The Exerpeutic 500 XLS is a top of the line foldable stationary bike, and among the latest offerings from Exerpeutic stable.
It’s an updated version of the Exerpeutic 1200, and expectedly, there’s plenty of resemblance between these two models.
However, the Exerpeutic 500 XLS has been improved drastically making it one of the top rated upright exercise bikes, and it addresses some of the major concerns with the 1200.
Notably, it has a better user capacity, sports better aesthetics and overall, it feels more solid.
Despite the improvements, the Exerpeutic 500 XLS is still friendly to the pockets.
That said, is this bike really suited for your fitness needs?
Let’s find out in our Exerpeutic 500 XLS review below.
Contents
What Makes Exerpeutic 500 XLS So Awesome?
1) Foldable
One of the selling elements of the Exerpeutic 500 XLS is that it’s foldable, which makes the unit an incredible option for anyone who doesn’t have the luxury of space.
Now, with a folding bike, it was easy for us to associate it with being small, but surprisingly, this model is large enough to accommodate riders from 5’1” to 6’5”.
Again, when unfolded, it equally doesn’t consume a lot of space, and it only takes a modest dimension of 39″L x 26.4″W of your floor space, making it an ideal option for those with a small apartment.
Click here to check Exerpeutic 500 XLS Latest Price on Amazon
On the other hand, when folded, the footprint gets diminished, and it's easier to store it in a closet or even in a corner.
2) High User Weight Capacity
With foldable exercise bikes, it’s generally assumed that they’ve a lower weight capacity.
Surprisingly, this model has a generous weight capacity of 400 pounds, a far cry from what we normally get with foldable bikes and even normal high-end bikes.
The high weight capacity on this model is largely contributed by the stable built of the bike.
The toughness and robustness of the heavy-duty steel frame make this model extremely robust, and it offers the ability to take up heavy weights without wobbling.
3) Eight Levels of Magnetic Resistance
The Exerpeutic 500 XLS upright bike flaunts 8 levels of magnetic resistance.
The varying levels provide the perfect stage for fitness enthusiasts to perform the light to medium low-impact cardio workouts.
The different levels allow you to adjust the tension resistance cable to suit your fitness requirements.
Specifications
- Weight capacity: 400 pounds
- Weight: 51.6 pounds
- Dimension: 39 x 26.4 x 48.4 inches
- Resistance: 8 levels of magnetic resistance
Unique Features that Make Exerpeutic 500 XLS Interesting
Frame
When it comes to the frame construction, few if any exercise bikes can match the sturdiness, quality, and stability offered by the 500 XLS frame.
The frame material on this bike is constructed from thick steel tubing, and according to the manufacturer, this bike has 20% more steel than the Exerpeutic 1200 for the ultimate strength.
Better yet, the frame is finished with an anti-corrosion and scratch paint that prevents the invasion of elements, and so, the longevity of this bike is preserved.
While I agree, the additional steel makes it a slightly heavier model, and at 51.6 pounds, it would be farfetched to brand this bike heavy.
Stability
As we’ve seen earlier, this is not a heavy bike by any means, but surprisingly, it’s quite stable and won’t easily wobble even during the intense workouts.
The stability of this model is largely enhanced by the X-shape design, alongside the stabilizers at the front and the rear.
When in use, these elements keep this exercise bike quite stable, and you’ll no longer have to worry about the bike tipping you off.
However, the bike lacks levelers, so you need to find an even surface when using it to keep it from rocking sideways.
Seat
The seat supplied on the Exerpeutic 500 XLS features a simple and flat design, eliminating any soreness that the traditional bike seats cause.
Alongside the unique shaping, the seat is cushioned, which helps to enhance the overall comfort on your butt.
Though the seat is only adjustable upward and downwards, it’s flexible enough to suit users of different height sizes from 5 feet 1 inch to 6 feet 5 inches.
Handlebars
The handlebars are available in a simple design, but unfortunately, they’re fixed in place, therefore limiting their flexibility.
Gladly, they offer multiple grips, and so, it’s easier for you to place your hands in different positions to support your various workouts.
Even better, the grips on the handlebars are coated to promote even greater comfort and prevent the occurrence of blisters.
Adjustability
It’s quite unfortunate that Exerpeutic 500 XLS doesn’t excel in micro-adjustability.
For instance, the handlebars, as we’ve seen, are fixed, and the seats are only 2-way adjustable (Upward/downward).
Despite the flexibility restriction, Exerpeutic 500 XLS caters to an extensive range of users and can easily accommodate enthusiasts between 5’1” and 6’5”.
Though it’s possible for users above 6’5” to use this bike, they may not full benefit from complete leg stretch.
Resistance
A manual magnetic system with 8 tiers of resistance is responsible for the resistance on the Exerpeutic 500 XLS.
The system on this model consists of a mobile magnetic brake pad connected to a tension wire for easy adjustment.
Drive System
Exerpeutic 500 XLS’s drive system is based on a V-belt that many users claim promotes a smooth pedaling experience.
Console
As we had indicated earlier, Exerpeutic 500 XLS is a frill-free and simple bike, and equally are the material componentry.
The console, for instance, is pretty basic, and it’s quite unfortunate it doesn’t offer any reloaded workouts apps.
However, it does provide users with essential data metrics such as speed, calories, distance, and pulse.
What I like most about the console is that it's easy to operate. For instance, it automatically powers on when you begin cycling, and it turns off automatically 4 minutes once you stop pedaling.
What We Liked About Exerpeutic 500 XLS
- Varying resistance: A highly flexible model, the Exerpeutic 500 XLS, accommodates various fitness enthusiasts, particularly those within the newbie and intermediary bracket.
- Quiet Operation: The belt drive system promotes a noiseless operation, free from any cranking noises.
- Smooth experience: Besides the noiseless operation, the belt drive system on the Exerpeutic 500 XLS delivers smooth workout sessions.
- Compact: Exerpeutic 500 XLS comes with a modest dimension, and better yet, it’s foldable, and so, easy to store or move.
What We Didn’t Like About Exerpeutic 500 XLS
- Console: Granted, one of the upgrades we would like to see is one of the consoles. While this is what you would find at this range, it still leaves a lot to be desired.
Bottomline & Verdict
Exerpeutic 500 XLS is a great small fitness bike for those with small rooms or where space is premium.
However, despite the compact and foldable and compact design, this model is highly functional, and it has everything you would desire in a quality upright bike.
