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The 3 Best Elliptical Bike Combo Machines of 2023 to Maximize Your Workouts

 Written by 

Julien Raby

 Last updated on 

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Having a home gym sounds like a dream come true to any fitness enthusiast until you realize just how much space you need to make that happen. For most people, the math simply doesn’t add to the limited space we all have at our disposal.

This is why the idea of combining multiple pieces of equipment into one machine is such a genius one. Not only do you get to save a lot of space, but also some money in the process – all while you get to reap the benefits of three separate devices from one great source.

A man at the gym using the best elliptical bike combo
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So what’s the best elliptical bike combo machine that can make all your fitness dreams come true? We’ve got the answers.

In A Hurry? Here’s Our Best Picks

ProForm Hybrid Trainer Recumbent Bike and Rear Drive Elliptical, Compatible...
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[BODY POWER] 2nd Generation Patented 3-in-1 Home Gym, Upright Compact...
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Plasma Fit Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer 2 in 1 Exercise Bike Cardio...
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Product's nameBest Overall
ProForm Hybrid Trainer Recumbent Bike and Rear Drive...
Most Versatile Option
[BODY POWER] 2nd Generation Patented 3-in-1 Home Gym,...
Budget Pick
Plasma Fit Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer 2 in 1 Exercise...
Final ThoughtThe device looks and feels like it was handcrafted with durability in mind, which adds a certain level of confidence to the product itself.Seemingly outshining other hybrid machines in terms of functionality and training options, the Body Power Trio Trainer has a lot to offer.The Plasma elliptical bike combination has been specifically designed to facilitate an efficient and low-impact workout within a budget-friendly price range.
Machine Size70.5"D x 24.5"W x 60.5"H43.7" D x 62.2" W x 29.1" H35.5"D x 21.5"W x 58.25"H
Stride Length15"18"11"
Levels of Resistance16.03.010.0
Max User Weight Capacity350 lbs250 lbs220 lbs
Machine Weight117 lbs71 lbs64 lbs
Price$$$$
Learn moreSee at AmazonSee at AmazonSee at Amazon

Why You Should Trust BoxLife

Built on a foundation of years’ worth of experience in the fitness industry, the BoxLife team has the knowledge and expertise that’s needed to separate the good from the bad. We have a keen eye for detail and a knack for finding the best of the best in terms of functionality, affordability, and safety.

Our goal is to inspire fitness enthusiasts from all walks of life to find the most reliable products that fit their current fitness goal plan, budget, and lifestyle. We know how hard and time-consuming it can be to browse through dozens of products and still not find what you’re looking for. We intend to simplify that process and make it easier for you to find a product that will meet and even exceed your expectations.

Who Is This Guide For?

This guide is for basically anyone who wants to play it safe when it comes to home gym equipment, with carefully selected products that can offer the best of both worlds – cardio and strength training workouts. Just because you have limited space and a tight budget doesn’t mean you can’t get a full-body workout in the way that you deserve. There’s no need to put your fitness goals on hold or compromise them in any way.

A man at home using the best elliptical bike combo
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How We Picked the Best Products

We decided to take our own fitness journey and experience with these products and compare them to user experiences across the vast chasm of the internet. Our first pit stop featured social threads and discussion boards across Reddit and Quora, where we were able to gauge the public opinion on different products and see how they reacted to them.

We also read through as many customer reviews as we could find on Amazon, Rogue Fitness, and Titan. What we were looking for was confirmation of the issues that frequently get reported on discussion boards and social media threads, as well as any other instances of customer satisfaction or product failure.

How We Graded Each Product

To rate each product, we looked at the features they offered and compared them against each other using several carefully-selected criteria:

  • Resistance Levels – These days, there’s a lot of talk about the levels of resistance a particular piece of exercise equipment offers, regardless of your training programs of choice or fitness level. It’s basically the backbone of exercise variety and customization that many of us oh-so-desperately crave. Which ones are actually worth your money, and which ones should you stay away from?
  • Ergonomics & Comfort – We all know how much of an effect posture has on our overall health, even when it comes to performing physical activities. How each machine is designed and how it supports our body during the actual elliptical training session is of the utmost importance, with very little room for error.
  • Construction Quality – There’s no denying the fact that exercising on a poorly-made product can cause more damage than good in the long run. Anything that feels wonky from the get-go can be a sign of imminent disaster and should give you enough reason to look elsewhere. Other signs of low-quality construction include heavy use of plastic and a lack of any sort of warranty.
  • Price Range – Does each device offer sufficient value for its price tag? Are there any overpriced models that just bear the name of a reputable company? How much are you willing to spend on something that’s bound to give you more than just a few years’ worth of use?

The Products

When the analysis and comparison of the products were completed, we came up with a final list of three potential candidates for the best recumbent bike and elliptical combo machine. Let’s take a look at what each one of them has to offer, shall we?

ProForm Hybrid Elliptical Trainer – Best Overall

It’s not surprising in the slightest that the 2-In-1 Proform Hybrid Elliptical takes the crown in our list of top-notch combo machines. This little gem is packed to the brim with features that are cleverly engineered to deliver an enjoyable and effective workout routine for people of all sizes and fitness levels. Its robust steel frame holds enough weight and provides the perfect combination of stability and support you’d expect from a quality product.

Pros

  • Resilient inertia-enhanced flywheel for a seamless elliptical workout
  • Comfortable seat with an adjustable cushion
  • Two sets of handlebars for both fixed and moving positions
  • 30-day complimentary iFIT app membership straight from the box

Cons

  • Assembly may require more time to complete
  • Bluetooth connectivity isn’t always the most reliable

Key Specs

Machine Size70.5″D x 24.5″W x 60.5″H
Stride Length15″
Levels of Resistance16
Max User Weight Capacity350 lbs

Why It’s Great

The first thing you’ll notice when you unpack the ProForm Hybrid Elliptical is its sturdy steel frame. The device looks and feels like it was handcrafted with durability in mind, which adds a certain level of confidence to the product itself. Its stable design ensures a smooth ride and operation while its resistance knob provides a hassle-free transition among the 16 levels available.

With a stationary bike, you’re given a cushioned seat with adequate back support and a pair of ergonomic handlebars to hold on to as you take on varying intensity levels. Additionally, the oversized pedals with a deep tread pattern keep your feet firmly in place while the inertia-enhanced flywheel helps maintain a smooth speed transition.

As for the elliptical trainer, you’re basically using the same adjustable pedals to provide a low-impact workout. The moving ergonomic handlebars are designed to mimic the motion of walking, jogging, or running while the resistance knob once again makes it easy to adjust the intensity of your workout.

The icing on this is the 30-day iFit membership you get just by purchasing the device. This includes an extensive library of on-demand video workouts, smart coaching, and interactive tracking that can be streamed directly on your monitor. The digital screen on the central console takes note of your heart rate monitoring, workout duration, calories burned, and other data points.

Body Power 3-In-1 Exercise Machine – Most Versatile Option

This machine takes the dual-function concept one step further by tackling three separate pieces of equipment in one go – an upright bike, a recumbent bike, and an elliptical trainer. The sheer flexibility and versatility of the Body Power Trio Trainer bring a new level of convenience to the table that can’t be matched by other devices. It’s powered by a fluidity flywheel system, which generates enough momentum for a seamless yet engaging full-body workout.

Pros

  • Multi-function design for three pieces of equipment in one go
  • Three sets of ergonomic handles for different activities
  • 28-day meal plan included right off the bat
  • Lightweight yet resilient design with user-friendly controls

Cons

  • The self-balancing pedals lack foot straps for extra safety
  • Some users report shaking during more intense workouts

Key Specs

Machine Size43.7″ D x 62.2″ W x 29.1″ H
Stride Length18″
Levels of Resistance3
Max User Weight Capacity250 lbs

Why It’s Great

Seemingly outshining other hybrid machines in terms of functionality and training options, the Body Power Trio Trainer has a lot to offer. This sleek machine boasts a minimalist design with a lightweight yet strong metal frame and dedicated ergonomic handles for each of the three activities.

The customizable and self-balancing pedals make switching between each position a breeze, with no manual adjustments required to facilitate the movement. Their ribbed surface and slightly curved shape offer superior grip and support for a snug fit, helping you keep your balance from one exercise to the next.

What’s more, each of the three activities features a different set of well-padded handles for you to grip as you take on varying intensity levels. Each one has built-in heart rate sensors that sync with the LCD console to track your pulse and calorie-burning progress. Plus, the wide seat can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically, allowing you complete control over your comfort levels.

The included 28-day meal plan is the cherry on top, which gives you a comprehensive nutrition guide tailored to your own needs and preferences. Its diet-tracking feature allows you to stay on top of your calorie intake while giving you the flexibility to adjust your meals according to any exercise program that you may be following.

Plasma Fit Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer — Our Budget Pick

If you’re really stuck on budget issues, the Plasma Fit Elliptical Machine Cross Trainer is the ideal entry-level device for you. Despite its lower price tag, it still boasts some impressive features that make it worth considering – including a tubular steel construction with a wide, adjustable base that helps stabilize the entire unit and dedicated transport wheels for easy storage.

Pros

  • Compact design at an affordable price
  • Smooth and quiet operation with adjustable resistance
  • Built-in pulse sensors on the well-padded handles
  • Fully adjustable seat height with a cushioned base

Cons

  • No backrest for extra support
  • No pre-programmed workout programs

Key Specs

Machine Size35.5″D x 21.5″W x 58.25″H
Stride Length11″
Levels of Resistance10
Max User Weight Capacity220 lbs

Why It’s Great

The Plasma elliptical bike combination has been specifically designed to facilitate an efficient and low-impact workout within a budget-friendly price range. The tubular steel frame is made of durable and robust material to ensure increased stability and a longer lifespan. The machine itself is surprisingly lightweight and easy to maneuver due to its transport wheels, which can be seen as an added benefit for users who don’t have a dedicated workout area.

Moreover, the heavy-duty flywheel is quite silent and well-balanced, producing a sleek and consistent motion. You can switch between the 10 magnetic resistance with a flick of the tension knob, which is located conveniently at the base of the machine. There’s no need for any extra adjustments or manual labor – just set your desired intensity level and begin your workout.

Additionally, the well-padded handlebars ensure maximum grip and comfort, and the built-in pulse rate sensors are quite accurate in tracking your progress. The wide pedals are entirely covered in textured grip material to prevent slipping during intense workouts, and the adjustable padded seat offers enhanced support in all the right areas.

While the LCD monitor isn’t exactly the most sophisticated, it still displays the relevant tracking information that you need to monitor your training session. It features an automatic shut-off function which is quite useful in terms of conserving battery life. It also has a dedicated phone holder, which allows you to easily watch movies or follow along with an online workout class.

A woman in her home gym using the best elliptical bike combo
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Tips on Buying An Elliptical Bike Combo Machine

The kind of exercise bike elliptical combo that you should consider purchasing depends largely upon your specific circumstances and the way you plan to use it. Simply knowing which options you have available won’t always be enough – you have to look at a broader range of factors that include but aren’t limited to the following ones.

Measurements and Available Space

The 2-in-1 function can be a misleading notion, as some machines can be quite large and bulky. Some even might take up as much space as the two separate pieces of equipment would, which ultimately defeats the purpose of why you bought it in the first place.

Look at the specific measurements before you purchase the machine, making sure it fits comfortably in your desired workout area. Consider the length, width, and height of the device as well as any extra accessories that would be included with the purchase.

Portability

This goes hand in hand with the size of the machine, as larger models are inherently heavier and less mobile. If you plan on moving it around, look for one with transport wheels or a folding design that makes it easier to manage.

The materials can often influence the weight, so consider one made with a lightweight yet durable material like steel or aluminum. Any plastic components should also be of high quality to ensure that the machine is well-equipped for frequent and rigorous use.

Cost and Value

Going big or going home doesn’t necessarily apply here as more expensive models don’t automatically offer better performance or features. The flashy features and high-tech extras might be nice, but more often than not, those details aren’t necessary for the average user.

If you’re not a big fan of bells and whistles, to begin with, you’ll certainly appreciate the more straightforward designs that are offered at lower price points. Just make sure it meets your basic requirements before buying, like weight capacity, stride length, and resistance adjustments.

Warranty

Most of the time, the manufacturer’s warranty can be a clear indicator of how much confidence they have in their product. If it’s barely covered or non-existent, then it’s likely not a good choice. Look for at least a one-year warranty, especially if you intend to use the machine frequently or in commercial settings.

The most common policy includes a 5-year frame warranty with 1-2 years of coverage on labor, parts, and electronics. This should be sufficient to cover any damages or repairs that might arise from normal use.

A man in his home gym using the best elliptical bike combo
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FAQ

Is an elliptical bike effective?

Absolutely, elliptical bikes offer an efficient way to build muscle and burn calories while remaining low on impact. You’re targeting more muscles than you would with a traditional bike, and the adjustable resistance helps to simulate hills or other terrains.

How long does it take to burn 500 calories on the elliptical?

It mostly depends on the intensity and duration of your workout, but you can expect to burn around 500 calories in about 60 to 85 minutes. Plus, if you’re a bit on the heavier side, you might find yourself burning calories at a much quicker rate than the average person due to the greater exertion and energy expenditure.

Which gives a better workout elliptical or bike?

This is ultimately up to you and what your goals are for the workout. If you’re looking for an aerobic exercise that doesn’t put too much strain on the joints, then an elliptical will be the easiest and most comfortable option. However, if you’re looking to target specific muscle groups or build up your endurance, then a bike will be the better option for you.

About

Julien Raby is the owner of BoxLife. He owns a bachelor in literature and a certificate in marketing from Concordia. He's Crossfit Level 1 certified and has been involved in Crossfit since 2010. In 2023 he finally made it to Crossfit Open Quarterfinals for the first time. LinkedIn Instagram Facebook

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