Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike – Is Exerpeutic 400XL Still Best?

Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike with Equipment Mat

Working out in the comfort of your home is great in theory. But many of us do not have the luxury or space for a home gym or even a room full of exercise equipment. This detailed  Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike Review shows why this particular folding recumbent exercise bike may be just what you need.

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Who is Exerpeutic?

Exerpeutic is a best selling brand from Paradigm Health and Wellness Inc. Exerpeutic specializes in exercise equipment for home use that includes products such as treadmills, ellipticals, inversion tables as well as training bicycles and upright and recumbent bikes.

The Exerpeutic line is known for affordable exercise equipment that combines the newest technology to more efficiently assist users with their exercise goals while obtaining better results.


Why An Exerpeutic 400XL Extended Capacity Recumbent Bike With Pulse?

Overview

The 400XL is not the newest model.  It has been around, but still receives excellent ratings for its space saving design and quality.

XL stands for extra capacity, and that means anyone up to 6'2" or 300 pounds can take advantage of this machine.

The significant advantage of this folding recumbent exercise bike is that it is foldable and is easily rolled away for storage. The bike will fold to at least ½ of its size.

Let's look at the Exerpeutic 400XL with Pulse in action!


What Are the Types of Exercise Bikes?

Recumbent Bike vs Upright Bike

There are two different types of exercise bikes out there, upright and recumbent. You are probably most familiar with an upright bicycle.  You are sitting in an upright position. 

When you use a recumbent bike, you are in a semi-reclining position. Exercising in this position is more comfortable and easier on the knees than in an upright one.  Recumbent bikes can be an integral part of physical therapy or rehab.

My first experience with a recumbent bike was after my knee surgery.

RECUMBENT                                                                  UPRIGHT  

Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike with Equipment Mat
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As far as calories burned, you will burn more on an upright bike for the same period because you have to work harder to pedal.  However, you will notice that you can exercise longer on an recumbent bike because it is easier on your joints.

Of course, this implies all things being equal, like tension levels. Even so, if you are not able to do much physical activity and working longer is more important than putting forth more exertion, then a recumbent bike is a more suitable option.


What Are The 400XL Key Features?

Exerpeutic 400XL Recumbent Bike Features

Key features of the 400XL folding recumbent exercise bike are listed below:

exerpeutic 400xl folding recumbent exercise bike

 

 

Design

The 400XL has a compact, space-saving design. It is semi-recumbent and allows you to get on and off the bike easily. 

Magnetic Tension

There are 8 resistance levels for adjusting your workout level of difficulty.

Comfort

Large seat and back cushions make exercising more comfortable.

Portability

Just fold up the machine and use the transportation wheels for quick movement.

LCD Display

The computer display is easy to read and shows workout statistics.

Pulse

Handheld sensors monitor your heart rate.

Quiet

The double drive V-belt transmission system makes for quiet pedaling operation.

Safety

Leg stabilizers prevent the machine from easily tipping over.  Extra-large pedals prevent feet from slipping.


Pros and Cons of The Folding 400XL Bike

PROS

  • Easy assembly
  • Easy to adjust tension levels
  • Easy to read LCD computer display
  • Easy to operate
  • Affordable

CONS

  • Not Bluetooth enabled
  • No bells and whistles

What Are Customers Saying?

This is a popular folding bike and recent comments are positive,  If you want to read more reviews, click   Exerpeutic 400XL Recumbent Bike Customer Reviews

One apartment dweller concerned about noise comments "One heck of a quite workout."

A common theme among reviewers is that the assembly is easy

On reviewer said "used for rehab after knee replacement"

"Incredible price for such a well made unit"


Who Should Buy An Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Exercise Bike?

This product is ideal for people who:

  • have limited space for exercise equipment but want to workout at home
  • have a limited budget but want a quality exercise bicycle 
  • need a recumbent bike to aid home physical therapy
  • are seniors and want less stress on joints

If you are taller than 6' 2" or weight more than 300 pounds, you should consider the new model 525XLR (see comparison below).

Those who are looking for something that has all of the latest technological features would be disappointed, but

        if you want a basic workout on a sturdy machine, this is the perfect option.

Exerpeutic 400XL VS Exerpeutic Gold 525XLR

                        400XL                                                           525XLR

exerpeutic 400xl folding recumbent exercise bike
exerpeutic gold 525xlr recumbent exercise bike

The 525XLR is a newer version of this recumbent bicycle.  The primary difference is in the weight and height capacities.  Exerpeutic increased the steel frame by 27% to accommodate weights up to 400 pounds and heights up to 6' 5".  

If you are not concerned about height or weight requirements, the 400XL offers all the benefits of the more expensive 525XLR.

For more information on the Exerpeutic Gold 525XLR Folding Recumbent Bike, click on the link.

Feature

Exerpeutic 400XL

Exerpeutic 525XLR

Resistance Levels

8

8

Weight Capacity

300

400

Height Limits

5'2" - 6'2"

5'2" - 6'5"

LCD Display

Large Display

Large Display

Assembled Product Weight

43 lbs

54.7 lbs

Folded Dimensions

20" L x 17" W x 54" H

27" L x 18" W x 48" H

Price

- The 400XL has a 300-pound weight limit while the 525XLR can accommodate those who weigh up to 400.

- Both units have 8 separate tension levels

- Both units have a large-sized seat and a comfortable backrest.

- The 400XL can accommodate people in the height range of 5'2" to 6'2" while you can use the 525XLR if you are as tall as 6'5."

- The newer unit is heavier but costs more.


FAQs

Is There a Height Restriction?

Yes, the maximum height for the 400XL is 6 ft 2 inches.

How Pre-Assembled Does It Come?

The main body comes assembled, but you need to assemble the legs, seat and handle bars. The entire assembly takes about 30 minutes. Most people find it very easy.

When Folded, Will It Fit Inside a Medium Sedan trunk?

Probably, but it depends on the size of the trunk. The folded dimensions are 20" L x 17" W x 54".

Can you pedal forward and backwards??

Yes.

Does It Impact the Knees?

Recumbent bikes are a form of low impact exercise which make them easy on joints. They are often used in rehab. But check with your doctor before starting any strenuous form of exercise.


Final Verdict - Should You Buy an Exerpeutic 400XL?

thumbs up

The 400XL is an Amazon's Choice winner.  It is a good price for a folding bike and it gets results. 


About the author

Dee Smith

Hello I am Dee and I am a busy mom who truth be told hated to exercise. That is why I was always looking for shortcuts to fitness and started researching ways to stay healthy and fit at home. Here we provide reviews of the best and most popular products you can use at home to achieve your fitness goals!

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