Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Er Kang Elliptical Bike Check Discounted Price | L:37" W:20" H:60" | 264 lbs | 15 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Odometer, Speed, Calories, Pulse, Scan, Goals |
The ER Kang 2-in-1 is one of the fitness machines released in 2020. It’s a cardio exerciser that combines an elliptical trainer and an upright bike. In terms of features, it is similar to the XTERRA Fitness EU100, however, it has a slightly heavier internal flywheel.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 37L x 20W x 60H inches (94L x 51W x 152H cm)
- Assembled weight: 79 lbs (36 kg)
- Supported weight: 264 lbs (120 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 15 lbs (6.8 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Stride: 13 inches (33 cm)
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Console: Time, speed, distance, total distance, calories, pulse, goals, scan
- Extras: Device holder
- Warranty: 10 months
Frame construction
The ER KANG 2-in-1 elliptical bike features a steel frame combining oval, rectangular, and cylindrical bars in its construction. It has an “H” type frame and a low center of gravity for improved stability. It also has adjustable levelers on its front base.
All the steel parts in its construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. Most of them are black in color, with the exception of the seat post which has a gray paint finish. The drive system covers are made of a durable thermoplastic material. They are also black to match the rest of the machine. These are the only colors available for this trainer, at least for the moment.
The fully assembled trainer is not too large. Its footprint is 37″L x 20″W (94 x 51 cm), however, it is a bit wider at the top of the moving arms, so its overall width is approx. 25″ (63.5 cm). It is also recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access.
The fully assembled trainer is not super heavy but does weigh approx. 79 lbs (36 kg). Therefore, the transport of the packaged unit should be done by two people. However, once it is assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person as its front base stabilizer has transport wheels.
Seat and other parts
The ER KANG 2-in-1 elliptical & exercise bike is equipped with a seat designed for superior comfort. The saddle is constructed on a tough shell made of nylon material, covered by a thick layer of foam padding, and with a durable vinyl on top. It also has a large groove in the middle for improved breathability.
The seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post offers an adjustment span of approx. 5.9″ (15 cm), with a maximum height of 39″ (99 cm). Its horizontal post offers 4.3″ (11 cm) of extra front-to-back adjustment. This being said, seat-wise the trainer should be able to accommodate users up to 6’2″ (188 cm).
The machine is equipped with a set of large pedals. They are made of a durable thermoplastic material and attached to a set of rectangular steel tubes. They have a textured surface and all-around side guards for improved foot stability. However, they do not have any cushioning elements or articulations. They are sturdy enough to support users up to 264 lbs (120 kg).
Like most other fitness machines of this type, the ER KANG model features two sets of handlebars, one mobile, one fixed. The mobile handlebars have long and curved grips with ball grips at the top. They are attached to the pedal bars, so they will move for as long as you pedal; they cannot be locked to remain stationary.
The fixed handlebars have shorter grips and lack the ball grips at their ends. They are adjustable; there is a small knob on their attachment point to the main post of the machine, so you can adjust their angle. They also integrate pulse sensors.
Elliptical path, stride, and pedal height
Like most rear-drive elliptical trainers, the ER KANG 2-in-1 machine features an elliptical path slightly inclined forward. Therefore, the standing up workout resembles a descent on a soft ramp. This type of workout will put more focus on your thighs, glutes, and calves.
The machine does not have an incline system. Therefore, the position of its elliptical path cannot be adjusted. It also has a fixed stride of 13″ (33 cm). This being said, when used as an elliptical, the machine should be able to accommodate comfortably users up to 6’0″ (183 cm). Of course, taller persons should still be able to use this machine but may not benefit from a complete range of motion.
At their lowest point, the pedals are at approx. approx. 6.5″ (16 cm). Conversely, at their highest point, the pedals reach approx. 16″ (41 cm) above floor level. Therefore, 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.
Resistance and drive
The ER KANG 2-in-1 cardio trainer is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This being said, you don’t need a power adapter for it, or an external power source. However, since the resistance adjustments can only be done manually, the fitness monitor does not have workout programs and cannot automatically control the resistance adjustment.
The trainer’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake which is attached to the internal flywheel system and to the knob at the top of the main upright bar. By turning this knob clockwise, the brake moves closer to the flywheel which increases the pedal resistance. Conversely, by turning the knob left, the brake moves farther from the flywheel which reduces the workout load.
The machine makes available 8 tension levels. The lowest difficulty setting delivers a very light resistance which is great for recovery training. On the other hand, the 8th tension level provides considerably more resistance, giving you the possibility to boost your cardiovascular rate, improves strength and stamina, and burn more calories.
The machine integrates a 15-lb (6.8 kg) flywheel. It has a perimeter-weighted structure for improved inertia. It is also bi-directional so you can pedal in reverse if you want.
The internal drivetrain consists of a 7-slot rubber belt designed for superior traction and highly resistant to stretching. Since it’s a belt drive, not a chain drive, it does not require periodic lubrication. It also delivers slightly less vibration than a chain, contributing to the overall smoothness of the ride.
Fitness monitor
The ER KANG elliptical and upright bike exerciser includes a fairly basic fitness monitor. As we’ve mentioned above, it does not have any pre-set programs or Bluetooth connectivity. It features an LCD display that tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It is not telemetric. This means that it cannot track your pulse from a wireless heart rate transmitter. So, in order to have it read your pulse, you have to hold on to the metallic sensors integrated into the fixed handlebars.
Although the unit does not have built-in pre-set programs, it does offer the possibility to select workout goals for time, distance, and calories. Once a goal is selected, the monitor will count down from the selected value indicating the remaining value until it reaches zero.
The unit is fairly easy to use. It has three buttons – Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to select the workout metric that you want to view or select the Scan Mode which automatically rotates all the metrics showing each one for a few seconds. The Set button is for workout goal selection. The Reset button clears all the values on the monitor to zero.
The monitor integrates a device holder. This accessory consists of a small shelf at the bottom of the unit which gives you the possibility to place your smartphone or tablet on it. However, the unit does not have any ports for connecting your device. And finally, the unit is battery-powered and has an automatic turn-off function if it does not detect any pedal movement for more than a few minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the machine comes pre-assembled. However, the rest of the parts do require user assembly. You will basically have to attach the two base bars, the pedal bars, the pedal trays, connect the two moving arms, the fixed handlebar, and the fitness monitor. This may take more than an hour, but the task is pretty straightforward. Plus, the manual provides clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are 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. Other than this, it is recommended to periodically inspect the machine for loose or broken parts.
The Pros
- Double functionality – elliptical trainer and upright bike;
- Sturdy construction – can hold users up to 264 lbs (120 kg);
- Adjustable stabilizers and transport wheels;
- Four-way adjustable seat;
- Thick padding on the saddle and a median groove for improved breathability;
- Large, textured pedals with side guards for improved foot stability;
- Moving arms with ball grips at the top;
- The short grips are angle-adjustable;
- Pulse reading function;
- Zero-friction magnetic resistance;
- 8 levels of resistance;
- Quiet belt drive system;
- Fitness monitor included – it can track time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- Device holder integrated into the fitness monitor;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Tools for assembly are included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No bottle holder;
- No backlight on the fitness monitor;
- No online connectivity.
Summary
The ER KANG 2-in-1 cardio exerciser is a combination between an elliptical trainer and an upright exercise bike. It is equipped with an 8-level magnetic resistance system, a high-comfort 4-way adjustable seat, two large pedals, and a fitness monitor that tracks all the important workout metrics. It’s a fairly decent machine for light to medium-intensity cardio training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.