Keiser M3 and M3i Indoor Cycle Stationary Indoor Trainer Exercise Bike
Keiser M3 and M3i Indoor Cycle Stationary Indoor Trainer Exercise Bike is a great and expensive stationary bike built to last and to provide a quiet, smooth, and realistic cycling workout.
Again, it is expensive, but what you pay is what you get ...
Updated: March 20, 2023.
Keiser M3 and M3i Indoor Cycle Features and Specifications
Keiser M3 Indoor Cycle has been on the market for quite some time and is still popular among those users that need quiet and robust indoor exercise bike for regular use. Its main pros and cons include the following:
Sophisticated indoor training cycle with eddy current resistance system (magnetic system) - a non-wearing resistance system that will last for a long time since there are no parts that are touching each other and causing possible performance and maintenance issues;
- Offers infinitely adjustable resistance system for challenging workouts - this is gym grade exercise bike designed to be used not only by amateur athletes but also professional athletes requiring much more than just spinning the wheel;
- Smooth, whisper-quiet operation - great for people who like to watch TV or listen to music, work out early in the morning while others are still sleeping, etc.
- 4-way adjustable seat - designed to accommodate people of different heights and give them comfort while working out;
- A computer tracks time, distance, calories, heart rate, and power output - great for keeping a workout at desired level;
- Adjustable Shimano combo pedals - they firmly keep feet on the pedals, so be sure not to use just pushing movement by your feet, which is a common error by beginners. Using full circle for applying force on the pedals improves your cycling abilities and increases strength and stamina even more;
- Water bottle holder - helps in keeping things tidy and keeps water close for regular hydration during exercise;
- 3-year warranty - before purchasing equipment that is this expensive, check warranty terms and be sure to read the manual before using this bike;
- The bike has very durable construction with most parts made out of corrosive resistant materials - virtually maintenance free;
Although it is not the lightest exercise bike around (87 pounds, ~40kg), it has transport wheels for moving the bike around - recommendation: position the bike where you like to exercise, keep it there, and exercise as you please.
However, Keiser M3 is quite an expensive exercise bike - it stood the test of time rather well, but it lacks WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity and lacks the use of Google Maps. Call me spoiled, but when it appeared, it was an excellent unit for the money.
Nowadays, many units in this class feature digital displays with Internet connectivity, support iFit membership, and allow the users to cycle through various cities from the privacy of their homes.
Also, four seat positions are maybe a little bit too little; 6-7 different positions could improve working out experience, but the seat and handles are adjustable in all directions, so this is not a serious issue.
But, people who are willing to pay some extra money and who really don't want to bother with all the technicalities required by Google Maps, iFit membership, user profiles, etc., who prefer simplicity and quality, they should consider getting a new Keiser M3 Indoor Cycle.
Over the years (decades!), Keiser M3 was offered in several submodels, differing slightly - they mostly differ in the color of the spinning wheel guard (various shades of gray, black, red, or no guard at all), and the color of the bike itself (various shades of gray and black, for example).
Keiser M3 vs. Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle
Keiser M3 and Keiser M3i are two very similar indoor exercise bikes, with the Keiser M3i being a newer model. As its name suggests, Keiser M3i is a Bluetooth-enabled unit, which allows the user to connect the unit to various fitness Apps.
Also, they differ slightly in size and weight:
- Keiser M3 (H x W x D): 44 x 26 x 51 inches (1118 x 661 x 1296 mm), 87 pounds (~40 kg),
- Keiser M3 (H x W x D): 49 x 26 x 51 inches (1245 x 661 x 1296 mm), 92 pounds (~42 kg).
Other than that, these units are very similar and include V-shaped construction, magnetic resistance, rear-wheel design, self-tensioning zero-maintenance Poly-V Belt Drive, etc.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to follow the Keiser M3 Indoor Cycle and Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle Amazon links (links open in the new window).