I'm a 6'; 270 lb guy and I bought this bike 3 weeks ago after watching your review and love it. It's incredibly stable for light weight that it is. I was debating on the cheaper models bikes like the Nordic Track and others, but I'm glad I bought this one. The comfort on this bike, adjust-ability factor, and the large pedals makes this the total package. Highly recommend this one.
I'm having total knee arthroplasty surgery on 2-15-24 and wanted to add a recumbent bike to add my PT routine. I reviewed every bike you had in this category and enjoyed your commentary, advice and humor. I placed a order for the 3G Cardio Elite RB X and look forward to getting my range of motion back within a reasonable time in order for me to get back to competitive riding, thank you Big Guy for the excellent content you provide.
Putting a follow-up comment here now that I've gotten my Elite RB. First, thank you so much @bigguytreadmillreview for the assembly video you posted! Between that, and the bike's included instructions, I was able to assemble it myself without any problems. Took about 3 hours total, but I was taking my time to make sure I didn't hurt my back lifting it or anything. The bike itself is fantastic! The 16 resistance levels are much more evenly "spaced" than the 8 I had on my old bike, where going from level 5 to 6 was a big jump and 6 to 7 felt like double the resistance again. I did a 30-minute session and was jumping back and forth between levels 5 (easy), 10 (hard), and 12 (all out) without ever feeling like I was grinding my knees or doing any damage. And with the combined back and seat tilts, my lower back and hips felt great the whole time. This is definitely the most expensive piece of exercise gear I've ever bought, but it's also the best piece of gear I've ever bought.
Love it! Glad to hear that you are happy with your experience, especially since I gave the recommendation:) Don't forget that you can use 3rd party apps like Zwift and Kino Maps through your tablet. Good luck and thanks for the feedback!!
I stumbled upon your videos when looking for geniune reviewers of Recumbent Exercise Bikes. I subscribed because you're so in-depth and honest. You're also an average guy, not some fitness guru. Which allows you to give a more realistic overview of these machines. I did have two questions. 1.) How good are the parts and labor warranty on this machine? 2.) Overall for specifically Recumbent Exercise Bikes this one seems to be one of your highest rated. I was wondering which one out of all of them would you recommend for best quality and comfort for price?
Ha, thanks for your comments, we do our best! The parts and labor warranties for the 3G Cardio Elite RB X are very good. The company will stand behind their product and it is easy to get service if needed. The 3G Elite RB is by far my fav of all the bikes, most comfortable , best quality etc... But if someone told me they did not want to spend over $1000 then I would buy the Sole R92 Recumbent Bike. We just posted a review of this bike today actually so you can check it out. Thanks!
Thank you for your detailed reviews! Looking at an exercise bike and your reviews are very helpful. I see in the intro to this video you have a Quest 2 on while riding this bike. Does this bike sync with any games/apps on the Quest 2 or Quest 3?
Right on, thanks!! The 3G Cardio bike has FTMS Bluetooth and will sync with the Meta Quest headset and all the games, as long as they are VR games like HoloFit.
Thank you so much for posting this video! I have been looking for a bike within my budget that also ticked off all the boxes for quality, adjustability, and size. I'm glad I didn't settle for one of the cheaper models and bought this one instead.
Great Review! I am looking at this. Possible interested in the Spirit XBR95 as well. The XBR95 has self-generating power as opposed to plug-in. I am not sure what impact this might have. Your thoughts. Thanks.
Spirit makes a nice bike. I also like the self-gen power. Self gen is typically noisier due to the "whir" of the generator itself. Also, be aware that if you stop pedaling on a self gen bike, most will lose power and cancel out the program. Kind of stinks if you have to get up from your workout for any reason. I think the 3G has an edge comfort / adjustability wise but again, Spirit is a solid bike too.
Thank. The Spirit XBR55ENT has the built in Interactive Screen. The interactive part is important. Otherwise, I get bored. I am thinking 3D Cardio or the XBR55ENT. Any thoughts? I am not concerned with the price. Thanks again!
Found this review after learning about the 3G Cardio RB X, thanks for so much useful info on both it and (in other videos) its competition. I'm planning on buying it, curious what your thoughts are on how well the ratchet straps will work with custom orthotic shoes. My right leg is 1" shorter than the left after some major surgeries, and the ankle and heel are fused. I have to wear orthotic shoes that include a lift on the right shoe, and right now I forcibly remove any straps on the pedals because they never fit that right shoe. I also have to position my feet with the pedals more under the mid-foot instead of the ball, so I'm not at risk of my feet slipping off or the fused foot getting torqued while pedaling. Do you think the straps are long enough to accommodate someone with my particular footwear / mobility challenges? I did already confirm with 3G Cardio's customer support that I can cut the straps off with a box cutter if I need to; but it would be nice if I could actually use them.
I really don't think it will be a problem. I have some big feet and there is plenty of strap left. Very easy to adjust the ratchet straps too. Also, the pedals are large and will cover most of your feet.
@@bigguytreadmillreview I got my Elite RB yesterday, and can confirm that the strap was slightly too short for me to use it with my custom shoes. Even with the strap on just the first "click" to hold it in place, I had to fight to get that foot on the pedal and actually pedaling was uncomfortable. Thankfully, the rep was correct that a sharp pair of scissors does indeed cut through it pretty easily. Both pedals are clear of straps now, and my first session on it was glorious!
Mike love your candid reviews. I'm in Canada. I have been looking at Left Fitness RS3 and Spirit XBR95. However based on your review (first time hearing about 3G Cardio), I am seriously thinking this could work better for us. That said, I can't seem to find where to see or buy it in Canada. Would you by chance have any insight to their distribution in Canada? If not, have you reviewed Life Fitness? Tks again!
Just found and listened to your RS3 review and seems it ticked a lot of boxes for you too but still seems the 3G Cardio has advantages. Any chance you will be doing Spirit XBR95...the price point seem lower than both but many good reviews on it.
I really don't know much about the Canadian market. If you cant get a 3G, I would suggest looking at Sole or Spirit or Life Fitness. I like all 3. I think the best to do is try and find a local dealer and go try them out. It is going to come down to comfort. The 3G Cardio is unique because it is so adjustable it kind of fits everyone. With these other 3, one may be amazing and the other just average. But getting on them will tell you right away. I think the Sole would be the best for the money if you did not have the ability to try them out.
The Spirit is actually on our list to be reviewed in a few months. Probably doesn't do you any good for now. I would see if you have a local dealer and go try some of these out. Maybe the best bet for you.
Hi Mike, great review! I bought this bike 2 years ago and I'm wondering if it would be worthwhile to upgrade my controls to the new bluetooth controls?
Depends how bad you want FTMS Bluetooth. I think the upgraded console would cost around $200 and it would be easy to swap out. The nice part is that your tablet would now be your display and you could try a new app whenever you felt like it. Or you could use a VR headset or... you could use Apple TV and broadcast your workout to your TV. I am not usually a fan of the fancy stuff. I hate that most companies lock you into a monthly fee but the FTMS Bluetooth is pretty cool.
How does the resistance increments compare to the Sole recumbent bike and does the pedaling motion not feel jerky / or feel like the flywheel is slipping? Will you be reviewing any Spirit recumbent bikes? Thanks
Neither the Sole or 3G Cardio create a choppy or jerky feel. Resistance increments are someone similar too. The 3G may be a little smoother especially at the higher resistance but both are great for their respective price. We will be doing some Spirit reviews in the next round - in a few months.
The new model has the "X" on the side rear shroud cover. 3G Cardio Elite RBX Recumbent Bike. It also has a "Bluetooth" logo in the top right corner of the upper display board.
They are all magnetic resistance. If I didn't mention those on the other bikes its probably because I was hungry. Most higher end bikes use about the same style components for the internal resistance.
Bodycraft is solid, we sell this brand in our stores too. Bodycraft recently discontinued one of their more popular recumbent models which was a bit of a surprise, that is why we did not do a BC review.
Is it the R200 model??I ask because I came across this model and the price is more in my budget .I am having a hard time deciding between this bike and the 3g cardio bike .The Bodycraft has no reviews that I am aware of.Any help on this model ??
These two bikes have a 18 lb flywheel.Is a heavier weight better like on a spin bike?Which is a better bike in your experience?The Bodycraft or 3g Cardio??
Yeah, the Bodycraft R200 has been discontinued. If you are finding "closeout" pricing then go for it. I do worry a little bit about needing parts 5 years / 7 years down the road. That would be my only concern otherwise, I like Bodycraft.
The flywheel weight does not matter. When you read about that online, that is info from review sites who have no clue what they are talking about. Flywheel weight mattered 40 years ago on those old Tunturi and Schwinn indoor bikes our parents owned (you know, with the little spin resistance dial). The new high end spin bikes use lightweight / high grade components and for the flywheels, lighter is better (and much less wear and tear on the bearings!) And, flywheel weight definitely never mattered on recumbent bikes with free wheel motion. Well, the 3G Cardio Elite RB is a better quality product. Also, considering the Bodycraft R200 is now discontinued that make it easy for me to point you to the 3G. But, if you can find a smoking deal on a closeout Bodycraft R200 then that may give you reason to go in that direction. Bodycraft is a solid brand and not a department store hunk of junk..
Hi there fellow Big Guy. This review helped me buy the product and I will be receiving it on Monday. Wonder what the distance is between the heart rate monitors if you have that information handy. Hoping this bike helps me be a much smaller big guy. Haha! Great information, thank you.
Right on! Hope you love it. Do you mean how far a heart rate monitor will send its signal? About 3 feet. If you clap your hands like a seal, that is how far a typical "non coded / universal" heart rate monitor will send its radio signal.
@@bigguytreadmillreview Thanks for this information! I didn't word my question particularly well. What I meant was the distance between the handles next to the seat. I've got exquisite hips, so just wondering if I'd be sitting on them or not. Probably not since I've heard the seat is 16 inches across.
@@bigguytreadmillreview Just got this last Saturday and loving it. Yeah, when I unboxed everything, I had nothing to worry about. The seat itself is definitely wide enough for me.
No competition, the 3G Cardio Elite RB X is head and shoulders a better quality bike. Hands down. Not to mention the customer support by 3G is top notch. One example, we bought the Nordic Track R35 for this review and a few days after we assembled it, the flywheel bearing failed (they were grinding). We called NordicTrack for service and it took almost 2 months for them to mail a part. Not cool!
I'm a 6'; 270 lb guy and I bought this bike 3 weeks ago after watching your review and love it. It's incredibly stable for light weight that it is. I was debating on the cheaper models bikes like the Nordic Track and others, but I'm glad I bought this one. The comfort on this bike, adjust-ability factor, and the large pedals makes this the total package. Highly recommend this one.
Excellent, glad to hear you are enjoying it. Good luck!!
I'm having total knee arthroplasty surgery on 2-15-24 and wanted to add a recumbent bike to add my PT routine. I reviewed every bike you had in this category and enjoyed your commentary, advice and humor. I placed a order for the 3G Cardio Elite RB X and look forward to getting my range of motion back within a reasonable time in order for me to get back to competitive riding, thank you Big Guy for the excellent content you provide.
Right on! Thank you for the feedback! Great bike. Good luck with your rehab and I hope it works out for you.
Putting a follow-up comment here now that I've gotten my Elite RB. First, thank you so much @bigguytreadmillreview for the assembly video you posted! Between that, and the bike's included instructions, I was able to assemble it myself without any problems. Took about 3 hours total, but I was taking my time to make sure I didn't hurt my back lifting it or anything.
The bike itself is fantastic! The 16 resistance levels are much more evenly "spaced" than the 8 I had on my old bike, where going from level 5 to 6 was a big jump and 6 to 7 felt like double the resistance again. I did a 30-minute session and was jumping back and forth between levels 5 (easy), 10 (hard), and 12 (all out) without ever feeling like I was grinding my knees or doing any damage. And with the combined back and seat tilts, my lower back and hips felt great the whole time.
This is definitely the most expensive piece of exercise gear I've ever bought, but it's also the best piece of gear I've ever bought.
Love it! Glad to hear that you are happy with your experience, especially since I gave the recommendation:) Don't forget that you can use 3rd party apps like Zwift and Kino Maps through your tablet. Good luck and thanks for the feedback!!
I love your reviews! You tell your true opinion…. and that’s amazing these days!!
Thank you! I appreciate that.
I stumbled upon your videos when looking for geniune reviewers of Recumbent Exercise Bikes.
I subscribed because you're so in-depth and honest.
You're also an average guy, not some fitness guru. Which allows you to give a more realistic overview of these machines.
I did have two questions.
1.) How good are the parts and labor warranty on this machine?
2.) Overall for specifically Recumbent Exercise Bikes this one seems to be one of your highest rated. I was wondering which one out of all of them would you recommend for best quality and comfort for price?
Ha, thanks for your comments, we do our best! The parts and labor warranties for the 3G Cardio Elite RB X are very good. The company will stand behind their product and it is easy to get service if needed. The 3G Elite RB is by far my fav of all the bikes, most comfortable , best quality etc... But if someone told me they did not want to spend over $1000 then I would buy the Sole R92 Recumbent Bike. We just posted a review of this bike today actually so you can check it out. Thanks!
Thank you for your detailed reviews! Looking at an exercise bike and your reviews are very helpful.
I see in the intro to this video you have a Quest 2 on while riding this bike. Does this bike sync with any games/apps on the Quest 2 or Quest 3?
Right on, thanks!! The 3G Cardio bike has FTMS Bluetooth and will sync with the Meta Quest headset and all the games, as long as they are VR games like HoloFit.
Thank you so much for posting this video! I have been looking for a bike within my budget that also ticked off all the boxes for quality, adjustability, and size. I'm glad I didn't settle for one of the cheaper models and bought this one instead.
That is great - hope you love it.
Great Review! I am looking at this. Possible interested in the Spirit XBR95 as well. The XBR95 has self-generating power as opposed to plug-in. I am not sure what impact this might have. Your thoughts. Thanks.
Spirit makes a nice bike. I also like the self-gen power. Self gen is typically noisier due to the "whir" of the generator itself. Also, be aware that if you stop pedaling on a self gen bike, most will lose power and cancel out the program. Kind of stinks if you have to get up from your workout for any reason. I think the 3G has an edge comfort / adjustability wise but again, Spirit is a solid bike too.
Thank. The Spirit XBR55ENT has the built in Interactive Screen. The interactive part is important. Otherwise, I get bored. I am thinking 3D Cardio or the XBR55ENT. Any thoughts? I am not concerned with the price. Thanks again!
Found this review after learning about the 3G Cardio RB X, thanks for so much useful info on both it and (in other videos) its competition. I'm planning on buying it, curious what your thoughts are on how well the ratchet straps will work with custom orthotic shoes.
My right leg is 1" shorter than the left after some major surgeries, and the ankle and heel are fused. I have to wear orthotic shoes that include a lift on the right shoe, and right now I forcibly remove any straps on the pedals because they never fit that right shoe. I also have to position my feet with the pedals more under the mid-foot instead of the ball, so I'm not at risk of my feet slipping off or the fused foot getting torqued while pedaling.
Do you think the straps are long enough to accommodate someone with my particular footwear / mobility challenges? I did already confirm with 3G Cardio's customer support that I can cut the straps off with a box cutter if I need to; but it would be nice if I could actually use them.
I really don't think it will be a problem. I have some big feet and there is plenty of strap left. Very easy to adjust the ratchet straps too. Also, the pedals are large and will cover most of your feet.
@@bigguytreadmillreview I got my Elite RB yesterday, and can confirm that the strap was slightly too short for me to use it with my custom shoes. Even with the strap on just the first "click" to hold it in place, I had to fight to get that foot on the pedal and actually pedaling was uncomfortable. Thankfully, the rep was correct that a sharp pair of scissors does indeed cut through it pretty easily. Both pedals are clear of straps now, and my first session on it was glorious!
Mike love your candid reviews. I'm in Canada. I have been looking at Left Fitness RS3 and Spirit XBR95. However based on your review (first time hearing about 3G Cardio), I am seriously thinking this could work better for us. That said, I can't seem to find where to see or buy it in Canada. Would you by chance have any insight to their distribution in Canada? If not, have you reviewed Life Fitness? Tks again!
Just found and listened to your RS3 review and seems it ticked a lot of boxes for you too but still seems the 3G Cardio has advantages. Any chance you will be doing Spirit XBR95...the price point seem lower than both but many good reviews on it.
I really don't know much about the Canadian market. If you cant get a 3G, I would suggest looking at Sole or Spirit or Life Fitness. I like all 3. I think the best to do is try and find a local dealer and go try them out. It is going to come down to comfort. The 3G Cardio is unique because it is so adjustable it kind of fits everyone. With these other 3, one may be amazing and the other just average. But getting on them will tell you right away. I think the Sole would be the best for the money if you did not have the ability to try them out.
The Spirit is actually on our list to be reviewed in a few months. Probably doesn't do you any good for now. I would see if you have a local dealer and go try some of these out. Maybe the best bet for you.
Hi Mike, great review! I bought this bike 2 years ago and I'm wondering if it would be worthwhile to upgrade my controls to the new bluetooth controls?
Depends how bad you want FTMS Bluetooth. I think the upgraded console would cost around $200 and it would be easy to swap out. The nice part is that your tablet would now be your display and you could try a new app whenever you felt like it. Or you could use a VR headset or... you could use Apple TV and broadcast your workout to your TV. I am not usually a fan of the fancy stuff. I hate that most companies lock you into a monthly fee but the FTMS Bluetooth is pretty cool.
Thanks 👍
How does the resistance increments compare to the Sole recumbent bike and does the pedaling motion not feel jerky / or feel like the flywheel is slipping?
Will you be reviewing any Spirit recumbent bikes?
Thanks
Neither the Sole or 3G Cardio create a choppy or jerky feel. Resistance increments are someone similar too. The 3G may be a little smoother especially at the higher resistance but both are great for their respective price. We will be doing some Spirit reviews in the next round - in a few months.
You mentioned upgrades from the previous version. Is there a way to identify the if a model is the newer or older one?
The new model has the "X" on the side rear shroud cover. 3G Cardio Elite RBX Recumbent Bike. It also has a "Bluetooth" logo in the top right corner of the upper display board.
What is the weight of the flywheel?Notcertain if I would like the dial resistance knob.
I think it is 22lbs. There are also resistance adjustment buttons on the side handlebars so you don't have to lean forward.
You mentioned this being a magnetic resistance bike .What is the difference with like a bike from Life Fitness or Spirit Fitness.I am confused.
They are all magnetic resistance. If I didn't mention those on the other bikes its probably because I was hungry. Most higher end bikes use about the same style components for the internal resistance.
Do you have any opinions or experience with Bodycraft cardio equipment??
Thanks
Bodycraft is solid, we sell this brand in our stores too. Bodycraft recently discontinued one of their more popular recumbent models which was a bit of a surprise, that is why we did not do a BC review.
Is it the R200 model??I ask because I came across this model and the price is more in my budget .I am having a hard time deciding between this bike and the 3g cardio bike .The Bodycraft has no reviews that I am aware of.Any help on this model ??
These two bikes have a 18 lb flywheel.Is a heavier weight better like on a spin bike?Which is a better bike in your experience?The Bodycraft or 3g Cardio??
Yeah, the Bodycraft R200 has been discontinued. If you are finding "closeout" pricing then go for it. I do worry a little bit about needing parts 5 years / 7 years down the road. That would be my only concern otherwise, I like Bodycraft.
The flywheel weight does not matter. When you read about that online, that is info from review sites who have no clue what they are talking about. Flywheel weight mattered 40 years ago on those old Tunturi and Schwinn indoor bikes our parents owned (you know, with the little spin resistance dial). The new high end spin bikes use lightweight / high grade components and for the flywheels, lighter is better (and much less wear and tear on the bearings!) And, flywheel weight definitely never mattered on recumbent bikes with free wheel motion.
Well, the 3G Cardio Elite RB is a better quality product. Also, considering the Bodycraft R200 is now discontinued that make it easy for me to point you to the 3G. But, if you can find a smoking deal on a closeout Bodycraft R200 then that may give you reason to go in that direction. Bodycraft is a solid brand and not a department store hunk of junk..
Hi there fellow Big Guy. This review helped me buy the product and I will be receiving it on Monday. Wonder what the distance is between the heart rate monitors if you have that information handy. Hoping this bike helps me be a much smaller big guy. Haha!
Great information, thank you.
Right on! Hope you love it. Do you mean how far a heart rate monitor will send its signal? About 3 feet. If you clap your hands like a seal, that is how far a typical "non coded / universal" heart rate monitor will send its radio signal.
@@bigguytreadmillreview Thanks for this information! I didn't word my question particularly well. What I meant was the distance between the handles next to the seat. I've got exquisite hips, so just wondering if I'd be sitting on them or not. Probably not since I've heard the seat is 16 inches across.
@@bigguytreadmillreview Just got this last Saturday and loving it. Yeah, when I unboxed everything, I had nothing to worry about. The seat itself is definitely wide enough for me.
That is awesome!!! Hope you love it!
Which is better this or. NordicTrack r35
No competition, the 3G Cardio Elite RB X is head and shoulders a better quality bike. Hands down. Not to mention the customer support by 3G is top notch. One example, we bought the Nordic Track R35 for this review and a few days after we assembled it, the flywheel bearing failed (they were grinding). We called NordicTrack for service and it took almost 2 months for them to mail a part. Not cool!
@@bigguytreadmillreviewthank you buying 3G
Awesome
Right on!