The Horizon Comfort R Recumbent Bike is made by Horizon Fitness, an arm of the Johnson Health Tech group that was established in 1975.
Renowned for their technologically advanced designs, stringent quality control, and excellent customer service, you can purchase with confidence knowing that in the unlikely event there is a problem; it will be addressed quickly, and you won’t have any hassles.
As with all of Horizon’s fitness equipment, this model is difficult to fault. A new and upgraded version of the popular Horizon RC-30, it, too, is solidly built, has a variety of workout programs, variable resistance, a comfortable seat, and an excellent warranty. While more expensive than the RC-30, with its upgraded and additional features, this new model is even better.
In this review, we will cover the specs and key features of the Horizon Comfort R and take a look at its positives and negatives.
Horizon Comfort R Recumbent Bike Specs
Dimensions – The Horizon Comfort R measures 67″ x 53″ x 29″. Clearance of approximately 24 inches on either side of the bike is desirable to ensure your legs don’t come into contact with a wall or other solid object as you work out.
Weight – It weighs 99lbs.
User Weight – The upper user weight limit for this model is 350 pounds.
Horizon Comfort R Key Features
- Programs
10 workout programs provide variety and cater for exercisers of every fitness level. The programs include Manual, Intervals, Weight Loss, Cadence, Rolling, Random, Constant Watts, Game and THR Zone. There is also a Custom program which enables you to design your own workout.
- Resistance
16 levels of resistance allow you to vary your workout and increase the challenge as you progress. The controls are set into the handlebar, for convenient access.
- Monitor
A 5″ easy-to-read LCD screen displays workout feedback that will enable you to track your progress. Stats displayed include Time, Distance Covered, Calories Burned, Speed, RPM, Resistance Level, Heart Rate, Watts, Profile and more.
- Flywheel
A heavy-duty, 15.4″ flywheel delivers a smooth feel and stability.
- Ergonomic seat
The bike’s extra-wide contoured seat has built-in lumbar support. More comfortable than most bike seats, it is fully adjustable to cater to users from 4′ 10″ up to 6′ 4″. People under and over this height claim to use it without a problem.
Being recumbent, you will enjoy a low-impact workout that won’t strain your neck, back or arms.
- Step-through design
Adding further to its comfort is the bike’s step-through design, which makes for easier entry to and exiting from the seat.
- Pedals
Self-balancing pedals with adjustable straps, ensure a perfect fit for your feet. This feature provides safe and comfortable, slip-free workouts.
- Heart rate monitor
Contact heart rate grips set into the handlebars and wireless receiver capability enable you to monitor your heart rate so you can train at a level that will bring you the best results.
NB: You will need a chest strap to use the wireless receiver
- Sleep mode
Sleep mode engages automatically 4 minutes after the machine has been idle, reducing power usage.
- Transport wheels
Transport wheels enable the bike to be moved easily if required.
Close-up of the Horizon Comfort R in Action
Positives
- Solid
The Horizon Comfort R has a stainless steel frame. This is solid and durable, and it will stand up to years of repeated use.
- Smooth, Stable, and Quiet
The Horizon Comfort R delivers a smooth, stable and very quiet ride, making for more enjoyable workouts.
- Comfortable seat
Something that really sets this model apart from many exercise bikes is its comfortable seat.
- Easy mounting & dismounting
With no center beam to negotiate, accessing and exiting the seat is easy, even for people with balance issues.
- Variety of programs & Resistance levels
A wide range of programs makes this a suitable bike for people of any fitness level. Likewise, the range of resistance levels. Combined, these features provide variety and provide plenty of scope for growth.
- Accessories
The Horizon Comfort R has an audio-in jack for use with a media player, an MP3 jack and two speakers. Other accessories include a cooling fan, a water bottle holder, a reading rack and a handily positioned accessory tray
- Assembly
Assembling the bike will take between one and two hours. While the process isn’t difficult, if you haven’t assembled machinery before you may find is a bit of a challenge. Because some of the parts are heavy, having a second person on hand to help out will make the job easier.
- Excellent warranty
The manufacturer’s lifetime warranty on the bike’s frame is proof that the Horizon Comfort R has been built to last. It also comes with 1 year on parts and labor.
Negatives
- No backlight
The display monitor lacks a backlight, which could make reading it difficult in a room with low lighting.
- Assembly required
The bike will arrive with the drive shroud already assembled. The rest of the assembly will be up to you. Anyone used to assembling machinery will find it to be a straightforward process. Those who aren’t may find it a little tricky, but that could be the case regardless of the model. If you don’t want to assemble the bike, you can pay extra to have it done for you.
- No Apple adapter or Phone charger
A possible deal-breaker for some is that the Horizon Comfort R lacks an Apple adapter and a phone charger.
Final Thoughts on the Horizon Comfort R Recumbent Bike
The Horizon Comfort Recumbent Bike is worth putting on your shortlist if you are in the market for a recumbent exercise bike.
Solid and built to the highest standard, it has enough programs and resistance levels to accommodate people of every fitness level. Changing programs and resistance levels is quite intuitive, so you will be able to use the bike without having to spend hours reading the manual first.
Where this model really shines is in the comfort of its seat, an area where most exercise bikes fall short. Being able to work out comfortably means you will be able to work out for longer and you will look forward to doing so, rather than dread the prospect.
The main drawback of the Horizon Comfort R is the lack of backlighting on its monitor. If your workout area is well-lit, you probably won’t miss the light.
If your exercise bike must have Apple functionality and a phone charger, this will not be the model for you. With a lot of positives and just a few minor negatives, that won’t matter one iota to many prospective purchasers.
I have no hesitation in recommending the Horizon Comfort R Recumbent Bike to anyone who is looking for a mid-priced recumbent exercise bike that will enable them to experience the many benefits of stationary bike workouts.
