Horizon GR3 Indoor Cycle Review

05/09/201910/04/2020 FitnessEquipmentGuide horizon, under $600

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Horizon GR3 Indoor Training Bike Review — Horizon GR3

The Horizon GR3 Indoor bike is a new, super-affordable indoor training bike from Horizon this year.

It gives you some great basics for a solid cycling workout – like multiple-position handlebars, adjustable road-style seat and easy-to-read LCD display.

Plus with a 48-pound flywheel, it feels extra smooth when you transition between resistance levels.

It also comes with something most bikes at this price point don’t – several built-in workouts. So you can add some extra challenge to your workouts as you ride.

Is the Horizon GR3 Indoor bike a good choice for you?

Here’s what you need to know before you buy:

Basics:

Price: $499 + Click Here for Free Shipping

Resistance: Tension Knob

User Weight Capacity: 286 lbs

Footprint: 49″ L x 19″ W x 46″ H

Console Displays: Time, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate, RPM, Speed

Warranty: 10 years on Frame, 1 year on Parts and Labor

Horizon GR3 Indoor Bike Review – The Pros:

Heavy 48-Pound Flywheel

The heavier flywheel can help give you a smoother-feeling ride, especially during resistance changes.

It also helps to anchor the bike for a more stable feel.

Bright LCD Console

Most bikes at this price point have a non-backlit console (which are notoriously hard to read).

However the Horizon GR3 bike has a bright LCD console that – while still quite small – is a lot easier to read than the non-backlit consoles you usually find on these bikes.

Glow Ride Lighting System

The console also comes with a glow ride lighting system that leads you through 3 different phasese of riding to simulate road cycling.

This is handy for interval training and for keeping you motivated as you go through your workout.

Multiple Grip Positions

The handlebars are curved with multiple grip positions. So you can choose a grip that feels comfortable for you.

The handlebars are also vertically adjustable so you can find the most comfortable position for your height.

Adjustable Seat

The seat is also adjustable both vertically and horizontally.

Wireless Heart Rate Monitoring

This bike will also work with a wireless heart rate monitor (not included with the bike) and will give you a constant display of your heart rate as you ride. So you can stay in your target heart rate zone.

Horizon GR3 Indoor Cycle Review – The Cons:

Simple and Basic

While the basics are there, you don’t get much else with this bike. The console is small without a lot of frills or extras.

There are no wireless tracking options, no media shelf or place to hold your tablet, no speakers or console cooling fan, no power resistance controls (which are all things you find on higher-end indoor bikes these days). Still for this price point, you can’t really expect to get those extras.

Resistance Knob Tension

You don’t get power or digital resistance on this bike – it works with a knob tension style of resistance.

Some people don’t like this as you can’t really control exactly the level of resistance you’re at (so you can’t set goals and get better over time or adjust the resistance from the console.)

Low User Weight Capacity

At only 286 pounds for the user weight capacity, this bike can’t hold a lot (compared to other home training bikes that range from 300 pounds to 400 pounds). It should be ok for light workouts – but it probably won’t hold up well under too many overly aggressive workouts.

Bottom Line?

The Horizon GR3 indoor bike is a super-affordable indoor training bike with all the basics you’ll need for a decent workout.

You get a stable design with a heavy flywheel, adjustable seat and handlebars. Plus you also get a bright, easy to read LCD console to see your workout stats.

However just be aware this this bike is extremely bare-bones.

You don’t get anything extra here to make your workouts more fun or comfortable. The console – while bright – is quite small at 5 inches across. There are no extras included like console speakers or iPhone docks, online tracking, media shelves to hold your tablet or digital resistance controls.

Bikes you may want to compare it to include the Nordictrack Grand Tour or the Proform 8.0 EX Upright.

Where to Buy and Save:

You can save on the Horizon GR3 indoor cycling bike direct from the Manufacturer here. You can get Free Shipping to your home which can save you about $150 – and read the latest user reviews.