Exercise Bike Reviews 2012 » Proform Exercise Bikes Review

ProForm 380 CSX Exercise Bike Review

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:56:59 +0000

The ProForm 380 CSX Exercise Bike gets a lot of hyped reactions due to the Fat Blocker and Calorie Destroyer, these are not the latest arrivals in fitness programs or whatsoever close to it, these are games that you can play as you exercise, the harder you exercise the more points you win playing them. It may seem childish, but for some people it seems great.

It is really a personal choice if you like this in your exercise bike, after a few weeks you will see that you get bored of these games. I guess it can be a good sign of things to come in the future that will be more exciting in motivating you to exercise, but the GameFit doesn’t seem to do the job, at least not for now.

ProForm 380 CSX Exercise Bike Specifications

Adjustable Seat
Digital Resistance
iFit® Workout Card Technology
Dual-Grip EKG™ Heart Rate Monitor
8 Personal Trainer Workouts
GameFit™ Interactive Fitness Games
Compatible Music Port for iPod
Grafixx™ Hi-Res Display

Gaming While Pedaling

The ProForm 380 CSX Exercise Bike isn’t all about the games, but it pretty much calls your attention to it, and you are paying for it if you buy this bike. Lately there is news that a game console manufacturer is doing something like this, like a bike to be used instead of a joystick to control games of biking, that idea sounds good. But games in an exercise bike, not that good.

Besides the games you also get the iFit technology that is really good. They have lots of motivational programs plus options like running against your Facebook friends or on Google Maps roads all over the world. This really sounds like the future of fitness. All at the sound of your MP3 player or iPod that can be connected to the console.

You also have 8 programs that are greatly designed for you to get fit or lose weight. The digital resistance has 10 levels, delivering great challenges from beginners to intermediate users. Plus Target Heart Rate programs that use the handlebars heart rate sensors.

Overall the ProForm 380 CSX Exercise Bike is a great bike with great features, the only thing there are the games that can make or break deals. If you ike them, then go for it, if you don’t, steer clear from this bike.

ProForm 380 CSX Exercise Bike at a Glance…

Pros:

iFit Technology
Pack of Features
Good Construction

Cons:

GameFit

The ProForm 380 CSX Exercise Bike has lots of things going for it, it is an above medium standard bike that will delight you if you can handle the games that come with it. If you don’t you can look over for other models without the GameFit and buy something with the same quality, features and lower price.

ProForm 380 CSX Exercise Bike Review is a post from: Exercise Bike Reviews

ProForm 385 CSX Recumbent Bike Review

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 19:07:33 +0000

The ProForm 385 CSX Recumbent Bike is one of those new design bikes that allow you to easily get in the bike and out of it without the bulky part in the middle. It has great features and it is affordable. Has everything that you need and will give you a nice and efficient workout program.

It has extra back support on the seat design, an EKG heart rate monitor, and digital magnetic resistance with 8 workout programs that will keep you efficiently burning those calories and toning up your lower body.

ProForm 385 CSX Recumbent Bike Specifications

Dimensions- 55’’ L x 20’’ W x 42’’ H
Resistance- Digital Magnetic
Weight- 92 pounds
Warranty- 90 days warranty
Max user weight- 300 pounds

Great deal

Riding the ProForm 385 CSX Recumbent Bike is amazingly comfortable, almost too much if you are serious about working out. It provides you a great back support and the easy to get in and out design are great if you have any health problem and use the ProForm 385 CSX Recumbent Bike for therapy.

With the press of a single button you can adjust the digital magnetic resistance and take the workout to another level of fitness. The blue back lit display has info on your pulse reading by the EKG heart rate monitor.

The 8 workout programs are all that you need to get yourself fit. They may not be very challenging for an avid cyclist, but they fit the needs of intermediate users. For added programs and improved resistance levels, it is best to pay a bit more and reach pro levels with other bikes.

It isn’t the best recumbent exercise bike to look at; it is kind of bulky lacks charisma. But what it lacks in beauty it compensated with the attractive price, and all the features included for its price range. It is a great deal and one that you can’t refuse if you bump into it.

The seat was anatomically designed to give enough lower back support, it has a built in cooler fan, a target pacer coach and compatible with iPod audio system. The 90 days warranty isn’t that great, and if possible an extended warranty would be ideal.

ProForm 385 CSX Recumbent Bike at a Glance…

Pros:

Affordable and packed with nice features
Comfortable
Design that allows easy access

Cons:

Limited warranty

The ProForm 385 CSX Recumbent Bike is a great deal, for the price tag that comes along with it, nobody can say that it lacks anything. It has the features you need and a performance that will fit your needs. Not really for pros and avid cyclists, but fair enough for everyone else.

ProForm 385 CSX Recumbent Bike Review is a post from: Exercise Bike Reviews

ProForm 480 CSX Exercise Bike Review

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:36:37 +0000

The ProForm 480 CSX Exercise Bike has an overall good quality that is great for the price you for it. It is comfortable, solid and sturdy; with Dual-Grip EKG Heart Rate Monitor and iFit Technology programs to enhance your exercise to effective levels. This recumbent bike is all about comfort and excellence in your hands.

It has a magnetic resistance freewheel that is smooth and quiet; the seat is oversized for comfort and can be adjusted to any user height for more comfort also. It can hold users up to 300 pounds, and the console also can be adjusted for added comfort.

ProForm 480 CSX Exercise Bike Specifications

Oversized, Adjustable Seat
Digital Resistance
Dual-Grip EKG™ Heart Rate Monitor
iFit® Workout Card Technology
10 Personal Trainer Workouts
Compatible Music Port for iPod
Grafix™ Hi-Res Display

Excellent Recumbent Bike

The ProForm 480 CSX Exercise Bike has a digital resistance with 12 different levels. With the levels of resistance you can work with the iFit programs for added efficiency of your exercise, the iFit will adjust the setting and talk you through the whole workout program. Sit down, pedal and let the rest in the iFit hands.

You also have games to play in this recumbent bike; the touch screen allows you to play card games like poker and blackjack. Plus the Fat Blocker and Calorie Blaster games that are designed to give you points as you workout harder. If this kind of thing works for you, then go ahead and indulge yourself with this feature with games, if not you should look for some other model of bike.

The bike is also equipped with 2 2’’ speakers, you can plug your MP3 or iPod and listen to music as you workout. There is a lot on this bike that can take your attention from the exercise, so if you are easily distracted, it is better not to go for this bike, but if you need the extra motivation from these features than this is a good bike for you.

ProForm 480 CSX Exercise Bike at a Glance…

Pros:

Touch Screen
Sound System
IFit Technology

Cons:

Too Much Distractions

The ProForm 480 CSX Exercise Bike just has too many distractions if you want to be serious about your exercises. If you are looking for a comfortable exercise equipment, with quality and that does deliver the performance you want with all these extra features, then this is the bike for you.

ProForm 480 CSX Exercise Bike Review is a post from: Exercise Bike Reviews

ProForm 280 CSX Upright Bike Review

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:34:40 +0000

If you need a decent indoor bike that can deliver all the basic features for a nice workout, the ProForm 280 CSX Upright Bike is the right choice for you. It doesn’t go too far with bells and whistles and has all the important stuff for your cardio workouts.

An EKG heart rate monitor that gives accurate readings of your heart pulse, digital magnetic resistance placing in your fingers full control over the workout intensity, plus 8 workout programs to lead you in to shape and cardio fitness. And to top it all, a target pace coach to help you along the way to keep yourself up with the rhythm of your heart.

ProForm 280 CSX Upright Bike Specifications

Dimensions- 47’’ L x 24.5’’ W x 11’’ H
Weight- 83.5 pounds
Resistance- Digital Magnetic
Display- Blue Backlit display
Programs- 8 workout programs and integrated target pacer coach
Warranty- 90 days manufacturer warranty

Covers all the basics

The ProForm 280 CSX Upright Bike is a nice and friendly indoor bike that will delight you and your family. It isn’t a great machine, but for the price it is a great deal and it is affordable for many family’s budgets.

The digital magnetic resistance can accommodate any user that you may have in the house and go from warm up levels to more intense workouts. It is quiet and smooth, and measures 47’’ x 24.5’’, so it fits nicely into a corner of the house of apartment. It isn’t that easy to carry around, and it weighs 83.5 pounds.

The ProForm 280 CSX Upright Bike has 1 speaker sound system that is compatible with an iPod. The warranty isn’t that great, with 90 days manufacturer warranty is almost like asking for trouble. If you intend to use the ProForm 280 CSX Upright Bike in a daily basis, for intensive workout sessions, then you’d better look somewhere else.

The blue backlit display is clear and easy to read, with all the important info for your workout. The seat is adjustable for you to find your most comfortable pedaling position. It has for added convenience a cooling fan and bottle holder.

ProForm 280 CSX Upright Bike at a Glance…

Pros:

Quiet and stable
Easy to use

Cons:

Uncomfortable
90 days warranty

The ProForm 280 CSX Upright Bike isn’t the best that Proform has to offer, but it is a good deal considering the price and that it has all the basic features that you need in an indoor bike. Easy to use and to assemble, it is a great deal to have in the house or office.

ProForm 280 CSX Upright Bike Review is a post from: Exercise Bike Reviews

ProForm 450 UR Upright Exercise Bike Review

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 14:46:25 +0000

The ProForm 450 UR Upright Exercise Bike has a unique feature, the GameFit interactive video game system. It is supposed to help those who find workouts boring to ease the pain. Blackjack, Texas Hold’Em, Dropping Pounds and Calorie Destroyer are games that can be played through the touch screen, and they get easier and you pedal harder.

Besides this idea, it has 10 personal trainers’ workout programs; it works great, better than the games to help you be in shape in no time, as the program adjusts the bike resistance to help you burn calories efficiently.

ProForm 450 UR Upright Exercise Bike Specifications

Dimensions- 41’’ L x 21’’ W x 55’’ H
Weight- 83.5 pounds
Resistance- Digital Magnetic, 16 levels
Display- ClearView Backlit Console
Programs- 10 workout programs, fitness test according to age
Warranty- 90 days manufacturer warranty

Do not get distracted

The ProForm 450 UR Upright Exercise Bike has the GameFit feature that can work both ways: it either helps to pass the time, or it will just distract you. After a few weeks of using it, it will get boring and probably you will regret buying it instead of some other equipment. Basically, if you are not in to exercising, the GameFit won’t really help that much.

What it really helps are the 10 workout programs developed by certified personal trainers, which with your will can keep you in shape. The smooth magnetic resistance and the digital resistance control also bring comfort and easy to use feelings to the ProForm 450 UR Upright Exercise Bike.

The GelSoft seat is a high tech, adjustable seat with a gel layer that ensures a comfortable workout and allows you to find your perfect position. The ClearView backlit console is easy to read and has a large viewing angle for every height, tracking speed, time, distance, resistance, pulse and calories burned.

Plus, EKG dual grip heart rate monitor with sensors built in the handlebars, keeping you in the right training zone for your workout goals. The Freewheel technology gives you the feeling of a true road bike with improved technology, allowing you to start and stop instantly without initial speed ups or slow downs at the end of your exercise.

The frame is sturdy and solid, can accommodate any one up to 250 pounds, but the 90 days warranty doesn’t give much comfort and confidence when you buy this product. But, for the price you pay, the quality you get and features, the warranty is good enough.

ProForm 450 UR Upright Exercise Bike at a Glance…

Pros:

GameFit Touch screen fitness games
Digital resistance with 16 levels
10 personal trainer workouts

Cons:

The GameFit sounds childish
90 days warranty

Overall the ProForm 450 UR Upright Exercise Bike is a great indoor bike and is recommended, evcen though it only carries a 90 days warranty, can’t ask for everything with its price tag. The GameFit feature can be something that attracts you or just repudiates you, it is your choice, and if you don’t like there are many other choices with the same quality and no game console.

ProForm 450 UR Upright Exercise Bike Review is a post from: Exercise Bike Reviews

Proform Exercise Bikes Review

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:28:43 +0000

If you’re a serious bike user or think you will be then you are best advised to spend a little bit more time to look at the best brand.

ProForm is a trustworthy worldwide fitness leader that can help you with your exercise routine. It builds dedication and innovation into its fitness equipment, weights and accessories. ProForm is the flagship manufacturer for the Icon fitness brand and is an industry leader in treadmills, ellipticals and bikes.

An exercise bike is a great cardiovascular training tool and works well as a cross-training piece of equipment for walkers and runners. Biking strengthens the quadriceps, hamstrings, calf muscles, and gluteal muscles for stronger legs and increased lower body strength. An exercise machine is also a low impact piece of equipment that will save your joints from some of the impacts from running and walking.

ProForm bikes are ProForm’s good exercise equipment. They are a perfect additional to your home gym. They are compact and can fit in the smallest part of your home.

A ProForm bike is a good source for burning calories and reduce stress.

ProForm exercise machines belong in the entry-level, low cost price category. A ProForm bike is cheap and would be perfectly adequate for first time users who are unsure if they will stick to using a bike. The cost of ProForm exercise bikes start at around $150 to $500 and their price makes them an attractive proposition for many.

It is hard to really trust a brand. But the following features can help you evaluate a good exercise bike product.

Resistance: Most ProForm exercise bikes use a magnetic or electric resistance which is a much smoother way to increase exercise intensity over physical resistance (i.e. brake pad). Aside from being smooth, magnetic resistance is also quieter and has less vibration than lower quality systems. It’s important to get a bike that will give you a smooth and quiet ride.

Programs: The higher the quality of exercise bike, there is usually an increased quality and quantity of programs. These can range from hill and interval workouts to heart rate training or loops around a digital course. These programs can be a fun way to vary your workout experience with the same piece of equipment.

Heart Rate Monitors: Having the ability to take your pulse or monitor your heart rate is a great cardiovascular training feature. It can be a way to gauge intensity and fitness improvements. Most of the better exercise bikes comes with this feature.

Bells & Whistles: This can be the focus area of most exercise bike product review the gel seat the cup holder music speakers magazine holder cool-air fan etc. This features may just be the aspect that “sells” you on one product versus another, but make sure that the bike has the basic features that you need first. Many of these “bells & whistles” could also make the difference between a bike that gets used…and one that collects dust.

When choosing a bike for yourself and your family, it is important to weigh all the features based on your wants and needs. Keep thinking, ProForm bikes might be best for you!

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Proform Exercise Bikes Review is a post from: Exercise Bike Reviews

ProForm GT 95 X Exercise Bike Review

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:30:29 +0000

In the world of personal fitness accessibility can be as big an issue as quality. Many people aren’t interested in Smooth, Sole, Precor, Life Fitness and the like because the can not, or will not pay the price that is associated with a quality machine.

For that reason, machines like the Proform GT 95 X bike sells pretty well but also come with mixed reviews, even from the customers.

Being a piece of equipment made by Icon, the GT 95 X includes a few features that are “nice”, but lack many of the fundamentals that are really necessary to have a long lasting, enjoyable machine in the home.

This was, however, one of those machines that I looked at, looked at the price tag, then wondered why Tunturi and Precor bikes cost so much. After comparing this machine to two great brands it became apparent to me. That being said, the GT 95 X is not worthy in its own right.

ProForm GT 95 X Specifications:

Seat Adjustments: Adjustable hieght and distance from pedals
Type of Resistance: magnetic
Resistance Levels: 10
Dimensions: 41″ x 15.3″ x 24.4″
Product Weight: 110 lbs
Max User Weight: N/A
Display: Backlit LCD
Programs: 6 cross trainer, 4 personal trainer workouts, 10 total
Warranty: 90 days part/labor

Icon does the whole cross trainer thing on a few machines now including a couple treadmill, an elliptical and this machine. Although it seems a bit odd to me, it works. The 4 personal trainer workouts, not included as cross training programs, help to set resistance to help the user meet weight loss and general fitness goals. It is a nice touch for this machine.

Accessible To The Masses

The ProForm GT 95 X Recumbent Bike is the type of machine which needs to be viewed through a special lens to be given a fair shake. It can not be compared to the quality machines I love but also can be judged just by sight alone.

At first sight this machine surprises anyone who is familiar with the costs of the best quality machines. On closer inspection however the thin gauge steel used in the construction makes a seasoned reviewer cringe.

The surface welds also give me an instant assumpton that there is probley atleast a small number of tube seperation issues each year. And the seat is not exactly ergonomically designed, by it works fairly well all the same.

The console is fairly straight forward and easy to use. The bright back lighting means that you do not have to shift to odd angles in order to read the LCD on this machine.

The large fan takes up most of the console space and provides ample cooling opportunity and adds a little enjoyment to another blandly operating machine.

I truly enjoy a gust of wind in my face while biking so long as it is not creating a great deal of resistance for me as I climb a steep hill.

The biggest liability of the machine, the fact that it is simply not made to last. The 90 day warranty might help to make sure that all parts are included and assembled correctly, but does not go very far towards easing the mind about the potential hazards of buying a machine which is made with the cheapest possible components. But to reel myself in a bit, this is a $300 dollar machine, not a $3000 and it is surprising what is included for the minuscule cost of $300.

Ok For Some, But Not For Me

How can you put this machine in perspective? A customer quote often helps…

“I purchased a recumbent bike because (with men) some of the taller bikes and other seats, men can get a numb feeling in a bad place which can also lead to reproductive complications. This bike has a great comfortable seat. The pedaling motion is as good if not better than the gym bikes and the display glows blue which I like all gadgets to glow blue. Fan and heart monitor seem to work well.”

Obviously not a machine for fitness fanatics, but Proform GT 95 X is an option to get active all the same. Quality and longevity are major concerns but function is simple and understandable enough for anyone to jump on this machine without having to read an instruction manual.

Overall it is not to be confused with a high quality machine, but it works all the same.

ProForm GT 95 X Exercise Bike Review is a post from: Exercise Bike Reviews