The Matrix R50 is a High-End, Well-Designed Recumbent

The R50 is one of two new exercise bikes recently introduced by Matrix, one of the most well-regarded names in the commercial exercise equipment space.  The company is making its way into the home market, hoping to build on their success with high quality machines built for residential use.

The Bike

The Matrix R50 features Exact Force resistance, a Dual Form Frame and the Comfort Arc seat, along with other exclusive technologies that make your workout as comfortable and natural as possible.

Let's look at some if the important specs....

• Exact Force Resistance
• 30 resistance levels
• 11+ workout programs
• Dual Form Frame
• XR, XER, XIR console choices
• Comfort Arc Seat
• Sprint 8 Technology
• Maximum user weight: 350 lbs.
• Dimensions: 63"L x 25.6"W x 48.4"H
• Warranty: Lifetime frame, 7 year parts, 2 year labor

Check out the new R50 recumbent bike at the Matrix store!

The Buzz

The entire Matrix lineup has received some rave reviews since its introduction, as the company has been able to bridge the gap between the commercial and residential market seamlessly...something other companies  have tried and failed at.

The R50 is just like a recumbent bike you'll find at a high-end gym, with the same top-notch construction and ergonomic design that makes those machines so great.

There is a lot of technology that goes into these machines that you just don't find elsewhere, like the Dual Form frame for added durability and the Comfort Arc mesh seat for added comfort and balance.

The R50 also features an enhanced Exact Force resistance system, a step up from the ECB resistance on the R30 model, which gives you more precise and smooth changes as you move through the resistance levels, 30 in total.

You also get the company's unique Sprint 8 interval training program which gives you maximum results in a shorter period of time with a series of high and low intensity movements.

As far as additional features, it all depends on what console you opt for.  The base XIR Simple gives you an LCD display with ViaFit workout tracking, Passport videos on your home TV and 6 workouts.

Moving up the XER Intuitive gives you a 10" touch screen display and all of the same features plus Virtual Active onboard HD videos, fitness/entertainment apps, Bluetooth, speakers and 14 workouts.

At the top is the XIR Ultimate with a 16" HD touchscreen and all of the features of the XER console.

Any of the consoles will suit you just fine, but if you want your workouts to be a little bit more like they are at the gym, opt for one of the two touch screens with apps included.

Our Take on the Matrix R50

We've been very pleased with the new Matrix residential exercise bikes, and have tried the recumbent and upright ones at our local outlet.  They are durable, strong and smooth, especially the R50 and sister U50 models with their Exact Force resistance.

At around $2200 on sale with the XR console, it is a bit pricey, but worth it for what you are getting.  You can save a few hundred with the R30 model, and really can't go wrong with any of them.

The R50 is a great recumbent, and will provide years of use in your home gym.

Get more information and special sale pricing on this model here