Life Fitness RS3 Recumbent Bike Review

Life Fitness RS3 Recumbent Bike

$3,149

This is a nice bike.  It is also over $3000 so it should be right?  The RS 3 is a very solid, extremely well-built machine and the quality is unmistakable from the moment you sit down and start pedaling.  The drive train is smooth as can be, the material around you is also top notch.  There really is nothing that feels cheap.  Everything you would expect from an expensive bike, from a high-end manufacturer.  But… and there is always a but, what about the comfort?  Expensive doesn’t always mean perfection so let’s dive in.

Our first reaction is that there are clearly some nice design features.  The Life Fitness RS 3 has a full step through design which is a big plus.  The pedals are a little bit oversized and use a ratchet style adjustment strap, also a plus. The seat bottom and seat back are built from high quality components.  We do like that the upper display of the Life Fitness RS 3 Recumbent Bike with Go Console does not sit too high and you can see over it (into your room or a tv on the wall).  We mention the “GO” console because there is also a “Track Connect 2.0” console which will be a bit taller and harder to see over.  Something to keep in mind if you want to watch tv while pedaling.

We do like that the LF RS 3 has an easy start resistance level meaning that it is easy to pedal at level 1.  This would be important for someone who is rehabbing or a senior.  Not all bikes have an easy starting resistance and that could be a problem for some.

What don’t we like?

Well, there are a few things we don’t love and may be a deal breaker for some.  This bike is heavy, and Life Fitness does not help this by making it really hard to move around.  The front wheels are almost useless and there is no grab handle in the back so…yeah.  Not easy to move.

We HATE the fact that this Life Fitness RS 3 recumbent bike has STRAIGHT CRANK ARMS.  UGH!  Most bikes use a slightly curved crank arm to push your heel away from the center shroud (your heels naturally tend to bow in towards the center.  On a straight crank arm, heels can rub against the plastic shroud, especially if you have bigger feet.  No bueno!  This recumbent bike is also a bit noisier because of the hum from the generator.  Cool feature, this bike can be plugged in or used in self-generating mode but either way, there will be a humming noise from the hub.  This could be annoying for some people.  Our only other complaint is that even though LF uses a mesh back rest, it is a very fine small weave, so it is not quite as breathable as some other brands we have reviewed.  Small complaint but if you sweat a bunch, this could be a nuisance.

Pros:  Built like a tank, high end components from front to back.  Extremely smooth drive train and feel.  Can plug in or be operated in self-generating mode (no power cord).  Full, easy step through design for easy entry and exit.

Cons: Not easy to move.  Straight crank arms not good for people with bigger feet or limited flexibility.  Expensive.  Mesh back rest is not very breathable.