SportPlus Recumbent Exercise Bike Review
Mark’s Update:
SportPlus no longer have a recumbent bike – their current options are folding uprights (see them here).
Here are my detailed reviews of three popular recumbents, to suit three different budget levels:
- Super-Top-Rated: The new R35 Recumbent from NordicTrack is a killer (and looks stunning)
- Top-Rated: The C10R from ProForm is a boldly designed and high-tech marvel from a popular brand.
- Excellent Budget Option: Check out the R100 Recumbent from British brand, JLL.
Summary: The SportPlus Recumbent bike stands out in 3 different ways. These are build quality, easy adjustment for the seat and app-compatibility. If you add a tablet (holder provided) then you can use Google street view. This allows you to cycle through the great cities of the world – or maybe your own home town – while sat in the comfortable padded seat. You will not compromise on performance with this model. It has magnetic resistance, 24 levels and hand pulse sensors.
Needless to say, the feedback has been excellent. You can see the gallery including close-ups and read the latest comments over on this dedicated amazon.co.uk product page.
Detailed Review of the SportPlus Recumbent Exercise Bike
This robust bike is 95cms long, 62cms wide and 138cms tall to the top of the iPad / tablet holder. It is metallic grey. The wide sturdy feet work with the lower centre of gravity, making it a lot more stable than a spinner / upright bike.
SportPlus recommend a max weight of 110kgs, a little over 17 stone.
The bike weighs in at 25kgs. It does have wheels to move it into place. If you check the close-up pictures, you will see these on the bottom front.
Padded seating and handlebars which stick out from each side are the key feature. This will allow you to sit back while cycling. While it will protect your back, do not let the recumbent position fool you, it is possible to get a great workout with this home bike. The seat is fully adjustable via a lever underneath.
Note that some assembly is needed. Feedback suggests this is simple compared to many similar products – with clear instruction diagrams provided.
Performance and Computer Controls
In my opinion, magnetic resistance is what separates the flimsy recumbent exercise bikes from the good ones. SportPlus uses a full 24 levels of magnetic resistance. This covers everything from cycling through air to a gruelling uphill climb. You can adjust this resistance on the go, no need to stop like with cheaper options.
SportPlus use ‘Poly-V’ to keep the mechanism silent. While I have not come across this term elsewhere, the quietness is certainly bourne out via the feedback from previous buyers.
Topping off the performance you will find this bike complies with safety certification. These are ISO 20957-1 and ISO EN 957-5.
SportPlus Recumbent Bike: App Control and Trip Computer
With a big LCD screen and simple push-button controls, you can track the following with this SportPlus recumbent home bike:
- Training Time
- Distance
- Calories Burned
- Pulse
- Speed
There are also pre-set workouts, you can see the ‘Shape’ of these on the tablet rest above the controls.
For tech-savvy users, you can download the ‘CardioFit’ app. This will keep track of your history and show how your training is progressing. It will also link to Google Street View or other maps, giving you some entertaining background visuals for your training.
More details on this app on this page over at Amazon.
Feedback: What Buyers Said About the SportPlus Recumbent Home Exercise Bike
As this is a German designed product, I checked out the feedback from Germany as well as the UK. If you have read my other reviews, you might already know that our German friends are not shy when it comes to pointing out any issues with fitness equipment.
The good news is that they thought this SportPlus bike was ‘Ser Gut’ (very good). The feedback has been positive overall from both sides of the Channel. The quiet and smooth action came in for some praise. Users reported that this bike lasts. One person has been using it 1.5 hours every day and was very happy with it. There was also feedback that the assembly was simple.
As always, feedback can change, so it is always worth browsing the latest comments before you commit to a bike.
Wrapping Up: Is the SportPlus App Controlled Recumbent Bike Right for You?
Sitting back while you work out protects your back, without compromising the workout. If you want a bike that is a define step above the budget, wobbly, flimsy models – without breaking the bank – then this the SportPlus recumbent is one for your shortlist.
With a sturdy build, low centre of gravity and comfortable seat, it is built to last. When you add in 24 levels of (magnetic) resistance, app controls and pulse sensor, then you will see just how much tech you get for a mid-range price.
Check out the latest feedback and see the full picture gallery on this dedicated amazon.co.uk product page now!
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