XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike Review
XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike is one of the most reasonably priced exercise bikes by Xterra Fitness. It folds upright and is trainer designed for light cardio workouts. Thus it’s a basic bike. However, it’s amazingly feature-rich.
Published: October 11, 2019.
Specifications of XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike
- Assembled dimensions: 31.5L x 18W x 50.5H inches (80L x 46W x 128H cm)
- Assembled weight: 32 lbs. (14.5 kg)
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Seat: 2-way adjustable
- Flywheel weight: 3.3 lbs. (1.5 kg)
- Warranty: Frame 1 year, parts 90 days
Features of XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike
Assembly
The main frame of FB150 comes pre-assembled, with the crank, flywheel, resistance system and belt already attached to the frame bar. Thus users need only to attach the seat, seat post, the two bases, handlebars, console and pedals.
It should take less than 40-45 minutes. The manual provides clear and detailed assembly instructions and all the required tools are included.
Frame
The XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike sports a two-piece frame, in an “X” structure i.e. the two pieces are joined in the middle.
Although the frame is made of steel, the bike is quite light. When fully assembled, its weight is only 32 lbs. (14.5 kg). Moreover, the front base bar features a set of small transport wheels due to which the unit can be moved easily.
Size
XTERRA Fitness FB150 isn’t very large-sized. When it’s fully assembled, the highest point is at its handlebars which is around 50.5” (120 cm) above floor level. However, it’s advisable to keep a clearance of at least 2 feet on each side and at least 1 foot on the front and rear of the unit for safe operation and easy access.
Fitness Meter/Console
Just like most basic exercise bikes, FB150 too feature a basic 2” x 1” fitness meter (console). However, since many other bikes don’t include a meter at all, this is a plus in FB150. The meter features an LCD display that shows time, distance, total distance (ODO), speed, calories burned and pulse.
It also features a SCAN function that rotates all the fitness metrics and keeps each one of them on the screen for many seconds. However, one of them can be selected to be viewed for all the time if users want.
When users want to view pulse, they can hold onto the pulse sensors integrated in the handlebars. The console is not telemetric.
The fitness meter is quite easy to use featuring only one button. The meter can be turned on by pushing the button or when it detects flywheel movement.
The fitness meter is battery-powered. It uses the two included AA batteries. It also has a sleep mode that it enters after many minutes of inactivity of the bike.
Weight Capacity
The maximum weight capacity of FB150 is 225 lbs. (102 kg) and it is suitable for lighter people.
Looks
All the metallic parts of FB150 are coated with a chip-resistant and rust-resistant paint finish. Its color is silver gray whereas that of the ABS covers of the flywheel and belt is blue.
Foldable
XTERRA Fitness FB150 can be folded to save space. When folded it becomes 18.1” x 18.1” and can be stored away in a closet, behind the door or beneath a bed.
Seat
The seat of FB150 is extra-large i.e. around 14” (35 cm) at its widest point and so, users of most sizes can be accommodated, as long as they don’t surpass the specified maximum user weight capacity of 225 lbs. To provide optimal comfort, the seat has a layer of padding. Plus, its top is made from a thick, durable vinyl material.
The seat doesn’t feature the usual collar design like most bike seats. Instead, its post has a triangular plate at the top and the seat is attached to it via three bolts.
Although it’s not meant to be replaced, seats with this attachment system are sold; hence it’s not impossible to get a replacement in case users want a different kind of seat.
The seat is just two-way adjustable (up and down). Its post has 7 adjustment positions. In other words, users between 4’10” and 5’10” (147 and 178 cm) can be accommodated by the seat, which facilitates a complete leg extension.
Handlebars
Handlebars of FB150 are non-adjustable. Their curved metallic bar is attached to the frame’s front part via two bolts. The handlebars have a multi-grip design and are covered by a rubber foam material to ensure a secure grip. They even integrate stainless steel pulse sensors with which the console can track the user’s heart rate.
Resistance
FB150 features a manual magnetic resistance system. A small magnetic brake is integrated in it which is attached to a large dial tension knob at the front’s top through a steel wire. The brake’s position in relation to the flywheel can be changed by turning this dial clockwise or anticlockwise.
This leads to an intensity shift in the internal magnetic field which in turn causes increased or reduced pedal resistance.
Since the resistance system of the bike is exclusively manual, the bike doesn’t have to be connected to a power source. Even the console doesn’t have any role in the resistance system.
There are 8 levels of resistance. The first one is very light, great for warming up or recovery training. On the other hand, the 8th level provides a remarkable pedal tension; but it’s still quite light. In short, FB150 is not designed for highly intense muscle burning like heavy-duty upright bikes or spin bikes.
Drive
Since FB150 sports a magnetic resistance system, it has a belt drive system. This results in a very smooth and quiet pedaling motion. Also the bike doesn’t need any lubrication.
Flywheel
The integrated flywheel too is very light, weighing only 3.3 lbs. (1.5 kg). Hence it doesn’t offer a strong momentum or highly aggressive inertia. However, it’s bi-directional. That being said, users can pedal in reverse direction to add some diversity in their workouts. While pedaling in reverse direction, the console will keep tracking users’ distance traveled, calories burned etc.
Pedals
FB150 is equipped with a quite solid, 3-piece crank set for added durability, with steel crank arms. The included pedals feature a metallic core and a non-slip durable ABS surface. They are weighted due to which they always turn face-up when users remove their feet from them. They also feature adjustable straps, so as to secure users’ feet. Lastly they have standard threads, so replacements for them can be easily found if needed.
Since FB150 is a fairly small bike, it has a narrow Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals). It should be anywhere between 150 and 160 mm (not exactly specified). However, users can place their feet in a natural position and don’t feel any additional lateral stress on ankles and knees while pedaling as while pedaling bikes with a wider Q-Factor.
Noise Level
FB150 is very quiet; so, users can exercise even at dawn without waking any family member or neighbor, or in front of the TV which they can hear.
Maintenance
FB150 doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. All the internal components come pre-lubricated from the factory and because the bike features a belt drive system, it doesn’t need any lubrication. Thus maintenance of the bike should only include wiping the dust from the frame and checking for loose bolts and parts.
Pros of XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike
- Quite robust frame that can support users up to 225 lbs.
- Easy to assemble
- Small footprint when fully assembled
- Features transport wheels
- Can be folded when not in use, so, great for small spaces
- Large, self-leveling pedals with standard threads and adjustable straps
- Large, highly comfortable seat with 2-way adjustability
- Multi-grip handlebars featuring EKG sensors
- Smooth and quiet operation
- Narrow Q-Factor to avoid lateral stress on ankles and knees
- Fitness meter and batteries for the meter included
- Very little maintenance needed
Cons of XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike
- Fitness meter is not backlit
- No bottle holder
Bottom Line
The XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike is a perfect exercise bike for those who are looking for muscle toning, cardio training, weight loss and stamina development at the comfort of their home. It’s a foldable magnetic upright bike that features 8 levels of manual magnetic resistance, a quiet belt drive and a fitness meter that tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, pulse and calories burned.
It has a capability of burning users’ 400-500+ calories every day. Plus, it’s reasonably priced, so, gives users the best bang for the buck.
For more reviews and recommendations feel free to check XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike
Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
