LifeSpan C3i Upright Bike Review
With its long warranty and low price, the LifeSpan C3i offers exceptional value to residential and commercial customers. This upright stationary bike features ample…
LifeSpan C3i Upright Bike Specs
Rating | 8.5 |
---|---|
Type | Stationary |
Console display | 2.75" x 4" Color LCD |
Resistance | 16 Resistance Levels |
Seat type | 19-Height Adjustment Settings |
Programs | 17 |
Flywheel | 18 LBS |
Weight capacity | 400 LBS |
Dimensions | 40.5" L x 28" W x 56.5" H |
Why You Should Trust Our Reviews
The LifeSpan C3i Upright Bike is LifeSpan Fitness’s most affordable stationary bike for commercial or home use. Originally priced at $1,599, it now sells for $799 online. The LifeSpan C3i is loaded with 17 workout apps and offers 16 resistance levels for beginners and intermediate trainers. Data from workouts can be transferred to the online LifeSpan Club for graphing and to guide future exercise; a membership is included with purchase.
In our review, the C3i Upright Recumbent Bike starts off on a good foot with its long standard warranties. Plus, we’re consistently impressed with LifeSpan’s customer service! Below are advantages and a few potential drawbacks about choosing this bike.
The Great
Here are some reasons people choose the LifeSpan C3i Upright Bike.- High Capacity: The C3i’s sturdy frame has a maximum 400-pound user weight capacity.
- Built-In Fitness Programs: The console screen is small — just 2.75″ x 4″ — but it provides 17 preset workouts. These are grouped into categories for sports training, weight loss and healthy living. Additionally, there are two heart rate controlled programs and two slots for user-designed workouts. Resistance is controlled digitally and has 16 levels.
- Exercise Data: Workout data shown on the LCD include distance, time, calories, speed, resistance, RPM, watts and heart rate. This is more than what many stationary bikes provide. Along with the date and time of day, these data can be saved to the bike’s USB drive or wirelessly synced with LifeSpan Club for advanced fitness tracking and goal-setting. A club membership is included with purchase of the C3i.
- Adjustable Seat: The C3i Upright Bike has a vertically adjustable seat. Riders can choose from 19 heights. The seat is specially molded for comfort.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Contact grips are provided on the handlebars for convenient heart rate monitoring.The bike can also be used with a wireless chest strap (sold separately).
- Sound System: Enjoy music or your favorite podcasts during workouts! The C3i Upright Bike has a sound system for playing MP3s.
- Transport Wheels: Wheels are mounted at the back of the bike, making it easy to transport.
- Warranty: The discount price of $799 brings a great warranty. Residential owners get parts protection for five years. Commercial facilities get parts protection for two years. In both commercial and residential settings, there is lifetime coverage for the frame, and any labor is free during the first year of ownership.
The Not-So-Great
Here are some potential drawbacks of the LifeSpan C3i exercise bike.
- 18-Pound Flywheel: This bike’s flywheel is a common flywheel weight and it operates quietly. However, it won’t provide the smoothest ride or challenge advanced bikers. Those are tasks for a cycle trainer like the LifeSpan S2, which has a 40-pound flywheel.
- Small Screen: The console screen is attractive as far as LCDs go, but it’s rather small.
- Basic Pedals: The pedals on the C3i are relatively basic. They include straps for safety. On some other stationary bikes, the pedals are cushioned and oversized to promote endurance, and may include toe cages.
- Few Extras: The integrated speaker system is a great feature. Beyond that though, this bike doesn’t offer little extras. For example, other stationary bikes have high-tech components (such as web browsers and touchscreens) and cooling fans, water bottle holders and media shelves.
Who Should Ride the LifeSpan C3i Upright Recumbent Bike?
The Bottom Line
The LifeSpan C3i Upright Recumbent Bike offers good value but is it the best bike? It’s a low-priced fitness machine with a long warranty, and LifeSpan exercise bikes have a good history of holding up. Its helpful programming and 16 resistance levels are best for beginners and intermediate-level athletes.
Some owners will outgrow this stationary bike before its warranty is expired. If you’re stronger than the average trainee, you might prefer a bike that offers more resistance. Compare this product with the residential LifeSpan S2 or the Light Commercial Sole SB700. These bikes don’t include helpful programming like the LifeSpan C3i, but you’ll get up to double the resistance.
LifeSpan C3i Upright Bike Specs
Rating | 8.5 |
---|---|
Type | Stationary |
Console display | 2.75" x 4" Color LCD |
Resistance | 16 Resistance Levels |
Seat type | 19-Height Adjustment Settings |
Programs | 17 |
Flywheel | 18 LBS |
Weight capacity | 400 LBS |
Dimensions | 40.5" L x 28" W x 56.5" H |