Keiser M3i spin bike vs Lifecycle GX spin bike
In this review, you can discover the difference between Keiser M3i spin bike vs Lifecycle GX spin bike.
It’s a difficult decision to make as both these exercise bikes are high-end indoor cycles, both in the spin classes and at home among professional cyclists.
To find what sets them apart from each other and which one is the best value for the money, we go through the details.
In case you don’t want to scroll down and read this comparison, you need to know that based on many factors we believe the Keiser M3i is better than Lifecycle.
Aside from the fact that M3i is made in the United States, it also has a Watt tracking and Bluetooth computer that can support most spinning apps.
LifeFitnes GX vs Keiser M3i Comparison
| Name | Bluetooth | Media Tray | Displays Watts | Flywheel | Bike Weight | Dimension | Resistance level | Drive | Weight capacity | SPD Pedals | Height capacity | Handlebar & Seat | Warranty | Assembly | Made in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keiser M3I | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8 Lbs | 85 Lbs | HEIGHT 45" WIDTH 26" LENGTH 49" | 24 Magnetic Resistance Levels | Belt | 300 Lbs | Yes, innovative pedals | 4’10” to 7 Feet | Up-Down Fore-Aft | 5-Year on frame 3-Year mechanical parts | Easy | U.S. |
| LifeCycle GX | No | No | No | 8.5 Lbs | 111 Lbs | HEIGHT 39.5" WIDTH 23" LENGTH 54.6" | 20 Magnetic resistance Levels | Belt | 350 Lbs | Yes | 4'10" to 6'5 Feet | Up-Down Fore-Aft | 10-Year on frame 3-Year mechanical parts | Easy | N/A |
Keiser M3i spin bike vs Lifecycle GX spin bike
They are both built for commercial use durability and both brands offer well-designed high-quality products with many similarities. Like any other high-end spin bike, they have magnetic resistance, belt drive, rear-wheel design for protection from sweat and corrosion and they both look sleek.
Although, the final choice between Keiser M3i and Lifecycle GX comes down to a few detailed features, especially because they both have the same price.
Frame
Life Fitness cycle features a traditional spin bike frame with a horizontal top tube while the Keiser M3i has a V-shape frame.
The good part about the V-shape frame is the easy mounting and dismounting and also better protection for the mechanism. The reason is that the bike’s drive system stays away from the sweat zone.
Resistance Levels
Both Keiser and GX have magnetic resistance system which makes them smooth and quiet. However, the Keiser M3i has 24 Levels of resistance and the level shifter is easier to access because it’s located right in front of the rider.
On the other hand, on the LifeCycle GX spin bike, you only get 20 Levels of resistance and the level shifter is located below the handlebars so not as easy to reach.
Media Tray
Keiser M3i has a standard media tray for holding cell phones and tablets. Life Cycle doesn’t have a media tray, so you can’t have your phone or tablet available in front of you to follow online training or answer a call.
GX vs M3i weight and portability
Keiser M3i weighs 85 lbs because it features a simple and strong frame. Another reason is the single Poly-V belt that transmits very high loads over very small pulleys, achieving road-bike experience without a heavy perimeter-weighted flywheel.
The Life Cycle GX weighs 111-lb (26-lb more than M3i). So, compared to M3i it’s not as easy to move around. Both cycles have transport wheels, although M3i has strong silicon tires which is also unique in indoor cycling.
Seat and handlebars
Keiser and GX spin bikes are featured with 4-way adjustable seats and handlebars. You can adjust the seat and handlebars up&down-fore/aft. It’s a great feature in order to accommodate different cyclists with different arm and leg length.
They are both easy to adjust and you wouldn’t need any tool for adjustment. However, the angle of handlebars on Keiser is easier on the back and joints. If you want a better indoor cycle with pivoting handlebars, read our full guide of Keiser M3ix.
Console and App connectivity, LifeCycle vs Keiser M3i
Keiser M3i features wireless Bluetooth connectivity and allows you to connect to their free IOS and Android apps online to track your workout data. The Keiser M3i also has an automatic back-lit sensor, which means it will automatically turn on the backlight when it’s dark to increase the battery life. LifeCycle GX doesn’t feature Bluetooth connectivity and the backlight is always on.
They both display the same workout values, however, on Keiser M3i you also get results of the power you generate on the bike. It’s called Watts and it’s an important feature in spin bike classes.
Both spin bikes display Heart Rate (if you are wearing a monitor), calories burnt, distance traveled, the time elapsed, RPM (Revolution Per Minute/Measurement of how fast your wheel is spinning) and last but not least the resistance level/gear.
Flywheel and Drive-System
Both spin bikes have their flywheels in the back. Keiser flywheel weighs 8-lbs and Lifecycle GX flywheel weighs 8.8 Lbs. So, there isn’t much difference in the flywheel weight. The V-shape of Keiser M3i frame brings further protection to the drive-train. The angled channel on the bike frame flows excess fluid away from the drive mechanism.
The angle and shape of the frame on the Lifecycle GX spin bike do not protect the drive-train as much as the Keiser M3i does. With this being said, both spin bikes would have been better if they designed the frame steeped toward the front of the bike rather than toward the center of the bike on top of the drive system.
User height and weight capacity, GX vs M3i
The Lifecycle GX spin bike accommodates riders from 4’10” to 6’5″, and has 350 lbs user weight capacity.
However, the Keiser M3i accommodates riders from 4’10” to 7 feet tall and the weight capacity is 300-lb. Keiser spin bike has a higher range of user height capacity but the weight capacity is 50-lb less than Lifecycle GX spin bike.
Pedals and crank arms
The pedals on both spin bikes are dual-sided with one side for normal athletic shoes and the spd side for cycling shoes. However, Keiser M3i features re-designed innovative pedals and has the unique following features.
- Ramped barbs allow for secure foot placement without insertion difficulty
- Curvature of the pedal matches typical shoe design, eliminating pressure points on the rider’s foot
- Stronger bearings tested for static and dynamic loads experienced when rider gets on, off, and rides the bike
- Easily accessible SPD tension adjustment
- Flexible and strong axle design that evenly distributes stress load. Forged, Chromoly steel axle, machined and heat treated for maximum strength
- Re-angled SPD clip position provides greater clearance between the cage and the ground when using the SPD clips
The crank arms are different. The Keiser M3i has curved crank arms to fit wider hips and bulky shoes. The Lifecycle GX has straight crank arms which makes it hard to ride with bulky shoes and for individuals with wider hips.
Water bottle holder
Keiser M3i features one water bottle holder that can fit both small and big size bottles. LifeCycle GX features two water bottle holders and they are easier to reach, located on both sides of the handlebars.
Keiser M3i vs Lifecycle GX cost
As of right now (late 2017) that I’m writing the review of Keiser M3i vs LifeFitness GX spin bikes, they are almost the same price. Keiser with $4 less is the cheapest one, however, this might change by the time you are reading this review of Keiser M3i spin bike vs Lifecycle GX spin bike.
Warranty
Keiser M3i warranty: 10 YEARS for the frame, 3 YEARS Cylinders, displays, processor boxes, and thumb buttons (except plastic parts). 2 YEARS compressor and dryer, cables, pulleys, and bearings.1 YEAR Chrome. 90 DAYS paint, upholstery, seat belts, hand grips, and other rubber and plastic products.
LifeCycle Gx warranty: 5 YEARS on the frame, 3 YEARS for the mechanical components, 1 YEAR console (optional), 1 YEAR saddle, pedals; 1 YEAR on labor. There is only a little difference in the warranty policies but it’s not a deal-breaker for either of the spin bikes.
LifeCycle GX vs Keiser M3i Q-Factors
The distance between the two pedals is called the Q-factor. The less space between the pedals brings less pressure on the joints because it allows the lower body to stay aligned.
In other words, if your feet are too spread apart, they won’t be in a straight line with your hips and that can bring more pressure to your ankles, knees, and hips.
LifeCycle GX and the Keiser M3i indoor cyles feature average size Q-factors. However, the Life Fitness LifeCycle GX offers a narrower Q-factor compared to the Keiser M3i. Some popular spin bikes such as the Sole SB900 feature 8 inches q-factor.
LifeCycle GX Q-Factor: 170 mm equals to 6.7 inches
Keiser M3i Q-Factor: 197 mm equals to 7.75 inches
User reviews
Life Cycle GX spin bike has less than 30 user reviews on Amazon and more than 14% of them rated the bike 1 star.
Keiser M3i spin bike, on the other hand, has more than 130 user reviews on Amazon and only below 6% of them rated the bike 1 star.
The bottom line is that not only Keiser M3i cycle is more popular but the customers are also more satisfied with this spin bike.
Assembly process
LifeCycle GX comes with main parts such as the flywheel, drive train frame to the base already assembled so it’s easier to put it together.
Keiser takes more time because you need to attach the frame to the base and assemble the flywheel as well.
Which one you should consider purchasing
Let’s make the conclusion of this review of Keiser M3i spin bike vs Lifecycle GX spin bike and see which bike proved to be a better value for money.
Life Fitness is one of the best companies in the world for the gym and indoor exercise equipment, although their GX spin bike can’t compete with the Keiser M3i spin bike.
However, the next version that soon will be in the market might be the top of the market above Keiser and other competitors but for now, Keiser’s M series is the king in the spin bike industry, for under $2000. Keiser brand has 4 indoor cycles on the market. You can read more about them in the link.
Looking at all the facts and features we rank Keiser M3i above the Life Fitness Lifecycle GX group exercise bike. M3i is also featured number 1 in our best spin bike reviews.
Hi there, I'm Sayed Hamed Hosseiny, the founder and one of the authors at yourexercisebike.com (YEB). I am a former indoor cycling instructor and personal trainer with nearly 20 years of experience. With a passion for indoor cycling, I have spent years designing cycling parts, repairing, and importing exercise bikes. All the articles, tips, guides, reviews, and comparisons on YourExerciseBike.com (YEB) reflect my personal opinion and expertise in the field. I'm excited to share my knowledge with fellow exercise bike enthusiasts and help people find reliable indoor cycling information and the best exercise bike for their needs. If you have any questions or suggestion, you can contact me at sayed@yourexercisebike.com.
