XTERRA Fitness SB250 – Review

If you are looking for a reasonably priced recumbent bike, the XTERRA Fitness SB250 is going to pop up as an option. This particular bike shows that it is perfectly acceptable to expect more from an affordable piece of equipment. Not only does it come with a decent set of features, but it also has a better warranty than other bikes in the same category.

The Workout Experience

Since it is a recumbent bike, it is understood that the XTERRA Fitness SB250 relies on a spinning flywheel for creating resistance. This one comes with a 13.5 pound flywheel, which is certainly not close to the weight of some of the most expensive recumbent bikes in the market. But, it is actually on the heavier side for a bike in this price range.

Therefore, it is able to deliver a smoother pedaling motion and it also enables the XTERRA Fitness SB250 to offer a little more resistance than you would expect. The flywheel has been paired with 24 levels of resistance and this gives you a great deal of control over the intensity of your workouts. More resistance levels give you the freedom to make gradual resistance changes in your workouts.

The frame is also heavy-duty, which adds to the bike’s stability when you are using it. Furthermore, the XTERRA Fitness SB250 also comes with 23 workout programs. These include 12 preset profiles, 4 custom workouts, 5 heart rate guided workout, 1 body fat workout and 1 watt output workout. A manual mode is also available.

Footprint

As compared to other recumbent bikes in the mid-range category, the XTERRA Fitness SB250 is a little on the heavy side at 94 pounds, which is actually a good thing. It means the bike is sturdier than other models. It might be a bit difficult to move, but it adds stability during the workouts. As far as the footprint is concerned, it is not too big. It measures 60.3 inches in length, 24.4 inches in width and 42.2 inches in height and its weight capacity is as per standard at 300 pounds.

Ergonomics

You will find that the XTERRA Fitness SB250 comes with a step-through frame, which makes it easy for people to get on and off the bike. This is because you do not have to lift your leg above the frame to use the machine. The seat has been horizontally positioned with regards to the pedals and this is helpful because it means less stress on the knees and the hips.

Technology and other Features

There is a 5.5-inch LCD console that has been added to the XTERRA Fitness SB250 and while it is not too fancy, it gives you basic data like distance, time, speed, calories and pulse. There are grip pulse sensors that have been built-into the handles close to the seat and this gives you an idea of your heart rate. There is also a water bottle holder and an audio port for plugging in your device to listen to music via the built-in speaker.