ProForm X-Bike Duo Review
The ProForm X-Bike Duo is a small exercise bike with three special features: a convertible upright-to-recumbent design, iFit Coach readiness and a folding frame.…
ProForm X-Bike Duo Specs
| Rating | 6 |
|---|---|
| Type | Upright/Recumbent |
| Console display | LCD display |
| Compact storage | yes |
| Resistance | 14 |
| Seat type | Adjustable Seat |
| Programs | 14 |
| Flywheel | Inertia-Enhanced flywheel |
| Weight capacity | 250 |
| Dimensions | 49" L x 20.25" W x 40.25" H |
Why You Should Trust Our Reviews
The ProForm X-Bike Duo ($249) is named for its X-shaped frame and two-in-one design. You can ride the bike while seated upright, or you can lean back for recumbent cycling. Choose from 14 digital resistance settings in either mode. For convenient storage the unit is foldable and has caster wheels.
Compared with the original ProForm X-Bike ($149), the X-Bike Duo has two obvious upgrades:
- It works as both a recumbent bike and a traditional upright exercise bike.
- Exercise programs are included. Fourteen are built in, and unlimited programs are accessible with membership to iFit Coach.
The iFit fitness app provides interactive video workouts, virtual outdoor training with Google Maps street views, and classic workout programs with your progress shown on graphs. One unique element to this program is that it can auto-adjust the machine’s resistance while you exercise.
If you use iFit, you’ll bring your own screen to show the programming. This bike can connect with the program over Bluetooth, and the most common bring-your-own-display is a smartphone or tablet computer. You can also park the bike in front of a TV or standard computer connected to the app.
An adjustable-angle screen is built into the X-Bike Duo for showing your exercise statistics (calories, speed, distance, heart rate and time).
The Great
- Low Price: ProForm’s factory-direct online price is $249. This includes delivery to most addresses in the contiguous 48 states. Comparing exercise bikes you’ll see that most cost at least $500… and here you get two exercise styles from one fitness machine.
- Recumbent and Upright: The X-Bike Duo converts from a reclining exercise bike to an upright trainer. This convenience is a money-saver and a space-saver. Unfolded this bike is about 3’4” long and 1’8” wide.
- Easy to Store: For easy storage in between workouts, X-Bikes are foldable and have transport wheels.
- Adjustable Resistance: The workout console lets you alternate between 14 resistance levels at the touch of a button, and resistance can be controlled automatically by workout programs.
- Built-In Workouts: Fourteen training programs are included on the console computer for use with the bike in both modes (recumbent and upright).
- Data w/ Optional Wireless Pulse: The console screen shows your elapsed workout time, distance, RPM, heart rate and calories. The bike can show your heart rate when used in combination with a Bluetooth wireless chest strap sold separately.
- Ready for iFit: With an iFit membership (monthly or annual) you can access unlimited iFit workouts on your smartphone, tablet or computer. Connect the device to your bike over Bluetooth, and the iFit workout will control your bike! The speed and resistance are set to support precise workout goals, and you have the option to exercise with motivating visuals from HD exercise videos and unlimited interactive Google Maps Street View training routes. iFit also tracks exercise data long-term for up to four users of the bike.
- Computer Ledge: A shelf is attached for using your smartphone or tablet computer during exercise.
- Adjustable Seat Height: Seat height is adjustable with a metal pin.
- Padded Saddle: The X-Bike Duo seat is padded and oversized for comfort.
- Pedal Straps: Straps on the pedals help keep your feet in position.
The Not-So-Great
- Short Warranty: The ProForm X-Bike Duo has a very short warranty of just 90 days for parts and labor and five years for the frame. For comparison most home exercise bikes have at least one year of parts and labor coverage along with a lifetime frame warranty.
- Low Weight Capacity: ProForm X-Bikes have 250-pound user weight limits, whereas most home exercise bikes have higher capacities. For a stable ride, a person weighing 200 pounds or more should choose a more robust machine.
- Less Adjustable: Seat height on the X-Bike Duo is adjustable vertically but not horizontally. In customer reviews people have written that the bike is too small for those with long legs.
- Lighter Flywheel: X-Bikes have light flywheels compared with more expensive exercise bikes. A lighter flywheel helps cut costs significantly, but it can also make cycling feel less smooth.
- Maintenance Required: To keep this bike steady and quiet, you’ll probably need to tighten the bolts often.
Who Should Use The ProForm X-Bike Duo?
The Duo is built for people up to 250 pounds, and it feels steadiest for people about 200 pounds and under. With adjustable seating the bike is a comfortable ride for people of average and shorter heights.
In the recumbent position the X-Bike Duo is especially appealing for people with back pain or sensitive knees. In upright mode it’s not quite as low impact, but it lets you burn more calories. It’s a good match for weight management, maintaining flexibility and staying energized.
The Bottom Line
ProForm’s X-Bike Duo packs plenty of features into a compact space. Its pedaling isn’t as smooth as what a pricier bike could provide, and the bike probably won’t last for years, but for $249 it can be a good deal. Adding an iFit membership is highly recommended, as the option to virtually bike around the globe can help keep your exercise motivation high.
ProForm X-Bike Duo Specs
| Rating | 6 |
|---|---|
| Type | Upright/Recumbent |
| Console display | LCD display |
| Compact storage | yes |
| Resistance | 14 |
| Seat type | Adjustable Seat |
| Programs | 14 |
| Flywheel | Inertia-Enhanced flywheel |
| Weight capacity | 250 |
| Dimensions | 49" L x 20.25" W x 40.25" H |
