise. Thus the Exerpeutic 400XL offers the best features for a low price.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
