Inspire Fitness Cardio Strider CS2

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Resistance	Fitness meter	Warranty
Inspire CS2 Check Discounted Price	L:59" W:35" H:50"	300 lbs	Eddy current, 20 lvls	8 programs	Frame: 10 years Parts: 3 years Labor: 1 year

The Inspire Cardio Strider CS2 is a hybrid between an elliptical trainer and a recumbent bike, a fitness machine similar to the Sunny SF-RB4708, or up to a point to the Octane xR4x. Although it doesn’t have any online capabilities, this trainer features a light commercial construction. It’s a sturdy machine which packs quite an array of comfort factors and a programmable console to keep you motivated.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 59L x 35W x 50H inches (150L x 89W x 127H cm)
• Assembled weight: 183 lbs (83 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 20.2 lbs (9.1 kg)
• Stride: 12″ – 15″ (30.5 – 38.1 cm)
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Seat: Adjustable
• Resistance: Motorized magnetic, 20 levels
• Console: 8 preset programs, 4 user profiles
• Warranty: Frame 10 year / Parts 3 years / Labor 1 year

Frame construction & parts

The Inspire CS2 features a heavy-duty frame, all the parts in its construction being made of steel tubing. The only plastic parts in its frame are the covers of the motor and flywheel. With all the parts assembled, this trainer is fairly heavy. It weighs over 180 lbs, and this weight plays an important role in its overall stability. On top of that, both its base bars are equipped with adjustable stabilizers. Therefore, you can perfectly level the machine on any type of floor, and it won’t wobble or move during exercising.

Although it’s a rather heavy unit, the Inspire Fitness Cardio Strider CS2 features two transport wheels integrated into the rear base bar. By using these wheels, the relocation of the unit is easy to carry out as you won’t be handling its full weight, only approx. 40%.

The trainer’s footprint isn’t extremely large. However, it is approx. 59″ (150 cm) long, while its maximum width is given by the handgrips, being ~35″ (89 cm). The base width is only approx. 28″ (71 cm), though. Along with these dimensions, it is recommended to assign at least two feet all around the machine for safe operation.

As opposed to other similar fitness machines, this trainer features an arms/pedals assembly made of four bars for each side. The joints between the bars integrate heavy-duty sealed ball bearings in order to provide a smooth motion. The moving handlebars are length-adjustable; each bar offers 6 adjustment positions, so you can adapt them perfectly to your arms’ length. They’re easy to adjust, each one being equipped with a large knob. They can also be inverted to provide a different grip type.

Two other features present within the CS2 Strider are the footrest bar welded to the console mast and the stationary handlebars. The first one gives you the possibility to train only your arms while keeping legs fully extended. The second one allows you to train only your legs while resting your arms. Also, the stationary handlebars integrate EKG sensors, so by holding on to them, the console can monitor your heart rate. Both the mobile and stationary handlebars feature rubberized grips for optimal comfort.

The Inspire Fitness Cardio Strider CS2 is equipped with a large ergonomic seat. Both the seat and the backrest integrate a consistent layer of padding. The backrest also provides excellent firmness, providing the required lumbar support for a correct form during exercises. The seat is approx. 17″ (43.1 cm) wide and 11.5″ (29.2 cm) deep, while the padding thickness on it and the backrest are approx. 2.25″ (5.7 cm).

The seat is adjustable. It’s attached to an oblique rail system and you can lock it closer or farther in relation to the pedals. This being said, the machine can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm). In case you’re wondering, the seat does not tilt, and the backrest doesn’t recline, nor does it offer any independent adjustment possibilities from the seat.

One last aspect to mention here regards the trainer’s paint finish. All the steel parts in its construction feature a double powder coating which is rust-resistant and scratch resistant. The color used for the base frame parts is black, while the bar components of the arms and pedals are gray. Also, the adjustable handlebars feature a chrome finish.

Drive system & elements

The first aspect to mention with regards to the machine’s drive system is its flywheel. The Inspire CS2 is equipped with a flywheel which is fairly heavy for a machine of this type. It weighs 20.2 lbs (9.1 kg) and delivers a pretty consistent momentum and a smooth motion. Thus, when using the top resistance settings, the machine will definitely make you sweat.

The flywheel is also bi-directional. This means that you can pedal in reverse without losing resistance, in order to work different muscle groups.

The machine is equipped with a set of large pedals, with a ribbed surface for extra adherence. They describe a slightly oblique elliptical path, inclined towards the user. As opposed to other elliptical – recumbent bike hybrids, such as the ProForm PFEL03815K, the Inspire CS2 is meant for seated workouts only. Standing up on the pedals results in an awkward position. Conversely, a normal, seated workout results in a very comfortable and low impact ride, which makes this machine a great choice for users who require physiotherapy.

The pedals don’t have any articulation, nor they can be adjusted. But they’re fairly large so you can place your feet on them in several places. Thus, you can vary your stride between 12″ and 15″ (30.5 – 38.1 cm).

For transmission, this machine uses a durable poly-v belt. Since it has a belt drive it doesn’t require periodic lubrication. Also, the pedaling motion generates almost no noise, and it’s vibration-free.

Resistance system

The Inspire Cardio Strider CS2 uses an electromagnetic resistance system. It consists of a small servo motor and a magnetic brake. This being said, you can only adjust its resistance from the console, while the bike requires being connected to a power source (power adapter is included). As you select a resistance level on the console, the servo motor will adjust the brake’s position in relation to the flywheel, generating the corresponding amount of drag and pedal resistance.

The console makes available 20 distinct resistance settings. The first level of resistance starts with an ultra-easy 10 watts difficulty. This resistance setting, plus the several next ones, is perfect for anyone who needs recovery training. But on the other hand, the top resistance settings do offer quite some resistance, allowing you to perform exercises of higher intensity.

Console unit

The Cardio Strider CS2 comes with a mid-range console, featuring a multi-panel LCD display with blue LED backlight which considerably enhances its readability. It tracks RPM, time, distance, calories, Watts, and heart rate. The grid in the middle of the display shows the program profiles, while above it, the resistance level is indicated. The unit doesn’t show Watts, distance, RPM, and calories simultaneously. You can either view RPM/Calories or Watts/Distance, or you can run the AutoScan function to swap between the two views.

The console unit can show distance in both miles or kilometers. It’s also telemetric; in other words, it can track your heart rate via a wireless HR chest strap. This accessory is not included, though, but you can still benefit from a pulse reading by using the sensors integrated into the fixed handlebars.

The console unit doesn’t have online capabilities, nor is compatible with any online fitness apps. However, it has 8 workout programs to keep you motivated. Among this programs, 6 are designed for a total body workout (involving both arms and legs), while 2 are only for the arms. Of course, the unit also has the manual mode function which simply gives you the possibility to adjust the resistance as you like during exercising.

A user profile feature is also available. The bike’s control unit can save up to 4 user profiles. For each user profile, you can input personal data such as gender, age, and weight. This way, the unit is able to calculate your energy output and overall calories burned, more accurately.

In terms of “non-fitness” features, the trainer’s console doesn’t have many. It doesn’t have a sound system or a cooling fan. However, it does integrate a tablet holder which can support any type of tablet.

Assembly and Maintenance

The trainer’s base frame with the resistance system and half of the console mast comes assembled. So, for assembly, you will need to attach the front and rear stabilizers, the other half of the console mast, the pedal bars and mobile arms, the seat, and the console. This may take up to two hours. However, the included manual provides very clear assembly instructions. Also, a set of basic tools required for the assembly is included.

Once it is assembled, the trainer doesn’t require too much maintenance. All you have to do is periodically dust the machine and check for loose parts.

The Pros

• Durable construction, solid frame with a max. user capacity of 300 lbs;
• Adjustable stabilizers on the base bars;
• Transport wheels on the rear base;
• Step-thru frame design;
• Both mobile and stationary handlebars;
• The mobile grips can be attached in reversed position;
• EKG sensors in each fixed hand-grip;
• Adjustable seat – can accommodate users between 5’0″ – 6’5″;
• Cushioned seat and backrest, for maximum comfort;
• Quiet magnetic resistance system;
• Adjustable resistant, motorized eddy current brake;
• 20 resistance levels available, beginning with a light 10 Watts intensity;
• Large pedals allowing a different positioning of the feet and a stride variation between 12″-15″; 
• Mid-range console unit with a large LCD display with backlight;
• The console can track time, distance, RPM, Watts, calories, and pulse;
• 6 full-body workout programs, and 2 upper-body workouts programs;
• The console unit can track your pulse via an HR chest strap transmitter;
• Tablet holder included;
• Easy to assemble and operate;
• Little to no maintenance required.

The Cons

• A tablet placed on the tablet holder will cover the console display;
• No sound system;
• No USB docking port for tablet or smartphone;
• HR chest strap transmitter is not included;
• No online capabilities.

Summary

The Inspire Fitness Cardio Strider CS2 is an elliptical recumbent bike hybrid trainer featuring an automatic resistance system and a console with 8 programs. It has a durable, light commercial construction, a large, ergonomic seat, and offers 20 levels of resistance. It’s perfect for light to intense cardio training with a low impact on the joints, for muscle toning, weight loss, or interval training. And finally, it’s not exactly one of the most affordable fitness machines, but does offer the quality of a light-commercial machine; thus, it’s a decent machine for the price.