Proform X-Bike Elite

Quick Summary

The Proform X-Bike Elite is a good entry-level, inexpensive option for a home gym. It is the upgraded version of the Proform X-Bike Exercise Bike and this latest version is iFit Bluetooth Coach-enabled, comes with an EKG Grip Pulse Heart Rate Sensor, includes 10 resistance levels and has an oversized cushioned seat, along with two 2lb weights. The LCD screen provides info on your speed, distance, calories burned and elapsed time. If you’re only after a light-to-moderate workout, you’ll get the same low-impact workout as you would with a more sophisticated bike. A more advanced rider looking for a challenging ride would be better off with a higher-end bike. The flywheel makes the ride smooth and very quiet. The minimalist folding SpaceSaver® design means this bike is easy to fold up and move out of the way when it’s not in use. No fuss, no clutter.

Specifications

Model	Proform X-Bike Elite
Rating Our custom rating considers all of the bike's features, specs, warranties, and 100's of user & expert reviews, to save you time!	72.8%
List Price Suggested retail price, typically higher than the price you'll pay with our recommended retailers.	$299
Best Price Since prices change daily, this link goes to our preferred retailer for the current best price. Note: MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.	$2,895
Resistance The flywheel in an exercise bike is what creates resistance. You can choose the level of resistance to increase your workout intensity.	10
Resistance Type The type of resistance shows what kind of flywheel is being used (if any), and its weight if the manufacturer provides it.	Silent Magnetic Resistance
Type Type refers to the style of the ride: Recumbent bikes allow you to lay back, while Upright bikes are more like road bikes (lean forward).	Upright
Drive System The bike's drive system is how your pedaling interacts with the rest of the bike (flywheel) to give you a good workout.	Inertia-Enhanced Flywheel
Frame It's important to choose an exercise bike that will last, and the material of the frame determines how durable the bike is.	Standard
Seat The most important part for comfortability during your workout, the seat should be adjustable and have ample cushioning.	Oversized adjustable cushioned seat
Pedals Pedals are the driving force for an exercise bike, and should be comfortable, adjustable, and easy to control without slipping.	Pedals with Straps
Programs Bike Programs allow you to complete a workout with changing speeds and inclines, without changing anything manually.	iFit
Heart Rate Heart Rate programs allow you to track how many times your heart is beating per minute (bpm), and some control the workout for you.	yes
Display Display refers to the screen you'll look at to monitor workouts. LED and LCD displays are similar to TV screens.	LCD window display
Max. Weight Max. User Weight is the amount of weight, in pounds (lbs), that the bike can safely support, which can represent durability.	250 lbs
Dimensions Dimensions are included to help you figure out if this treadmill will fit properly (Length x Width x Height and Height x Depth).	37" x 17" x 42"
Accessory Tray Some bikes include an accessory tray for holding items such as water bottles, wallets, keys, or MP3 players like iPods.
Speakers
Cooling Fans
Portable? Some exercise bikes can fold up and/or have wheels that make it easy to roll them around for convenience and to save space.
Warranty The warranty is a very important part of your investment. The longer the warranty, the longer you can get free/discounted repairs by the manufacturer.	Frame: 1 year Parts: 90 days

Our Rating

Rating: 72.8/100. The Proform X-Bike Elite Exercise Bike is a good entry-level, basic, get-your-workout-in-and-out-of-the-way bike. The Elite is the new and improved version of the Proform X-Bike Exercise Bike. The original X-Bike was obviously designed so that its inexpensiveness was its most appealing feature and it included the bare minimum required for a stationary bike. Apparently this total lack of bells and whistles was a little too basic. Consumers spoke up and Proform listened. We definitely prefer the “beefed up” Proform X-Bike Elite Exercise Bike with the additional features like iFit Coach Bluetooth Smart Enabled feature, EKG heart rate monitor, increased resistance levels from 8 to 10 and an adjustable, oversized cushioned seat.

The bike is relatively minimalist, but that doesn’t mean your workout has to be. The iFit Coach allows you to virtually exercise all around the world via GlobeTrek™ workouts that leverage the Google Maps feature. It’s a fun and adventurous way to build your fitness level. An iFit subscription does not come with the bike, however. You must purchase it separately.

Built into the handlebars, the EKG sensors make it easy to monitor and track your heart rate. Two resistance levels were added for the X-Bike Elite increasing it to 10. Although this is a useful addition for more novice riders or someone seeking a light to moderate cardio workout, the resistance levels may not provide enough of a challenge for a stronger rider. The LCD screen shows your speed, distance, time elapsed and calories burned. The comfort of the oversize seat is a key feature here. A comfortable seat can mean the difference between using your bike daily and letting it become a clothing rack because you hate sitting on it. It can also encourage longer rides, which is good for general fitness. The pedal straps keep your feet in place. The inertia-enhanced flywheel makes this a smooth and quiet ride so you can workout without disturbing anyone during an early-morning workout. The two 2lb weights add a way to do a bit of weight training while you do cardio. The weight capacity is 250 lbs. which is lower than the standard for most workout equipment. The warranty is short and gives only a year for the frame and 90 days for parts.

Pros:

The iFit Coach (if you purchase a subscription) provides an array of fun and motivation programs, like GlobeTrek™ that can virtually make you feel like you’re working out anywhere in the world
Added resistance levels to 10 (previously 8 on the X-Bike)
Comfortable oversized cushioned seat
Two 2lb dumbbells
Minimalist design: the small frame takes up very little space when in use, and easy fold-up makes for easy storage when you’re done
Pedal straps
Quiet ride

Cons:

Resistance levels increased to 10 but still a light ride.
Low weight capacity of 250 lbs (the standard for most is 300lbs)
Short warranty
iFit subscription is an extra cost, does not come with the X-Bike Elite

Introduction

The Proform X-Bike Elite Exercise Bike is an affordable, entry-level stationary bike for your home gym. It’s minimalist design and small frame make it easy to use and store. The Elite version is an upgrade to the popular Proform X-Bike. The additional tweaks include iFit Bluetooth capability, EKG Grip Pulse Heart Rate monitor, increased resistance levels and an oversized cushioned seat. It’s a good option for beginners and those wanting a light-to-moderate low-impact workout.

Workout Programs

The Proform X-Bike Elite Exercise Bike is a minimalist bike and doesn’t come equipped with ready-made programs but it does come iFit Bluetooth Coach-enabled. The iFit Bluetooth Coach can be accessed with your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or tablet. It offers a number of cool features like GlobeTrek™, which works with Google Maps and gives the option of riding “in” any country around the world. You could keep it simple and join a virtual spin class. It’s a fun and motivating program. According to the iFit site, the cost starts at $15/month.

Proform X-Bike Elite Features

LCD Screen: Monitor your progress on the LCD screen – speed, distance, calories burned and elapsed time.

iFit Coach Bluetooth Smart Enabled: This paid subscription allows you to virutally ride anywhere Google Maps can take you. Or, if you’re not in the mood for an “outside” adventure, you can join a spin class. It helps to keep your workouts fresh and interesting.

EKG Grip Pulse Heart Rate Sensor: Built-in sensors on the handlebars make it easy to capture your heart rate.

10 Resistance Levels (was 8 originally): The increased resistance levels give you more resistance, meaning more chances to tone and burn.

Oversized adjustable cushioned seat: A comfortable seat is what will make you ride longer and/or more often, and this oversized cushioned seat makes for a comfortable ride. It can also be adjusted to suit the heights of different users.

Two 2lb dumbbells: Add some strength training to your cardio workout.

Foldable/Minimalist design: The frame is small and compact, no bells and whistles, but it easily folds up in one step and can be moved and stored in a corner or closet.

Pedal Straps: Pedal straps help to keep your feet in place.

Inertia-enhanced flywheel: This component makes for a smooth, quiet ride – great for early mornings or watching TV while you workout.

Warranty & Guarantee

The Proform X-Bike Elite warranty includes:

– Frame: I year

– Parts: 90 days

Conclusion

This minimalist design is light on bells and whistles, but it gives you all you need as a beginner or someone looking for a light-to-moderate workout. The resistance levels, though probably not enough for a strong or advanced rider, are useful for a novice rider to build endurance and tone. The iFit, if you purchase the subscription, is a fun way to shake up your routine. Plus, you get the comfortable seat with quiet and smooth pedaling. All this with a relatively inexpensive bike that takes up minimal space and can be easily folded up and stored? We’re into it.