If you’ve ever stepped foot inside a commercial gym, it’s a sure bet that you’ve seen ellipticals in action. They’re those upright cardio units that allow you to get in a stride workout by moving in an elliptical (oval-shaped) motion. An elliptical bike combo combines the benefits of an elliptical trainer with those of an exercise bike to allow you to save money and space while giving your entire body a great workout. But you’ll only get the benefits if you invest in the right machine – many home gym elliptical bike combo units are rather cheap and nasty. In this article, I provide you with an in-depth overview of the best of the best elliptical bike combo models on the market right now.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Best Elliptical Bike Combo Comparison Table
- 2 1. 2-In-1 Professional Elliptical Cross Trainer & Bike
- 3 2. Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical LT-3
- 4 3. Body Power 3-In-1 Exercise Machine, Trio Trainer
- 5 4. ProForm Hybrid Trainer Recumbent Bike and Rear Drive Elliptical
- 6 5. Body Champ 3-In-1 Exercise Machine, Trio Trainer Plus Two
- 7 6. Goplus 2 In 1 Elliptical Fan Bike Dual Cross Trainer Machine
- 8 Buyer’s Guide
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions
- 10 Conclusion
Best Elliptical Bike Combo Comparison Table
#1 Editor’s Choice
2-In-1 Professional Elliptical Cross Trainer & Bike
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- 8 resistance levels
- 4-way adjustable seat
- Smooth, fluid motion
#2 Editor’s Choice
Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer And Elliptical LT-3
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- Recumbent design
- Superior spinal support
- Patented linkage system
Body Power 3-In-1 Exercise Machine, Trio Trainer
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- 3 machines in 1
- 24 workout programs
- Recumbent handles
ProForm Hybrid Trainer Recumbent Bike And Rear Drive Elliptical
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- Rear drive
- 16 programs
- iFit enabled
Body Champ 3-In-1 Exercise Machine, Trio Trainer Plus Two
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- 21 workout programs
- Wrap around recumbent handles
- Dual upper body positions
Goplus 2 In 1 Elliptical Fan Bike Dual Cross Trainer Machine
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- Budget price
- Light weight
- Heart rate sensors
1. 2-In-1 Professional Elliptical Cross Trainer & Bike
Editor’s Choice #1: The 2-in-1 Pro Elliptical Cross Trainer achieved our 1st in class status mainly on the strength of its very impressive smooth, jerk free range of motion when you are using both the elliptical and the cycling functions. Other standout features are the extra large foot pedals and the solid frame construction – as attested by the 265lb max weight capacity.
The 2-in-1 Professional Elliptical Cross trainer and bike is a solidly constructed, compact machine that will support a max weight capacity of 265lbs. You get a fluid, smooth range of motion through both the upper body and the legs – thanks to the precision weighted 10lb flywheel in combination with the v-belt drive.
Adjustable Resistance
There are 8 levels of adjustable resistance on this elliptical bike combination controlled by a centrally located knob. Unlike many home ellipticals, the transition between resistance levels is not jerky, allowing a natural intensity adjustment. The range of resistances varies from very light to super tough to accommodate all fitness levels. The monitor on the 2-in1 Professional Elliptical Cross trainer and bike is pretty basic however it provides the diagnostic functionality you need to monitor your workout including speed, time, distance, calories burned and pulse rate. It should be noted that the hand sensors that monitor your heart rate are not overly reliable.
Anti-Slip Pedals
The large anti-slip foot pedals on this exercise bike elliptical combo make it easy to get on and off the machine, and allow you to angle your foot positioning to work different areas of your quads and calves. And at 13.7 x 5.5 inches, the pedals are larger than most competitors. The seat on this elliptical recumbent bike combo is pretty comfortable, having a good level of padding and breathability. You can adjust the seat in all four directions to get the perfect body positioning when cycling. One thing I didn’t like was how long it took to assemble: you should dedicate at least an hour. Once done, however, you’ll have a quality recumbent elliptical bike that will make all the effort worth it.
Pros
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance
- Smooth fluid motion
- Max weight capacity 265lbs
- 4-way adjustable seat
- Anti-slip pedals
Cons
- Basic monitor
- Difficult to assemble
2. Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical LT-3
Editor’s Choice #2: The Teeter FreeStep Recumbent ranks as our second best elliptical bike combo because of its superior back support and seat padding, making this a smart choice for people with lower back problems. This machine provides smooth operation as a result of high spec glide bearings, which also puts it ahead of the other cross trainers reviewed on this page.
Back Support
The Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical is the best elliptical bike combo option for people with lower back or mobility issues. The recumbent seat and horizontal pedaling motion take the pressure off the spine as well as working your legs in a unique way. Thanks to the upgraded ultra glide bearings, you get a natural, smooth movement through your range of motion whether pedaling, or pulling on the moveable arms. The seat is completely height adjustable and includes 3 recline settings. This unit features a unique patented linkage system delivering the type of smooth resistance through all planes of motion that you get on more expensive commercial grade cross trainers.
Adjustable Handles
The movable arms on this exercise bike elliptical combination have adjustable handles to allow you to target different muscle groups and get a total body workout. The large softstep pedals feature a TPR tread rubber overlay to ensure that your feet don’t slip. The console on this machine is just as basic as the one on the 2-in-1 Pro Elliptical but is functional enough. You also get a smart device stand and water bottle holder.
Pros
- Recumbent design
- Excellent back support
- Patented linkage system for smooth action
- Large, softstep pedals
- Multi level magnetic resistance
Cons
- No upright exercise facility
- Basic monitor
3. Body Power 3-In-1 Exercise Machine, Trio Trainer
The Body Power 3-in-1 Exercise Trio Trainer is a hybrid of three types of cardio machine:
- Recumbent Bike
- Upright Bike
- Elliptical Trainer
The first thing I noticed about this elliptical exercise bike combo machine is sturdiness: its 300lb weight capacity speaks to the strength of the frame and the soundness of the working parts. The high tensile steel tubing is finished in industrial grade gray powder. The whole thing weighs 110lbs and has a compact footprint, especially considering it combines three machines into one. Stabilizers on the base ensure it sits flat and secure on the floor. The recumbent seat features side handles bars for extra support and has extra wide seat and back padding. Two inch thick foam padding provides comfort and lumbar support.
Recumbent Handles
There are three sets of handlebars on this elliptical combo. In addition to the recumbent support handles, there is a fixed set of handles on the base which features hand pulse sensors and large movable handles which allow you to work your upper body. There are 24 workout programs on this elliptical machine including heart rate, fat loss and 4 user profiles. There are two types of pedals: standard upright bike pedals and extra large, slip resistant elliptical trainer pedals. However, pedals are not adjustable and do not feature any padding.
Pros
- 3-in-1
- Compact
- Very sturdy
- Recumbent handles for extra support
- 24 workout programs
Cons
- Stride length limited to 13 inches
- No pulse sensors on recumbent handles
4. ProForm Hybrid Trainer Recumbent Bike and Rear Drive Elliptical
The ProForm Hybrid trainer combines a recumbent bike and an elliptical into a functional, sturdy design. Unlike most combo ellipticals, it features a rear drive mechanism allowing you to get a more natural, closer elliptical striding motion. You get 16 built in workout programs on this machine along with 16 resistance levels. Half of the programs are built around speed development with the others being weight loss and calorie burn programs. On top of that, this machine is iFit enabled, though you will have to pay $99 per year for an iFit subscription.
Smooth Motion
The 13lb flywheel coupled with silent magnetic resistance delivers a natural, jerk free elliptical motion. Oversized pedals are textured and slip resistant but cannot be adjusted. The console is quite basic although features a secure tablet holder. This stationary bike / elliptical combo represents good value for money for a rear drive elliptical. Its biggest drawback is that the elliptical stride length is too limiting – people taller than 5’11” will not get a full range of movement. There is no cooling fan on this recumbent elliptical cross trainer and the parts and labor warranty, at just 90 days, is unimpressive.
Pros
- Rear Drive for more natural motio
- 16 built in workouts
- iFit enabled
- 16 resistance levels
- Magnetic resistance
Cons
- Short stride length
- No fan
- Unimpressive warranty
5. Body Champ 3-In-1 Exercise Machine, Trio Trainer Plus Two
The Body Champ 3-in-1 is another multifunctional combination of an elliptical trainer, upright and recumbent bike. There are two upper body stance positions to provide some variety to your lower body training position. Just as with the Body Champ 3-in-1 trainer, this unit comes with a pair of recumbent wrap around handles to provide extra stability when you are in the recumbent position. The ergonomically advanced design of this elliptical and bike combo allows you to transition between all three exercise station positions without having to move your foot positioning or get off the machine. That makes this a good option if you are doing high intensity interval training with quick changes between movements.
Fluid Motion
A bonus feature with this cross trainer is the fluidity flywheel system which delivers a whisper quiet motion while being smooth and natural. The well padded seat and backrest have 2 inch padding and are covered in moisture and odor resistant faux leather. The seat is fully adjustable both vertically and horizontally. The console on this cross trainer is more extensive than any others in this review, providing you with more programmable options and a larger display. There are an impressive 21 programs built into the console. However, there is no tablet holder on this machine.
Pros
- Dual upper body stance positions
- Wrap around recumbent handles
- Easy transitions between stations
- 21 workout programs
- Smooth magnetic resistance
Cons
- No tablet holder
- Time consuming assembly
6. Goplus 2 In 1 Elliptical Fan Bike Dual Cross Trainer Machine
The Goplus 2 in 1 Elliptical Fan Bike Dual cross trainer is a compact hybrid between an upright bike and an elliptical. It features a stylish display and a durable frame that can stand up to 250lbs of user weight. You can adjust the resistance on this machine by way of a dial knob but there are no specific resistance levels as such. The seat height is adjustable up and down but not sideways.
Other Features
This hybrid elliptical bike combo is most suitable for beginner exercisers who are looking for a smooth but not too intense workout. It features heart rate sensors on the moveable handles and has a simple but functional monitor to record your key training data. Transport wheels make it easy to move around. This is quite a noisy elliptical exercise bicycle when you are using the elliptical function, so keep that in mind if you plan to work out while other people are asleep
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Heart rate sensors
- Comfortable
- Adjustable seat
Cons
- Noisy
- Seat not laterally adjustable
Buyer’s Guide
Read on to ensure you are purchasing elliptical bike combos that will enable you to get a quality workout.
How Does An Elliptical Bike Combo Compare To Traditional Machines
In comparison to traditional single unit cardio fitness equipment, elliptical bike combos will usually not provide you with as great a range of motion. That’s because they have to accommodate for the exercise parts which naturally restricts range of motion. Combination elliptical and bike machines are also often not as sturdy as stand alone units. Learn how to turn your bike into a stationary bike here. Elliptical bike combos will also have lighter flywheels, and will usually lack incline adjustability on the elliptical or offer forward and reverse elliptical options.
Arm Movement
You will want a machine with an elliptical that allows you to exercise the upper body by way of movable handles. It should allow for a full arm movement so that you can fully extend and contract your biceps and triceps.
Brake System
A high-quality brake and resistance mechanism will ensure that elliptical bike combos operate smoothly, is quiet and will last the distance. An eddy current brake system makes use of magnets against the flywheel to create resistance and braking. It is connected to the computer console so that you can control resistance and braking at the touch of a button. If you are a fitness enthusiast, check out our post about Best Underbed Treadmills to pick the right kind of fitness equipment for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is An Elliptical Bike Good Exercise?
Yes, an elliptical bike is good exercise. Elliptical exercise bikes will allow you to work both your upper and lower body and also to burn calories at the same time. The elliptical action also works your lower body muscle uniquely and is more biomechanically efficient through the hips and ankles.
What Does 30 Minutes On The Elliptical Bike Do?
30 minutes on the elliptical bike, done at a moderate intensity consistently, should burn through about 250 calories while also providing a good workout to your glutes, hamstrings and quadriceps. The elliptical bike also allows you to get an effective traditional exercise bike workout to work your lower body while burning more calories.
How Much Does An Elliptical Bike Cost?
An elliptical bike costs between $190 for a basic model to around $700 for a top of the line model. The more expensive models have a longer stride length (18 inches or over), forward and reverse motion and more built-in workout programs. The cheaper models are generally less sturdy and durable.
Can I Do Elliptical Bike Every Day?
Yes, you can do the elliptical every day. This workout is primarily a calorie burning exercise, so completing daily workouts will help you to maintain a caloric deficit to burn fat. You should speak to your doctor first if you have any concerns or issues about undertaking regular cardio exercise.
Conclusion
Investing in an elliptical bike combo is a smart idea if you are wanting to get an effective cardio and full body workout at home in a limited space. Use our recommendations to help you avoid cheap offerings and bring home the best elliptical bike combo value and quality for your fitness dollar.
