Spirit Fitness XBR55 Recumbent Bike Review 

The Spirit Fitness XBR55 Recumbent Bike is a replica of the Spirit Fitness XBR95 Recumbent Bike. However, the latter is the upgraded version with additional features. 

That said, this recumbent bike has Bluetooth 4.0 FTMS and Spirit app connectivity that enables you to connect to third-party apps such as Zwift and Kinomap so that you can explore the world virtually, track workout progress, and share workout data and more.  

Click right here to have a peek at the best price of the Spirit Fitness XBR55 Recumbent Bike.  

Frame & Construction 

The Spirit Fitness XBR55 Recumbent Bike is designed and constructed for home use even though it features light-commercial grade construction. It has an impressive warranty that confirms its quality.  

The frame is made of heavy-duty steel that is powder-coated with anticorrosion paint for longevity. Some of the external parts which include the drive system shrouds, the seat base covers, the console covers, and other small coverings are made of ABS material.  

Users that are up to 350 lbs./158.7 kg can utilize the bike.  

It is important to point out that its step-thru design enables users (especially those that have physical impairment) to easily get on and off of the machine. 

The weight of this unit is fairly heavy; it’s 139 lbs./63 kg and it improves the overall stability of the bike. However, it might also be a concern to some users who would think that it might be difficult to move around the room.  

That being said, transport wheels are integrated at the front base, and since most of the weight is situated at the front, you can easily raise it from behind and roll it wherever you wish to have it placed.  

Also, the base framework features front and rear steel stabilizers that have adjustable levelers for maximum stability regardless of whether the platform is crooked or not.  

Therefore, you will experience stable workouts that enable you to be focused on achieving your fitness goals while you enjoy every bit of the way.  

The assembled dimensions are 56.7’’ long by 29.5’’ wide by 50.4’’ high. To put it differently, it will need a workout area with measurements of 4’7’’ (144 cm) length and 2’5’’ (75 cm) width and additional (recommended) clearance of 2’ around it for safety and ease of access purposes.  

The Seat of the Spirit Fitness XBR55 Recumbent Bike 

The slightly contoured seat is thick and measures about 19.5’’ width by 10’’ length (depth), while the netted mesh backrest is 16’’ width by 26’’ height.  

Since the backrest is high enough and also netted, users will feel their back completely supported with adequate airflow that keeps them comfortable.  

The seat is attached to an extruded aluminum beam that is slightly slanted so that when it’s adjusted forward or backward the height also increases or decreases, and it’s adjustable to 14 different positions.  

Moreover, the backrest can independently be adjusted via its hydraulic-enabled lever. This means it could be adjusted to recline positions for comfortable workout postures.  

The Handlebar 

The Spirit Fitness XBR55 Recumbent Bike features 2 sets of handlebars. One set is attached to the seat and has heart rate sensors and resistance adjustment buttons incorporated into the handles, while the other set is attached to the console mast, it doesn’t have any buttons to it.  

The two sets of handlebars are nonadjustable. They are both coated with soft rubber foam material for comfortable and secure grips.   

The Pedals 

Each of the Spirit Fitness XBR55 Recumbent Bike pedals is self-leveling and has a textured surface and a safety strap for secure and comfortable foot placement. They are made of quality plastic with a metallic core.  

The crankset is 3-piece cold-forged steel that has strong and quality crank arms attached to it.  

The Q-factor (the length measurement of the inner left pedal to the inner right pedal) is 8.7’’/221 mm, and the stride length is 13’’. 

The Drive 

This recumbent bike is belt-driven. In other words, it is equipped with a belt drive system that comprises a Poly-V belt, a pulley, and a 24 lbs./10.8 kg high inertia perimeter weighted steel flywheel.  

Therefore, as opposed to a chain drive system, its operation is smooth, quiet, and vibration-free. Also, no maintenance will be needed.  

The drive is bidirectional; it enables you to pedal both ways, forward & backward. Hence, you can diversify your workout and also be able to engage more muscle groups.  

However, you cannot coast as one would on a road bicycle. But you don’t have to because this is a recumbent bike.  

 The Resistance  

The resistance system is eddy current magnetic. Thus, the Spirit Fitness XBR55 Recumbent Bike requires to be plugged into a power outlet (DC 12V/1.5A) for the resistance system to work.  

The major elements involved in generating resistance include a magnetic brake pad, a small servo motor, and the flywheel.  

Interestingly, none of the elements rub on each other during the process of generating resistance because it is magnetic field-based. What this means is that magnetic fields are released to generate resistance without the occurrence of friction.  

The advantages of this type of resistance system are the fact that no part wears out, and no noise is produced when resistance is engaged or applied.  

As a result, the bike’s operation remains silent and smooth, and you won’t be required to replace any part or carry out any serious maintenance.  

The resistance system offers 20 adjustable levels that enable users to experience different workout challenges for achieving their fitness goals.  

Since this is an eddy current magnetic resistance system, it needs to be adjusted via the buttons on the console or through the buttons on the seat handlebars. You can adjust the resistance level by pushing the +/- buttons on the console or quickly do so via the button on each side of the seat’s handlebar.  

The Console 

The angle-adjustable console of the Spirit Fitness XBR55 Recumbent Bike is pretty packed with some interesting features such as the 7.5’’ bright blue LCD monitor, 10 workout programs, a cooling fan, sound system (speakers & MP3 auxiliary port), and much more. 

The LCD monitor tracks workout stats such as Time, Distance, Calories, Level, MET, Watt, Segment Time, Program Name, Pulse, and Laps. It displays 9 workout data simultaneously so that you don’t have to scan through to be able to understand your workout progress.  

There are two ways to get your pulse rate data displayed on the screen; one way is by grasping the EKG handlebars while working out or putting on the HR chest strap device (included in the package) since the console is telemetric.  

Another interesting aspect of this console is that it is Bluetooth-enabled and compatible with the Spirit Fit App, and it is possible to connect to other third-party workout apps. Therefore, you will be able to do extra stuff (explore the world, track workout stats online, share stats on social media, etc.) that will keep you motivated and inspired to achieve your fitness goals.  

The app is compatible with Android and iOS-based smartphones.  

The workout programs available are as follows; Manual, 5 preset workout programs (Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength, and Interval), 2 Users, and 2 Heart Rate.  

The Manual program enables you to choose whatever resistance level you deem fit for your workout, while any of the preset workout programs is preassigned a certain resistance level in order to achieve their goal as their names imply.  

The 2 User programs enable you to create and save custom workout programs. This means you can always reuse them as many times as possible.  

Finally, the 2 Heart Rate programs usually work when the EKG handlebars are grasped or the HR chest strap is worn. These help you to train within the maximum heart rate zone that is good for your specific goal and your age. The bike’s instruction manual breaks down in detail how to determine or decide which maximum heart rate may be good for you.  

Accessory 

As aforementioned, there are built-in speakers and an auxiliary port on the console for better sound output from your smartphone.   

There are 2 water bottle holders around the seat for keeping proper hydration during workouts. And finally, a tablet holder is on the console for keeping a device or magazine in place. However, a device/magazine placed on the tablet holder may block the view of the LCD screen.  

Storage 

Putting the Spirit Fitness XBR55 Recumbent Bike away for storage won’t be a problem even though it weighs 139 lbs./63 kg, and is none-foldable.  

It integrates transport wheels at the front base which enable the user to easily raise it from the rear (most of the weight is at the front) for the relocation process.  

A storage area with measurements of 4’7’’ in length by 2’5’’ in width will be enough to accommodate it. After all, its assembled dimensions are 56.7’’ long by 29.5’’ wide by 50.4’’ high.  

Pros/Features Overview 

• Solid construction (semi-commercial grade) 
• Supports 350 lbs./158.7 kg maximum user weight capacity 
• Step-thru design makes it appealing to users, especially those that are physically challenged because they can easily get on and off the machine 
• It is sturdy and stable; thanks to the base framework with adjustable levelers and its weight 
• Operation is smooth, quiet, and vibration-free, thanks to its belt drive system 
• There are 2 sets of handlebars (seat and front handlebars) that are generously coated with soft rubber foam material  
• The pedals are self-leveling, large, and textured with safety adjustable straps for secure and comfortable foot placement 
• The seat is large, cushioned, and 2-way adjustable 
• The backrest is high, wide, adjustable (recline), and designed with mesh for easy airflow  
• 10 workout programs available (Manual, Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength, Interval, 2 User programs, and 2 Heart Rate) 
• The console is telemetric (the HR chest strap is included in the package) 
• EKG contact grips 
• Bright blue backlit LCD monitor tracks Time, Distance, Calories, Level, MET, Watt, Segment Time, Program Name, Pulse, and Laps 
• Eddy current magnetic resistance system with 20 adjustable levels  
• Bluetooth connectivity 
• Spirit app compatible  
• Easy to maintain 
• Assembly is not complicated 
• Transport wheels integrated 
• Water bottle holders included 
• Tablet holder included 
• Cooling fan integrated 
• Warranty is impressive 

Cons 

• The cooling fan is not strong enough 
• The position of the tablet holder could cause the display screen to be blocked if a device is placed on it 

Warranty 

• Frame: Lifetime 
• Brake: Lifetime 
• Parts: 10 Years 
• Labor: 1 Year 

Product Dimensions & Specifications 

• Length: 56.7’’ 
• Width: 29.5’’ 
• Height: 50.4’’ 
• Shipping: 57.4’’ L x 17.6’’ W x 30’’ H 
• Net weight: 139 lbs./63 kg 
• Gross weight: 156.5 lbs./71 kg 
• Maximum user weight capacity: 350 lbs./158.7 kg 
• Frame: Alloy steel (semi-commercial grade construction) 
• Flywheel weight: 24 lbs./10.8 kg 
• Drive: Belt 
• Resistance: Eddy current magnetic with 20 adjustable levels 
• Power: Electricity 
• Handlebars: seat & front  
• Seat: Large, cushioned, with adjustable meshed backrest 
• Pedals: Anti-skid, balance weighted with adjustable straps  
• Monitor: 7.5’’ blue backlit LCD 
• Programs: 10 
• Heart Rate monitoring: EKG & wireless heart rate  
• HR chest strap included 
• Bluetooth connectivity 
• App connectivity: Spirit Fit & third-party 
• Cooling fan, tablet holder, water bottle holders, & sound system 
• Transport wheels included 

Shipping 

The Spirit Fitness XBR55 Recumbent Bike is shipped out in a box that weighs 156.5 lbs./71 kg with dimensions of 57.4’’ long by 17.6’’ wide by 30’’ high.  

The delivery takes about a couple of days to weeks depending on the destination.  

Big vendors such as Amazon usually provide free shipping.  

Assembly 

The assembling process is straightforward because it arrives with most of the components preassembled.  

Although, you may need a hand to help out during the assembling due to the weight of the unit.  

Parts to be assembled include the stabilizers, the console mast, console, pedals, seat & backrest, and handlebars. Plus, other small parts.  

Tools and an instruction manual are included in the package for easy assembly.  

Assembling duration would take probably an hour to 2 hours.  

Maintenance 

No lubrication or adjustment is needed.  

Simply keep it clean on a regular basis and make sure that it is stored in a conducive area that is clean, cool, and dry.  

Do routinely check the parts before workouts to be sure that they are in good condition.  

Conclusion 

The Spirit Fitness XBR55 Recumbent Bike is a sturdy home recumbent machine. It is great for home use considering its overall construction and features such as an eddy current magnetic resistance system with 20 adjustable levels, belt drive system, 10 workout programs, telemetric & Spirit Fit App compatible console, Bluetooth connectivity, bright blue backlit LCD monitor, and much more.