LifeSpan R3i Recumbent Bike Review
The recumbent LifeSpan R3i is for commercial or private use. It’s best for people seeking low-impact training for rehabilitation, weight loss or cardiovascular health.…
LifeSpan R3i Recumbent Bike Specs
| Rating | 8 |
|---|---|
| Type | Recumbent |
| Console display | Multi-color LCD |
| Resistance | 16 Resistance Levels |
| Seat type | Adjustable |
| Programs | 21 |
| Flywheel | 18 LBS |
| Weight capacity | 400 LBS |
| Dimensions | 70" L x 27.5" W x 44.5" H |
Why You Should Trust Our Reviews
The LifeSpan R3i Recumbent Bike is LifeSpan Fitness’s most affordable recumbent bike. It has residential and commercial warranties. Designed for low-stress workouts, it’s loaded with 21 workout modes and offers 16 resistance levels. A magnetic or eddy current resistance system helps ensure quiet operation of the drive.
The LifeSpan R3i Recumbent Bike is designed particularly for people who have back pain or foot pain. It redistributes the trainee’s body weight for low-impact cardiovascular exercise. This bike is appropriate for rehabilitative training, but it’s also useful for everyday use — for weight loss, general healthy living, and light to intermediate strength training.
With an online discount the recumbent LifeSpan R3i typically sells for $1,199, shipping included. The full price is $1,799. Here are pros and cons of its specs list.
The Great
The LifeSpan R3i Recumbent Bike has a long standard warranty. The $1,199 sale price includes five years of parts protection for residential buyers and two years for commercial buyers. Here are some reasons people choose this product.- High Capacity: The R3i’s long recumbent frame has a 400-pound user weight capacity.
- Console with Fitness Programs: The console has a high-definition screen with a colorful racetrack animation. There are 17 preset workouts grouped into goal categories: five for weight loss, five for healthy living and seven for sports training. This machine also includes two programs that are controlled by heart rate. Additionally, riders can design and save two routines.
- Exercise Data: Workout data shown on the LCD include distance, time, calories, speed and heart rate. Data can be saved to the bike’s USB drive or wirelessly synced with LifeSpan Club for advanced analysis. LifeSpan Club is an online service that helps people track their fitness and set goals. A club membership is included with purchase of the R3i.
- Adjustable Seat: The R3i invites long workout sessions. It has a molded foam seat bottom and a flexible, ventilated seat back that can tilt to different angles. The seat can be moved forward and back to accommodate most adult heights. It also features heart rate sensors, which are molded right into its soft armrests.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Contact grips are built into the armrests for easy heart rate monitoring. For a more accurate readout, the bike can be used with a wireless chest strap (sold separately).
- Audio: A headphone jack and speakers are included for an MP3 player.
- Transport Wheels: Wheels are mounted at the front of the bike, making it easy to move from room to room.
- Warranty: The discount price of $1,199 includes lifetime coverage for the frame, five years for parts and electronics, and two years of labor. This works out to an above-average warranty deal. Extended warranties are available ($149 for three years, $199 for five).
The Not-So-Great
Here are some potential drawbacks of the LifeSpan R3i.
- 18-Pound Flywheel: Eighteen pounds is a common flywheel weight, but you could spend less on another indoor bike or cycle trainer with a heavier drive.
- Basic Pedals: The pedals on the R3i are very basic and some owners have called them cheap. On more advanced bikes, the pedals are better cushioned and oversized and may include toe cages.
- Small Print on Console: The console screen is easy to read, but the font printed on the dash is small. Lights blink to prompt you about where to look when programming. It’s not our favorite interface.
- No Cooling Fan: A cooling fan would help extend the length of workout sessions. However, the chair back is mesh for airflow.
- Large Size: This machine’s large size is both an advantage and a disadvantage. The extra length comes from the easy-to-access frame design, which is convenient for riders. The disadvantage is that more space is taken up in your home gym. The footprint measures 70″ L x 27.5″ W.
Who Should Ride the LifeSpan R3i Recumbent Bike?
The Bottom Line
With lighter regular use and maintenance, the LifeSpan R3i Recumbent Bike can be depended on for years of trouble-free operation. It’s a comfortable choice for rehabilitative training and general health.
Some private owners will outgrow this bike before its time is through. It’s worth comparing the R3i with other recumbent bikes like the $999 NordicTrack Commercial VR25 Elite, which lets you download new workouts, or the Sole LCR Light Commercial, which has a 30-pound flywheel.
LifeSpan R3i Recumbent Bike Specs
| Rating | 8 |
|---|---|
| Type | Recumbent |
| Console display | Multi-color LCD |
| Resistance | 16 Resistance Levels |
| Seat type | Adjustable |
| Programs | 21 |
| Flywheel | 18 LBS |
| Weight capacity | 400 LBS |
| Dimensions | 70" L x 27.5" W x 44.5" H |
