Exerpeutic 400xl Folding Recumbent Bike

Your Guide to Purchasing the Perfect Recumbent Bike for Home Use

Are you looking for a high-quality, affordable recumbent bike for your home gym? The Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike is one of the most popular recumbent bikes on the market today. With its sturdy construction, smooth operation, and wealth of features, it provides an excellent value for the price.

In this detailed buying guide, we will give you all the information you need to determine if the Exerpeutic 400XL is the right recumbent bike for your fitness goals and home use. We’ll cover the key features, assembly and setup process, where to buy online, customer reviews, durability, adjustments, pricing, comparison to other models, storage footprint, promotions, display console, folding mechanism, calorie tracking, seat adjustability, connectivity, warranty coverage, parts availability, noise level, and international availability.

After reading this comprehensive review, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to decide if the Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike is the perfect choice to bring the professional cycling studio experience into your own home!

Overview of the Exerpeutic 400XL’s Features

The Exerpeutic 400XL has a sturdy steel frame construction with a 300 lb weight capacity that provides stability during vigorous workouts. It’s equipped with a V-belt double-drive transmission system and 8 levels of magnetic tension control to customize your resistance.

The extra-large cushioned seat and backrest provide excellent support and comfort, even during long workout sessions. The oversized pedals have straps to keep your feet securely in place.

One of the best features is the LCD display which shows your time, speed, distance, calories burned, heart rate, and odometer. The hand pulse sensors on the handlebars allow you to monitor your heart rate without a chest strap.

For easy storage, the Exerpeutic 400XL folds to half its size and has transportation wheels to move it when needed. It also includes a water bottle holder and media tray for convenience.

Step-by-Step Assembly of the Bike

Assembling the Exerpeutic 400XL is straightforward, with most customers reporting that it takes 30-60 minutes. It arrives partially assembled, requiring only basic attachment of the stabilizer bars, seat, pedals, console mast, handlebars, and display console.

The included owner’s manual provides clear instructions and diagrams to follow. All the necessary tools for assembly are also provided. The step-by-step process involves:

• Attaching the front and rear stabilizer bars
• Mounting the seat onto the seat post and inserting the post into the frame
• Attaching the pedals to each crank arm
• Securing the console mast and handlebar tube onto the frame
• Connecting all wiring harnesses and attachments
• Fastening the LCD display onto the console mast

Many customers recommend having a second person to help with the initial lifting and Alignment of the frame when attaching the stabilizer bars and console mast. But once the frame is stabilized on the floor, the rest of the assembly can be comfortably completed solo.

Where to Purchase the Exerpeutic 400XL Online

The Exerpeutic 400XL is sold on various online sites for your convenience:

• Amazon – Offers free shipping and usually has the best availability and lowest pricing. Frequently runs sales and deals on the 400XL model.
• Walmart – Often has special sales prices available online and also allows site-to-store free pickup.
• Dick’s Sporting Goods – Has online ordering with options for home delivery or free in-store pickup.
• Home Depot – Sells the 400XL both online and in select stores. Provides free delivery on the bike.
• Lowes – Carries the Exerpeutic 400XL online with options for home shipping or in-store pickup.
• Sears – Lists the 400XL on its website with delivery available. Sears outlet stores may also have floor models at discounted prices.
• Overstock – Often has the 400XL in stock at closeout pricing. Offers home shipping.
• Wayfair – Carries the recumbent bike online with convenient home delivery.

Check all sites for current pricing and availability to find the best deal!

Benefits of Using the Exerpeutic 400XL Bike

Using the Exerpeutic 400XL regularly provides many excellent benefits for your health and fitness:

• Low Impact – The recumbent position significantly reduces stress on your joints compared to upright bikes. It allows you to exercise comfortably even with ankle, knee, hip or back pain.
• Strengthens Muscles – The pedaling motion strengthens and tones your leg muscles, glutes, and calves. The resistance also builds arm strength as you push and pull the handles.
• Increased Endurance – Gradually increasing your workout duration on the Exerpeutic 400XL will significantly improve your cardiovascular endurance and stamina.
• Calorie Burning – The bike lets you burn 300-400 calories per 30 minutes of moderate cycling, helping you lose weight.
• Heart Health – Regular use lowers your blood pressure, cholesterol and resting heart rate for better cardiac health.
• Stress Reduction – The soothing, meditative movement provides therapeutic effects to reduce anxiety and depression.
• Convenience – With the bike in your home, you can exercise any time on your own schedule without needing to go to a gym.

Customer Reviews of the Exerpeutic 400XL

The Exerpeutic 400XL is highly rated among home fitness enthusiasts, earning an average of 4 out of 5 stars in customer reviews. Here’s what users like about the bike:

• Extremely smooth and quiet operation, perfect for apartments or watching TV
• Easy to assemble out of the box following the instructions
• Very comfortable padded seat and backrest
• Provides a great workout for both leg muscles and cardio
• Adjustable resistance levels allow customized intensity
• The LCD console is simple and intuitive to use
• Folds easily for quick storage and rolls away on the wheels
• An excellent value for the price compared to higher-priced models
• The manufacturer provides great customer service if any issues arise

Negative feedback is rare but a few customers reported problems with defective parts, although replacements were quickly provided. Overall, the Exerpeutic 400XL gets rave reviews for quality construction and performance.

Durability and Longevity of the Frame and Components

With its heavy-duty steel frame and robust construction, the Exerpeutic 400XL is built for stability and longevity. The components are designed for performance and durability even with daily use and intense workouts.

The sturdy 14-gauge steel tubing frame provides excellent structural integrity. The V-belt drive and flywheel are engineered for smooth and quiet operation, year after year. The 9-pound precision-balanced flywheel keeps momentum steady throughout your workout.

The commercial-grade crank gears, 400 lb weight capacity, and 8-level magnetic tension system allow the bike to withstand tough training sessions. The oversized cushioning on the seat and backrest also hold up well over time.

Overall, the Exerpeutic 400XL is capable of providing many years of reliable use, making it an excellent investment for your home gym. Proper maintenance and occasional replacement of wearing parts like the belt and pedals will maximize its lifetime.

Adjustability and Resistance Customization

A major advantage of the Exerpeutic 400XL is the adjustability that allows you to customize your workout experience.

The bike has an 8-level magnetic tension control system to vary the pedaling intensity and resistance from easy to challenging. So you can start with a light workout and gradually increase the levels as your fitness improves.

The seat position is adjustable, sliding forward and back to accommodate different leg lengths. This ensures proper leg extension and pedal positioning for maximum comfort and efficiency.

The backrest can also be adjusted up or down several inches so you can set the precise lumbar support to fit your height.

The oversize pedals have adjustable straps to keep your feet securely in place during your session regardless of shoe type or foot size.

These adjustments provide full customization so you can dial in the perfect fit and workout intensity on the Exerpeutic 400XL.

Pricing and Value of the Exerpeutic 400XL

The Exerpeutic 400XL provides exceptional value at its very reasonable price point. It costs just under $400 depending on the retailer.

Considering its sturdy construction, superior comfort, and high performance, the Exerpeutic 400XL provides capabilities found in recumbent bikes costing two or three times more. It’s far more affordable than other recumbent bikes with similar adjustability, resistance, and LCD displays.

The Exerpeutic brand focuses on making quality equipment with premium features accessible for home use at reasonable prices. With the 400XL model, you get professional-grade engineering and components for hundreds less than the competition.

When you calculate the total cost for gym memberships and spin studio classes over time, owning the Exerpeutic 400XL pays for itself within the first year or two. This makes it an extremely worthwhile investment for your home gym compared to constantly paying for access to the same equipment elsewhere.

How the Exerpeutic 400XL Compares to Other Recumbent Bikes

The Exerpeutic 400XL is considered one of the best mid-range recumbent bikes on the market in its price category. Here’s how it stacks up against other popular models:

• The Schwinn 270 has more features and resistance levels but costs almost twice as much as the Exerpeutic 400XL.
• The Nautilus R616 is comparable in adjustability but retails for $700 more than the Exerpeutic model.
• The Marcy ME-709 is more affordable but has a weaker frame, harder seat, and no heart rate monitoring.
• The Exerpeutic 900XL is built with heavier duty components but also sells for almost $300 more.
• The Stamina Elite costs slightly less but has limited resistance, harder seat, and no LCD display.

For the price, the Exerpeutic 400XL provides the best combination of sturdy construction, features, comfort, and performance in its class. It exceeds recumbent bikes selling for much higher prices while also outclassing more basic budget models.

Storage Footprint – Folds to Half its Size

One great advantage of the Exerpeutic 400XL is its minimal storage footprint. When not in use, the bike can be folded vertically to half its full assembled size.

Here are the key specs:

• Assembled dimensions: 54″ L x 25″ W x 34″ H
• Folded dimensions: 28” L x 25″ W x 50″ H

The bike folds up by pulling out a locking pin and pushing the seat and pedal section forward. The transportation wheels allow you to easily roll it away into a corner or closet.

At just 28″ long when folded, the Exerpeutic 400XL requires very little floor space for storage. No disassembly is required beyond folding it up, so you can quickly unfold it and lock it back into place for your next workout.

For small apartments or limited spaces, the compact folding design makes the Exerpeutic 400XL a great choice. When folded, it takes up about the same space as an office chair!

Available Promotions on the Exerpeutic 400XL

The Exerpeutic 400XL often goes on sale around major holidays and shopping seasons. Here are the best times to find promotions:

• New Year’s – Look for deals in January as people make New Year’s resolutions to get fit.
• President’s Day – In February, retailers run fitness equipment sales for President’s Day.
• Spring – March and April see sales as people prepare for swimsuit season.
• Memorial Day – Huge May sales are offered on fitness gear and outdoor equipment.
• Amazon Prime Day – Massive deals are available for Prime members in July.
• Back to School – Sales pop up in late summer for back-to-school fitness.
• Labor Day – You can often save big on the Exerpeutic 400XL during September sales.
• Holiday Season – Check for discounts in November and December for holiday gifts and New Year’s resolutions.

Sign up for retailer email alerts and check for coupons to save the most! Special one-day flash sales often pop up throughout the year as well.

LCD Display and Feedback Console

The Exerpeutic 400XL is equipped with an easy-to-read LCD console that tracks and displays all of your key workout metrics in real time.

The display shows the following data clearly on its large screen:

• Time – Stopwatch that counts up from 00:00 to 99:59 for your workout duration
• Speed – Current pedaling speed in miles per hour (MPH)
• Distance – Cumulative distance traveled during your workout, up to 999 miles
• Calories Burned – Estimated calories burned based on your weight and exercise intensity
• Heart Rate – Your real-time heart rate when using the handlebar pulse sensors
• Odometer – Total lifetime mileage for the bike

The console runs on 2 AA batteries to provide continuous power. The screen is backlit with an adjustable contrast for excellent visibility.

All of your workout data is displayed in real-time, providing helpful feedback so you can track your performance and progress. The console motivates you to pedal faster, slower, or longer to reach your goals.

Folding Mechanism for Quick Storage

The Exerpeutic 400XL’s excellent folding design makes storage quick and convenient. It folds vertically in seconds through a simple 3-step process:

1. Remove safety locking pin from the center frame joint.
2. Push down on the seat back pedal section to swing it forward until parallel to the floor.
3. Lock the support post into place on the front frame crossbar.

The transportation wheels allow you to smoothly roll the folded bike away to a closet, corner, or storage room. No need to break down any components.

When it’s time for your next workout, unfold the Exerpeutic 400XL by:

1. Unlocking the support post and swinging the seat/pedal section back up.
2. Re-inserting and tightening the safety locking pin.
3. Checking that the bike is secure and ready for use.

The bike opens and closes in less than a minute, so you can store it out of the way and still enjoy quick, convenient access for your cycling sessions.

Calorie Tracking for Weight Loss Motivation

Staying motivated during your fitness journey can be a challenge. This is where the Exerpeutic 400XL’s calorie tracking feature comes in handy!

The LCD console displays an estimate of the total calories burned during your workout based on pedal speed, resistance level, weight, and the elapsed time.

Seeing those calories add up provides powerful motivation to keep pedaling longer and faster. You can literally watch the hundreds of calories burn away in real time!

Monitoring your calorie burn over weeks and months also allows you to track fat loss progress. You can even increase intensity or duration to hit specific calorie goals each workout.

The calorie readout integrates seamlessly with fitness apps and trackers like MyFitnessPal, giving you comprehensive data about your training.

Burning max calories is a breeze with the Exerpeutic 400XL’s accurate calorie counter right on the console!

Adjustable Seat Positions for Proper Fit

A key factor in cycling comfort is proper seat position. The Exerpeutic 400XL’s adjustable seat ensures you can dial in the optimal position for your body.

The seat adjusts forward and backward with a simple pop pin and sliding mechanism. This provides several inches of movement along the frame rails.

Adjusting the seat allows you to find the precise leg extension and pedal positioning for maximum pedaling efficiency and power. Proper seat position helps prevent knee or hip pain by accommodating different leg lengths.

You simply loosen the pop pin, slide the seat forward or back into position, and re-tighten the pin. The heavy-duty alloy and cushioned surface provides a stable, comfortable fit.

The vertical and horizontal adjustments make achieving your perfect sitting position simple on the Exerpeutic 400XL. This allows you to cycle in total comfort and safety.

Integrated Bluetooth Connectivity (Optional)

Some upgraded versions of the Exerpeutic 400XL come equipped with integrated Bluetooth connectivity. This allows the console to sync wirelessly with popular fitness apps and programs.

Connecting your smartphone or tablet to the recumbent bike via Bluetooth enables you to use immersive cycling apps and access expanded functionality through your device.

Apps like Zwift let you join group rides through virtual worlds, compete against others, and view performance analytics. Fitness tracking apps capture advanced data like power and RPM.

The Bluetooth connectivity also allows you to stream music, videos or TV for entertainment right through the Exerpeutic 400XL’s integrated speakers.

Upgrading to the Bluetooth model enables smart exercise tracking and new levels of enjoyment during your cycling workouts! Syncing your devices wirelessly to the bike is quick and easy.

Warranty Coverage to Protect Your Investment

Exerpeutic offers reassuring warranty coverage to protect your purchase of the 400XL recumbent bike.

The frame is backed by a 5-year limited warranty. This covers defects in welds, materials, or construction.

All other parts and components are guaranteed for 1 year against defects under normal use. This includes the resistance flywheel system, seat, handlebars, stabilizer bars, and electronics.

Labor costs for repairs are covered for 90 days after purchase. The warranties apply to the original retail buyer with proof of purchase and do not cover damage from improper assembly, misuse or lack of maintenance.

The Exerpeutic 400XL’s strong warranty provides peace of mind. Exerpeutic’s customer service department is responsive if any issues arise. Check the manual for full warranty terms.

Accessories and Parts Keep the Bike Going

One concern when purchasing exercise equipment is whether replacement parts will be available down the road if needed.

Luckily, Exerpeutic makes it easy to find both replacement parts and helpful accessories for the 400XL.

On their website, you can find common wear items like new seat cushions, pedal straps, and drive belts. You can also order stabilizer feet, handlebar grips, console covers, and other parts for repairs.

They offer useful accessories like seat pads, stretch bands, and wireless heart rate armbands to enhance your experience.

Exerpeutic provides detailed manuals and customer service to assist with any maintenance or repairs. With available parts and guides, you can keep your Exerpeutic 400XL running for years of enjoyable cycling.

Whisper-Quiet Operation

An impressive feature of the Exerpeutic 400XL is just how quietly it operates. The V-belt drive system and precision flywheel provide an extremely smooth, quiet ride.

user reviews consistently praise the silent operation, stating that you can use the bike while watching TV without cranking up the volume. It won’t create any disturbance if others are sleeping or working nearby.

The magnetic resistance doesn’t suffer from the clicking sounds common on cheaper bikes. The heavy flywheel maintains velocity quietly while absorbing vibrations.

Noise is further dampened by the thick stabilizer bars with leveling end caps that prevent rocking and squeaking on the floor.

The hushed operation makes the Exerpeutic 400XL ideal for apartments, shared spaces, bedrooms and late-night workouts. It provides all the cardio benefits of cycling without any audible distraction or disruption.

International Shipping Available

The Exerpeutic 400XL can be shipped internationally to select countries beyond the US and Canada.

Online retailers like Amazon provide international shipping to destinations across Europe, Asia, Australia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Shipping fees and delivery times vary by location.

Importing the bike directly may involve customs, duties, taxes, and logistics considerations. Travelers or expats often arrange US-based freight forwarding or use parcel delivery services.

With global availability, the Exerpeutic 400XL can provide effective low-impact workouts to international customers and allow them to enjoy the same comfort, features and convenience that have made it so popular in North America.

Conclusion

The Exerpeutic 400XL folding recumbent bike provides unmatched quality, performance, comfort and value. With its sturdy steel frame, intuitive LCD display, customizable magnetic resistance, and easy folding mechanism, it has all the features you need in your home gym.

Thousands of customers praise the smooth, quiet ride and excellent engineering that provides a top-quality workout. Before purchasing, be sure to compare prices online to find the best deal.

With proper use and periodic maintenance, your Exerpeutic 400XL can provide many years of enjoyable and effective exercise for improved fitness and health. It’s simply one of the best recumbent bikes available for under $400, earning our enthusiastic recommendation. We hope this complete buying guide gives you the confidence to add the Exerpeutic 400XL to your home gym!