Universal R20 Recumbent Bike Review

The Universal R20 Recumbent Bike is one of the less expensive mid-range options on the market today. It may not be the fanciest piece of equipment out there with the most features, but it does have more of a kick than low end options. For the low price you are paying for the Universal R20, you definitely get great value with lots of function and durability.

Find the best price for the Universal R20 Recumbent Bike

Overview

Unfortunately, at this time there is no good video overview for this particular recumbent bike model.

Main Features

The Universal R20 Recumbent Bike has quite a few features that you are going to like, so let’s talk about those really quick.

Dimensions & Weight

When it comes to the size and weight of the Universal R20 Recumbent Bike, it is actually one of the smaller and lighter mid-range models. That is not to say that it is extremely light or small, but when compared to other mid-range models, it is definitely on the smaller side of things.

Warranty

The Universal R20 Recumbent Bike comes with a decent warranty, not great, but decent. The Universal R20 Recumbent Bike has a 3-year warranty on the frame, a 1-year warranty on mechanical and electrical parts, and a 60-day warranty on labor.

Assembly

The Universal R20 Recumbent Bike is quite easy to assemble. The instructions are straightforward and easy to follow, all tools and parts come included, and the bike itself is not too heavy. One person should be able to assemble the Universal R20 Recumbent Bike in a little over one hour. You can always choose to pay for expert assembly for an additional fee. Here we have some assembly instructions for this model which you can look at.

What We Like About The Universal R20 Recumbent Bike

There are a few things that we do like about the Universal R20 Recumbent Bike, so let’s go over those in some detail.

We like how the Universal R20 Recumbent Bike has 8 levels of magnetic resistance. We love magnetic resistance because it is extremely smooth and quiet. There is also the fact that it suffers from very little wear and tear thanks to having minimal parts that touch. The resistance can be easily changed with the LCD digital computer display. Featuring 8 levels of resistance makes this model ideal for beginners and people of moderate fitness levels.

Something else that we like about the Universal R20 Recumbent Bike is that it comes with 7 workout programs. There is 1 quick start program and 6 profile programs for you to choose from. These make it much easier to accomplish specific cardio and fitness related goals, as opposed to just free pedaling on the recumbent bike.

Another thing that we like about the Universal R20 Recumbent Bike is that it features a pretty nice LCD display. The display is large enough to read easily, plus it is very easy to navigate as well. It accurately keeps track of speed, time, distance, calories, RPM, and more. There are also hand rails beside the seat which have touch activated heart rate monitors. Your heart rate is then displayed on screen so you can keep track of your cardiovascular output.

Another thing that we like about the Universal R20 Recumbent Bike is that it comes with frame stabilizers. This means that the frame is quite stable, it does not wobble, and it can handle a full 275 pounds of user weight. In other words, the frame of the Universal R20 Recumbent Bike is built for longevity.

Something else that we like about the Universal R20 Recumbent Bike is that the seat is designed to be ergonomically friendly. The seat is built to fit the shape of your anatomy to keep you comfortable while biking. Adding some versatility into the mix, the seat of the Universal R20 Recumbent Bike is on a sliding rail so that it can be adjusted for users of various heights.

We also like how the Universal R20 Recumbent Bike comes with speakers and a media tray so you can listen to your favorite music. It also features a water bottle holder so you can easily take a drink when you get thirsty.

What We Don’t Like About The Universal R20 Recumbent Bike

There are a couple of issues that we have with the Universal R20 Recumbent Bike, so let’s just mention those real quick.

For the price which this model comes in at, we would like it to have at least a few more resistance levels and workout programs. Although the Universal R20 Recumbent Bike is not very expensive, so having limited resistance is understandable, it means that this bike is not really ideal for advanced users.

Some people have noted that the seat of the Universal R20 Recumbent Bike is quite hard. While the seat is ergonomically friendly, it is hard on the back and bottom.

Alternatives To The Universal R20 Recumbent Bike

To give you a comparison point between the Universal R20 Recumbent Bike and other mid-range models, let’s talk about a couple of possible alternatives.

Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike

The Schwinn 230 is our top rated mid range model at this time, and it is for good reason. It will cost you a little bit more than the Universal R20, but it also has more features and functionality. The Universal R20 is a little smaller and lighter than the Schwinn 230, but that is where the benefits end. The Schwinn 230 features 20 levels of resistance and 22 workout programs, whereas the Universal R20 only has 8 resistance levels and 7 user programs. The Schwinn 230 also comes with more features such as data export, a nicer LCD display, and it has a higher weight capacity too.

Exerpeutic 900XL Extended Capacity Recumbent Bike

Another good alternative to go with, the Exerpeutic 900XL is actually very similar to the Universal R20. The Exerpeutic is substantially more expensive than the Universal, which may be because it has a higher weight limit and a stronger frame. However, the Exerpeutic and the Universal R20 both have 8 resistance levels, but the Exerpeutic actually does not have any workout programs. Both of these come with good pedals and a decent seat, but the Universal R20 actually has more features, even though it costs less.

Final Thoughts On The Universal R20 Recumbent Bike

All in all, the Universal R20 Recumbent Bike makes for a good option for beginners and people of moderate fitness levels. It is not the most expensive mid-range model, nor is it the fanciest, but it will do more than fine for moderate cardio routines. It’s strong, functional, and fairly comfortable too.