Exerpeutic Gold 525XLR Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike Review
Exerpeutic Gold 525XLR Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike has some outstanding features including a very strong construction, a very big seat and backrest for the best comfort, and maximum user weight capacity of 400 lbs., everything at a low price.
It has been made with 27% more steel than Exerpeutic 400XL for increased strength and better performance. Therefore it seems to be much more promising than many other recumbent bikes in the same price range.
Published: January 20, 2022.
Specifications of Exerpeutic Gold 525XLR
- Dimensions when assembled: 48.5 x 24 x 46 inches (123 x 61 x 117 cm) (L x W x H)
- Dimensions when folded: 27″ x 18″ x 48″ (68.5 x 46 x 122 cm) (L x W x H)
- Weight when assembled: 54.7 lbs. (24.8 kg)
- Resistance: 8 levels, magnetic
- Maximum user weight capacity: 400 lbs. (181 kg)
- Warranty: 1 year on frame and 90 days on parts
Features of Exerpeutic Gold 525XLR
Assembly
Assembly of the Gold 525XLR is not very difficult though nor very easy. The two main parts of the frame come already connected and all the drive and resistance components are already assembled too. Thus users only have to attach the seat post, seat, backrest, two base bars and console, and connect the tension cable. This should not take more than an hour.
However, some users may need an assistant, and may take a little more than an hour to put it together. All required tools are included in the package and the assembly instructions in the manual are very clear, though some users may find them confusing, being too detailed. Alternatively, users can get it assembled by in-house professionals for an extra charge.
Frame and Construction
As mentioned earlier, the Gold 525XLR has a strong construction with a frame constructed of thick steel tubing. Although it’s a recumbent bike designed for home use, it has an excellent maximum user weight capacity of 400 lbs. rarely seen in other models in this price range.
Frame has a coating of corrosion-resistant paint with metallic golden color. The covers of the flywheel and resistance components are the only main ABS parts.
The design of the Gold 525XLR is semi-recumbent which makes it easy for getting on and off the bike.
Foldable
The Gold 525XLR has a foldable design and its dimensions after folding become 27″L x 18″W x 48″H (68.5L x 46W x 122H cm) i.e. it’s significantly reduced in size. Thus, it can be easily stored away.
Compact Size
The fully assembled and expanded bike doesn’t occupy a large space. However, it cannot be used at a desk. Its front portion with the console is around 26” (66 cm) above ground level and users may even hit the top of the desk with their knees while pedaling.
Lightweight
Although it has more amount of steel than its predecessor and has been made stronger, the Gold 525XLR isn’t too heavy with a net weight of 54.7 lbs. (24.8 kg).
Portability
Being lightweight and having transport wheels fitted into the rear base bar, the Gold 525XLR can be easily relocated.
Console
The console of the Gold 525XLR is quite basic but is large and easy-to-read. It doesn’t have Bluetooth, nor does it have a goal-setting function or preset workout programs.
It has an LCD display that shows distance, time, speed, pulse, and calories burned. It also features an odometer function to keep the track of the total distance users covered.
There is only one MODE button on the console, pressing which users can select and lock on the desired workout metric. Scan Mode can also be selected that automatically rotates all the values, with each one showing up for 4 seconds. The button has a Reset function too and users can press and hold it for several seconds to clear all values to zero.
Heart rate is also shown when users hold the handlebars. There is no HR receiver and so, any HR chest strap or armband cannot be used to track pulse.
The console is battery-powered and needs two AA batteries that are included. The unit is started when users press the button or start pedaling. It also turns off automatically after remaining inactive for 4 minutes.
Seat and Backrest
The Gold 525XLR has a significantly big seat size which is around 14″W x 9″D (35.5 x 22.8 cm) thus providing increased contact surface and comfort. Plus the seat, as well as the backrest, have been generously cushioned. It’s ½” thicker for the seat. Both also feature double vinyl upholstery.
There are two sets of holes for the seat bottom to install it more forward (for shorter users) or more backward (for taller users). The two sets are one inch apart from each other. The backrest has 3 possible installation locations, with a distance of 2” between the forward and backward settings.
The height of the entire seat assembly is adjustable with several adjustment positions thus accommodating users from 5’2” to 6’5” (157 – 196 cm). It’s around 25″ (63.5 cm) above the ground level at its lowest setting and 27.5″ (~70 cm) at its highest setting.
The backrest can be folded forward while folding the bike. However, it’s not adjusted independently from the seat, nor does it recline. Its backbone contains two steel beams. Thus it offers firm lumbar support.
Handlebars
There is only one set of handlebars on the Gold 525XLR. They are attached to the seat assembly and have a rubberized coating on them for a comfortable grip. But they cannot be adjusted independently from the seat. There are metallic pulse sensors integrated into them. There are no handlebars on the front section of the bike.
Drive
Another feature that makes the Gold 525XLR stand out among other recumbent bike models is that it has a dual belt drive system because of which the pedaling motion is more consistent than a bike having a single belt drive. Also, as the transmission is done with belts, there is no need for the users to remove the protective panels for lubrication.
Just like most other magnetic recumbent bikes, the Gold 525XLR also has an internal flywheel which can be seen through the transparent cover. The flywheel is bi-directional and hence the bike can be pedaled in reverse direction. However, it’s recommended in the manual to avoid reverse pedaling as it can cause pedals to get detached and fall off.
Resistance
There is a standard manual magnetic resistance system on the Gold 525XLR. Thus, there is no need for an adapter and the bike doesn’t need to be connected to a power source. However, the resistance cannot be adjusted automatically.
The magnetic brake in the resistance system is connected to the front tension knob via a steel cable. Thus when users turn the knob clockwise, the brake will move closer to the internal flywheel increasing the pedaling difficulty. But the knob is conveniently placed above the console and users don’t need to get down the bike or bend down to turn it.
There are 8 levels of resistance. The lowest setting does offer a quite higher pedal tension than other recumbent bikes designed for home use. It’s because of the dual belt drive. The 8th resistance level offers significantly more tension simulating a steep climb and thus creating a possibility of strengthening users’ muscles.
Pedals
The crankset of the Gold 525XLR is similar to a mountain bike having slightly longer and thick crank arms. Due to the 3-piece crankset, the operation of the bike is quiet and users can exercise when everyone else is sleeping or there is a TV or sound system on in the room.
Pedals are created with durable nylon material and have adjustable straps. They are self-leveling.
Maintenance
There is no need of a lot of maintenance for the Gold 525XLR. The internal parts need no lubrication for a long period. Thus users only have to clean the bike regularly and keep checking for any loose nuts and bolts.
Pros of Exerpeutic Gold 525XLR
- Solid construction
- Maximum user weight capacity of 400 lbs.
- Portable with transport wheels
- Semi-recumbent design makes getting on and off the bike easy
- Handlebars integrate pulse sensors
- Seat and backrest with thick cushion for great comfort
- Seat can be adjusted for multiple heights thus accommodating users in a wide range of heights
- Adjustable magnetic resistance with 8 settings
- Dual belt drive that offers extra pedaling tension
- Weighted pedals equipped with adjustable straps
- All important exercise metrics are shown by the console
- Batteries for console included
- Quite light and easy to handle
- Quiet operation
- Little maintenance
- Affordably priced
Cons of Exerpeutic Gold 525XLR
- Console not backlit
- No accessories like tablet holder or bottle holder
- No front handlebars
- No preset workout programs
Bottom Line
The Exerpeutic Gold 525XLR is an excellent recumbent exercise bike for those who are looking for exercise at home on a machine with a large user weight capacity and strong construction.
With its superior supported user weight of 400 lbs., 8 resistance levels, dual belt drive offering significant pedaling resistance even at the lowest level, sturdily built, large, cushioned, comfortable seat and backrest that provides good lumbar support, and seat adjustability accommodating a wide range of users, all at an affordable price, it’s a great exercise machine for improving muscle strength and tone, building stamina and weight loss, and also for light to medium cardio workout.
Of course, it’s also good for physiotherapy and rehab exercises. Considering its great number of features at a low price, it’s a bike that offers an excellent quality to price ratio.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Exerpeutic Gold 525XLR Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
