The MaxKare Magnetic Folding Semi-Recumbent Bike is one of those folding magnetic bikes that are integrated with arm resistance bands. It has a semi-recumbent seat with a backrest and side arms for lower back support and leverage to pedal aggressively. The only thing is that it can never provide the back support recumbent bikes provide because its backrest is short.
We do think that is the norm with most semi-recumbent folding bikes, the backrest usually comes shortly except for some such as the Exerpeutic WORKFIT 1000 Desk Station that has a long backrest.
Nevertheless, the MaxKare Magnetic Folding Semi-Recumbent Bike is an affordable bike with the potential of providing good cardio workouts in the comfort of your home. Moreover, the resistance bands make it a full-body workout machine because the arms can be exercised.
Its compact and space-saving design is yet another aspect that could endear the bike to so many people who wish to exercise at home but lack the space for a piece of fitness equipment. The small footprint doesn’t take much space during usage and it takes even less space during storage.
The integrated belt drive and the frictionless magnetic resistance systems make the bike’s operation to be smooth and near-silent. Something most users can relate with because no one would like to upset the neighbors or the family while exercising with the machine.
The 8 resistance levels provide decent workout challenges that are suitable for beginners, intermediaries, and everyone else that wishes to improve physical fitness.
The console features an LCD monitor that keeps track of your workout progress by displaying data such as time, distance, speed, calories burned, and heart rate.
Click right here to have a peek at the price of the MaxKare Magnetic Folding Semi-Recumbent Bike on Amazon.
Table of Contents
The Frame and Construction
The MaxKare Magnetic Folding Semi-Recumbent Bike has a solid construction that comprises a thicker and higher quality 3 inches steel, that reaches 440 pounds of bending strength. The bike is mostly made of steel except for parts such as the belt drive system shrouds, the caps on the base bars, and some parts of the pedals are made of plastic.
The machine ultimately supports 300 pounds/136 kg maximum user weight capacity.
The overall assembled dimensions of the unit are 38 inches long by 21 inches wide by 43 inches tall. In other words, a workout area of 3’2’’ long by 1’8’’ wide and a ceiling height of at least 7 feet high should suffice. However, it may be necessary for additional clearance of 1’-2’ at the rear and on each side of the machine if it is going to be used in more of a confined area.
The folded dimensions are not specified, but it folds to half of its length size.
Its stability is good as well due to the base framework that features rounded steel front and rear stabilizer bars. Even though it is obviously a lightweight machine that weighs 35 pounds/16 kg, it boosts its overall stability.
The included transport wheels make the relocation of the bike pretty easy and hassle-free.
The Seat, the Handlebar, and the Pedals
The seat is semi-recumbent and fairly large. The seat and the backrest are cushioned with upgraded high-density foam that ensures the user experiences comfort. To an extent, the backrest supports the lower back of the user so that relaxation and longer workout duration is achieved.
The side arms also provide support that enables the user to pedal comfortably and aggressively.
The seat has several vertical adjustment levels. Even though it doesn’t adjust horizontally, it does concurrently when it is being adjusted upward. As a result, users of different heights and sizes may use the bike. It is indicated to be suitable for users between the heights of 4’11’’ to 6’’.
The handlebar is non-adjustable, it can neither be adjusted vertically or horizontally. However, it is ergonomically designed and positioned to provide suitable and comfortable workout postures. There are multiple grips available, including the grips that have pulse sensors on them for heart rate transmission.
The handlebar is coated with a soft rubber foam so that the user’s grips could be comfortable and secure. Workout longer without experiencing slippage or blisters in the palms.
The pedals are anti-skid designed with safety adjustable straps that secure the feet in place no matter the intensity of your workout. They are attached to a solid crankset and crank arms that provide natural motion.
The Drive
The MaxKare Magnetic Folding Semi-Recumbent Bike is equipped with a belt drive system that is smooth and quiet during operation and also maintenance-free.
No one wants to be bothered with the responsibility of having to carry out serious and time taking maintenance on a bike instead of concentrating on how to get off some calories and improving cardiovascular health.
Due to its near-silent operation, you have the liberty to work out whenever or however you want without constituting a nuisance to the family or the neighbors. Moreover, watching TV or listening to good music while exercising with the machine couldn’t be better.
The Resistance
The unit has a frictionless magnetic resistance system that does not wear any part out. Therefore, no part will be required to be replaced and ultimately doesn’t need any maintenance such as tension adjustment or lubrication.
The resistance system mainly consists of a small flywheel, a magnetic brake pad, and a tension knob. When the magnetic brake pad gets close to the flywheel it emits a magnetic field that allows resistance to be generated. The closer it (magnetic brake pad) gets to the flywheel the more intense the resistance becomes.
The tension knob is the adjustment control for the resistance. It has the –1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 numerical values inscribed on it indicating the number of resistance levels. Turn it clockwise to increase the resistance level and anticlockwise to decrease it.
The lower numbers of the resistance (1 to 5) provide relatively easy and medium challenging workouts, while the 6, 7, and 8, provide somewhere between medium to difficult.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that the resistance does not provide an extremely difficult workout. If you wish to exercise and engage in very difficult workouts then a spin bike might be a good option.
Also, there are arm resistance bands that you could use to exercise the arms whenever you want.
The Console
The console on the MaxKare Magnetic Folding Semi-Recumbent Bike features an LCD monitor and a tablet holder.
The monitor is basic in function; it doesn’t have any additional functions such as preset programs, phone app, or telemetry capability. However, it has enough for its price range and for decent workout tracking.
It keeps track of the time, distance, speed, calories burned, odometer and heart rate. The display is readable but not when it is viewed in a poorly lit room because it is not backlit.
There are three buttons on the console that allow you to navigate through the functions easily.
It has a SCAN function that displays the workout values one at a time after a few seconds rotationally and continuously so that you can see all the workout data. You can also set a preferred workout value to display constantly if that is what you want.
The machine or the console don’t need to be plugged into a power outlet in order to be functional, but the latter needs 2 AAA batteries.
Accessory
The unit has a built-in tablet holder that is capable of holding a tablet, smartphone, or book. This keeps your phone handy for taking calls, watching a movie, or listening to music.
The downside is that the display screen gets blocked when a device or an item is placed on the tablet holder.
Storage
The MaxKare Magnetic Folding Semi-Recumbent Bike could be stored virtually anywhere in the room. Its space-saving design makes it so small that you could keep it next to a wall, to the bed or inside a standard closet.
The folded dimensions are not indicated but it folds up to half its fully assembled length, which is pretty small.
Moving it from one place to another isn’t a problem as well because it is lightweight (35 pounds/16 kg) and portable.
Approval Rating
This Magnetic folding upright bike has good reviews on Amazon. The majority of the users are happy with their purchase and would recommend it.
The overall approval rating also indicates so.
Pros/Features Overview
- Upgraded and solid steel frame
- Supports 300 pounds/136 kg maximum user weight
- Compact, foldable and portable
- Quiet and smooth operation
- Magnetic resistance system with 8 levels provides decent challenging workouts
- Offers full-body workouts; thanks to the integrated arm resistance bands
- Improves cardiovascular health, strength, and loses weight
- The semi-recumbent seat is adjustable and provides comfort and support to the lower back during workouts
- Multiple users could use it, can accommodated users between the heights of 4’11’’ to 6’
- Low maintenance
- Easy to assemble
- Affordable
- LCD monitor tracks time, distance, speed, Odometer, calories burned and heart rate
- Built-in tablet holder
- Transport wheels for relocation
Cons
- The monitor is not backlit and has basic functions
- It’s not for professional athletes
- A device/item placed on the tablet holder blocks the monitor screen
Warranty
- 90-day warranty that covers the replacement and repairs of defective parts
Product Dimensions and Specification
- Length 38’’
- Width 21’’
- Height 43’’
- Weight: 35 pounds/16 kg
- Supports 300 pounds/136 kg maximum user weight capacity
- Resistance: Manual magnetic
- Drive: Belt
- Seat: Semi-recumbent, 2-way adjustable
- Handlebar: Nonadjustable, multi-grip design, contact sensors
- Console: Nonbacklit, basic LCD monitor
- Tablet holder: Yes
- Transport wheels: Yes
Shipping, Assembly, and Maintenance
Shipping
The MaxKare Magnetic Folding Semi-Recumbent Bike is shipped in a box that weight about 39.6 pounds/18 kg.
The shipping cost is determined by the vendor you are purchasing from. However, Amazon charges a minimal amount for shipping and sometimes for free and delivers within days of order.
Assembly
The assembly is pretty easy and straightforward. It comes with the major components already preassembled.
You only need to attach the seat post, the seat, the handlebar, the pedals, the front and rear stabilizer bars, and the console to the core unit.
To completely assemble the bike to a functional level won’t take up an hour, 45 minutes tops, or less.
Instructional manual and tools are also included to help you with the assembly
Maintenance
The only maintenance required is to always keep the bike clean from dirt and sweat at all times. Ensure to always examine it before use for any loose or broken parts in order to avoid a mishap.
Conclusion
The MaxKare Magnetic Folding Semi-Recumbent Bike is an affordable machine with promising features that could help you to achieve your fitness goals in the comfort of your home.
It is durable, user-friendly, and handy.
MaxKare Magnetic Folding Semi-Recumbent Bike Review
The MaxKare Magnetic Folding Semi-Recumbent Bike is one of those folding magnetic bikes that are integrated with arm resistance bands and a semi-recumbent seat.
Product Brand: MaxKare
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.5
I am a health and fitness enthusiast. I take anything and everything that improves my health seriously. Hence, I try to share my knowledge in helping people that wish to up their health status to one that enables them to live strong with confidence.
We also review health and fitness equipment such as treadmills, elliptical trainers, spin bikes. recumbent bikes and many more.
