| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Keiser M3iX Check Discounted Price | L:49" W:26" H:45" | 300 lbs | Magnetic, 24 levels | Time, Distance, ODO, RPM, Pulse, KCal, Watts, Gears, Bluetooth | All inclusive: 3 years Labor: 6 months Wear: 6 months |
The Keiser M3iX is one of the newer indoor cycling bikes released at the beginning of 2017. It shares many similarities with the Keiser M3i but comes with the Trixter X-Bar handlebar type, which can bend sideways, simulating mountain biking or hill climbing. It also comes with the M series bike computer which tracks all the important workout metrics. It’s definitely a commercial-grade exercise bike, made to endure any spin workout.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 49″L x 26″W x 45″H (125L x 66W x 114H cm)
- Assembled weight: 96 lbs (43.5 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Handlebars: Trixster X-Bar, 7 resistance levels
- Pedals: With toe cages and SPD clips
- Drive system: Belt
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 24 levels
- Fitness meter: Time, distance, total distance, RPM, calories, Watts, pulse
- Extras: Tablet holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: All inclusive 3 years / Wearable parts and labor 6 months
Frame construction
The Keiser M3iX features a durable frame, completely made of steel tubing. It’s composed of two main pieces, 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 bike’s stability is also improved by the four adjustable levelers places on its front and rear parallel base bars. Each leveler features a rubberized pad, elements which also provide a good grip of the bike onto the floor, so it won’t slip back and forth or sideways with ease.
Just like the Keiser M3i Total Body Trainer, this exercise bike has a completely black paint finish with the exception of the seat post and handlebar post which have a chrome finish. The paint finish is corrosion-resistant, however, the bike is made for indoor use only. Using it and storing it outside may eventually lead to the corrosion of other parts if not the frame, such as bolts or joint parts which are not rust-resistant.
This Keiser exercise bike isn’t extremely large compared to other fitness equipment. With the frame fully set up, it’s only 49″ (125 cm) long, and 26″ (66 cm) wide. Also, its highest point is given by the console unit which reaches approx. 45″ (114 cm) above floor level.
The bike is not extremely heavy but does weigh at least two times more than the average mountain bike. With the frame fully set up, it’s approx. 96 lbs (43.5 kg). This weight adds to its overall stability. However, the bike’s relocation is not too difficult as its front base is equipped with two large, silicone-rubber transport wheels.
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.
Last but not least, the bike includes a bottle holder. This accessory is placed at the bottom of the handlebar tube; it has a concave shape and a flat bottom so it can accommodate most types of water bottles.
Seat & handlebars
The Keiser M3iX is equipped with a standard spin bike seat. The saddle itself features a fairly slim design, with a contoured
surface and a pretty consistent padding, especially in its rear section. Although it’s designed to provide optimal comfort, if you’re not used to cycling, you may not find it too comfortable for the first few cycling sessions. But nonetheless, since it has a standard connection system to its bar, you can always replace it with a wider seat; compatible versions should be widely available in most bike shops. Also, its comfort can be improved via a gel seat cover.
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.
The M3iX trainer is equipped with the Trixter X-Bar, which is an innovative type of indoor cycling bike handlebar. It features an internal mechanism which allows you to tilt it sideways. This way, you can simulate hill climbing, and put a lot of focus on the lateral abdominal muscles, as well as the
whole core.
The internal mechanism of the handlebar features a resistance system. It gives you the possibility to increase the resistance it takes to tilt is sideways, in case you want to undergo a more intense workout. Its side tension adjustment knob makes available 7 resistance settings.
The handlebar offers a multi-grip design. It offers the possibility to adopt more than four types of grips. It has two center aero bars and high-density foam grips. However, as opposed to the handlebar on the M3i bike, it is only 2-way adjustable (up-down).
These being said, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’2″ (153 – 188 cm). If you’re taller than 6’2″, you may not benefit from a complete leg extension. So, it this is the case, you may want to opt for the Keiser M3i.
Drive & resistance
This Keiser indoor cycling trainer is equipped with an 8 lbs (3.6 kg) chrome-plated and balanced flywheel. Since it doesn’t have a
perimeter-weighting, it does offer the aggressive inertia of spin bike such as the Body-Solid ESB250, for example. However, it does provide a very stable and smooth motion, while the magnetic resistance system delivers quite an impressive pedal tension.
Similar to the BodyCraft SPR, the M3iX is equipped with a magnetic resistance system. The brake consists of a magnetic bracket which is placed close the flywheel. The brake is connected via a steel wire to the lever on the handlebar tube. This being said, the bike doesn’t need to be connected to a power source, while the computer doesn’t play any role in the resistance adjustment.
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.
There are 24 levels of resistance available. The 1-3 gears deliver a light workout, while the top 20-24 levels allow you to perform exercising routines of high intensity.
Like most exercise bikes equipped with magnetic resistance system, this model features a belt drive system. Therefore, its transmission doesn’t require lubrication while the pedaling motion is almost completely silent.
As we’ve mentioned above, this trainer is made for spin workouts. So, just as any other spin bike, it is equipped with an extremely durable 3-piece crankset. The crank arms are made of steel and can withstand users up to 300 lbs (136 kg) during standing up pedaling routines. The pedals are also no exception; they’re made of a metallic alloy, featuring toe clips on one side, and SPD clip elements for spin shoes on the other. They also have standard 9/16 threads so you can easily find replacements for them if needed.
In case you’re wondering, pedaling in reverse on this bike is possible. However, you cannot coast on it. When pedaling in reverse, the resistance remains the same, corresponding to the selected tension level. Also, the console continues to monitor your distance traveled, calories burned, etc., when pedaling in reverse.
Keiser M series computer
The bike includes the Keister M Series computer. This type of fitness meter features 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), and RPM. 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. The console also indicates the “gear” or the current resistance setting of the bike.
The bike’s handlebar does not have pulse sensors. However, the computer is Bluetooth enabled an can read your pulse via an HR chest strap transmitter. According to the manual, it should work with a Polar HR chest strap with an H7 or H10 transmitter.
The Keiser M series computer does not have any pre-set workout programs. It requires two AA-type 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 top frame comes partially assembled. In other words, the resistance system, the crankset, and the belt are already attached to the top frame. So, for assembly, you only have to attach the main part of the frame to the H-base, then add the flywheel, the flywheel cover, the seat, the pedals, the X-Bar, 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 exercise 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 for superior sturdiness and stability;
- Superior weight capacity – 300 lbs;
- Adjustable base stabilizers, with large rubber pads;
- Transport wheels included;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Trixter X-Bar handlebars with 7 resistance settings;
- Solid crank assembly;
- Heavy-duty, dual-sided pedals, with SPD clips on one side and toe cages on the other;
- 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 exercise meter which can track watts, kilocalories, heart rate, time elapsed, distance, total distance (odometer), RPM, and the current resistance gear;
- Telemetric console – can read your pulse via an HR chest strap transmitter;
- Bottle holder included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Easy to assemble;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No preset workout programs on the console;
- HR chest strap transmitter is not included.
Summary
The Keiser M3iX is a commercial-grade indoor cycling bike, featuring a 24-level magnetic resistance system. It’s a sturdy bike being able to support users up to 300 lbs. It’s equipped with the Trixter X-Bar for hill climbing simulation and for a more intense core workout. It’s a great trainer for medium to intense cardio workouts, interval training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. And finally, it’s not exactly an affordable exercise bike but does offer an excellent value for the price.