Spirit Fitness XBR55 Recumbent Bike Review
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Life Fitness RS3 Recumbent Bike
$3,149
This is a nice bike. It is also over $3000 so it should be right? The RS 3 is a very solid, extremely well-built machine and the quality is unmistakable from the moment you sit down and start pedaling. The drive train is smooth as can be, the material around you is also top notch. There really is nothing that feels cheap. Everything you would expect from an expensive bike, from a high-end manufacturer. But… and there is always a but, what about the comfort? Expensive doesn’t always mean perfection so let’s dive in.
Our first reaction is that there are clearly some nice design features. The Life Fitness RS 3 has a full step through design which is a big plus. The pedals are a little bit oversized and use a ratchet style adjustment strap, also a plus. The seat bottom and seat back are built from high quality components. We do like that the upper display of the Life Fitness RS 3 Recumbent Bike with Go Console does not sit too high and you can see over it (into your room or a tv on the wall). We mention the “GO” console because there is also a “Track Connect 2.0” console which will be a bit taller and harder to see over. Something to keep in mind if you want to watch tv while pedaling.
We do like that the LF RS 3 has an easy start resistance level meaning that it is easy to pedal at level 1. This would be important for someone who is rehabbing or a senior. Not all bikes have an easy starting resistance and that could be a problem for some.
What don’t we like?
Well, there are a few things we don’t love and may be a deal breaker for some. This bike is heavy, and Life Fitness does not help this by making it really hard to move around. The front wheels are almost useless and there is no grab handle in the back so…yeah. Not easy to move.
We HATE the fact that this Life Fitness RS 3 recumbent bike has STRAIGHT CRANK ARMS. UGH! Most bikes use a slightly curved crank arm to push your heel away from the center shroud (your heels naturally tend to bow in towards the center. On a straight crank arm, heels can rub against the plastic shroud, especially if you have bigger feet. No bueno! This recumbent bike is also a bit noisier because of the hum from the generator. Cool feature, this bike can be plugged in or used in self-generating mode but either way, there will be a humming noise from the hub. This could be annoying for some people. Our only other complaint is that even though LF uses a mesh back rest, it is a very fine small weave, so it is not quite as breathable as some other brands we have reviewed. Small complaint but if you sweat a bunch, this could be a nuisance.
Pros: Built like a tank, high end components from front to back. Extremely smooth drive train and feel. Can plug in or be operated in self-generating mode (no power cord). Full, easy step through design for easy entry and exit.
Cons: Not easy to move. Straight crank arms not good for people with bigger feet or limited flexibility. Expensive. Mesh back rest is not very breathable.
Spirit Fitness XBR55 Recumbent Bike
$1,699
Made in Taiwan
You asked for Spirit equipment, so we finally got some in. The XBR55 is a step up from the recumbent bikes you’ll find all over Amazon. It’s made in Taiwan rather than China, it weighs 146 lbs. fully assembled, and it carries a 350 lb. max user weight. Big Mike is 298 lbs. and 6’4″, and this was his first time on the bike. That makes it a real first-impressions test of how a premium recumbent fits a big rider: what feels great, and what took him by surprise.
Where Spirit Fits in the Lineup
Spirit is a specialty fitness brand, so you’ll mostly find it in specialty fitness stores rather than big-box shelves. It’s made by Dyaco, the same parent company as Sole, and it sits at the premium end of that family. That puts the XBR55 head to head with bikes like the Sole R92, which scored a point higher on our charts. At this price you expect a solid frame, a long warranty and smooth resistance. The XBR55 delivers all three.
Size and Build Quality
At 56.7″ long and 29.5″ wide, the XBR55 has a wider base than most recumbents we’ve tested, and you can feel that stability once you’re seated. The commercial-grade steel frame is a big part of why it weighs 146 lbs. That’s great for stability and bad news if you want to move it around. It has transport wheels but no grab handle for rolling it, so plan on picking a spot and leaving it there.
Getting On: Step-Through, Handles and Pedals
The XBR55 has a fully open step-through, so getting on and off is easy. The side handles are cushioned and give you something solid to hold as you sit down. The pedals are self-leveling, which here means they rest tilted back at an angle that lets you slide your feet right in. The large pedals have ratchet straps that are easy to adjust. Big Mike called the pedals great but noted they feel a little wide for him. That matches the 8.7″ Q-factor, which is wider than average.
Seat and Backrest
The seat is the comfort highlight. It’s well cushioned with a slight ergonomic curve, and Big Mike called it very, very comfortable. The backrest is a different story. It’s tall, which is nice, but it’s also completely flat with no lumbar curve. Big Mike felt like he was tightening his abs and pushing backward instead of settling in. The faux-leather finish also doesn’t breathe much, so expect a sweaty back on longer rides. The seat and backrest adjust separately: the yellow center handle moves the seat forward and back, and a separate lever reclines the back.
Console: Big Features, Bigger Footprint
The 7.5″ backlit LCD console is loaded. It has a tablet holder, Bluetooth speakers, a USB charging port, a built-in fan and hand pulse sensors. It also has Bluetooth FTMS, so it works with apps like Zwift and Kinomap as well as Spirit’s own Spirit+ app, which you connect by scanning a QR code. The catch is size. The console is massive, and if your bike sits in front of a TV, it will block your view. The fan is also small and mounted low, which is typical for bike fans.
How It Rides: Level 10 to Level 20
The XBR55 has 20 levels of electromagnetic resistance plus a 24 lb. flywheel, and the ride is very smooth. It feels good at level 10, and at level 20 the resistance gets substantial even for a 298 lb. rider. Our one complaint while riding is the side handles. They angle inward enough to rub against your hamstrings as you pedal, which is distracting and something taller riders should check in person if they can.
Buying, Assembly and Support
We ordered from Amazon, and the bike arrived in six days in good shape. Assembly took our tech a little over 30 minutes, mostly because of cleanup: the packaging leaves styrofoam bits everywhere. The instructions were clear, and the bike needed no adjustments out of the box. Spirit’s customer service is US-based, and if you need on-site service, they’ll send a technician.
Warranty
This is where the XBR55 stands out. You get a lifetime warranty on the frame and brake, 10 years on parts and electronics, and 1 year on labor. That’s a strong package even in this price range, and it’s the best argument for paying more than you would for an Amazon-brand recumbent.
Pros
- Excellent warranty: lifetime frame and brake, 10 years parts and electronics
- Heavy, wide 146 lb. frame that feels rock solid for big riders
- Smooth magnetic resistance with a 24 lb. flywheel, and level 20 is genuinely challenging
- Comfortable, well-cushioned seat
- Easy step-through and self-leveling pedals
Cons
- Flat backrest with no lumbar support, and the faux leather doesn’t breathe
- Side handles angle in and rub your hamstrings
- Oversized console blocks the view of a TV in front of you
- Too heavy to move around easily, with no grab handle for rolling
- Wider Q-factor (8.7″) may feel too wide for some riders
Bottom Line
The Spirit XBR55 is a very good recumbent bike. It’s built like a tank, rides smoothly, has a comfortable seat and is backed by one of the best warranties we’ve seen at this price. It holds its own against a lot of the bikes we’ve reviewed. It isn’t our #1, though. The flat backrest, the hamstring-rubbing handles and the oversized console are real comfort and fit problems for a big rider. If build quality and long-term coverage matter most to you, the XBR55 earns its 87. If comfort comes first, compare it with the 3G Cardio Elite RB X (94) and Sole R92 (88) on our recumbent bike comparison chart.
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Featured pick: This bike is featured in our Top 5 Recumbent Bikes for Seniors roundup.