| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Keiser M3i TBT Check Discounted Price | L:48" W:29" H:52" | 300 lbs | Magnetic, 24 levels | Time, Distance, ODO, RPM, Pulse, KCal, Watts, Gears, Bluetooth | All inclusive: 3 years Wear: 6 months Labor: 6 months |
The Keiser M3i Total Body Trainer is a variation of the Keiser M3i Indoor Cycling Bike. It basically has the same drive and resistance systems, but instead of a stationary handlebar, it is equipped with a set of two moving arms, similar to elliptical trainers. It also comes with the same Bluetooth enabled console compatible with BKOOL, but unfortunately, this Keiser trainer doesn’t have a tablet holder like the bike.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 48″L x 29″W x 52″H (122L x 74W x 132H cm)
- Assembled weight: 110 lbs (49.8 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Handlebars: Mobile only
- Pedals: Standard
- Drive system: Belt
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 24 levels
- Fitness meter: Time, distance, total distance, RPM, calories, Watts, pulse, Bluetooth
- Extras: Bottle holder
- Warranty: All inclusive 3 years / Wearable parts and labor 6 months
Frame construction
The Keiser M3i Total Body Trainer features a full steel frame, composed of two main pieces. These are the H-type base and the
main chassis of the unit. The chassis attaches to the base via four screws, the attachment point being the middle part, which provides the unit a low center of gravity, considerably improving its stability.
The unit’s paint finish is black, as opposed to the older M3 version which features a silver paint finish. However, the seat post is chrome-coated, while the aluminum flywheel features its natural polish. The unit’s paint coating is corrosion-resistant.
Of course, this Keiser trainer also integrates several ABS parts, but these are only protective or cosmetic covers; they do not reduce the unit’s overall sturdiness.
Speaking of sturdiness, the unit can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). It’s also a pretty heavy fitness machine; with the frame fully assembled, it weighs approx. 110 lbs (49.8 kg), a weight that is reflected in its total stability. On top of that, the rear and the front base bars feature adjustable stabilizers. They give you the possibility to perfectly level the unit on any type of floor, and they have large, rubber pads in order to prevent it from sliding or moving during a more intense workout.
Despite its weight, the unit’s transport isn’t too difficult once it is fully assembled; the front base integrates two large silicone wheels which considerably improve its relocation possibilities. By using these wheels to move the unit, you won’t be handling more than half of its total weight.
The frame portion between the seat tube and the console mast can act as a step-up pad. Not only that this element can help with entry and exit, it can also serve as a step-up element for various spin or cardio workouts which require repeated mounting and dismounting.
The front part of the unit is equipped with a set of foot resting pegs. This accessory gives you the possibility to keep your legs still while exercising by using only the machine’s arms. The moving arms cannot be locked, though. They continue to move for as long as the pedals are moving.
Compared to other fitness equipment, such as treadmills or elliptical trainers, the Keiser M3i isn’t an extremely large unit. Its assembled footprint is approx. 48″L x 29″W (122 x 74 cm), while its maximum height is given by the top of the handlebars, being 52″ (132 cm). However, it is recommended to assign a usage area that offers a clearance of at least two feet all around the unit.
Seat & handlebars
The Keiser M3i Total Body Trainer exercise bike features a seat which combines functionality and comfort pretty well. It offers 
considerably more contact surface than the average spin bike seat. It integrates a generous layer of cushioning, and it has a contoured top. Plus, its rear under-part has two suspension springs which absorb shock. Therefore, it provides superior comfort and an enjoyable ride.
The seat is four-way adjustable. Its upright bar has multiple adjustment holes while its horizontal slider also offers a few inches of fore-to-aft adjustment. Plus, due to its standard attachment system, you can also adjust its angle a little bit; but for that, you will have to use tools, as there isn’t a knob for its angle adjustment. These being said, the bike can accommodate users between 4’10” and 6’10” (147 – 208 cm). It’s also durable enough to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
This trainer doesn’t have stationary handlebars. The only set of handlebars are the moving ones. They’re directly attached to the pedals. Thus, as we’ve mentioned above, they will continue to move for as long as the pedals are moving. They cannot be locked into stationary position.
The handlebars are non-adjustable. They have simple grips, which feature a layer of rubber foam material for superior hand adherence and comfort during exercising.
Drive system
As it results from the attached photos, the Keiser M3i TBT features a rear drive. Differently put, the flywheel is situated at the rear 
of the unit. There’s quite an important advantage to this feature. Since the flywheel is at the back not at the front, the user’s sweat won’t drop on it, preventing corrosion.
The integrated flywheel isn’t extremely heavy, though. As opposed to various other spin bikes, such as the Spinner Edge, for example, which has a 43 lbs (19.5 kg) flywheel, the Keiser’s flywheel weighs only 8 lbs (3.6 kg). It’s also not perimeter-weighted, and therefore it doesn’t generate a very aggressive inertia. However, since the bike has quite an outstanding resistance system, you can be sure that it delivers very consistent workouts.
The flywheel is bi-directional. This being said, it gives you the possibility to pedal in reverse, and alternate normal with reverse pedaling sessions, for the involvement of more muscle groups.
The transmission consists of a heavy-duty, stretch-resistant, poly-v belt. A belt drive comes with several advantages. To begin with, it doesn’t require lubrication. It generates almost no vibration during pedaling. It’s almost silent, and overall, it delivers a very smooth pedaling motion.
The trainer’s crankset is an extremely durable piece. It’s equipped with solid steel arms which can withstand the user in a complete standing up pedaling session. The pedals are also made of a metallic alloy, featuring a standard design, without toe cages.
Resistance system
The Keiser M3i features a magnetic resistance system. Its brake consists of a magnetic bracket which “hugs” the flywheel. The
brake is connected via a steel wire to the lever on the handlebar tube.
By pressing the lever forward, the mangets’ housing will rotate enabling the magnets to cover a wider portion of the flywheel, therefore generating a magnetic field of a higher intensity and creating more drag. Conversely, by pulling the brake lever towards you, it will enable the magnets’ assembly to rotate in the opposite direction, moving the magnets away from the flywheel and generating less drag. If pushed all the way forward, the lever acts as an emergency brake, automatically stopping the flywheel.
The trainer’s resistance system makes available 24 levels of resistance or differently put, 24 gears. However, when changing the resistance you won’t hear or feel a click as in road bikes. Evidently, the 1-3 gears deliver a light workout, while the top 20-24 levels allow you to perform exercising routines of high intensity.
The resistance system is exclusively manual. This being said, the trainer doesn’t require being connected to a power source. However, the console unit is connected to the brake; it “feels” the selected gear and will display it on its bottom panel
Console
As opposed to the older Keiser M3 TBT, the M3i features a more advanced console which has Bluetooth connectivity and is 
compatible with various online fitness apps. It’s basically the same console as the one included with the Keiser M3i exercise bike.
The console is equipped with a large, multi-window LCD display, which shows several workout metrics simultaneously. The unit’s display integrates LED backlight and has a sensor for it which detects the ambient light levels, turning it on when needed.
The unit’s display tracks watts, kilocalories, heart rate, time elapsed, distance, total distance (odometer), RPM, and the current resistance gear (or level) of the bike. The unit will swap between Watts/KCal, Trip Distance/Odometer showing each one for 8 seconds on their display section. Distance can be shown in either metric or imperial units; the unit will prompt you to select this preference when you first start pedaling.
This trainer does not have pulse sensors; however, the meter unit is telemetric, so in order to read your pulse rate, you must wear a Polar HR chest strap transmitter (which is not included).
The console Bluetooth function gives you the possibility to sync it with your tablet, laptop, or smartphone in order to directly stream your workout data to various M3i compatible apps, such as the Keiser M Series fitness app, to in order to monitor your progress. Or, you can connect to a 3D immersive cycling experience such as BKOOL.
The M3i console is battery-powered. It uses 2 AA batteries which are included. It doesn’t have any buttons, so setting it up is done by using the shift lever. The manual will thoroughly instruct you on how to do this. It has a sleep mode to which will enter after 60 seconds of inactivity on the bike, and it starts on when you begin pedaling.
Assembly & Maintenance
The main frame comes pre-assembled. In other words, the resistance system, the crankset, and the belt are already attached to the main frame. Therefore, the assembly only requires you to attach the main part of the frame to the H-base, then add the flywheel, the flywheel cover, the seat, the pedals, the moving arms, the footrests, and the console. This shouldn’t take more than one hour. The manual offers excellent assembly instructions accompanied by pictures and schematics.
Since it’s a magnetic elliptical bike, there’s basically no wear and tear to the resistance system, so you won’t have to worry about replacing parts there. It’s actually a pretty much maintenance-free trainer. All you have to do is periodically check for loose bolts and parts, and wipe off the sweat from the frame if it’s the case.
The Pros
- Heavy-duty frame – can support users up to 300 lbs;
- 4-way adjustable seat – can accommodate users between 4’10” – 6’10”;
- Transport wheels included;
- Adjustable stabilizers included;
- Foot rests included;
- Solid crank assembly – can support the user in standing up positions;
- Heavy-duty, metallic alloy pedals;
- Smooth, quiet, and vibration-free belt drive;
- Frictionless magnetic resistance, offering 24 distinct levels;
- Rear drive, which prevents sweat from dripping onto the flywheel or the brake;
- Multi-panel console which can track watts, kilocalories, heart rate, time elapsed, distance, total distance (odometer), RPM, and the current resistance gear;
- Bluetooth enabled console so you can stream your workout data to the Keiser fitness app;
- The console is also compatible with BKOOL;
- Bottle holder included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- Tools for assembly are not included;
- The pedals don’t have cages or SPD clips;
- The flywheel is not perimeter-weighted, so it doesn’t generate a highly aggressive inertia.
Summary
The Keiser M3i Total Body Trainer is an exercise bike featuring a rear drive, a manual magnetic resistance system, and mobile handlebars. It’s equipped with a Bluetooth, telemetric console which is also compatible with various online fitness apps. It’s a perfect trainer for light to intense cardio workouts, muscle toning, interval training, stamina development, and weight loss. And finally, even though it’s not exactly one of the most affordable fitness machines, its overall quality and range of features definitely match the price.