ProForm exercise bikes fall into the entry-level low-cost price category. If you’re a serious bike user or think you will be, you’re better off spending a little more and looking for another brand. However, in many ways these machines offer good value for money and might be worth considering, but some models are best avoided.
The cost of ProForm exercise bikes starts at around $150 to $500 and their price makes them an attractive proposition for many. There are a number of models on offer; some are worth buying, while others are best left on the shelf.
There are 3 upright bikes to choose from; the GR 75, GT 30, and GL 35, costing $150, $150, and $250, respectively. Let’s start by looking at the two cheapest models.
The GR 75 upright comes with more features than you might have originally thought. You get a 2-speed CoolAire training fan, magnetic resistance that can be increased or decreased with the push of a button, an EKG heart rate monitor that’s built into the handlebars, and an RPM (revolutions per minute) meter. The best feature is the 4 personal trainer programs. They will automatically adjust the resistance helping you get the best out of your session.
There are no heart rate programs, which is to be expected on a machine this cheap, but you do get a Target Pacer that has arrows that light up on the console to tell you when to pick up the pace when you need to.
For its price it is a good piece of kit and would be acceptable for a complete beginner.
The GT 30 is a different story. It costs the same as the GR 75 but minus the 4 personal trainer programs and the Target Pacer feature. Its biggest claim to fame is that it has a Step-In design to allow easy access to get on and off the bike, but the GR 75 also has a very similar design. If you only have $150 to spend, get the GR75 and forget about the GT 30.
However, if you have another $100 in your pocket, take a look at the GL 35. For starters, the shape of the handlebars allow for different grip positions. It also has a training program that can be customized to your own requirements. Finally, there are optional iFIT workouts (these will cost you more).
If you want a vertical, consider the GR 75 or GL 35 and if you can afford it, just look at the GL 35.
ProForm also makes 3 recumbent exercise bikes; the GR 80, GR 90 and GT 120. They cost around $250, $400 and $500 respectively.
Don’t even bother looking at the GR 80. The seat doesn’t have horizontal adjustment, something that’s pretty necessary on a recumbent bike. Enough talk.
The GR 90 comes with a CoolAire fan, a comfortable enough seat, Grip Pulse EKG sensors, iFIT training programs and 6 smart programs. The GT 120 finally looks like the real McCoy. Overall build quality is good with a comfortable, oversized seat. You also get features like the CoolAire fan and iFIT personal training.
As for which is better, the GR 90 or the GT 120, the answer is that the 120 is a slightly better built machine, but buying the GR 90 will save you $100. Personally, I would save the $100.
A ProForm exercise bike is inexpensive and would be perfectly suitable for first-time users who are unsure if they will continue to use a bike. Deciding whether you want an upright or reclining chair is important, as is avoiding one or two of the models mentioned above.