Introduction
There are now lots of low-cost exercise bikes available that are ideal for home use because they are light to move around and easy to fold away when not being used, and offer a wide range of resistance options to suit people of all fitness levels.
However one of the most popular models on the market right now is the Xterra Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike, which is the model that I want to review in this article.
Xterra Fitness actually have two models that differ in price but look very similar (the other one is the FB350 and comes with its own back support and seat handles), but this FB150 model is the more basic of the two.
Features and Benefits
- 8 magnetic resistance levels
- strong X-frame design
- can be folded away for easy storage
- durable 3-piece pedal crank
- multi-grip padded handlebars
- extra large padded seat
- LCD display
- track time, speed, distance, calories and pulse
- hand grip pulse sensors
- adjustable foot pedal straps
- built-in transport wheels
- smooth and silent belt drive system
- suitable for users between 4’10 and 5’10
- accommodates users up to 225 pounds
Product Dimensions / Weight
As mentioned above, this machine is very light because it weighs just 32 pounds when it is fully assembled, making it really easy to move around your house or apartment.
With dimensions (in inches) of 31.5 (L) x 18 (W) x 45.3 (H), and folded dimensions of 16.75 (L) x 18 x 50.5 (H), it will also take up very little space in your home.
Positives
The obvious benefit of this FB150 exercise bike is that it is light enough to move around, and has a folding design that makes it easy to fold away. Indeed it will take up a floor space of just 16.75 x 18 inches when it is folded away and not being used.
However there are many other reasons why you might want to consider buying this particular model for your home.
For a start, it has a deceptively strong frame, thanks to its thick steel tubing, and can easily be used safely by people up to 225 pounds, but it is also really comfortable for most people to use.
That’s because it has an oversized padded seat that can be adjusted upwards or downwards to find the best riding position, and will easily accommodate users between 4’10 and 5’10.
In addition, it has foot straps on the pedals that can be adjusted to keep your feel from slipping out, and has large padded handlebars that offer multiple grip positions to accommodate different riding styles.
Considering that this is an entry-level machine, it also offers a decent number of workout options because there is a dial that you can adjust to 8 different magnetic resistance settings.
So you have the option of pedalling away at a relatively low intensity for an hour or two on setting 1 or 2, for instance, or turning it right up to 7 or 8 in order to burn more calories and really push yourself to the limit.
If you want to track your performance, this Xterra Fitness FB150 bike comes with a standard console with a 2 x 1 window LCD display that will indicate all of the most important metrics, such as time, speed, distance and calories. If you place your hands on the hand grip pulse sensors, it will also show your pulse as well.
Finally, it should be noted that this particular bike has a strong and durable 3-piece pedal crank, as well as a 3.3 lbs precision-balanced flywheel that helps to provide a smooth and quiet riding experience, and requires very little maintenance.
Negatives
One of the main drawbacks of this light and compact exercise bike from Xterra Fitness is that it is not really suitable for overweight or large users because the weight capacity is just 225 pounds, which is less than some of the more expensive models.
Similarly, although the seat can be adjusted upwards or downwards, it cannot be adjusted forwards or backwards, and is reportedly not really suitable for those users who are over 6 feet tall – the recommended height range is 4’10 – 5’10 for optimal comfort.
Apart from this, there are no major issues with this machine, although it would be nice if the warranties were a little longer because there is just a 1-year warranty on the frame and a 90-day parts warranty.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a high-performance exercise bike that is exceptionally strong and offers a range of workout options and extra features, then this bike might not necessarily be suitable.
However if you are specifically looking for a small and compact bike that you can fold away when you are not using it, and will still help you to lose weight and improve your fitness, the Xterra Fitness FB150 model is not a bad choice at all.
This particular model has 8 levels of resistance, is comfortable for most people to use for long periods and should be strong enough to last quite a long time because of the solid frame.
→ Click here to buy the Xterra Fitness FB150 Folding Bike
Also Available – Xterra Fitness FB350 Folding Exercise Bike
This new FB350 model has many of the same features as the original FB150 model, including the same display console, resistance levels, folding capability and weight capacity, for example.
However the key difference is that this bike comes with a padded back support and arm rests as well, which will help to ensure that you can exercise in a little more comfort.
You can still get an intense workout in an upright or forward leaning position at any time during your workout, but if you need to cool down or would prefer to pedal in a semi-recumbent position, the back support and arm rests will be of enormous benefit.
The added support may also provide relief if you experience any kind of back pain when using a traditional upright bike, so it may be worth paying a little extra for this FB350 model.