The 3G Cardio Elite UB Upright Bike is a stylish, high-end light commercial-grade fitness aid.
While it’s not cheap, it comes in at a lower price than many bikes of similar quality and functionality.
The American-based 3G Cardio brand has only been around for several years. However, the owners are not new to fitness, having more than 50 years of experience in the industry between them.
This compact model offers a broad range of resistance levels and built-in fitness programs.
It has a backlit LCD console for viewing your workout statistics, dual method heart rate monitoring, and some useful accessories.
Most buyers regard its saddle as highly comfortable. It has a very generous user weight capacity, and it can adapt to suit users of most heights.
Add to this its excellent warranty, and it’s easy to see why this model has so much positive feedback.
For more information, please keep reading this 3G Cardio Elite UB review.
Included will be its specs, an overview of its key features, and its pros and cons.
Table of Contents
Who does it suit?
This model will suit anyone looking for a comfortable bike, providing they are between 5′ and 6″5″ tall and weigh no more than 350 lbs.
Its range of resistance levels, fitness programs, and four user profile functionality make it an excellent choice for families.
3G Cardio Elite UB Upright Bike Specs
Dimensions – Assembled, the 3G Cardio Elite UB Upright Bike measures 41″ (L) x 22 1/2″ (W) x 55″ (H)
Clearance – For safe, unobstructed workouts, leave a free space of at least 2′ to the front and rear of the bike, and 1′ on either side
Weight – It weighs 91 lbs
User weight – The bike can support up to 350 pounds
User height – This model can accommodate users between 5′ and 6′ 5″ tall
Color – It is dark gray with silver highlights
3G Cardio Elite UB Overview
Drive –
The 3G Cardio Elite UB has a belt drive system, a perimeter weighted flywheel, and a solid steel 3-piece crankset.
Its stretch-resistant belt is durable enough to cope with years of workouts, even when used in a gymnasium for hours every day.
Finish –
The bike’s frame, seat post, and console mast comprise solid steel with a double-coated painted finish that resists scratches, chips, and rust.
The internal mechanism covers are toughened plastic.
Stability, Smoothness, & Noise Level –
The bike is weighty enough to provide excellent stability but not so heavy as to be cumbersome. Add to this four adjustable stabilizers set into the base, and you have a bike that will remain steady no matter how hard or fast you pedal, even if your floor is slightly uneven.
The perimeter weighted flywheel makes for a smooth, fluid pedaling motion with consistent momentum.
A belt drive operation system ensures whisper-quiet workouts that won’t disturb others in your vicinity.
Resistance –
The 3G Cardio Elite UB Upright Bike has 16 levels of motorized magnetic resistance that you can change by turning a knob on the console. Several of the in-built programs adjust the resistance automatically.
The first three levels offer very light resistance, perfect for beginners or to do Warm-Ups and Cool-Downs.
Each subsequent level increases the intensity. Levels 14 to 16 should challenge even the most experienced cyclists.
Programs –
This model has 16 built-in programs that you can select by turning a dial.
The programs include 12 preset, 3 heart-rate, and 1 Watt. With these varied options, you can diversify your sessions and target different fitness aspects. There’s also a manual (Custom) and a Recovery program.
The goals of the preset programs include weight loss, peak performance, intervals, and more.
A countdown timer allows you to exercise with a specific goal in mind. These include Time, Distance, Calories, and Pulse rate goals. After selecting one of these, start pedaling. The computer will notify you when you reach your target.
The 4-user profiles enable four people to store and track their details and progress results.
The Calories burned function of most fitness equipment provides an estimate only. With the 3G Cardio Elite UB, you can enter your gender, age, height, and weight, for a more accurate reading.
You can choose to view your distance and speed metrics in either miles or kilometers per hour.
The Watts function determines how much energy you generate while cycling.
Select the Recovery function to track your pulse rate as you cycle.
At the end of your session, a recovery rating ranging from F1 to F6 will be displayed. The lower your reading, the more fit you are. You can use this as motivation to improve your fitness.
Console –
The console operation is straightforward. There’s a Start/Stop button, a program key, and a dial that operates the resistance levels. There are also Reset and Recovery 
function keys.
To pause your workout, press the Start/Stop button. Press it again to resume working out without losing your session’s metrics.
This feature is especially handy if you want to alternate between cycling and some other form of exercise.
Pressing the Reset button will clear all of the values.
Workout metrics are displayed in large digits on a sizeable blue-backlit LCD screen.
The screen’s multiple panels enable you to view all of your stats simultaneously, eliminating the need for a Scan function.
Metrics tracked and displayed include Time, Speed, Distance, RPM, Watts, Calories burned, and Pulse Rate.
The bike powers down automatically after 5 minutes of inactivity is detected.
Press and hold the toggle wheel and Start/Stop button for three seconds to shut it down immediately.
Heart rate monitor –
The lower section of the handlebars houses EKG pulse sensors for tracking your pulse rate during workouts. This will give you a good indication of your heart rate.
For a more accurate reading, use the provided chest strap.
Seat –
The bike’s sweat-resistant, faux leather contoured seat is well-padded to enhance comfort. The manufacturer did an excellent job as most buyers who have left feedback say that it is exceptionally 
comfortable. Comfort is, however, subjective.
It is wider than a racer-style saddle but still of standard size. If you don’t like its feel, you can replace it with any traditional size saddle.
Alternatively, fit it with a gel seat cover or wear gel cycling shorts during workouts. Placing a folded towel on the saddle can also make your cycling sessions more comfortable.
The seat adjusts in four directions; up, down, fore, and aft. Ten vertical position options are available, each spaced approximately 1 1/2″ apart. The seat’s horizontal slider offers several inches of adjustment.
Pedals –
The bike’s weighted, self-leveling pedals comprise a metal core covered in resilient nylon. They are large enough to fit any sized feet. Adjustable safety straps will hold your feet securely in place as you pedal.
If you prefer a different type of pedal, you can swap out to these, providing they are standard.
The Q-factor of the 3G Cardio Elite UB is reasonably narrow, allowing your feet to be in a natural position that won’t place undue stress on your joints.
The perimeter weighted flywheel allows for backward as well as forward pedaling to target different muscle groups.
Handlebars –
The bike’s high-density foam-covered ergonomic handlebars provide secure, slip-resistant, and comfortable workouts with multiple grip positions available.
The handlebars’ have a fixed position.
Transport wheels –
Transportation wheels in the bike’s front base facilitate moving it by tipping it back and then rolling it.
Accessories –
The 3G Cardio Elite Upright Bike has an easy-to-reach water bottle holder that is attached to the frame.
There’s also a small ledge for holding a tablet or cell phone and a wireless HR strap.
Assembly –
The bike arrives partially assembled. All you will need to do is attach the bases, seat post, seat, handlebars, pedals, and console. This takes most people about half an hour. Easy-to-follow instructions and the tools you will need to complete the job come in the box.
Warranty –
The residential warranty for this model covers a lifetime for the frame, 7 years for parts, and 1-year for labor.
Alternatively, there’s a light commercial use warranty covering a lifetime for the frame, 3 years for parts, and 1-year for labor.
Next, in this 3G Cardio Elite UB review, we will look at its pros, followed by its cons.
3G Cardio Elite UB Upright Bike Infomercial
Pros
- The frame and components of the 3G Cardio Elite UB are of commercial grade, so you can expect the bike to give you many years of
trouble-free service.
- While not inexpensive, its quality and reliability are worth the extra coin.
- Most buyers who left feedback stated that the bike’s ergonomic seat is very comfortable.
- Its Q factor is such that your workouts will be comfortable and low-impact.
- The bike has a very generous weight capacity, and it adjusts to suit people from below to well above average height.
- Workouts are very smooth and stable, and near-silent.
- A broad range of motorized eddy current resistance levels enables you to do interval training and increase the challenge of your workouts as you become fitter.
- The built-in programs increase motivation and allow you to target different goals.
- The backlit LCD screen shows workout metrics in large digits for easy reading.
- The console is telemetric, so you can use the HR chest strap and monitor your pulse rate on the LCD screen if you don’t want to use the pulse sensors.
- The bike can store and track the details of four users, making it an ideal model for families or housemates to share.
- The bike’s base houses adjustable stabilizers that enable it to be used on slightly uneven floors.
- Transport wheels facilitate relocation if required.
- The 3G Cardio Elite UB has large, weighted pedals with safety straps to hold your feet securely in place.
- Its comfortable to hold handlebars are multi-grip, so you can find the position that suits you the best.
- The bike’s internal components are pre-lubricated, with no additional lubricant required.
- The assembly process is quick and easy, with clear instructions and the necessary tools supplied.
- The 3G Cardio Elite Upright Bike comes with an excellent warranty.
Cons
- This model is more expensive than some others but worth the price.
- It lacks a cooling fan and sound system, and though it is telemetric, it does not offer online connectivity.
- Some of the bike’s functions, including the programs, metrics display, heart rate monitor, and resistance options, require connecting the bike to a power outlet.
- The bike doesn’t have a step-through design to enable easier access to and from the seat.
Final Thoughts on the 3G Cardio Elite UB Upright Bike
The 3G Cardio Elite UB Upright Bike is a light-commercial quality model suitable for home and gym use.
It is incredibly robust and durable, and it provides comfortable, smooth, quiet, and stable workouts.
Multi-grip handlebars, oversized pedals with safety straps, and a narrow Q factor add to the 
comfort factor, as do the media shelf and water bottle holder.
The bike offers heart rate monitoring and sixteen levels of motorized magnetic resistance to suit beginners through to very experienced cyclists and sixteen built-in programs so you can focus on different fitness goals and stay motivated.
It is quick and easy to assemble, and it has transport wheels for easy relocation.
Add to this a fantastic warranty, and you have a bike that is excellent value for money and one you will never outgrow.
Remember that to experience all of its functions and features, it will need to be plugged into a power outlet.
Not sure if it’s the right upright bike for you? Click here to read reviews of popular alternatives.
