| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Assembled weight | Resistance | Fitness monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HCI CXT Check Discounted Price | L:48" W:24" H:40" | 300 lbs | 75 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Pulse, Goals |
The HCI Fitness CXT Physiotrainer is a recumbent bike and elliptical cross trainer hybrid. It’s a fitness machine for home use, featuring a manual magnetic resistance system. It doesn’t have workout programs or online connectivity but does offer excellent comfort.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 48L x 24W x 40H inches (122L x 61W x 101H cm)
- Assembled weight: 75 lbs (34 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Handlebars: Mobile and fixed
- Frame: Adjustable
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse
- Extras: Elastic bands with D-handles
- Warranty: Frame 90 days / Moving parts 90 days / Non-moving parts 1 year
Frame construction
The HCI Fitness CXT Physiotrainer features a steel frame made of two main parts. The rear part sustains the seat
while the front part supports the drive and resistance mechanism, the front mast of the machine, the fitness monitor, and the moving arms. The rear part with the seat has several adjustment positions on the base bar; it slides into the front part of the frame and the two frame sections are secured together with a turn knob.
The trainer’s frame combines rectangular, oval, and cylindrical tubes in its construction. They’re all double-coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this machine.
The CXT Physiotrainer is not a super large fitness machine. Its net footprint is approx. 48″L x 24″W (122 x 61 cm), while the grips of its moving arms reach approx. 40″ (101 cm) above the floor. It is recommended, though, to allow at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access.
Speaking of ease of access, like many other recumbent bikes the CXT features a step-through design. This allows for easy access to the seat which can be a plus for users with certain disabilities.
Last but not least, the trainer is not super heavy but does weigh approx. 75 lbs (34 kg). It does not have transport wheels, so its relocation may not be easy for everyone. Its rear stabilizer is equipped with two adjustable levelers.
Seat and handlebars
The HCI Fitness Physiotrainer is equipped with a seat designed for superior comfort. Its bottom pad integrates a
thick layer of foam cushioning while its cover is made of durable vinyl material which is easy to maintain. Its surface is also contoured.
The backrest features a synthetic mesh structure with a frame made from a durable thermoplastic material (probably polypropylene). Its frame is contoured and slightly flexible so it can adapt to the shape of your body. Also, the mesh structure provides excellent breathability.
The seat itself does not have any adjustability and the backrest does not recline. However, as we’ve mentioned above, the trainer frame is made of two parts, so its length is adjustable. The seat’s base bar has several adjustment positions. Therefore, the machine can accommodate users between 4’8″ and 6’4″ (142 – 193 cm). It is also rated for a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg).
This HCI cross trainer is equipped with two sets of handlebars. One is attached to the seat, the other to the front mast and pedals. The seat handlebars feature short grips with rubber foam sleeves. They also come with elastic bands featuring D-handles for arm exercises. Thus, you can perform shoulder presses, cable flies, or other exercises while seated.
The mobile arms also feature short grips without any sensors or controls. They are long enough to reach the user even if the seat is extended all the way to the back. Also, since they are attached to the pedals, they continue to move for as long as you are pedaling. They cannot be locked to remain stationary.
Resistance system
The HCI Fitness CXT recumbent cross trainer is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This being
said, you don’t need an adapter or an external power source for it. But on the other hand, its fitness monitor does not have pre-set programs and it cannot adjust the resistance.
The machine’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake attached to the internal flywheel and to the tension knob visible on the front unit of the trainer. Therefore, when you turn the knob, the brake changes its position in relation to the flywheel which increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty.
This HCI physiotrainer offers 8 levels of resistance, similar to the MaxKare RB-KPR201 recumbent bike. The first levels offer a fairly light workout, great for users who require recovery training. The 8th resistance setting delivers considerably more pedal tension, great for anyone who wants to improve strength and stamina and to achieve a high cardiovascular rate in a shorter period of time.
The main advantage of a magnetic resistance system is that the brake does not touch the flywheel. Therefore, the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet. There is no drag and the wear-and-tear of the bike is virtually zero.
Drive system
The HCI Fitness CXT recumbent cross trainer integrates a perimeter-weighted flywheel. It’s not as large as the 
flywheels of spin bikes, and not as heavy either. However, the perimeter-weighting adds inertia and leads to a smoother pedaling motion. Also, the weight of the flywheel is not specified. But considering that the bike’s net weight is approx. 75 lbs (34 kg), the flywheel probably doesn’t weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg).
The flywheel is bi-directional. Therefore, you can pedal in reverse if you want to diversify your workouts. When pedaling in reverse, the resistance remains constant, given by the selected level on the tension knob. Also, coasting is not possible on this trainer.
The machine’s drivetrain uses a poly-v belt designed for improved traction. Since it’s a belt-drive, and not a chain, it does not require lubrication. It also generates less vibration than a chain contributing to the overall smoothness of the ride.
The CXT recumbent cross trainer is equipped with a set of standard exercise bike pedals. They have a textured surface and adjustable straps so you can secure your feet on them. They have weight elements on the bottom which enables them to self-level when you remove your feet from them. They are attached to durable steel crank arms but since it’s basically a recumbent bike, the pedals are not meant for stand-up workouts or spin workouts.
Fitness monitor
The HCI CXT physiotrainer is equipped with a fairly basic fitness monitor. As we’ve mentioned above, it does 
not have pre-set programs, it cannot adjust the resistance automatically, and also does not have online connectivity. It features a large LCD display that tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It does not have an RPM function. Also, the pulse reading function requires a Polar T31 chest strap which is not included.
The unit is easy to use. It has three buttons: Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to view. The Set button gives you the possibility to create workout goals for time, distance, and calories. And finally, the Reset button clears all the values on the monitor to zero.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It starts up when you begin pedaling or when you move the front arms. It also automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the machine for more than a few minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The HCI CXT trainer comes fully assembled. Its gross weight is approx. 104 lbs (47 kg) and the box comes on a pallet, so the transport of the packaged unit requires two people. Once out of the box, the unit is ready to use. No assembly required, no adapter required.
For maintenance, it is recommended to periodically check for loose bolts and parts, and re-tighten them if it’s the case. The joints of the moving arms may require lubrication. The internal parts do not require lubrication. Other than this, you only have to keep the machine clean.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 300 lbs;
- Adjustable frame length;
- Adjustable levelers on the rear stabilizer;
- Comfortable seat with mesh backrest for improved breathability;
- One set of handlebars attached to the seat;
- One set of moving handlebars attached to the front mast of the machine and to the pedals;
- Elastic bands for arm workouts;
- Manual magnetic resistance for smooth pedaling;
- Maintenance-free belt drive;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- Comes fully assembled;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- Polar strap for pulse reading is not included;
- No transport wheels;
- No pulse sensors;
- No pre-set programs;
- No online connectivity.
Summary
The HCI Fitness CXT Physiotrainer is a recumbent and cross trainer machine. It is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system, a comfortable seat with 8 adjustment positions on its base bar, moving and fixed handlebars, and a fitness monitor that tracks the most important workout metrics. It’s a fairly decent machine for light to medium intensity workouts, recovery training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.