Weslo Pursuit exercise bikes are cheap, and I do mean cheap. You can pick one up for as little as $80 and the most you’ll ever pay is around $300. But, can a machine this cheap be any good? Well, the truth is that only some models are worth looking at and then only if you’re looking for an entry level bike and only plan on using it for light exercise. Here’s a review of Weslo Pursuit bikes.
The Weslo Pursuit 2.0 DS bike (WLEX0901) only costs around $80. Quite frankly the bike is simply too cheap to be anything more than a toy – a toddler’s bicycle costs more, so would you really expect to get any kind of decent workout from it? But, if you are still interested, the bike has cross-training arms that are designed to work the upper body. The arms can be operated independently of the pedals, so you don’t have to use them. Amazingly, it also comes with a small LCD console that displays speed, time, distance, calories burned. Well, that’s enough said about this particular machine, except to say that the seat and pedals are very cheap and uncomfortable – most toddler’s bikes have better but then again, they costs more and are better built.
It’s tough to find nice things to say about the next model up, the Pursuit 4.0 (WLEX1776). I suppose it’s cheap, costing around $150. It’s an upright model and does look quite nice and inoffensive in its green livery. You get a fairly decent console and a heart rate monitor in the handle bar grips. You also get 4 preset programs and a Target Pacer. The seat and pedals are okay and come with adequate adjustments. But frankly, you should only buy this bike if you plan on using it only occasionally; I can’t see it taking any kind of strenuous workout.
If you are going to buy a Weslo upright exercise bike buy the Pursuit E 40 (WLEX1994). For around $300 you get 8 preset programs, an EKG grip pulse sensor and a more robust frame. Again, I’m not sure how long it would last if it was really hammered, but for the casual user it’s a perfectly fine piece of fitness equipment.
Thinking of buying a Weslo recumbent exercise bike? Sure? Well, don’t even bother looking at either the Pursuit E21 recumbent (WLEX1402) or the Pursuit 6.0 DX (WLEX1304). I can’t begin to describe how inadequate these machines are, so I won’t.
Instead, let’s talk about the Pursuit E 45 or the Pursuit 4.5 R. They both cost around $180 and are the only recumbent models worth considering.
The 6.0 DX comes with a good sized LCD display, EKG grip heart rate monitor and 4 pacer programs. With the 4.5 R you get 6 personal trainer workout programs and an Easy Pulse heart rate monitor. Of the two machines I prefer the 4.5 R, it looks better and I like the overall styling as well as the 6 preset programs.
If you’re looking to buy a cheap exercise bike, then by all means consider a Weslo. Just be sure that you avoid the very cheap models and look towards buying the more expensive ones. Also, be sure that the bike is going to be okay for you in the long term; if you really think cycling is going to form a core part of your regular exercise program then maybe you should look at another brand instead.