Category Archives: Vision Exercise Bike Reviews

Vision Fitness E3200 HRT Upright Cycle Review

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Price: £599
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Ratings (out of 5)
Overall Rating: 4.5
Build Quality: 5
Console Features: 3.5
Comfort: 5
Value for Money: 4.5

 

The E3200HRT is the top specification model of upright cycle from the Vision Fitness home range.  An award winning model packed with features and manufactured to the usual high standards.  For the majority, choosing an indoor cycle will involve several considerations but comfort should be at the forefront as without this the motivation to use it will be considerably lessened.

The good news here then, is that the Comfort ARC™ gel filled seat is both large and extremely soft. Perfect for those with a larger build. The seat is height adjustable and if you are within the average parameters height wise (between 5ft – 6ft 4) then the lack of a forward and backward adjustment won’t be a concern as the distance between saddle and handlebars is designed to provide the optimum riding position whether you choose to “sit up and beg” or adopt a more aggressive, racing style.

The elbow supports on the handlebars ensure this riding position is particularly comfortable.  The pedals are self levelling with easy-adjust straps and the combination of an ECB-PLUS™ motor-operated permanent magnet, QUIET-GLIDE™ supersilent poly-V belt and 24lbs balanced flywheel means that the 16 levels of resistance available are smooth and responsive whilst providing a challenge for all fitness levels.

The console provides clear, well displayed feedback via a large LED profile display and separate windows for time, speed, calories and heart rate. Programs include several heart rate control options, interval training with Sprint 8 anaerobic training and even user custom programs if required. The console is polar chipped and a wireless polar strap is included for more accurate hear rate monitoring in addition to the telemetric pulse grips on the handlebars.

A fairly standard size for an upright cycle with a footprint of 104cm L x 66cm W x 142cm H and a total weight of 47kg, the frame feels solid and more than able to handle the 135kg maximum user weight capacity. Vision have backed their sterling build quality with their usual market leading warranty, covering the frame and brake for the lifetime of the cycle and the remaining parts for 10 years with 5 years of labour thrown in for good measure.  Great for peace of mind and a genuine reflection of the quality of this bike.

 

PROS

  • Fantastic build quality
  • Very comfortable seat
  • Value for Money

 

CONS

  • Lacks any entertainment facility compared with other premium brands

 

SUMMARY

In summary then, the E3200 covers all bases for those in the market for an upright cycle with great comfort and build quality and enough options to keep the majority motivated and challenged. Other prestige brands may offer the latest technical gadgetry in console options with ipod docks and online training facilities but pound for pound this bike more than holds its own.

Price: £599
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Vision Fitness E1500HR Exercise Bike Review

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Vision-Fitness-E1500HR-Exercise-BikePrice: £329
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Ratings (out of 5)
Overall Rating: 4
Build Quality: 5
Ease of use: 4
Console Features: 2.5
Comfort: 4
Value for Money: 5

 

 

The E1500 cycle is the entry level upright bike from the Vision fitness range.  Selecting the right exercise bike is really all about one simple factor, comfort.  Ultimately if the seat isn’t comfortable and the riding position cannot be adjusted to suit the individual riding position required then motivation to use it will dwindle pretty quickly.

As the majority of exercise bikes operate using magnetic braking systems in one form or another these days, most cycles will be quite smooth and quiet so the other considerations when choosing the right cycle will be based on build quality and how sophisticated the console needs to be in order to keep workouts varied and interest levels up.

Vision-Fitness-E1500HR-Exercise-Bike-ConsoleThe E1500 features a Comfort Arc seat which is specifically contoured to reduce pressure on soft tissue areas and provide maximum comfort during your workout.  It has a large surface area which will suit almost everyone but especially those with a larger posteria.  Being a larger than average seat also increases the feeling of stability when cycling, however some users who cycle on a traditional bike saddle regularly may find that the larger saddle on the E1500 restricts movement by comparison.  The seat is also only height adjustable with no forward or backward movement so taller users could find their knees a little close to the multi positional handlebars and therefore be better suited to the E3100HR model which is slightly larger.

There is a friction free, ECB magnetic resistance system with no wearing parts providing durability and maximum performance.  An optimally weighted 9.5kg flywheel, three piece cranks and premium sealed roller bearings means the transition between the electronically controlled 16 levels of resistance is incredibly smooth. Vision use a Poly-V belt which reduces tension, creates an almost silent workout and increases the lifespan of the belt and the entire drive system.  They back this up with not only an industry leading 10 year parts and 5 year labour onsite warranty but a lifetime warranty on the frame and braking system.

A compact cycle at just over a metre long (102cm Long and 66cm Wide)  capable of holding users upto a maximum weight of 21 stone, this is a sturdy bike. The console is very simple with just seven preset programs available and the feedback is displayed clearly on a blue backlit LCD.

Heart rate monitoring is provided, although an optional Polar chest strap would be required for the telemetric option.  The program profile is shown and there is a quick start option for those who just like to get on and go.

PROS

  • Very comfortable seat
  • Fantastic build quality with a great warranty
  • Excellent value for money

CONS

  • Seat only height adjustable not forward and backward
  • Basic console

In summary then, for a price of just over £300 it is hard to argue a case against the E1500. There are alternatives which will offer more console features and seat adjustment at this price but there is no comparison if build quality and comfort are your primary concerns.

Price: £329
Buy From: Fitness Superstore