| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Body Power BRT5118 Check Discounted Price | L:50" W:20" H:62" | 250 lbs | Friction | Time, Distance, Speed, Calories, Pulse, SCAN | Frame: 1 year Parts: 90 days |
The Body Power BRT5118 is a 3-in-1 trainer from Body Flex Sports, similar to the BRT6300 that we’ve previously reviewed here. However, it is equipped with a manual friction resistance system, and a large perimeter-weighted flywheel placed at the front, similar to the Body Power BFX8000.
This machine can be used as a recumbent bike, and upright bike, or as an elliptical trainer. It gives you the possibility to easily alternate between postures in order to focus different muscle groups. It’s also not a very expensive machine, being currently priced below the mark of $300.
Technical Details & Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 50″L x 20″W x 62″H (127L x 51W x 157H cm)
- Shipping weight: 92.5 lbs (42 kg)
- Supported weight: 250 lbs (113 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Stride: 13 inches (33 cm)
- Resistance: Friction, felt-pad
- Exercise meter: Time, distance, speed, calories, pulse
- Warranty: Frame 1 year / Parts 90 days
Frame construction
The Body Power BRT5118 Trio Trainer is a machine made for home use; but nonetheless, it features
a fairly durable frame, being able to support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg). Its structural frame is made exclusively from steel tubing. All the steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish; the color used is light gray. The only exception is the flywheel which is chrome-plated and has red ABS side covers.
There are several other ABS parts in the machine’s construction. These are the side covers of the pulley system, the pedals and the base stabilizers.
The exact, net weight of the unit is not specified. But considering that its shipping weight is approx. 92.5 lbs (42 kg), the assembled unit definitely weighs more than 80 lbs (36 kg). This weight offers plenty of stability. On top of that, the unit’s rear base is equipped with polygonal caps which rotate serving as levelers. Therefore, you can perfectly stabilize it on any type of floor.
The machine is not extremely large. With all the parts assembled, it’s approx. 50″ (127 cm) long, and 20″ (51 cm) wide. Thus, it is recommended to assign a usage surface for it of at least 70″L x 50″W (178 x 127 cm), so you can perform any workout without any hindrance.
Although the machine isn’t extremely heavy, its front base bar integrates a set of small transport wheels. These considerably ease the relocation of the unit, if needed.
Seat & handlebars
The Body Power BRT5118 features a pretty standard seat, designed to deliver optimal comfort. Both
the seat and its backrest integrate approx. 1″ (2.5 cm) of foam padding, while their upholstery is made of a durable vinyl material which is also perspiration-proof and easy to maintain.
The seat is not extremely large. It’s approx. 14″ (35 cm) long, and 12″ (30 cm) wide. It does provide plenty of contact surface and is designed to support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg).
The seat offers 4-way adjustability (up, down, front, back). Its upright post has several adjustment notches, while its front-back slider also offers several inches of adjustment. These being said, the unit can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’2″ (153 – 188 cm).
In case you’re wondering, the backrest does not adjust independently from the seat. It’s attached directly to the backbone of the seat assembly and moves along with the seat on its slider. It’s designed to provide a firm and healthy lumbar support.
This Body Power Trio Trainer is equipped with three sets of handlebars. One is attached to the seat assembly, one is attached to the front console mast, while the third set consists of two mobile handlebars which provide support for the standing up elliptical exercises.
All handlebars feature high-density foam grips to provide optimal comfort and hand protection during prolonged workout sessions. The mobile handlebars also have top, rounded grips. The front, fixed handlebars are slightly curved towards the use in order to provide a more comfortable hand positioning and minimize the impact on the wrists. They also incorporate pulse sensors.
Pedals, elliptical path, stride & step-up height
Since it combines an elliptical, an upright bike, and a recumbent bike, the Body Power BRT5118
features two sets of pedals. The two large pedals are made of durable ABS material. They feature an inner border which also covers the front and rear section, in order to provide extra foot stability. They’re large enough to accommodate feet of all sizes. These pedals can be used for elliptical training and upright seated training.
The other two pedals are made of steel, featuring a rubberized pad on top, to provide more foot adherence. They’re also attached to the bottom mobile bars, at the front of the larger pedals. They’re meant for the recumbent bike exercising routines.
Both sets of pedals are fixed; they don’t offer any adjustability or articulation. They also don’t integrate any suspension or cushioning.
Since the unit is equipped with a front flywheel, its elliptical path is slightly inclined forwards. This being said, the elliptical pedaling motion resembles the feeling of going down a soft ramp. But nonetheless, this puts more focus on the glutes.
Like most 3-in-1 trainers, the BRT5118 only has a 13″ (33 cm) stride. Evidently, its stride is non-adjustable. Also, given its length, it can accommodate comfortably users between 5’2″ and 6’2″ (157 – 188 cm). Taller users should also be able to use the machine, but they may consider the stride a bit short.
The pedal step-up height is approx. 10″ (24 cm). Also, the rear of the pedal raises to approx. 14″ (30 cm) during pedaling. These being said, it is recommended to perform elliptical workouts in a room with a ceiling that is at least 15″ (38 cm) higher than your own height.
Drive & resistance
As we’ve mentioned above, the BRT5118 features front drive and a perimeter-weighted flywheel 
similar to the ones on an indoor cycling bike, such as the Sunny SF-B1002C. This means it can provide quite a consistent momentum and a smooth pedaling motion. Its exact weight is not specified, but considering its size and shape, it should weigh between 34 and 40 lbs (15.4 – 18.1 lbs).
The machine’s drive system uses a poly-v belt. This means the pedaling motion is very quiet and its transmission doesn’t require lubrication.
An important aspect to mention here regards the connection between the moving arms and the pedal bars. These elements are directly connected to the unit’s drive system. Therefore, they will continue to move for as long as the flywheel is moving. The pedals cannot move independently from the moving arms and vice-versa. And the moving arms cannot be locked in place.
This Body Power Trio Trainer features a standard friction resistance system, similar to the Sunny SF-E2310. It consists of a felt brake pad attached to the top frame bar and connected to the tension knob on top. By turning the knob clockwise, the pad applies more friction to the flywheel which results in an increased pedaling difficulty.
The tension knob doesn’t have any “clicks” marked on it. Therefore, can tighten it up to the point you can barely pedal. It also fulfills the function of an emergency brake; you can press it down to instantly stop the flywheel from spinning.
Console
This 3-in-1 trainer is equipped with a basic exercise meter. It features an LCD display with large digits, pretty easy to read. The meter unit also integrates a tablet holder which can accommodate most tablets and smartphones.
The display of the meter tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It’s very easy to operate as it features only one button which toggles ON/OFF its SCAN function. When this function is selected (ON), all the workout metrics are shown in a rotation, each one remaining on the screen for a few seconds. By toggling the SCAN function off, you can basically select any of the workout metrics to be shown on the display all the time.
In order to benefit from a pulse reading, you will have to use the sensors integrated into the machine’s front handlebars. The meter is not telemetric; this means it can only read your pulse through those sensors and doesn’t work with a Polar HR chest strap.
The unit’s button also works covers its RESET function. By pressing and holding it down for several seconds you can clear all the values on the display to zero, in order to start a new workout session.
The meter uses 2 AAA batteries which are included. It has a sleep function to which will enter after approx. 4 minutes of inactivity on the machine. To start it up, you can either press its button or begin pedaling.
Assembly & Maintenance
Although the base frame of the machine, along with the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled, there still are plenty of other parts to put together. Therefore, the assembly task may take more than an hour. As a general idea, you will have to attach the two base bars, the pedal bars, the pedals, the console mast, the two moving arms, the seat with its backrest, the seat handlebars, the front handlebars, and the console. The manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions, and some of the tools required are included.
Maintenance requires greasing the unit’s joints in case they develop squeaking noises. The brake pad may also require a bit of lubrication with silicone lubricant, in case it squeaks when in contact with the flywheel. Other than this, it is recommended to periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- A 3-in-1 machine, elliptical trainer, upright bike and recumbent bike;
- Sturdy frame – can support users up to 250 lbs;
- Rear base stabilizers;
- Front base transport wheels;
- 4-way adjustable seat, being able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’2″.
- Foam padding on the seat and backrest for optimal comfort;
- Quiet, smooth and maintenance-free belt drive system;
- Heavy, perimeter-weighted flywheel for a consistent momentum;
- Friction resistance which basically offers a tension level up to the point where you can barely pedal;
- Exercise meter included – it can track time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Tablet holder included;
- Fairly to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No bottle holder;
- No backlight on the fitness meter;
- A tablet placed on the tablet holder will cover the meter display.
Summary
The Body Power BRT5118 is a triple functionality fitness machine. It can be used as an elliptical trainer, a recumbent bike, and an upright bike. Due to this fact, it offers the possibility to combine the workouts from the three machines, in order to obtain superior results. It features a sturdy frame, a standard friction resistance system, a heavy and perimeter-weighted flywheel, and a basic exercise meter. It’s perfect for light to medium cardio workouts, muscle toning, interval training, building stamina and losing weight. In all, it’s versatile and quite an affordable fitness machine.