YOSUDA RC-MAX Recumbent Exercise Bike: features, specs and who it suits

The YOSUDA RC-MAX is a recumbent exercise bike for home use: you sit in a padded seat with a backrest and pedal with your legs out in front. It uses magnetic resistance with 16 levels, the seat adjusts from a handle while you ride, and detachable resistance bands let you work your arms at the same time. Here is what its features mean and what to think about before making room for one.

What a recumbent bike is

On an upright exercise bike, you sit on a small saddle above the pedals, much like a road bike. A recumbent bike puts you in a larger, reclined seat with a backrest, and the pedals sit in front of you rather than below. On the RC-MAX, both the seat and the backrest are padded.

Magnetic resistance and 16 levels

The bike uses magnetic resistance. In general, magnetic systems move magnets closer to or further from a metal flywheel to change how hard it is to pedal. Nothing rubs against the flywheel, which is why they're typically quiet and have little to wear out compared with friction pads.

There are 16 resistance levels, which YOSUDA says reach up to 60 lb, from easy to hard. YOSUDA describes the ride as quiet enough to have the TV on or read without disturbing others, which matters in a flat or a shared living room.

Adjusting the seat without getting up

A handle by your side adjusts the seat's position and height during a workout, so you don't need to stop or climb off to change it. YOSUDA says the seat and backrest adjust to fit users up to 6 ft 5 in (about 196 cm). Being able to adjust it mid-ride is handy when several people of different heights share the bike.

Arm bands, monitor and tablet holder

Detachable resistance bands attach to the bike, so you can work your arms while you pedal, for an upper- and lower-body workout. They can be removed when you only want to cycle.

An LED monitor tracks your workout data, and a tablet holder sits above it. The bike also connects to fitness apps with online coaching, if you prefer guided sessions on a tablet. The listing doesn't name which apps are supported, so it's worth checking before relying on one.

Frame, capacity and assembly

The frame is made of light commercial-grade steel and supports users up to 350 lb (about 159 kg). YOSUDA says most parts come pre-installed, with assembly instructions, and that the bike is easy to move once it's put together.

Recumbent bikes are generally longer than upright bikes because of the reclined seat, so measure your floor space with some clearance around the bike for getting on and off.

Who it suits

It suits people who want a seated exercise bike with a backrest for use at home, from beginners to experienced riders, and households where several people of different heights share one machine. The quiet magnetic resistance and tablet holder suit riding while reading, following an app or with the TV on.

What to check before you buy

• Floor space: check the bike's set-up dimensions against your room, with space to get on and off.
• Height and weight: confirm each rider is within 6 ft 5 in and 350 lb.
• Apps: check which fitness apps the bike connects to and whether they work with your tablet or phone.
• Monitor: check what data the LED monitor shows and how it's powered.
• Flooring: a mat under the bike can protect floors and reduce vibration.

The short version

• A recumbent exercise bike with a padded seat and backrest and magnetic resistance.
• 16 resistance levels, up to 60 lb according to YOSUDA, with a quiet ride.
• A side handle adjusts the seat during a workout; fits users up to 6 ft 5 in.
• Detachable arm bands, an LED monitor, a tablet holder and fitness-app connection.
• Light commercial-grade steel frame for users up to 350 lb; mostly pre-assembled.

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