XTERRA SB2.5r Recumbent Bike Review
Today everyone wants to be fit and is in search of an exercise machine that can offer everything that is needed to help a person get a great workout. But many fitness seekers have to hold themselves back due to the hefty prices of high-quality fitness machines. Fortunately for such people, there are brands like XTERRA SB2.5r Recumbent Bike which are packed with features but are still reasonably priced.
The XTERRA SB2.5r Recumbent Bike is definitely something that can meet the exercise needs of most fitness enthusiasts looking for a great price-to-quality ratio.
Published: January 21, 2022.
XTERRA SB2.5r Recumbent Bike Specifications
- Dimensions when assembled: 53.4 x 25.2 x 43.7 inches (135.6 x 64 x 111 cm) (L x W x H)
- Weight when assembled: 108 lbs. (49 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 22 lbs. (10 kg)
- Maximum user weight capacity: 300 lbs. (136 kg)
- Resistance: 24 levels, electronic
- Warranty: 5 years on frame, 1 year on parts
Features of XTERRA SB2.5r Recumbent Bike
Assembly
The XTERRA SB2.5r is super easy to assemble. However, being not particularly a light machine, a user may need another person’s help, especially if it has to be moved upstairs. The drive/brake systems and seat rail assembly come already assembled and attached to the front part and rear part of the frame respectively.
Users just need to attach the main two parts of the frame together, connect the bases, and attach the seat assembly, console, and the front handlebars. All this should not take more than an hour. Tools needed for assembly are included in the package and the owner’s manual has clear assembly instructions too.
Frame
The XTERRA SB2.5r Recumbent Bike has a 2-piece, strong steel frame. The bases of the frame have adjustable stabilizers for optimum stability.
Stability
Apart from the adjustable stabilizers, the weight of the bike of 108 lbs. adds to the stability of the bike. Thus there would be no shaking or wobbling even if heavy users perform intense workouts on the bike.
Footprint
The XTERRA SB2.5r has a medium footprint though it’s not a very small bike. But, being not even a very big bike, it can fit in a somewhat small room.
Console
The console of the XTERRA SB2.5r is highly capable of tracking performance. It’s a big display of 5” x 2.5” size and in two colors: blue and yellow. It displays time, distance, speed, RPM, heart rate, and calories burned. It doesn’t have an odometer function to display the total distance accumulated on the machine.
The console also provides targets for time, distance, heart rate, and calories. This is great for creating goals for each workout and to keep users motivated.
There are 4 keys: Mode, Up/Down and Enter. The display is quite wide, backlit, and with two contrasting colors and thus has superior readability. It’s also telemetry-enabled so it can track pulse via a HR chest strap.
Built-in Workout Apps
The console of the XTERRA SB2.5r features 24 workout apps: 12 preset, 5 for heart rate, 4 custom user programs, 1-watt control, 1 for body measurement, and 1 manual.
The 12 preset programs include Rolling, Fat Burn, Valley, Steps, Ramp, Hill, Off-Road, Fastrek, Plateau, Obstacle, Climbing, and Intervals.
The 4 custom user programs are great for allowing 4 persons to use the machine or for alternating between the custom programs.
Seat
The seat and backrest of the XTERRA SB2.5r are extremely comfortable being densely cushioned. The seat is contoured too to the extent that users’ legs won’t scrape against the seat’s edge.
The entire seat assembly is adjustable on an oblique seat rail system with many adjustment levels. Thus the bike can comfortably accommodate users in the range of 4’11” to 6’5” of height. Even users taller than 6’5” can use the bike but cannot fully extend their legs.
Handlebars
The XTERRA SB2.5r features two sets of handlebars – front and recumbent. The front handlebars have an innovative design with their main post bent towards the user so that they are within an easy reach of the user, unlike many other recumbent bikes where users have to lean forward to hold them and it becomes difficult especially if the user is short. The recumbent handlebars are attached to the seat assembly and have grip sensors integrated into them for tracking pulse.
Both the handlebars have foam-rubber padding that provides a convenient anti-slip grip. But both these handlebars are non-adjustable.
Resistance
Having an eddy current brake system that includes a magnet and servo motor, the resistance on the XTERRA SB2.5r can be adjusted only from the console. This can be done by adjusting the pull on the magnet onto the flywheel that creates drag. If users choose to exercise with one of the built-in programs, the resistance is adjusted automatically according to the workout chosen.
Being a magnetic resistance system, it doesn’t allow its parts to come in contact with each other, and hence there is no wear and tear.
There are 24 levels of electronic resistance. The first one induces the ride of the bike on a flat road. This is ideal for warm-up or recovery training. The highest levels are pretty challenging, almost equal to a steep climb.
Drive
The XTERRA SB2.5r is belt-driven and uses a poly V belt that is resistant to stretching and made to last. It also makes the operation of the bike quiet and the bike almost maintenance-free.
The flywheel of the bike is a bit heavier than most other recumbent bikes. It weighs 22 lbs. so it offers smooth pedaling motion. With the steel-made crank arms, the crankset is much solid. The crank arms are finished with self-adjusting, weighted pedals with straps.
Electrical Requirements
The XTERRA SB2.5r should be plugged into a 110V power outlet. A power cord and a standard American plug are included in the package. The port for the plug is near the front base.
Add-ons
The console of the XTERRA SB2.5r features an audio jack and a built-in sound system that is compatible with most MP3 players and smart devices. The console features an accessory tray too where users can place their keys, phone, or MP3 player. However, there is no water bottle holder.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, the bike doesn’t need much besides keeping it clean and checking for any loosened joints, and tightening them.
Pros of XTERRA SB2.5r Recumbent Bike
- Sturdy and solid construction
- Footprint not very big
- Adjustable seat
- Recumbent handlebars with EKG sensors integrated
- Front handlebars within a convenient reach of users
- 24 levels of resistance
- 24 workout programs
- Goal tracking
- Sound system
- Smartphone/MP3/iPod holder
- Noiseless
- Easy to assemble and use
- Almost maintenance-free
Cons of XTERRA SB2.5r Recumbent Bike
- No bottle holder
Bottom Line
The XTERRA SB2.5r Recumbent Bike is perfect for those who are looking for an exercise machine that can give them several features at a reasonable price.
With its 24 resistance levels, 24 built-in workout programs, built-in heart rate sensors, goal-tracking function, and extremely sturdy construction made to last for years, the bike offers cardio workout, calorie-burning, muscle toning, and weight loss, along with warming up and recovery training, for an affordable price. In short, it offers the best value for money.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check XTERRA SB2.5r Recumbent Bike Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
