The ProForm 325 CSX Recumbent Bike steel tubing mainframe is quite sturdy and has a maximum user weight capacity of up to 300 lbs (136 kg). The frame features a step-thru design that makes it extremely easy to mount and dismount the seat. This bike takes up to approximately 57L x 25W inches of floor space. So, it fits easily in a small room or apartment.
The 325 CSX comes equipped with a 22-level eddy current magnetic resistance system. The lower levels are suitable for recovery training or elderly users, while the upper levels offer a challenge for anyone who wants a cardio workout. In addition, this bike comes with a smooth and quiet belt drive system.
The ProForm 325 CSX Recumbent Bike console features an LED display that is easy to use. The console tracks the distance, pace, speed, time, watts, calories burned, pulse, and resistance and is pre-loaded with 24 workout programs. This bike’s console also comes equipped with iFit. So, you can access your iFit account to track your progress or even compete with other iFit members.
The 325 CSX comes with a wide, comfortable seat and the position of the seat is adjustable, featuring a rail type adjustment system. In addition, this recumbent bike comes with two sets of handlebars, one is attached to the seat, and the other connects with the console mast. Finally, the pedals of the ProForm 325 CSX feature a ribbed design with integrating adjustable straps.
Learn more in my complete review below!
Product: ProForm 325 CSX Recumbent Bike
Price: For a great deal on this bike, merely go here on Amazon
Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 1 year / Labor 1 year
My rating: 7.75/10
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate Program participant, I earn commissions on purchases made through links in this post. Full disclosure
Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 57L x 25W x 50H inches (145L x 64W x 127H cm)
- Assembled weight: 150 lbs (68 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Seat: Cushioned, adjustable
- Pedals: With adjustable straps
- Resistance: Eddy current, 22 levels
- Console: 24 workout apps, Recovery function, iFit enabled
- Amenities: Sound system, workout fan, bottle holder, tablet holder
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 1 year / Labor 1 year
Note: The tablet shown in the images sells separately.
325 CSX Frame construction
The ProForm 325 CSX recumbent bike features an extremely sturdy frame. Unfortunately, it’s also a pretty heavy frame, weighing more than 100 lbs. However, this weight considerably adds to the bike’s overall stability. Thus, the bike won’t wobble or feel shaky even if you engage in a high-intensity workout.
On top of that, its rear base features adjustable stabilizers with rubber caps, enhancing the bike’s stability. In addition, the front base caps serve as rollers, facilitating the bike’s relocation once you have finished your workout. Also, the rear base integrates a handle to help lift the bike on its rollers.
Like most recumbent bikes of this type, the ProForm 325 CSX doesn’t have a folding frame. However, its structure has a step-thru design, making it extremely easy to mount or dismount the seat. The bike’s mainframe is steel tubing and has a maximum user weight capacity of up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
The only non-metallic parts in its overall construction are the flywheel and rear frame guards, which only fulfill a protective and cosmetic role.
One last aspect to note here regards the bike’s footprint. This ProForm exercise bike takes approx. 57″L x 25″W (145 x 64 cm) of floor space. Also, it is advisable to leave 2 feet of clearance all around for safe operation. Therefore, it’s not an extremely large machine and should fit even in a smaller room or apartment.
Seat and handlebars
The 325 CSX comes equipped with a comprehensive and comfortable seat, with 2″ (5 cm) padding and highly durable vinyl upholstery.
The seat’s position to the pedals is adjustable. It features a rail-type adjustment system, making it extremely easy to find the most comfortable position for your workout. The adjustment rail is relatively long, comfortability accommodating users between 5’0″ – 6’5″ (152 – 195 cm).
The backrest is non-adjustable, connects directly to the seat’s frame, and moves along its rail seat. It features the same padding as the seat, providing the required firmness for excellent lumbar support.
The bike comes with two sets of handlebars. One is attached to the seat assembly and will move along with the seat on its rail as you adjust the seat, and the front handlebars connect directly under the console and integrate stainless steel pulse sensors. Both sets of handlebars have rubber foam grips to provide optimal comfort.
325 CSX Resistance and drive
The ProForm 325 CSX recumbent bike features an eddy current magnetic resistance system. It uses a motorized magnetic brake to create drag onto the flywheel.
The resistance is controlled exclusively by the console. You can adjust it as you pedal. In addition, if you use one of the preset programs or one of the iFit programs, the bike will automatically adjust the resistance.
This exercise bike offers 22 levels of resistance. The lower settings are pretty light, suitable for elderly users or users who require recovery training. On the other hand, the top 20-22 resistance settings are pretty challenging, simulating a steep climb, offering quite a challenge for anyone who wants consistent cardio training.
This recumbent exercise bike features a smooth and quiet belt drive, requiring no maintenance. It uses a v-belt type, highly resistant to stretching, and a balanced flywheel for a steady pedaling motion, consistent momentum.
The bike’s pulley is finished with steel crank arms, while its pedals feature a ribbed design, integrating adjustable straps. The pedals also have standard threads, and if you want, you should be able to find a replacement quickly.
This bike also allows reverse pedaling, which doubles the workout possibilities. But since it’s a bike with a simple transmission system (unlike a road bike with a derailleur), you cannot coast on it. So when pedaling backward, the resistance on the pedals remains the same as when pedaling forward.
Console
The console supplied with the ProForm 325 CSX features an LED display, quite intuitive and easy to use.
It tracks the distance (in miles or km), pace, speed (MPH or KM/H), time, watts, calories, heart rate, and of course, the current resistance setting. It also has a SCAN mode, displaying your workout information in a repeating cycle.
There are 24 workout programs pre-loaded in the console, divided into Tempo and Interval. In addition, some options allow you to create a workout interval. As you exercise, press the Recovery and Work buttons as desired to alternate between the saved interval settings. After you press a button, the pedals’ resistance will automatically adjust to your protected level.
The console of this ProForm bike is iFit enabled. Therefore, you can connect it to your Bluetooth device to access an iFit workout, track your progress online, and even compete with other iFit members. However, this requires an iFit membership, which is a separate purchase. Nonetheless, even if you don’t use iFit, you can still use the 24 onboard workout programs.
Last but not least, the console can track your pulse via a Bluetooth HR chest strap transmitter. However, this accessory does not come supplied with the bike.
325 CSX Amenities
The console integrates a sound system and workout fan. The sound system consists of two speakers, one on each side of the console. The sound system is compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones, or tablets, and the sound rendered by it is pretty decent. In addition, volume is adjustable directly from the console for more convenience.
The workout fan is at the bottom of the console unit and features several speed settings. The console unit’s middle features a shelf section where you can place a tablet or phone. Additionally, a tablet holder accessory comes supplied with this bike, and this accessory attaches to the top of the console.
Assembly and Maintenance
The ProForm 325 CSX is easy to assemble; the whole process shouldn’t take longer than one hour. However, two persons should receive and transport the heavy box. Assembly requires you to attach the base tubes to the frame, the seat and backrest, the handlebars, pedals, and the console, connecting the wires. The manual supplied offers pretty explicit guidance for the assembly steps. Two Allen wrenches required for assembly come included; however, you will need your adjustable wrench and a Phillips screwdriver.
Maintenance for this bike is almost inexistent. If necessary, you need to keep the cycle clean and re-tighten bolts in their places. Internal parts shouldn’t need any additional lubrication.
Pros
- Sturdy construction, step-thru design;
- High user capacity (300 lbs);
- 2-inch padding on seat and backrest for optimal comfort;
- Adjustable seat;
- Automatic, magnetic resistance, with 22 available settings;
- 24 preset programs;
- Recovery function;
- Bluetooth enabled console, iFit compatible;
- Handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Can also read pulse via a Bluetooth HR chest strap;
- Sound system included;
- Workout fan included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Tablet holder included;
- Smooth and quiet drive;
- Maintenance-free;
- Decent warranty plan.
Cons
- No pulse sensors on the seat handlebars;
- An HR chest strap does not come included with the bike.
ProForm 325 CSX Recumbent Bike Summary
The ProForm 325 CSX is pretty close to light commercial quality, a recumbent bike. It comes equipped with an eddy current magnetic resistance system, a smooth and quiet drive, and excellent comfort factors. In addition, it offers 24 preset workouts and is also iFit enabled.
Moreover, it’s a bike for light to medium workouts and users of all levels. And finally, it’s excellent for bolstering and maintaining your cardiovascular shape, building stamina and strength, interval training, and recovery training.
I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Would you please speak up if you have anything you’d like to share on the topic or any opinions about my website? I look forward to your comments, questions, and the sharing of ideas.
Please note: Before starting any exercise program, you should consult your physician to determine if you have any medical or physical conditions that could put your health and safety at risk or prevent you from using the equipment properly. In addition, your physician’s advice is essential if you are taking medication that affects your heart rate, blood pressure, or cholesterol level.