Lifespan R3 Recumbent – Pros and Cons
Lifespan R3i Recumbent Bike Review
The Lifespan R3i recumbent is a premium bike with some higher end features that aim to make your workouts more comfortable. For example, you get the easy step-through design and a mesh seat back to keep you cool.
Plus the seat adjusts 2 ways. You can move the entire seat forward or back. You can also adjust the seat back to an angle that suits you.
So is the Lifespan R3i recumbent a good buy for you? Here’s a review of the pros and cons to help you decide:
Basics:
Price: $1499 + Free Shipping
Resistance: 16
Built-In Workouts: 10
User Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
Hand Grip Heart Rate Sensors
Warranty: Lifetime Frame, 5 Year parts and 2 year labor
Lifespan R3i Recumbent Bike Review – Pros
Easily Adjustable Seat
Most recumbent bikes will adjust forward or back. However, usually only the premium bikes lets you adjust the seat back angle – so you can lean back if you want.
The R3i does offer this option, which can make your workouts more comfortable since you can find the right seating position for you. This is especially handy if you have lower back problems.
Mesh Back Seat
The mesh-type back seat is a great option since it allows air to circulate and keeps you cool during your workouts.
Intelli-Key Console Lighting System
This is a smart lighting system which helps you start your workout quickly. Each console button flashes in blue in the proper sequence during the set-up process so you can get moving, faster.
iPod Dock
While it’s fairly standard, it’s still nice to be able to plug in your iPod and listen to your favorite tunes through the built-in speakers.
Lifespan Fitness Club Membership
This is a cool feature that is unique to Lifespan. You can plug in a USB drive into the console and it will record your workouts.
Then you can upload it to the Lifespan Fitness online club. It will log and track your fitness workouts – which is a great way to track your progress. It also uses your weight, age, height and other statistics to give you a more accurate calories-burned reading.
Extra Long Warranty
With 2 years on service (lifetime on frame and 5 year on parts), this is one of the longer warranties on the market, giving you excellent protection on your investment.
Lifespan R3i Recumbent Bike Review – Cons
The resistance levels are a bit low on this bike (only 16), especially considering the price point. This might mean you top out fairly quickly if you plan on using the bike frequently.
Also, the price is a bit high considering what you get. Compared to similar premium bikes on the market like the Nordictrack Commercial VR Pro or Sole R92, it just seems a bit on the high end.
Bottom Line?
If you’re looking for a solid, premium recumbent built with a full adjustable seat and step-through design, you may want to consider the Lifespan R3i. It’s built for added comfort and even has arm rests similar to what you find on an actual chair (instead of bars at the side of the bike seat).
While it’s a bit on the high side for a premium recumbent, you are getting a strong, well made bike with a great warranty. If you like the Lifespan name, this one is worth checking out.
Where To Buy and Save
You can get the Lifespan R3i direct from the Manufacturer here. Plus they’re currently offering Free Shipping which should save you about $150 on a bike this size.
Click Here to Save On the Lifespan R3i Recumbent Bike
