Customer Reviews

Life Fitness R3 Recumbent LifeCycle with Advanced Console

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

After owning a Life Fitness 5500R for 15 years (bought in 1995), I decided to upgrade to the the current "R1" (with the optional advanced console). While I was in the showroom, the salesperson convinced me to pay the extra $600 for the R3, primarily to get a seat with an adjustable back rest. While the seat looked better in the showroom (and felt better to sit in), when you get home and start a vigorous ride on the bike, your back presses into the mesh seat back, where there is a horizontal steel bar (inside the backrest that goes across the seat) which begins to dig into your back. If I could do it over, I would have bought the R1.

The R3 also has an internal generator that means you don't have to plug the bike into an electrical outlet, but that wasn't a significant factor in my decision.

I like all of the other aspects of the bike, especially:
1. Routines that work with a heart monitor (it changes resistance to take you between 65%-80% of your target max heart rate)
2. Allows for 2 user profiles, which keeps track of your calories burned cummulatively
3. Very solidly built -- feels like the bikes in the gym

I've had the R3 for over a week now and I love it.
I looked at the Schwinns and the other recumbents but they didn't suit me
I'm 6'3" and weigh 365 lbs these other bikes where not rated for my weight
the bike arrived in about 5 days which was a surprise I was told it could take up to 2 weeks
When it arrives and you look at the instructions to assemble it, it seems confusing
but once started it went together rather fast and no problem
the bike is quite and stable, no shakes no problems
BUY IT !!!

I did all my research and homework and confirmed that the LifeFitness R3 was the best of the best and the extra money was worth it. What's more, I trust Amazon, so to purchase it from Amazon was a no brainer and the only way I would go...not to mention, I got free (and fast) shipping from Amazon. Another reviewer said the seat on this model was not to his liking for various reasons and they he wished he got the next model down. I don't know what he is talking about. This bike, seat, the back of the seat, and all of it, is comfortable and worth the extra money. I was also amazed at how quiet the bike is. Nice feature. Lastly, there was some assembly, but don't let this discourage you. The instructions were simple to follow and refreshingly each bag of parts was numbered with the steps in the instructions. I have never seen that before. That should be mandated because it was awesome! It took my husband and I about 45min. to assemble. We love it!!! I wholeheartedly recommend this brand, this model, and Amazon. (The Amazon extras was I had the comforting and satisfying experience of an Amazon concierge. I never had this bonus before. "James" was great and responsive...and all he really did was keep me informed on shipping, but it was a nice feature to have a real body and email to correspond with about my purchase) The actual shipper was also responsive and A+ service.

I promptly paid and awaiuted delivery of this product only to find it completely missing the Hardware Kit. When I tried to contact Amazon they had DEAF EARs and told me I had to go to the manufacturer. I am out several thousand dollars while I make attempts to find anyone that can help.

This unit is worthless and there is no way I can package it up and return it. You would understand if you saw the packaging. I know they'd refuse a refund because I could in no way get this stuff back in a package and hire a Trucking company to return it.

Please beware of AMAZON and their total lack of custome support!~!@

My husband and I wanted a recumbent bike for our house. Our gym uses Life Fitness cycles. There are certainly cheaper bikes available but they don't feel as sturdy as the Life Fitness models. We are completely happy with our purchase and totally happy with the quality of the bike. The set up was reasonably easy to follow, though it did take both of us several hours.

I have had the R3 for almost four years now. It works as well now, as the day I bought it, despite thousands of miles of use and no maintenance. I bought this bike instead of cheaper ones, because at the time I weighed 220 pounds and like to pedal very hard. Cheaper recumbent bikes rock back and forth and flex when you ride them hard. This bike is as solid as the ones in the gym, no matter how hard to ride it.

I like everything about this recumbent except for a few small quirks. Having to reset your data into the computer for every workout is annoying. A memory feature for your workout information would be very nice. I'm not sure if the advanced computer option comes with that. It would be more annoying on that system than it is with the basic computer.

Set-up was very easy with this bike. The instructions make it seem harder than it is, but it goes together very easily.
I like the fact that it doesn't have to be plugged in. I have mine in the basement, where there aren't many outlets.

The seat is solid and comfortable.

The pedals and drive mechanism are smooth, quiet, and durable.

I recommend that you buy this bike here. With free shipping and dependable customer service, Amazon is an excellent place to buy it.