3G Cardio Elite RB Recumbent Bike – A Detailed Review

Today, a lot of people are switching their focus towards recumbent bikes, mainly because of their popularity and advanced features. The 3G Cardio elite RB recumbent bike is one of the most luxurious and comfortable options on the market that will wow everyone with its specs and price. In general, it is quite an impressive home gym equipment with no reason for the buyers to be disappointed with their purchase.

This article covers every aspect of the 3G cardio elite RB recumbent bike along with its pros and cons and highlight features. After reading this review, you will know if this product is a suitable choice for your home/office or not.

3G Cardio Elite RB Recumbent Bike Specifications and Review

Manual/quick start Yes
Pre-set programs 12 built-in programs
Heart rate programs 3 built-in programs
Watt 1 built-in program
Number of user profiles 4 users
Heart rate controlWireless HR strap included with the purchase alongside handheld grips
Magnetic resistance16 levels
Console display options Watt, RPM, time, calories, distance, and heart rate
Seat 3-way multi-position adjustable seat, 25 forward/backward positions, 5 seat tilt positions, multi-position reclining mesh seatback
Maximum user weight 350 pounds
Assembled size Length: 49 inches

Width: 27 inches

Height: 43 inches

Bike’s net weight115 pounds
Bike’s gross weight 137 pounds
Pedals With adjustable straps
Handlebars Fixed with pulse sensors
Other amenities Tablet shelf, bottle holder, and accessory holder

 

Pros
  • Comes with a good warranty
  • Little to zero maintenance
  • Reliable and professional built
  • Stylish and appealing design
  • Excellent maximum weight capacity
  • Features transport wheels at the front
  • Well contoured and cushioned seat
  • Strong, breathable, and flexible backrest
  • Multiple tilt positions
  • Smooth and noise-free belt drive
  • Pedals with adjustable straps
  • Bright LCD with backlight
  • Convenient assembling
Cons
  • Lacks fitness application synchronization/compatibility

3G Cardio Elite RB Recumbent Bike Features

  • Frame, Construction, and Overall Design

This best commercial recumbent bike is a lightweight product but constructed around a durable steel frame. The frame helps accommodate people up to 159 kg, which is quite impressive considering the bike’s price. Every frame component consists of a corrosion-proof powder coating, which is light grey for the upper parts and dark grey for the lower parts.  The light grey and black  PVC cover adds style and durability to the bike and augment its appeal for the buyers.

Thanks to its compact and lightweight design, the 3G Cardio elite RB recumbent bike features a very small footprint. It will not take much space in your house, so it is a decent option to consider, especially if you are short on space.

Even though you cannot fold the frame, the bike features rollers at the front to facilitate transport and relocation. Its 52 kg weight contributes well to the overall stability while riding, so you are never worried about your safety, even during the most challenging workout sessions. The bike lacks a step-thru design due to the location of its flywheels but still supports the convenient entry and exit for people of all ages.

  • Seat, Handlebars, and Pedal

The most notable feature of the 3G cardio elite RB recumbent bike is its large, wide, well-contoured, 16-inches, comfortable, padded seat. The biggest benefit of this wide seat is the infinite airflow mesh flex with an adjustable backrest reclining design. This feature is supple enough to adjust to different body shapes and sizes in order to deliver the most ideal comfort required for longer training sessions.

The multi-position adjustable seat of the bike can easily be altered to suit the user’s demands. You can adjust it to 25 different forward/back and 5 tilt positions as per your exercises. Another feature to look forward to are the seat levers. One lever is located at the right side of the bike, while the other one is situated under the seat. You can use the side lever to angle your seat or the under one to adjust it forward/backward.

This recumbent bike with an adjustable back features two sets of handlebars; one attached to the console mat and the other to the seat assembly. Both sets are plain yet coated with a quality rubber foam material for a secure and comfortable grip during aggressive workouts. The handlebars are fixed and also offer a wide range of workout postures for different types of exercises. The seat’s handlebar features a metallic EKG heart sensor with a resistant adjustment button.

A simple set of metallic core, anti-slip pedals are present with adjustable safety straps. With such a unique feature, you are free to use your standard gym shoes or ride the bike barefoot as per your comfort level. The pedals come with 9/16 inches thread and 7 inches chrome crank’s arm length. It gives you the authority to swap the pedals with another pedal pair of choice while exercising.  As far as the Q factor is concerned, it is seven inches from inner pedal to inner pedal, which works great if you wish to achieve an optimal workout experience.

  • Drive

When it comes to the 3G cardio elite RB recumbent bike’s drive, it is a bit different from all the other products in the market. It features a pulley with a crankset, whereas the pedals are present at the front. On the other hand, the magnetic brakes and flywheel are located at the rear, under the bike’s seat.

One more thing to know here is that the bike utilizes a long transmission belt to connect the flywheel and pulley. Since it is different from the standard chain transmission, the bike’s working is noiseless and almost silent.  The flywheel’s weight is not exactly provided by the manufacturer, but as per our suggestions, you will find it somewhere between 7-9 kg (16-20 pounds). Know that it is a weighted perimeter flywheel, so delivers steady momentum with convenient, smooth-pedaling movements.

As stated above, the Q factor is a little narrow, which ensures the rider does not experience any type of pain or lateral stress on his knees or ankles while working out.

  • Resistance

The magnetic brake pad and the flywheel make up the resistance system of this recumbent bike. Alternatively, we can say that the 3G Cardio elite RB recumbent bike features an ECB or electromagnetic resistance system that feels smooth while riding. This system responds quickly to the resistance changes as it can be done electronically using the given handlebars by the seat.  Thanks to this feature, you can instantly alter the resistance levels without struggling with manual magnetic resistance systems.  There is no need to use the tension knobs or turn it clockwise/anticlockwise in order to shift the resistance levels.

However, note that there is a resistance control knob over the console whose working is similar to the typical tension knobs mentioned above. The only difference here is that many recumbent bikes with manual magnetic systems barely have preset resistance levels. What’s best is its 16 levels of resistance, which is more than enough for people of all fitness levels.

In general, elderly people are sure to find a suitable lower resistance, whereas the other ones are better for advanced fitness gurus, athletes, beginners, and people suffering from injuries or undergoing physical therapy. You can use different resistance levels in different kinds of workout sessions then compare strength and endurance to track your physical training abilities.

The bike has no wearing part since the resistance is generated without any direct contact with the magnetic brake pad and the flywheel. Rather, it emits when the magnetic brake pads release a magnetic field around the flywheel. Owing to this motorized nature, you must plug your bike into a 100V-240V (50-60HZ) power outlet for the resistance to work smoothly and effortlessly while riding.  Some onboard programs might alter the resistance automatically based on your workout segment/intensity.

  • The Console Unit

The 3G Cardio elite RB recumbent bike features an advanced console unit compared to other recumbent bikes of the same price range. Firstly, it comes with a high-quality, large LCD display with large digits and a blue LED backlight to provide excellent, clear readability to the user. Every reading will be displayed on the screen simultaneously, so there is no need to use the SCAN option to know your stats.

The exercise metrics displayed include RPM, distance, speed, time, watts, pulse, and calories. Other settings included in the unit are data input settings (weight, gender, age, and height). With this feature, you can also calculate your energy output and calorie burned levels with precision. The distance and speed data, on the other hand, can be estimated in metric or imperial units.

EKG sensors located in the seat handlebars are great for tracking your heart rate. Since it is telemetric, it can read your pulse using wireless HR chest strap transmitters.

The only downside of the 3G cardio elite RB recumbent bike is that it lacks online connectivity features. Still, the console is able to deliver 16 different programs to keep you focused and motivated towards your fitness goals. You can use the manual mode to adjust the resistance as per your requirements or count on 12 preset programs for peak performance, interval, and weight loss.  A 1-watt and 3 heart programs are also given for further user convenience.

Apart from these useful workout programs, you can benefit from four user profiles, goal settings, and recovery functions. With the help of this feature, you can opt for a targeted countdown time calories, time, distance, and pulse, then keep on working out until you have reached the desired objectives. Four user profiles help create and save up to four customized programs and then use them later whenever required. Four of your family members can use the bike at once and keep their own programs and personal data within the unit.

The best thing about the console is that it is quite easy to operate. Providing values to your aims as well as resistance adjustments can be done via turn knob over the console. A start/stop button gives the authority to pause/resume the workout session without altering the ongoing program. The given reset key is convenient and may clear all the values to zero when needed.

The most highlighted non-fitness feature of the console is the tablet tray located right under the display. You will also find a very small compartment under the console keypad to keep small items or accessories while working out. Unfortunately, there is no sound system or integrated cooling fan, a feature that you can overlook considering the other advantages and benefits of the bike.

  • Assembling

The assembling procedure for the 3G cardio elite RB recumbent bike is quite straightforward. The manufacturers have provided the users with clear and easy-to-follow instructions. The illustrations are understandable and make complete sense. What compels the user towards the instruction manual is its large and visible images. Each image is fitting and does a very good job at telling which part goes where.

Another benefit the manufacturers offer is that the bike’s part and hardware are properly labeled, so you are well aware of the nuts and bolts needed at the time of setup. Almost all the fancy tools required for the assembling, like wrenches, Allen wrenches, and screwdrivers are included in the package, which is pretty impressive for people with no knowledge of tools and toolbox. Even if you are new to all the handiwork, you can have this bike up and running in no amount of time.

  • Storage

Storing or stowing the bike is also very convenient. Thanks to its compact size and very small footprint of 49 inches long and 27 inches wide, you can keep it stored even in the tightest of all spaces without any problem. Though it weighs 115 pounds, relocation is quite easy and hassle-free. Moreover, there is a set of transport wheels at the base and a large handle at the back for convenient movement and transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is 3G Cardio Elite RB Recumbent Bike Good For Cardio Workout?

This recumbent bike is more forgiving for your body as compared to treadmills and other home gym equipment. The biggest benefit of this bike includes getting an extremely solid indoor cardio workout.

  1. Is There Enough Room For My Knees?

The 3G Cardio elite RB recumbent bike has enough room for your knees. It is designed in a way to support people from 5’-6’5” comfortably. The seat is also adjustable to accommodate people of different heights and weights.

  1. Does The 3G Cardio Elite RB Recumbent Bike Plug Into The Wall?

Yes. The unit must be plugged into the wall from the back to avoid shutting down when you stop pedaling it or pedal too slow.

Final Thoughts

3G Cardio elite RB is a straightforward, commercial-grade recumbent bike that is sure to impress both beginners and advanced trainers with its features. Though it is still an underrated product, it has the ability to work well for light, medium, and aggressive training sessions. Every feature is good enough to justify the price range and make it an unforgettable art of quality and craftsmanship.

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Written By BikeMaster Brian

BikeMaster Brian – Your Exercise Bike Expert

Known across the fitness community as "BikeMaster Brian," Brian has devoted over a decade to the world of exercise bikes. With a Bachelor's Degree in Kinetics and a Master's in Sports Engineering, Brian seamlessly blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on expertise.

From road-testing the latest stationary bikes to examining the ergonomics of bike seats, BikeMaster Brian's holistic approach has made him a respected name in fitness cycling. With over 300 exercise bike reviews under his belt, he possesses an unparalleled understanding of quality, performance, and cycling innovation.

At BikeFitHub, Brian's goal is to guide both seasoned enthusiasts and beginners towards their ideal cycling experience. His articles, rich in insights about the biomechanics of pedaling and the cardiovascular benefits of indoor cycling, are a testament to his dedication.

Outside of writing and reviewing, BikeMaster Brian can often be spotted on picturesque trails, further nurturing his profound love for all things bike.