| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cubii JR2 Check Discounted Price | L:22.2" W:11.8" H:11.6" | 250 lbs | Magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Count, Count/Min Calories, Scan | 1 year |
The Cubii JR2 is a basic under-desk elliptical similar up to a point to the Marcy NS-1009 that we’ve already covered here. As opposed to the more expensive Cubii models, this one does not have online connectivity. It only comes with a basic fitness monitor. It’s also meant for seat workouts only.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 22.24L x 11.8W x 11.6H inches (56L x 30W x 29H cm)
- Assembled weight: 18.9 lbs (8.5 kg)
- Pedals: Ribbed, non-slip
- Resistance: Manual-magnetic, 8 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, strides per min, count, calories
- Warranty: 1 year
Frame construction
The Cubii JR2 elliptical is built on a steel frame. However, most of it is concealed by a set of plastic covers. The
steel parts are coated with a rust-resistant paint finish; the color used is black. The plastic guards are also mostly black with the pulley covers in neon green or turquoise. These are the only colors available for the JR2 model.
The trainer rests on a stabilizing bar at the front and a metallic plate at the rear on which the pedal wheels roll. Neither of the stabilizers has any levelers and the machine does not come with a mat.
This Cubii under-desk elliptical is pretty small. Its footprint is 22.2″L x 11.8″W (56 x 30 cm), so it should fit under most regular desks. Also, at their highest point, the pedals reach approx. 10″ (25 cm) above the floor. Thus, the desktop should be at least 10″ inches above your knees.
The unit is not too heavy either. Its net weight is approx. 18.9 lbs (8.5 kg). This being said, it can easily be carried and assembled by only one person. Plus, it has a carrying handle at the top for easy transport.
Resistance system
The Cubii JR2 trainer is equipped with a mechanical magnetic resistance system. This means you don’t need to
connect it to a power source, and you don’t need a power adapter or power cord for it. But on the other hand, it cannot adjust the speed or the resistance automatically.
The trainer’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake integrated into the unit, close to the flywheel, and connected to the tension knob. When you turn the knob clockwise, the magnets move closer to the flywheel and increase the resistance. Conversely, when you turn the knob to the left, the brake moves away from the internal flywheel which reduces the pedaling difficulty.
The main advantage of this magnetic brake is that the brake pad does not touch the flywheel. Thus, there is no friction, so the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet. Plus, the brake suffers virtually no wear-and-tear; you won’t have to bother with changing pads as is the case for machines with a friction resistance system.
The trainer offers 8 levels of resistance. The lowest level generates little resistance, great for conditioning, and recovery training. The 8th level, although it provides considerably more resistance, it still doesn’t offer extreme difficulty. So, as a small conclusion here, this machine is meant for light workouts.
Drive system
The Cubii JR2 under desk elliptical trainer features a set of pedals made of durable thermoplastic material. 
They have a textured surface for improved foot stability. They are pretty large, approx. 14″ (35.5 cm) long, and 5.5″ (14 cm) wide. A set of straps for the pedals is also included with the machine.
The pedals attach to the machine’s crankset while on their rear section, they have a small set of wheels. These are rubberized and have small internal ball bearings for a smooth motion.
A user weight limit is not specified for this machine because as long as you are seated, it should be able to support the weight of your legs. The stride length is also not specified. However, most under-desk ellipticals have a rather short stride length, approx. 5″ – 6″, (13 – 15 cm) which pretty much applies to this model as well.
Like most other fitness machines with a magnetic resistance system, the Cubii model features a belt drivetrain. This being said, you don’t have to worry about taking the unit apart to lubricate its drivetrain. Also, the pedaling motion is smoother than for a chain drivetrain.
Last but not least, this elliptical integrates a small flywheel. Its exact weight is not specified either, but since the whole unit doesn’t weigh more than 19 lbs, the flywheel probably doesn’t weigh more than 6-8 lbs (2.7 – 3.6 kg). Therefore, the machine does not provide super consistent inertia.
Fitness monitor
The Cubii JR2 is equipped with a pretty basic fitness monitor. It has an LCD display divided into two sub-sections.
It does not have LED backlight. It shows time, calories, strides per minute, and total strides. It does not show distance, pulse, or speed.
The monitor unit only has one button. By pressing this button repeatedly, you can select the workout metric that you want to view on the display. It also has a scan function; when the scan mode is activated, the display puts the workout metrics in a sequence, showing each one for 4 seconds. The button also covers the unit’s reset function. You can press it and hold it to clear all the values on it to zero.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires an LR44 battery which is included. It turns up and begins monitoring your data when you being pedaling. It also automatically turns off after a few minutes of inactivity.
As opposed to the other Cubii under-desk ellipticals, the JR2 does not have Bluetooth and does not sync automatically with the app. However, you can manually add your workout data to the app in order to track your progress.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the trainer comes pre-assembled. All you need to do is attach the pedals and it’s ready to use. The manual provides all the necessary assembly instructions and all the tools are included.
Maintenance also doesn’t require much. The internal parts do not need any lubrication. So, in terms of maintenance, you only have to keep the unit clean and periodically inspect it for loose or damaged parts.
The Pros
- Small footprint;
- Lifting handle included;
- Large pedals with a textured surface;
- Pedal straps included;
- Silicone pedal wheels for reduced noise;
- Zero-friction, magnetic resistance system (8 levels);
- Belt drive system for a smooth and quiet pedaling motion;
- Fitness monitor integrated into the unit – it tracks time, strides, strides per minute, and calories burned;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the tools necessary for the assembly are included;
- Battery for the monitor is included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No pulse reading function;
- No backlight on the fitness monitor.
Summary
The Cubii JR2 is an under-desk elliptical trainer made for home or office use. It features a set of large pedals, an 8-level manual magnetic resistance system, and a fitness monitor that tracks time, count, count/min, and calories burned. It’s a great machine for recovery training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.