Matrix Recumbent Bikes Comparison Chart
Matrix recumbent bikes are known for their smooth ride quality, durable construction, and console technology that has evolved significantly across generations. From advanced 16-inch touchscreens with full web connectivity to simple dot-matrix consoles built for long-term reliability, each Matrix recumbent model serves a different type of facility and rider. Premium units offer virtual courses, Bluetooth, Apple Watch integration, media compatibility, and asset management tools, while older models prioritize simplicity, low maintenance, and consistent performance. Whether you are updating a commercial fitness center, outfitting a rehab environment, or selecting a recumbent bike for home use, this comparison outlines the major differences between the Matrix R7xi, R7xe, R5x, and R3x so you can choose the right fit for your goals, budget, and technology needs.
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Matrix R7xi Recumbent Bike
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Matrix R7xe Recumbent Bike
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Matrix R5x Recumbent Bike
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Matrix R3x Recumbent Bike (Older Style)
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Matrix R7xi Recumbent Bike
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Matrix R7xe Recumbent Bike
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Matrix R5x Recumbent Bike
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Matrix R3x Recumbent Bike (Older Style)
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| Contact & Telemetric HR | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Handlebar Design | Seat side / front ergo bend |
Seat side / front ergo bend |
Seat side / front ergo bend |
Seat side / front ergo bend |
| Integrated Arm Rests | No |
No |
No |
No |
| Remote Buttons | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Bottle Holder | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Display Type | 41 cm / 16" class projective capacitive touchscreen LCD |
41 cm / 16" class touchscreen LCD |
Dot-matrix LED with profile display |
Dot-matrix LED with profile display |
| Display Feedback | Time of Day, Time Elapsed, Time Remaining, Total Program Time, Distance (Kilometers or Miles), Calories, Calories per Hour, Level, Speed, Pace, Average Pace, RPM, Heart Rate, Peak Heart Rate, METs, Watts, Dynamic Profile Display, Static Profile Display |
Time of Day, Time Elapsed, Time Remaining, Total Program Time, Distance (Kilometers or Miles), Calories, Calories per Hour, Level, Speed, Pace, Average Pace, RPM, Heart Rate, Peak Heart Rate, METs, Watts, Dynamic Profile Display, Static Profile Display |
Time of Day, Time Elapsed, Time Remaining, Total Program Time, Distance (Kilometers or Miles), Calories, Speed, Level, RPM, Heart Rate, METs, Watts, Workout Profile |
Time of Day, Time Elapsed, Time Remaining, Total Program Time, Distance (Kilometers or Miles), Calories, Calories per Hour, Speed, Level,RPM, Heart Rate, METs, Watts, Workout Profile |
| Secondary Data Display | Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
| User-defined Multi-language Display | English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese (s), Chinese (t), Japanese, Korean, Swedish, Finnish, Russian, Arabic, Turkish, Polish, Welsh, Basque, Vietnamese, Somali, Danish |
English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese (s), Chinese (t), Japanese, Korean, Swedish, Finnish, Russian, Arabic, Turkish, Polish, Welsh, Basque, Vietnamese, Somali, Danish |
English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, Swedish, Finnish, Turkish, Polish, Russian, Danish |
Accessible only through Manager Menu: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, Swedish, Finnish, Turkish, Polish |
| Resistance Range | 1–30 |
1–30 |
1–30 |
1–30 |
| Workouts | Manual, Rolling Hills, Target HR, Interval Training, Constant Watts, Fat Burn, Fitness Test, Time Goal, Calorie Goal, Distance Goal, Sprint 8, Virtual Active |
Manual, Rolling Hills, Target HR, Interval Training, Constant Watts, Fat Burn, Fitness Test, Time Goal, Calorie Goal, Distance Goal, Sprint 8 |
Manual, Rolling Hills, Target HR, Interval Training, Constant Watts, Fat Burn, Fitness Test |
Manual, Interval Training, Fat Burn, Fitness Test, Target HR, Constant Watts |
| CSAFE Ready | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| IPTV Compatible | Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Pro:Idiom Compatible | Yes |
Yes |
Optional – add-on TV |
Optional- add-on TV |
| FitTouch Technology | Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Instant On Technology | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| One-button Start | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| On-the-fly Program Change | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Integrated Vista Clear Television Technology | Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
| FITCONNEXION Ready | No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Ethernet Compatible | Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
| WiFi Enabled | Yes |
Yes |
Optional |
Optional |
| Bluetooth Enabled | Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Connects to Apple Watch | Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
| iPod/iPhone Compatible | Made for iPod, iPhone |
Made for iPod, iPhone |
Charging only |
Charging Only |
| Multimedia Playback | Compatible with most tablets and smartphones |
Compatible with most tablets and smartphones |
No |
No |
| Personal Fan | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Personal Trainer Portal Compatible | Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
| USB Port | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Virtual Active Compatible | Included |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Asset Management Compatible | Included |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Workout Tracking Network Compatible | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Web Connectivity | Custom app interface in addition to web browser |
Optional |
No |
No |
| Facility Communication Portal / Calendar | Programmed through Asset Management |
Optional |
No |
No |
| RFID Compatible | Included |
Included |
Yes |
No |
| Pause Function | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Reading Rack | Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Resistance System | Brushless generator |
Brushless generator |
Brushless generator |
Brushless genarator |
| Crank Design | Three piece with integrated pullers |
Three piece with integrated pullers |
Three piece with integrated pullers |
Three piece with integrated pullers |
| Power Requirements | Self-powered / powered 100v-240v – 50/60Hz AC |
Self-powered / powered 100v-240v – 50/60Hz AC |
Self-powered / powered 100v-240v – 50/60Hz AC |
Self-powered / powered 100v-240v – 50/60Hz AC |
| Minimum Watts | 4 powered / 10 self-powered |
4 powered / 10 self-powered |
4 powered / 7 self-powered |
4 powered / 7 self-powered |
| Minimum RPM | 25 powered / 25 self-powered |
25 powered / 25 self-powered |
25 powered / 25 self-powered |
25 powered / 25 self-powered |
| Assembled Dimensions | 150 x 65 x 140 cm / 59.1" x 25.3" x 55.1" |
150 x 65 x 140 cm / 59.1" x 25.3" x 55.1" |
150 x 65 x 138 cm / 59.1" x 25.3" x 54.5" |
150 x 65 x 138 cm / 59.1" x 25.3" x 54.5" |
| Max User Weight | 182 kg / 400 lbs. |
182 kg / 400 lbs. |
182 kg / 400 lbs. |
182 kg / 400 lbs. |
| Assembled Weight | 90.3 kg / 199 lbs. |
89 kg / 196.3 lbs. |
88.6 kg / 195.3 lbs. |
87.5 kg / 192.9 lbs. |
Which Matrix Recumbent Bike Should You Buy?
When choosing the best Matrix recumbent bike, focus on the level of technology, entertainment, and connectivity your facility or riders expect.
- Best Premium Interactive Experience: Matrix R7xi offers the most advanced touchscreen, Virtual Active built-in, full web access, multimedia playback, WiFi, Bluetooth, and Apple Watch support. Perfect for modern training floors.
- Best High-End Alternative: Matrix R7xe delivers a similar touchscreen experience with strong connectivity and entertainment features at a slightly more affordable price point.
- Best Mid-Tier Value: Matrix R5x features a durable LED console, workout variety, USB support, and asset management without the cost of a touchscreen. Great for facilities wanting strong performance without high-end pricing.
- Best Budget / Classic Option: Matrix R3x is a reliable older-style LED model that still includes essential data tracking and compatibility tools. Ideal for budget builds, senior centers, or any environment that prefers simplicity.
Visit our Benicia, CA showroom to compare these Matrix recumbent bikes in person, or browse our online catalog for availability, specs, and pricing.
FAQs
Do Matrix recumbent bikes support Virtual Active?
Yes. The R7xi includes it by default, and the R7xe supports it as well. R5x and R3x do not include Virtual Active.
Which Matrix recumbent bikes have touchscreens?
The R7xi and R7xe use large 16-inch touchscreen consoles. The R5x and R3x use LED displays.
Do these bikes require external power?
All four models are self-powered or can operate with external AC power if needed.
Is Bluetooth included on all Matrix recumbent bikes?
No. Bluetooth is available on the R7xi and R7xe only.
Which model is best for entertainment features?
The R7xi offers the most complete entertainment suite, including web apps, IPTV, Pro:Idiom, and multimedia playback.