The Horizon Comfort R Recumbent Bike is made by Horizon Fitness, an arm of the Johnson Health Tech group that was established in 1975.
The company is renowned for its technologically advanced designs, stringent quality control, and excellent customer service.
This means you can purchase with confidence, knowing that in the unlikely event there is a problem, the manufacturer will rectify it quickly without any hassles.
As with all of Horizon’s fitness equipment, this model is difficult to fault.
An upgraded version of the popular Horizon RC-30, it is solidly built.
Falling into the low to mid-price bracket, it has a variety of workout programs and a comprehensive range of eddy current resistance options.
Featuring a step-through design, this offers easy access to and from its comfortable seat. And, it has an excellent warranty!
This Horizon Comfort R review looks at its specs, an overview, its pros, cons, and more.
Table of Contents
Whom does it suit?
People of almost any height, weight and fitness level will benefit from regular use of this model.
Its step-through design will appeal to individuals with mobility and balance issues.
Being a recumbent bike, it is gentle on the joints, so an excellent choice for individuals with arthritis.
NB: Anyone with joint issues should check with their doctor before starting a new fitness regimen.
Horizon Comfort R Recumbent Bike Specs
Dimensions – The Horizon Fitness Comfort R measures 65″ (L) x 26″ (W) 53″ (H)
Clearance requirement – Allow a free space of at least 2′ on either side and to the front and rear of the bike for safe, unhindered workouts
Weight – It weighs 99 lbs
User Weight – The user weight limit for this model is 350 pounds
User height – It suits users from 4′ 10″ to 6′ 4″, with some taller buyers claiming to use it without a problem
Flywheel weight – The flywheel weighs 15.4 lbs
Color – It is available in black with chrome highlights
Horizon Comfort R Overview
Drive –
The Horizon Fitness Comfort R Recumbent Bike operates through a poly-v belt drive system.
The bike needs to be plugged into a power source. The power cord socket is on the front right, above the stabilizer bar. The cord is approximately 6′ long.
Construction and Finish –
This model has a robust steel frame comprising oval and cylindrical tubes coated in scratch, chip, and rust-resistant black paint.
Its seat rail is chrome, and the covers and pedals are ABS.
Stability, Smoothness, and Noise level –
The bike’s heft, one-piece mainframe construction, and X-frame seat base provide excellent stability.
A magnetic brake system offers a very fluid and quiet pedaling motion without the vibration of a chain drive.
A heavy-duty, 15.4 lb bi-directional flywheel delivers a smooth feel and stability.
Workouts are exceptionally quiet, so you won’t have to worry about disturbing anyone nearby.
Resistance –
16 magnetic eddy current resistance levels allow you to vary your workout and increase the challenge as you progress.
The controls are in the front handlebar for convenient access.
The lowest resistance levels suit beginners. They are also ideal for Warm-Ups and Cool-Downs.
The highest resistance levels should provide enough of a challenge for most users.
Programs –
12 workout programs provide variety and cater to users of every fitness level.
On offer are Manual, Fat Burn, Training Intervals (Time and Distance), Distance, Performance Intervals (Endurance and Speed).
Rounding these out are Race (Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels) and HR Training (Max HR, and Target HR).
Heart rate monitor –
Contact heart rate grips set into the handlebars enable you to monitor your heart rate and train at a level that will bring you the best results. You can use this feature by gripping the front set of handlebars.
For a more accurate reading, you can track your heart rate with a compatible wireless chest strap, however, this is not included.
Monitor –
A 5.5″ easy-to-read and operate LCD screen displays workout feedback that will enable you to track your progress. It is not backlit.
Stats displayed include Time, Distance Covered, Calories Burned, Speed, RPM, Resistance Level, Heart Rate, and Watts.
There’s also a Profile Display showing the program in use and Cardio Compass.
The Speed and Distance metrics are in MPH and miles.
When you finish your session, your stats will be shown for 30 seconds.
Following 15 minutes of inactivity, the console will switch to Energy Saver mode.
Seat –
The bike’s high-density foam padded extra-wide contoured seat has a durable vinyl cover and a fixed position backrest with built-in lumbar support.
Most users claim it is comfortable.
The seat adjusts fore and aft through a lever beneath the saddle.
Pedals –
The large, self-leveling, textured pedals are ABS.
Their adjustable safety straps offer secure and comfortable slip-free workouts.
Reverse pedaling is possible.
Handlebars –
The Horizon Comfort R has two sets of handlebars, one attached to the bike’s front upright the other the seat’s frame.
The front set offers a multi-grip. The lower seat houses the pulse sensors and resistance controls.
Both are slip-resistant with rubberized grips to enhance comfort. Neither are adjustable.
Transport wheels –
Two transport wheels in the front base facilitate moving the bike by lifting the rear base handle then rolling the unit.
Accessories –
The Horizon Comfort R has an audio-in jack for use with your smartphone, tablet, MP3 player, or another electronic device. This feature enables you to be entertained or listen to music or an audiobook through two speakers integrated into the lower part of the console.
Other accessories include a conveniently located water bottle holder and reading rack, and a handily positioned accessory tray located above the speakers.
The bike utilizes the Via Fit wi-fi connectivity system through which you can share your metrics via your favorite social networks and fitness apps.
This model is compatible with the Passport Media Player, enabling you to view interactive videos on your television. You can virtually visit beautiful locations, trails, and roads worldwide, making your sessions fun and exciting.
Assembly –
The bike will arrive with the drive shroud already assembled. The rest of the assembly is up to you, or you can have it done for you at extra cost.
You will need to attach the base bars, console support post and console, and the water bottle holder. You will also need to attach the seat’s frame, the seat and backrest, and the pedals. This takes most people between one and two hours.
The assembly instructions are easy to understand, with schematics included for those who prefer a visual reference. The tools you will need are also included.
Most buyers who left feedback stated that the assembly process was simple; however, not all found it so.
Some parts are heavy, so having a second person on hand to help out will make the job easier.
Warranty –
The manufacturer’s lifetime warranty on the bike’s frame is proof that the Horizon Comfort R is built to last. The parts and labor warranty covers 1-year.
The next section of this Horizon Comfort R review covers its pros, followed by its cons.
Close-up of the Horizon Comfort R in Action
Pros
- The Horizon Comfort R Recumbent Bike has a solid and durable steel frame that should stand up to years of repeated use
- Workouts are low-impact
- It has a generous user weight limit
- People of most heights can use the bike
- It is great value for money
- With no center beam to negotiate, accessing and exiting the seat is easy, even for people with balance issues
- It delivers a smooth, stable, and very quiet ride, making for more enjoyable workouts
- Being recumbent, you will enjoy a low-impact workout that won’t strain your neck, back or arms
- Something that sets this model apart from many exercise bikes is its seat, which most users consider comfortable
- A wide range of built-in programs provides variety and allows the user to target different fitness aspects
- The Horizon Comfort R Recumbent Bike comes with ViaFit Wi-Fi connectivity
- It has pulse grip HR monitoring and is compatible with HR chest strap pulse monitoring
- The resistance level options cater to individuals of most fitness levels
- The Horizon Fitness Comfort R Recumbent Bike offers a good range of accessories
- It comes with an excellent warranty
Cons
- The display monitor lacks a backlight, which could make it difficult to see your stats in a room with low lighting
- Anyone used to assembling machinery will find it to be a straightforward process, but some people found the assembly instructions confusing
Final Thoughts on the Horizon Comfort R Recumbent Bike
The Horizon Comfort R 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 first spending hours reading the manual.
Where this model really shines is in the comfort of its seat, an area where most exercise bikes fall short.
With comfortable workouts, you will be able to work out for longer and look forward to doing so, rather than dread the prospect.
The main drawback of the Horizon Fitness Comfort R is the lack of backlighting on its monitor. If your workout area is well-lit, you probably won’t miss the light.
I have no hesitation in recommending the Horizon Comfort R Recumbent Bike to anyone looking for a mid-priced recumbent exercise bike that will enable them to experience the many benefits of stationary bike workouts.
Not the right recumbent bike for you? Click here to read reviews of alternatives.
