If you’ve been shopping for recumbent bikes, you’ve probably noticed the Spirit Fitness XBR 55. It’s one of those bikes that looks impressive on paper, and for the most part, it delivers. With an 87 out of 100 rating at BigGuyTreadmillReview.com, it sits comfortably in the “very good” category, just behind our top picks like the 3G Cardio Elite RB X Recumbent Bike (94) and Life Fitness RS3 (90).
But here’s the thing: at $1,699, it’s asking you to pay premium money. So does it earn that price tag? Let’s dig in.
What the Spirit XBR 55 Gets Right
First, the good stuff—and there’s plenty of it.
The build quality on this bike feels solid. We’re talking Taiwan manufacturing, a 24-lb flywheel, aluminum crank arms, and a three-piece crank that feels like it belongs on a commercial machine. When you sit down and start pedaling, you can tell this isn’t some lightweight budget bike that’ll wobble after six months.
The seat comfort is where Spirit Fitness made some smart choices. You get an adjustable mesh backrest that moves independently from the seat, something you don’t always find in this price range. The mesh design keeps your back cool during longer rides, and the overall seat stability gets a solid A rating in our testing. No weird creaking or shifting while you pedal.
The Q factor (that’s the space between your feet on the pedals) measures 8.7 inches, which is narrower than a lot of recumbent bikes. That means your legs stay in a more natural position instead of splaying out wide like you’re doing some awkward yoga pose. For bigger users or anyone with knee issues, this is a big deal.
And if you’re into the tech side of things, the XBR 55 comes with Bluetooth, so you can connect it to apps like Zwift, Kinomap, or the QZ Fitness app. It even includes a wireless heart rate chest strap, which is a nice touch, though plenty of bikes in this range make you buy that separately.
But Here’s Where It Gets Tricky
Now let’s talk about the stuff that gave us pause.
The biggest issue? The console. It’s mounted high enough that it partially blocks your view—whether you’re trying to see the TV or just look around the room. The Life Fitness RS3 and 3G Cardio Elite RB X both do a better job here with lower-profile displays.
And while the bike does have transport wheels, they’re not great. We gave rolling ease a C rating, and there’s no grab handle to make moving it any easier. At 146 lbs., this thing is heavy enough that you’ll want all the help you can get.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
At $1,699, the Spirit XBR 55 is priced right between the Sole R92 ($999, rated 88/100) and the 3G Cardio Elite RB X ($1,999, rated 94/100).
If you’re comparing it to the Sole R92, the Spirit offers better adjustability with that independent backrest and slightly better build quality. But the Sole is $700 cheaper and scores one point higher overall. That’s a tough pill to swallow.
Compared to the 3G Cardio Elite RB X, the Spirit falls short in almost every category—especially noise level, compact design, and overall comfort. The 3G is only $300 more, and in our opinion, it’s worth every penny of that difference.
Who This Bike Is For
The Spirit XBR 55 works well if you:
- Want a solid, durable bike with premium components
- Value the independent backrest adjustment (great for back issues)
- Are between 5’2″ and 6’5″ tall (it adjusts well for a wide range)
- Plan to use Bluetooth apps like Zwift for interactive workouts
RECAP: Spirit XBR 55 Recumbent Bike
| Feature | Rating |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | A – Solid Taiwan manufacturing |
| Seat Comfort | B – Independent backrest adjustment |
| Noise Level | B – Noticeable flywheel hum |
| Customer Service | B+ – Roughly 5 minute wait time |
| Value for Money | B – Tough competition at this price |
Pros:
- Premium build quality with aluminum crank and 24 lbs. flywheel
- Independent backrest adjustment (rare in this range)
- Good Q factor (8.7″) keeps legs in natural position
- Bluetooth
- Smooth resistance at all levels
- 10-year parts warranty
Cons:
- High console blocks TV view
- No wireless chest strap included
- Hard to move around (poor wheels, no grab handle)
- No lower lumbar support on mesh backrest
Bottom Line
The Spirit Fitness XBR 55 is a solid recumbent bike that delivers on build quality and comfort, but it’s priced in a tough spot. Unless you find it on a significant sale, we’d recommend spending a bit more for the 3G Cardio Elite RB X or saving $700 with the Sole R92.
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