3G Cardio Elite UB Upright Bike Review
The 3G Cardio Elite UB Upright Bike is a powerful light commercial upright exercise bike. It has an impressive maximum user weight capacity of 350 lbs. and quite a few features.
It features a motorized magnetic resistance system and is backed by a commercial warranty as well as an excellent in-home warranty. Being an upright bike, it offers users the same riding position as that of road bikes, and offers a low impact cardio workout with low impact on users’ joints.
Published: July 25, 2020.
3G Cardio Elite UB Upright Bike Specifications
- Dimensions when assembled: 41 x 22 ½ x 55 inches (104 x 57 x 140 cm) (L x W x H)
- Weight when assembled: 91 lbs. (41 kg)
- Maximum user weight capacity: 350 lbs. (159 kg)
- Resistance: 16 levels, motorized, magnetic
- Warranty:
- Light commercial: 3 years on parts, 1 year on labor
- In-home: Lifetime on frame, 7 years n parts, 1 year on labor
Features of 3G Cardio Elite UB Upright Bike
Assembly
When the package reaches the user's house, they will find its main body already assembled. This includes all the parts of the bike’s drive and resistance systems that are already attached to the base of the frame and sealed by protective coverings.
Thus, users have to connect only the bases, the seat post and seat, handlebars, console masts, console and pedals. Attaching all this should not take more than half an hour. The manual provides thorough assembly instructions and all the tools required are included.
Frame
Being a light commercial exercise machine, the 3G Cardio Elite UB Upright Bike has an extremely robust frame that can support users weighing up to 350 lbs. The frame features solid steel tubing for its main chassis, and highly durable and heavy-duty console mast and seat post. However, the coverings of the internal mechanism are made of hard plastic.
The frame has a double coating of a scratch-resistant and corrosion-resistant paint. The color is silver for the seat bar and console mast, and dark gray for the base of the frame. But although the paint is corrosion-resistant, the bike should be placed inside. If it’s placed outside, moisture can damage its internal components or console in the long run.
Stability
The 3G Cardio Elite UB is not a very heavy bike, but still, it weighs 91 lbs. (41 kg) which is double the weight of an average outdoor bike. But this very weight makes the bike stable and prevents any wobbling or rocking even if it’s used by a large user at the maximum speed. In addition, it’s base bars feature adjustable stabilizers.
Footprint
Just like most upright bikes, the 3G Cardio Elite UB too is not a large-sized bike. When fully assembled it occupies just 44″L x 22 ½”W (104 x 57 cm) of floor space. Thus, it’s great for those who have a smaller space. However, users should keep a clearance of at least 2 feet on all its sides for safe access and operation of the bike.
Easy Relocation
With the transport wheels on its front base, the 3G Cardio Elite UB is very easy to relocate to its storage space after the users finish their workout.
Seat
The seat of the 3G Cardio Elite UB is quite wide and is coated with a generous layer of cushioning. Its surface is made of sweat-proof, durable faux leather and is contoured. All in all, the seat offers much more comfort than a slim seat of a spin bike.
However, the seat in itself is quite standard and so, may not offer the desired comfort to some users. Fortunately, replacement options are widely available or users can place a gel seat cover or pillow on the seat.
The seat is 4-way adjustable, viz. front, back, up and down. The upright bar offers 10 adjustment positions with a distance of around 1.5” between each two adjustment holes. The horizontal slider too offers several inches of adjustments. Therefore, the bike can well accommodate users in a wide range of heights i.e. from 5’0’ to 6’5” (153 to 196 cm). The upright bar assembly of the seat is heavy-duty so as to hold users up to 350 lbs.
Console
The console of the 3G Cardio Elite UB is pretty much the same as that of the console on the recumbent version 3G Cardio Elite RB Recumbent Exercise Bike
(Amazon link, opens in the new window).
Its LCD display is large and backlit, with large, easily readable digits. The display is multi-panel thus show all workout stats at the same time and so, users don’t need to SCAN them all the time. The stats displayed include distance, time, speed, calories, RPM, watts and pulse.
It goes off if the bike remains inactive for 5 minutes.
The console is telemetric too and can read users’ pulse via the wireless chest strap transmitter which is included. Plus, there are EKG pulse sensors on the handlebars.
Distance and speed can be measured in both miles/km and mph/kmh.
The user data input settings are also available. Thus it allows users to input personal data like gender, age, weight and height which is important for a precise determination of the calories burned and the energy output.
Preset Workout Programs
The 3G Cardio Elite UB offers 16 workout programs that keep users motivated. Among these, there are 12 preset programs that offer various workouts focusing on peak performance, weight loss, intervals, etc., 3 heart rate programs, and 1-watt program. Plus there is a manual mode that allows users to freely adjust the resistance as per their comfort level.
Plus, there are 4 user profiles, goal setting functions, and a recovery function available. The goal-setting function allows users to choose a countdown target for time, distance, calories, and pulse.
The 4 user profiles enable users to create and save 4 custom programs and use them whenever they like or up to 4 persons can use the unit by creating their own profiles.
The recovery function measures users’ heart rate at the end of their workout so as to provide a recovery status from F1 (best) to F6 (worst) which helps users identify their level of fitness.
The console is very easy to use. There is a turn knob on the console with which users can adjust resistance and give values to their goals. There is also a Start/Stop button which allows users to pause and restart their workout without interrupting the program. This is useful if users want to alternate bike workouts with other types of workouts.
The next key is ‘Reset’ which as its name suggests, clears all the stats and makes them zero if required. Last but not the least, there is also a button for recovery function.
Handlebars
Handlebars of the bike are non-adjustable. However, they do provide a multi-grip design with the possibility of a horizontal, upright, and parallel grip. The lower portion of the handlebars feature stainless steel pulse sensors, holding which users can track their pulse which is displayed on the monitor.
The handlebars are entirely covered with a layer of high-density foam which provides an anti-slip, secure, and comfortable grip.
Resistance System
The 3G Cardio Elite UB features a motorized eddy current resistance system which means that the resistance can be adjusted automatically and can be done only from the console. Also, the bike needs to be connected to a power outlet so as to provide resistance. It requires a voltage between 100V and 240V i.e. 50 and 60Hz. An adapter with a power cord is included in the package.
The resistance system contains a metallic, magnetic flywheel, a servo motor and a magnetic brake. When users select a particular resistance setting from the console, the servo motor adjusts the position of the magnetic brake pad so as to provide less or more drag to the flywheel. The brake and flywheel never touch each other and therefore there is no wear and tear. Also, no noise is generated.
Adjusting resistance is easy with a large dial on the console. Also, the resistance is automatically adjusted when users select one of the many preset workout programs as required by that workout.
There are 16 levels of resistance of which the first 3 levels deliver a light resistance, ideal for warming up or recovery training, whereas the 14 to 16 levels deliver high tension, simulating a steep climb, thereby letting users perform intense cardio workouts and a high muscle burn.
Drive System
Similar to most bikes with an eddy current brake, the 3G Cardio Elite UB too features a belt drive system which offers two main advantages. Firstly it’s very quiet as the pedaling motion creates almost no noise. Secondly, it requires no lubrication. The belt is extremely heavy-duty, resistant to stretching and should work for years, even if the bike is used for many hours every day.
Flywheel
The flywheel is perimeter-weighted, so, delivers a very steady and smooth motion even if a higher resistance setting is used. It’s a mid-range weight flywheel and offers a quite consistent momentum. Also, it’s bi-direction and thus allows users to pedal in reverse and bring diversity in the workout.
Crankset
The 3G Cardio Elite UB is equipped with a strong 3-piece crankset, with sturdy steel crank arms. However, users should avoid standing on the pedals as this is an upright bike designed for seated use only.
Pedals
The pedals on the bike feature a metallic core and a strong nylon shell.
They are self-leveling and weighted. Simply put, they feature a small weight beneath them which allows them to always turn face-up when users take their feet away from them. They also have adjustable straps and standard threads.
Q-Factor
Although the exact spacing between the pedals of the 3G Cardio Elite UB has not been specified, the Q-Factor is quite narrow, which means that the position of users’ feet on the pedal is quite natural, without exerting any lateral stress on their joints.
Add-ons
There are not many add-ons featured by the 3G Cardio Elite UB. It only features a small shelf for tablets and an easily accessible water bottle holder.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, the 3G Cardio Elite UB needs only regular cleanup and checking its parts if there are any loosened ones. The internal parts come pre-lubricated from the factory and don’t need any lubrication for a long period.
Pros of 3G Cardio Elite UB Upright Bike
- Strong, commercial-grade construction
- 350 lbs. of maximum user weight capacity
- Excellent stability with the bike’s weight and adjustable stabilizers
- Transport wheels for easy relocation
- Large, cushioned, contoured seat which is 4-way adjustable
- Multi-grip handlebars
- EKG sensors on the handlebars for heart rate monitoring
- Telemetric console with large LCD display with backlight
- HR chest strap included for wireless heart rate monitoring
- Motorized magnetic resistance system with 16 levels of resistance
- Very smooth belt drive
- Almost noiseless operation
- Perimeter-weighted balanced midrange flywheel for a consistent momentum
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps
- 12 preset programs, 3 heart rate programs, 1 watts program and 1 manual program
- Goal settings for time, distance, calories and heart rate
- 4 user profiles available
- Adapter and power cord included
- Tablet holder included
- Water bottle holder included
- Almost maintenance-free
- Excellent warranty
- Excellent customer support
Cons of 3G Cardio Elite Ub Upright Bike
- Not a step-thru design
- No quick resistance settings available
- No online connectivity
- Power cord is short so, users may have to use an extension cord
- No other add-ons like the sound system and workout fan
Bottom Line
The 3G Cardio Elite UB Upright Bike is equipped with a lot of features like 16 workout programs, heart rate monitoring through built-in heart rate sensors as well as an included HR chest strap, large, backlit, telemetric console, 4-way adjustable, generously cushioned and contoured seat to accommodate users of a wide range of heights, a motorized eddy current resistance system with 16 levels and 4 user profiles, along with an impressive maximum user weight capacity for a light commercial bike.
Since it’s a bike with an ergonomic seat, it offers low-impact cardio workout with low impact on users’ joints. It has been designed with a sturdy frame that can last for years even with heavy usage.
Plus, the company stands behind their product with an excellent warranty and customer support. It’s a versatile exercise machine offering light to intense cardio training, endurance training, muscle building and toning, intervals, weight loss, and recovery training too.
Although it’s not very affordably priced, users don’t need to break the bank to buy it and it offers the best value for money.
For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check 3G Cardio Elite UB Upright Bike
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