Keiser M3 Indoor Cycle w/ Computer The Keiser M3 is an highly rated bike but it is hampered by a handlebar that doesn’t move horizontally. This causes more of an issue on this bike than other spin bike models due to the upright post that the handlebar adjustment pole slides into is angled at 45 degrees and not close to perpendicular.
This means that as you increase the height of the handlebars they are moving away from you, the opposite issue is when you are lowering the bars it is getting closer to you. This can result in the handlebars not being in the most efficient position to maximise the benefit of a workout.
You can end up with the handlebars too far away from you or too close to you to get a comfortable fit. Not everyone has an issue with this but it is a risk to be aware of with the bike as everyone’s torso and leg measurements are different even when they’re the same height.
.................................. Keiser M3 Plus Indoor Cycle This was the next model released. Keiser improved on the M3 while keeping the same look with the flywheel at the back and 45 degree handlebar post. The big difference here is that handlebars can also move horizontally to compensate for the 45 degree angle of the vertical adjustment.
This makes it easier to set the bike up to fit properly so that you can get most efficient workout and not struggle with feeling or being cramped or stretched.
They’ve also changed the design of the handlebars, they do look unusual, to enable them to move backwards and forwards. Although they are different to conventional spin bike handlebars you can place hands in spinning positions and cycle training positions to get a full and tough workout with them.
This is the main difference between the M3 Plus and M3 bikes and it is a big improvement making it able to be used by more people who can now get the maximum benefit from riding it.
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Keiser M3i
This bike builds on the M3 plus, retaining the adjustable handlebars. One of the issues with many spin bikes is the inability to be able to upload training and workout data so that you can analyze and track performance over time.
With the previous 2 models the console allowed you to see how you were performing while working out but did not record or upload the data. With the M3i using bluetooth and a free app you can pair it with a iOS mobile device and use it for storing workout results and analyse them further.
The app does a reasonable job at allowing you to do this. However, there isn’t the ability to use other Apps or upload to other internet accounts like Strava for more analysis with outdoor rides and share with your friends.
The M3i has pre-set holes in the adjustment pole. You don’t have to use them when adjusting the height of the seat as you can tighten it in place to height you want. It is there as a safety feature so that if the adjustment knob hasn’t been fully tightened the seat will only slip to down to the nearest hole.
Other than that the bike is the same as the M3 plus keeping the same adjustable handlebars.