The Life Fitness C3 is the mid-range unit in the company's excellent range of upright exercise bikes for home use. It is not a budget-priced unit by any means, but its build quality and workout options make this one of the best upright exercise bikes we've come across.

The C3 is modeled after the company's commercial products and features many functions you wouldn't normally expect to see on an exercise bike outside of a health club. Life Fitness offers a lifetime warranty on the heavy-duty steel frame, and the ergonomic design makes for a comfortable ride, whether you're in the racing position exercising at your maximum potential or taking it easier. This upright bike should especially appeal to larger users as its maximum user weight is 400 pounds, which is substantially higher than most competing models.

One of the first things that you'll notice about the C3 is that it doesn't require cords or need to be located near a power outlet. It is self-powered, so once you start pedaling, the LCD console will light up and you can select one of 20 resistance levels or one of ten programmed workouts. Don't be put off by the selection, though; the C3 remains extremely user-friendly. If you've only used a very basic exercise bike before, you'll still manage to quickly master the C3.

The preset programs include hill, random, EZ incline, sport training and five different heart rate-controlled programs; the C3 monitors your heart rate with sensors that are built into the handlebars or through the included wireless chest strap. This model also offers convenient functions such as quick start and cool down.

Another notable feature of the C3 is its quiet operation; the high-quality engineering delivers a smooth, virtually silent ride. This model also offers plenty of convenience features including a built-in reading rack, a dual accessory tray and a water bottle holder.

Overall, we are extremely impressed by this bike. The Life Fitness C3 upright exercise bike delivers a safe, effective workout that rivals anything that you'll find in a health club.


Pros: High quality construction, plenty of workout options and different resistance levels, self-powered, includes wireless heart rate monitor
Cons: Relatively expensive