Vanswe RB002 Recumbent Exercise Bike Review
The Vanswe RB002 Recumbent Exercise Bike has 16 levels of manual magnetic resistance and thus has an upper hand over most other similar models which typically have 8 levels of resistance.
Moreover, it’s a very affordable recumbent bike.
Published: January 20, 2022.
Vanswe RB002 Recumbent Exercise Bike Specifications
- Dimensions when assembled: 45 x 20 x 40 inches (114 x 51 x 101 cm) (L x W x H)
- Weight when assembled: 53 lbs. (24 kg)
- Maximum user weight capacity: 380 lbs. (172 kg)
- Resistance: Manual, magnetic 16 levels
- Warranty: 3 years on frame, 90 days on parts
Features of Vanswe Recumbent Exercise Bike
Assembly
The assembly of the Vanswe RB002 is very easy. The drive and resistance system come already assembled i.e. attached to the main frame. Thus users only have to connect the seat to its sliding rail, connect the two base bars, console mast and console, handlebars, and pedals. This may take over an hour.
There are very detailed assembly instructions in the manual and all basic tools required for the assembly are included.
Frame
The frame of the bike is made of steel and unlike many other similar models that have two-piece frames, it’s a one-piece frame.
Due to this, the unit gets a higher sturdiness. All the steel parts have a rust-resistant powder finish on them and the color is black.
Footprint
The Vanswe RB002 is not too large, measuring only 45″L x 20″W (114 x 51 cm) when fully assembled. However, users should leave a clearance of at least 70″ x 60″ (177 x 152 cm) for ease and safety of access and operation.
Step-thru Design
This bike comes in a step-thru design which makes access easy, especially for seniors and disabled users looking for physiotherapy and recovery training.
Portability
The Vanswe RB002 weighs only 53 lbs. (24 kg). Thus it’s being not very heavy is easily portable. In addition, its front base is equipped with transportation wheels to make relocation further easier.
Stability
Although the unit is not very heavy, it’s quite stable, thanks to the adjustable stabilizers placed on the rear base.
Console
The console of the Vanswe RB002 features an LCD display that displays time, distance, speed, calories burned, and heart rate. It also offers goal setting for time, distance, calories, and heart rate. Once users select a target, it will start the countdown from the selected value till it reaches zero.
The console also features a scan function. If users select the Scan Mode, they can see all the workout stats in a sequence, with each stat remaining on the screen for many seconds.
The console is very easy to use. It features 3 touch-controls on its right, viz. Mode, Set, and Reset. With the Mode button, users can select one of the workout stats to be displayed continuously on the screen or they can select the Scan Mode. With the Set button, users can set goals for time, distance, and calories. The Reset button helps users clear all the values on the screen to zero.
The best feature of this console is the Bluetooth Smart Technology which is compatible with android and iOS systems. It also offers a Free Fitness Data app that helps users track their workouts.
The console requires two AAA batteries to operate. Batteries are included.
The unit starts when users start pedaling. It automatically turns off if it’s left inactive for a few minutes.
Seat and Backrest
The seat and backrest of the Vanswe RB002 are pretty large and comfortable. The seat measures 13″D x 16.5″W (33 x 41 cm) and the backrest is 12″ (30 cm) at widest point and 16″ (40 cm) long. Both have 2”+ foam cushioning which provides optimal comfort and are covered with durable sweat-proof vinyl material.
The seat can be adjusted horizontally while being seated with a lever placed underneath on the right side. This is much easier than adjustment while being seated with a knob found in many other similar models. The seat can be adjusted and locked in a position nearer or farther from the pedals according to users’ leg length and height.
This makes users of height from 5’2″ to 6’4″ (from 157 to 193 cm) to get comfortably accommodated in the bike.
The backrest is attached to the seat frame’s backbone and is not adjustable independently of the seat, neither does it recline. It provides superior lumbar support though.
Handlebars
The bike features two sets of handlebars – one attached to the seat and the other to the front mast. Both these sets are non-adjustable and are covered with rubberized grips. The seat handlebars have heart rate sensors integrated in them.
Resistance
The Vanswe RB002 comes with a mechanical magnetic resistance system. It doesn’t have an internal servo motor and thus doesn’t need an external power source. The resistance can be adjusted only manually with a dial placed on the console mast.
The resistance system contains an internal magnetic brake attached to the dial on the console mast. When users turn the dial clockwise, the magnetic brake moves closer to the flywheel and thereby increases pedaling difficulty.
As mentioned earlier, there are 16 levels of resistance. The lowest setting delivers a very light tension almost like 0. This is great for users who need recovery training. On the other hand, the 16th level offers significant tension and thus offers users a chance to perform a more intense cardio workout.
The internal flywheel is quite light weighing only 4.4 lbs. (2 kg). This is one of the major reasons that the first few levels of resistance are very light. However, the upper resistance levels still provide a lot of pedaling tension.
Drive
The internal drivetrain of this bike uses a durable stretch-resistant double belt. This drive system has a few benefits over a single belt and chain drive. Firstly, users never need to lubricate the belt. Secondly, vibration is significantly less and lastly pedaling motion is almost noiseless.
Reverse pedaling is possible on the Vanswe RB002. However, users cannot coast on it. The pedals go on spinning as long as the internal rotating mass is spinning.
Needle Roller Bearing
Just like Vanswe’s other recumbent bikes, this bike features Needle Roller Bearing that offers a quiet exercising experience to users.
Pedals
Pedals of the Vanswe RB002 are made of durable ABS material. Their surface is textured to prevent slipping of feet and they feature adjustable straps. The pedals are weighted so that they always turn face-up after the user removes their feet from them.
The Q-factor (distancing between the pedals) of the bike is pretty narrow i.e. 170 mm (6.69″). This means that users’ feet are naturally positioned on the pedals without being too far from each other. Thus any lateral impact on the knees and ankles is eliminated.
Add-ons
The bike features a tablet-holder so that users can watch movies or listen to music while exercising.
Maintenance
The maintenance of the Vanswe RB002 is very easy as all the internal parts come pre-lubricated from the factory and therefore don’t need any maintenance for a long time. Thus, users only have to check for loose bolts and parts regularly and tighten them if needed.
Pros of Vanswe Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Strong steel frame
- 380 lbs. of maximum user weight capacity
- Step-thru frame helpful for seniors and disabled users
- Adjustable stabilizers provide good stability
- Transportation wheels on the front base
- Heart rate sensors on the seat handlebars
- Front handlebars also available
- Adjustable seat so that users in a wide range of heights can be accommodated
- Seat can be adjusted with the lever while being seated
- Seat and backrest feature foam cushioning to provide optimum comfort
- Quiet and vibration-free magnetic resistance system
- 16 resistance levels
- Weighted pedals with structured surface and adjustable straps
- Console with LCD display and Bluetooth Smart Technology that tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and heart rate
- Tablet holder included
- Easy assembly
- Almost no maintenance
Cons of Vanswe Recumbent Exercise Bike
- Console is not backlit
- Console is not telemetric
- No preset workout programs
- No other add-ons like bottle holder, sound system, or workout fan
Bottom Line
Although the Vanswe RB002 Recumbent Exercise Bike doesn’t come with a lot of bells and whistles, it offers users just what it should - proper exercise! As recumbent bikes are designed to offer comfort while exercising, this bike features a highly comfortable and adjustable seat and backrest.
It offers 16 levels of resistance so that users looking for building cardiac strength, muscle strength, stamina buildup, and weight loss can achieve their goals, and it’s also useful for those looking for just recovery training and physiotherapy. Its console offers goal setting and is equipped with Bluetooth Smart Technology. It also comes at an affordable price.
Thus, exercise enthusiasts with a tight budget can get everything they want in this machine and should definitely consider it.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to follow Vanswe RB002 Recumbent Exercise Bike Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
