Body Champ BRT1875 Trio Trainer

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Resistance	Console	Warranty
Body Champ BRT1875 Check Discounted Price	L:42" W:19" H:63"	250 lbs	Manual magnetic, 8 levels	Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, Pulse, SCAN	1 year limited

The Body Champ BRT1875 Trio Trainer features a similar construction to the BRT6300 that we’ve already reviewed here. However, its resistance system is not motorized. Also, its console does not have preset programs; but on the other, hand, the BRT1875 is considerably more affordable.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 42L x 19W x 63H inches (107L x 48W x 160H cm)
• Assembled weight: 78.5 lbs (35.6 kg)
• Supported weight: 250 lbs (113 kg)
• Seat: 4-way adjustable
• Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
• Console: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, scan
• Extras: Media holder
• Warranty: 1 year limited

Frame construction

Like most other elliptical trainers and hybrid trainers, the Body Champ BRT1875 has a frame made of steel tubing, with a pretty sturdy construction, being rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 250 lbs (113 kg). Of course, the machine also integrates several ABS plastic parts. For example, the covers of the drive and resistance elements, the pedals, and several other small covers are ABS-made. Also, all the steel parts in the machine’s construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish, The colors used are dark gray for most of the frame, and black for the seat base bars.

Compared to other similar trainers, the BRT1875 model has a smaller footprint. With the frame fully assembled, it only takes 42″L x 19″W (107 x 48 cm) of floor space. However, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for safe operation and ease of access.

The fully assembled unit is not extremely heavy. It weighs approx. 78.5 lbs (35.6 kg), though, which is enough to provide plenty of stability. Its rear base bar features two polygonal caps which can be rotated, allowing you to stabilize your unit if needed. Conversely, the caps of the front base bars are cylindrical; they also rotated and can serve as transportation wheels in case you need to relocate the machine.

Seat, pedals, and handlebars

The Body Champ BRT1875 Trio Trainer is equipped with a 4-way adjustable (up, down, front, back) seat. Its upright post features 5 adjustment positions with approx. 1″ (2.5 cm) in between. Its horizontal slider also offers approx. 3″ (7.6 cm) of front to back adjustment. This being said, the unit can accommodate comfortably users up to 6’2″ (188 cm).

In case you’re wondering, the backrest does not recline. It is directly attached to the seat frame and will move up/down or front/back with the rest of the seat.

In terms of comfort, both the seat pad and the backrest pad integrate 2″ (5 cm) of foam cushioning. They’re approx. 14″ (35.5 cm) wide and offer plenty of contact surface. Their upholstery is made of durable vinyl material, with the Body Champ logo on the backrest.

The unit’s pedals are attached to a set of steel bars; they’re designed to support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg). The main pedal trays feature a textured surface and slightly higher inner edges to provide more foot stability. They’re large enough to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They are non-adjustable and do not integrate any extra cushioning or articulation; they attach directly to their bars via three screws each.

Since it’s a hybrid trainer, the BRT1875 also has pedal elements for usage as a recumbent bike. These two pedal elements are attached at the front of the larger pedal trays. They’re also ABS made with a textured surface.

The machine does not have an incline system. Its exact stride length is not specified either, but as a general idea, it should be between 11″ and 13″ (28 – 33 cm). The elliptical path is not completely horizontal. It is inclined forward by 1-2 degrees. Therefore, when using the machine as an elliptical trainer, the feel of the ride resembles a descension on a very soft ramp.

The pedal step-up height is approx. 6″ (18 cm), while the highest pedal point is approx. 15″ (38 cm). Thus, it is recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.

This Body Champ Trio Trainer is equipped with three sets of handlebars. One is attached to the seat frame. It consists of two simple side grips designed to provide extra stability when you use the machine as a recumbent bike. The second and third set of handlebars are characteristic to most elliptical trainers. The front fixed handlebars integrate metallic pulse sensors. The mobile handlebars are attached both to the front mast of the machine and to the pedals. They are slightly curved forward and they have top rounded grips. They cannot be locked and will move for as long as you pedal.

Drive and resistance

The Body Champ BRT1875 is equipped with a balanced internal flywheel. Its exact weight is not specified but considering that the weight of the machine is approx. 78 lbs, its flywheel should weigh around 20 lbs (9 kg). This being said, it provides a pretty consistent momentum and a steady pedaling motion.

The unit’s flywheel is bi-directional. This means you can pedal in reverse if you want. However, coasting is not possible on it. The pedals and the mobile arms of the machine will continue to move for as long as the internal flywheel is spinning.

The machine’s drivetrain uses a durable, stretch-resistant belt. This being said, its transmission does not need any lubrication or maintenance. Also, the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet.

Just like the XTERRA Fitness EU100 hybrid trainer, the BRT 1875 features a manual magnetic resistance system. This means you don’t have to connect it to a power source. The resistance is done manually, from the dial on the front upright bar of the machine. Also, the console cannot automatically adjust the resistance and does not have preset programs like for the motorized trainers.

The unit’s resistance system consists of an internal magnetic brake. This brake is connected to the tension dial through a steel cable. Therefore, when you turn the dial, the brake will move closer or farther from the flywheel, which increases or decreases the pedal resistance.

There are 8 distinct tension levels available. The lowest difficulty setting delivers a very light resistance which is great for recovery training. Conversely, the 8th tension level provides considerably more resistance, giving you the possibility to boost your cardiovascular rate.

Console

As we’ve mentioned above, the unit’s console does not have preset programs and does not control the machine’s resistance in any way. It’s basically just a fitness meter. It is equipped with an LCD display which indicates time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It is not telemetric, which means it cannot communicate with a wireless HR chest strap. Therefore, if you want to use the pulse reading function, you will have to hold on to the sensors integrated into the front stationary handlebars.

The console unit is very easy to use. It has four buttons, these being Up, Down, Mode, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to either select one of the workout metrics to be shown on the display, or select the Scan Mode which rotates all the metrics, showing each one for a few seconds. It also allows you to enter setup mode and select a workout goal for time, distance, or calories. This can be done via the Up/Down buttons. When a goal is selected, the unit will show the remaining value until the completion of the goal. And finally, the Reset button allows you to clear all the values on the console to zero.

The console unit is battery powered. It starts up when you begin pedaling or when you press the Mode button. It also automatically shuts off if it does not detect any pedal movement for several minutes.

Last but not least, the machine’s console integrates a tablet holder. It provides a fairly large support platform in order to accommodate any tablet or smartphone. However, since the console is basic and battery-powered, there are no connection ports for your tablet or phone.

Assembly and Maintenance

The main unit of the machine comes pre-assembled. However, there still are quite a few parts that require assembly. As a general idea, you will have to attach the two base bars to the main frame, add the seat, the backrest, the seat handlebars, the front mast, the front handlebars, the pedals, and connect the console. This may take more than an hour, but the task is pretty much straightforward. Plus, the manual provides very clear assembly instructions and a set of basic tools for it is included.

Once the machine is assembled, it doesn’t require too much maintenance. Its joints may need a bit of lubrication from time to time. Its internal parts should not require any maintenance for a very long period of time. Other than this, it is recommended to periodically inspect the machine for loose or broken parts.

The Pros

• Triple functionality – elliptical trainer, upright bike, and recumbent bike;
• Sturdy construction – can hold users up to 250 lbs (113 kg);
• Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Large, durable pedals;
• Generously cushioned pads on the seat and backrest;
• Four-way adjustable seat;
• Pulse reading function;
• Zero-friction magnetic resistance;
• 8 levels of resistance;
• Quiet belt drive system;
• Exercise meter included – it can track time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
• Goal settings and Scan Mode;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Tools for assembly are included;
• Little maintenance required.

The Cons

• No bottle holder;
• No backlight on the meter display.

Summary

The Body Champ BRT1875 is a triple-function fitness machine, combining an elliptical trainer, an upright bike, and a recumbent bike. It features a sturdy frame, a manual magnetic resistance system, offers 4-way adjustability for the seat, and also includes an exercise meter. It’s perfect for light to medium cardio workouts, muscle toning, interval training, building stamina and losing weight. In all, it’s a versatile and quite an affordable fitness machine.