The 10 Best Cross Training Bikes, Tested And Researched

Jonathan Wilson By, Jonathan Wilson
Updated
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer Elliptical Machine
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Of The Best: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer Elliptical Machine

"Strength and endurance are no match for the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Elliptical Machine. This machine provides a total body workout and you can enjoy the benefits of running on an elliptical trainer with this machine. The LCD monitor also offers design for your viewing, as well as Bluetooth audio streaming, so you can listen to your favorite workout tunes while you work out." Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Marcy Upright Exercise Bike

"Marcy Upright Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-708 is a premium, durable and smooth magnetic resistance system that provides a natural and comfortable workout. It has an adjustable seat, a console with a clock, resistance levels and automatic speed control. The smooth magnetic resistance system can be adjusted to your desired level of intensity for the perfect workout." Read Review

3. Best Convenient: Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer

"The Teeter® FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer and Elliptical is the first exercise machine that offers a fluid stride with zero impact. Enjoy a fluid stride and total body workout in an effort to reduce the risk of injury. The patented Whisper-Quiet™ technology creates a noise-free cycling experience for any user, even those with sensitive hearing, while still allowing for full range of motion." Read Review

4. Best Safety: Marcy Fan Exercise Bike with Air Resistance System

"Marcy Fan Exercise Bike with Air Resistance System is the best exercise bike to get you the full-body workout you crave. The unique, air resistance system lets you pedal without the effort that comes with pushing on a regular bike. Plus, Marcy's patent-pending interface provides an easy way to control your workouts." Read Review

Cross-training can be a great way to stay active and cardiovascular during the winter months. Using your bike to do so can be an especially effective way to get some cardio without leaving your front door. Cross-training on your bike is also a fun way to spend some time that won’t feel like you’re missing out on any other activities because it isn’t exercised.

There are many ways to get your heart rate up and burn calories, but not all of them are the same in their usefulness for improving your fitness level. Some activities are better than others, which is why we’ve outlined the best cross-training bikes in this article.

In the end, we concluded that Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer Elliptical Machine was the most highly recommended. Other options presented here are certainly worthy of your attention, and to assist you in making an informed choice, we have compiled a helpful shopping guide.

 

Compare

TOP Choice #1 Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E902 Air Walk Trainer Elliptical Machine
Our Score:
9.9
Sunny Health & Fitness
  • TOTAL BODY WORKOUT: The air walker exercise machine targets muscles in your arms as well as your legs. When you maintain an upright posture on the machine, your abdominal muscles will work as stabilizing muscles increasing your stability and endurance
  • AIR WALK TRAINER: The non-slip pedals will help simulate a slow walk or work up to a full run while maintaining a continuous motion capability without interruption. 30-inch stride length.
  • LCD MONITOR: Informative LCD monitor displays time, count, total count, calories, and scan. Step up your comfort with the adjustable abdominal pad. Move it up and down to ensure proper support and placement.
  • AEROBIC TRAINING: Aerobic exercise increases cardiorespiratory fitness, which is one of the 5 essential components of physical fitness. With just 20 minutes sustained in the air walker, it can help you lose, control or maintain your weight
  • SPACE SAVING: When not in use, fold the product and pedals up to 1/2 the length (15L x 19w x 61.5H) for easy storage
TOP Choice #2 Marcy Upright Exercise Bike
Our Score:
9.7
Marcy
  • PREMIUM STEEL CONSTRUCTION – This stationary upright bike features a premium frame of 14-gauge steel tubing, finished with powder coating that combines design and performance. It boasts both functionality and durability.
  • COUNTERBALANCED PEDALS – Pedals are designed to provide maximal foot support while giving you ultimate control. The ergonomic designs facilitate efficient workouts and are equipped with adjustable foot straps to create the perfect fit for your own feet.
  • SMOOTH MAGNETIC RESISTANCE SYSTEM –Designed for fitness enthusiasts of all skill-levels and comes with a magnetic resistance mechanism with 8 levels of difficulty. Tension knob simulates different terrains to customize routines according to fitness level.
  • ADJUSTABLE SEAT – The seat can be adjusted to accommodate users of different body sizes, improving form during exercise and allowing your body to conform precisely to the equipment, giving your workouts the maximum effect on your targeted areas.
  • ULTRA-FUNCTIONAL CONSOLE – The ME-708 Upright Exercise Bike has a state-of-the-art LCD screen that acts as an odometer and displays time, speed, distance, and calories burned in extra-large numbers for great readability.
TOP Choice #3 Teeter FreeStep Recumbent Cross Trainer
Our Score:
9.5
Teeter
  • TOTAL BODY WORKOUT: Dual power motion works your upper and lower body simultaneously, engaging all major muscle groups to build strength and burn more calories. Modify the workout by isolating your legs or arms for added intensity.
  • LT3 PREMIUM FEATURES: Upgraded UltraGlide Bearings promise long-lasting frictionless motion for fluid start up and stride transitions; SoftStep Pedals with durable grip surface for added traction and control; Larger ComfortSelect Seat with more positioning options; SureGrip handles with high-grade polyurethane coating for unmatched durability.
  • WHISPER-QUIET, FLUID STRIDE: The natural striding motion follows a smooth, linear path to protect your knees and joints. With 13 levels of smooth magnetic resistance, a simple turn of the dial takes your workout from zero to intense.
  • COMMERCIAL-GRADE ENGINEERING: Friction-free linkage system means long-lasting use; Low-profile 54" x 38" footprint.
  • ZERO-IMPACT EXERCISE: Ideal for all fitness levels. The naturally-reclined seated position eliminates stress on the joints and back and reduces body fatigue while delivering a total body, fat-burning cardio workout. A great exercise option for those with Arthritis, Parkinson's or MS.
  • UNIQUE AIR RESISTANCE SYSTEM – This exercise bike possesses a unique air resistance system that keeps your body cool while you’re working out. What’s more, its tension level is adjustable through the resistance knob, allowing you to regulate your workout intensity to a variety of levels.
  • UNIQUE AIR RESISTANCE SYSTEM – This exercise bike possesses a unique air resistance system that keeps your body cool while you’re working out. What’s more, its tension level is adjustable through the resistance knob, allowing you to regulate your workout intensity to a variety of levels.
  • FULL-BODY WORKOUT – The Marcy Fan Exercise Bike is a stationary bike that also offers a full-body workout. This exercise bike will strengthen your lower body while its dual-action arms feature will increase your upper body endurance as you pedal.
  • GYM AT HOME – This exercise bike will let you experience a complete cardio routine without leaving the comfort of your home. It is easy to assemble and to move around the house since it has transport wheels for convenient mobility. The Marcy Fan Exercise Bike is made of 14-gauge steel tubing with a powder-coated finish. It has dimensions of 45” (L) x 26.75” (W) x 48.75” (H) and a weight of 250 pounds.
  • FULL-BODY WORKOUT – The Marcy Fan Exercise Bike is a stationary bike that also offers a full-body workout. This exercise bike will strengthen your lower body while its dual-action arms feature will increase your upper body endurance as you pedal.
  • ERGONOMIC SEATING –The Marcy Fan Exercise Bike is ergonomically designed for comfortable seating. Its adjustable seat and handlebars are packed with high-density foam, which will prevent you from experiencing stiffness of the back, strains, and muscle aches as you work out.
  • GYM AT HOME – This exercise bike will let you experience a complete cardio routine without leaving the comfort of your home. It is easy to assemble and to move around the house since it has transport wheels for convenient mobility. The Marcy Fan Exercise Bike is made of 14-gauge steel tubing with a powder-coated finish. Assembled Dimensions- 45.5 L x 27.5 W x 49.5 H inches. Weight of 250 pounds.
  • EASY INTERFACE – This stationary bike comes with a user-friendly tracker and an LCD that allows you to scan modes and track your time, distance, speed, and calories burned as you exercise.
  • ERGONOMIC SEATING –The Marcy Fan Exercise Bike is ergonomically designed for comfortable seating. Its adjustable seat and handlebars are packed with high-density foam, which will prevent you from experiencing stiffness of the back, strains, and muscle aches as you work out.
  • MULTIFUNCTIONAL DESIGN: With a patented 3-in-1 design, this Trio Trainer can function as an elliptical trainer, upright stationary bike, and recumbent bike. Save space and get all the cardio training you love with this multi-function exercise machine.
  • PERFECT FOR HOME GYM: Because it provides so many workout possibilities, it is perfect for your home gym setup. The transport wheel makes this home gym machine easy to transport and store when not in use. Deluxe faux leather stitched seat/back pads adjust both horizontally and vertically.
  • FLUIDITY FLYWHEEL SYSTEM: The smooth magnetic-encased flywheel system provides an ultra-quiet motion so you can work out early in the morning or late at night. Check and re-tighten nuts and bolts once a month to prevent loose riding and noise issues.
  • PLUS TWO: In addition to its patented 3-in-1 design, this home trainer features 2 additional upper-body stance options. It comes with 3 different sets of integrated handlebars to choose from: pro cycle, dual action, and wraparound.
  • HASSLE-FREE TRANSITIONS: The innovative design of our Trio Trainer provides effortless transitions without the need to dismount or adjust equipment. Easily adjust the magnetic resistance to customize your workout to your needs for a total gym experience.
6 Body Rider BRF980, Upright Air Resistance Fan Bike
Our Score:
9.0
Body Rider
  • SEATED PEDAL EXERCISER: Work out in the comfort of your own home with our air pedal stationary exercise bike. Featuring a two-way adjustable seat with a backrest and comfort seat cushion, this fan exercise bike provides comfort, safety, and security
  • FLYWHEEL STATIONARY BIKE: Designed for people who want to work out at home, this exercise machine is easy to use, compact, and practical. It has been constructed and tested for users 5'0" to 6'1" with a weight capacity of 250 lbs
  • CURVE-CRANK TECHNOLOGY: The curved crank on this air bike applies constant tension to the X and Y axes, delivering a dead-zone-free rotation as you pedal. Get the most out of your cardio workout equipment with its smooth operation and efficient motion
  • PERSONAL FITNESS BIKE: With a compact design, sliding rail frame, patented curve-crank technology, transport rollers, and a fan-based flywheel, this is the perfect workout machine for anyone who wants to exercise in their home, apartment, or fitness room
  • RESISTANCE EXERCISE BIKE: The ergonomic crank allows you to easily and safely adjust the resistance level while still cycling for a full indoor cycle workout. Curved handlebars provide more knee and leg space for a more comfortable workout
  • Pedal: Big Wide Anti-slip Pedal with maximum size of 15 wide shoe size.
  • What you get: A totally harmless aerobic mini magnetic elliptical machine/Pedal Exerciser fit for your whole family members.
  • Dual Functions: This magnetic elliptical machine supports both seated and standing postures, forward or reverse motion. Seated exercise helps you relax and keep your leg’s vitality. Standing exercise can effectively stimulate your hip and leg muscles.
  • No Burden: Compact and lightweight design, build-in handle for easy lift and transport. Top customer service and warranty offer you a no burden experiences and better enjoy your pedaling.
  • Tracking: 2.8” large display shows your workout time, speed, distance and calorie to help you better achieve your fitness goal.
  • Water bottle & storage rack / smartphone & tablet rack.
  • 0-24 level Special Rotary Switch for resistance adjustment, random program with unlimited variations & 3 position chrome swinging arm & 8 position foot pedals adjustable.
  • MP3 & iPod compatible music system (through the headphone port) with USB charging port for your mobile device or tablet
  • 18" stride no impact elliptical motion with quiet magnetic resistance, special belt drive, inertia load 20kg speed ratio 1:12.7
  • Heart Rate Monitoring (EKG-Contact) on the fixed handlebar with HRC program
  • Dual Action Recumbent Exercise Bike: This gym equipment includes adjustable handle bars that move back and forth, like an elliptical. You can use these arm exercisers while pedaling on the stationary bike to help you burn more calories.
  • Extra Comfort: The MarcyPro Recumbent Exercise Bike comes with a contoured high density foam padded seat and back pad. This extra comfort enhances your workout experience efficiently.
  • Home Gym Equipment: Make progress by tracking your progress on the stationary exercise bike with the included LCD Display. The LCD Computer displays time, speed, distance, calories, and odometer (total distance.)
  • Adjustable Seats: The recumbent exercise bike seat is adjustable to best fit the user's needs. The chrome finished sliding track allows you to adjust the seat for a smoother workout session.
  • Exercise Equipment: Keep your favorite drink at arm’s length to stay hydrated during your workout using the convenient water bottle holder. The transport wheels ensure hassle-free mobility.
  • 【8-Level magnetic resistance】:8 Levels adjustable resistance can meet all the needs of you and your family in different training stages.Just challenge the highest level of this Elliptical Machine!
  • 【Digital Monitor Display】:The advanced LCD digital monitor tracks your Time, Speed, Distance, Calories Burned, Pulse Rate, Scan. Pulse pads on the additional stationary handle bars provide heart rate monitoring.
  • 【Whole Body Part Exercise】 Elliptical training machine is a fantastic alternative to a traditional exercise bike, offers a low impact cardio exercise that is kind to your joints, at the same time strengthens the main muscle groups as well as the abdominal, leg, and bottom areas. In this way, you benefit several times over from the effective training on your cross-trainer at home.
  • 【Excellent Customer Service & Detailed Mannual】 Shipped by U.S. warehouse, you will receive our Elliptical Machine within a few days. Detailed mannual are prepared for you to install the machine. If you have any problem with our product, please fell free to contact with us through Amazon.
  • 【Enhanced 13 Inch Big Non-slip Pedal】: 13 inch reverse-motion and non-slip pedal provides a no impact, smooth flowing workout, increase stability and comfort. Large pedals with ridges prevent foot slippage, support a maximum of 350lbs.

What to Look For in a best cross training bikes?

Looking for the best cross training bikes requires consideration of many criteria. Product learning varies in type, feature, and customer ranking. Overall, it comes with several difficulties in buying. So, we are available to support you occasionally.

It is beneficial for you to have a closer look at the things below to evaluate and then choose which one is suitable:

Incline

There are many settings for treadmills, including incline. Elliptical trainers do too. At least, some do. You'll need to pay for the adjustable incline feature on an elliptical treadmill. It's not as widespread as it is on treadmills. This feature is only currently available at higher prices.
Targeting certain muscle groups in your legs is where the incline settings can help. You should target your back more often if the inclines are higher. Glutes, hamstrings, calves are all targets.
An adjustable incline trainer is an option if you want to work out hard and gain muscle mass for your legs. This feature can be omitted to save you money.

Size

The average length of an elliptical is 6ft by 2.5ft wide. However, the actual length may vary from 50 to 84inches. The pedals could extend past the machine's length during operation. The pedals will be elevated higher than you would on the treadmill. Make sure your space has a high ceiling. Our step-up heights have been measured at 5-15 inches. At the elliptical's apex, pedals reach 25 inches above the ground. To ensure safety, there must be at least 20 inches of space between the sides and the rear.

Programs

Programs can help make exercise more exciting and fun. Paying for unnecessary frills is not a good idea. There are a few simple programs you can use that will help with specific kinds of exercises. Manufacturers can call different programs something else, but they will all be essential. The ability to design your own resistance profiles is possible with the custom program.

Connectivity

Equipment that is connected to the Internet can be used to track and monitor your workouts, create a competition environment and connect to social networks. Many ellipticals come with Bluetooth and wireless connectivity. One allows you to connect a USB stick to upload your workout data via the web to a tracking tool accessible from a laptop.

Smoothness

It's important to have a smooth feeling elliptical. However, this is something it's difficult to determine from a spec sheet. An elliptical bike that isn’t perfectly smooth can cause a feeling of uneven resistance. This can be an indication that the movements are not normal.

Stride Length

What distance the pedals are moving back and forward? This is called stride length. This number should be appropriate for your stride length. You should stride longer, the more tall you are, and your legs.
Some machines come with an adjustable stride length. While others can be set at a constant length. It really doesn't matter whether the adjustable version is for you or not.

Safety Features

Safety precautions for children are required when using an Elliptical. They could become trapped by moving parts or get pinched. Visitors and parents with children need to ensure the machine is locked up.

Ergonomics

An elliptical restricts the movement of your body, as opposed to a treadmill. Be mindful of how comfortable an elliptical feels to you. While holding the handle, it should not be difficult to hold on. Handgrips for moving should be reachable and shouldn't force wrists into an incongruous position. Your elliptical should feel easy. Most people will find the pedals to be comfortable as close as possible. Your arms, shoulders and knees shouldn't be affected by moving handgrips.

FAQs

Why Is Stride Length Important?

A Variable or Fixed stride length is available for an elliptical. You will experience a shorter stride that feels like a stairclimber. However, a longer stride is more natural and more enjoyable for long legs. You should choose an elliptical with a minimum stride length not less than 18 inches. Buy a front drive machine. A 20-inch stride length will work well with an 18-inch stride on rear-drive machines.

What If The Console Display Won’t Light?

The display may not turn on if it's not plugged into or the batteries are dead. To check for a working power model, simply unplug it and wait for it to turn on again. Check the wires and cables to make sure they aren't crimped at assembly.

What If My Elliptical Trainer Is Squeaking?

Be sure to secure all screws during assembly. But don't tighten them too much. Refer to the manual for information on how you can lubricate your guide rails. It is important to check that neither the guiderails nor the pedal arms have been misaligned, and that the machine remains level.

How Many Years Will An Elliptical Work For Me?

While there are many things that influence the life expectancy of an elliptical, it's strongly affected by how often and under what conditions it is used. You can extend the lifespan of your elliptical by maintaining it in a clean area and giving it regular care.

Should I Buy The One With A Heavier Flywheel?

Smoothness of the pedaling action is affected directly by how heavy the flywheel weighs. Higher inertia means that it is easier to keep your drive system turning with a heavier flywheel (28.5 lb)

Should I Go With A Front Drive Or Rear Drive Elliptical?

This is one the most frequent questions about ellipticals. Rear-drive club models tend to be more efficient because the drive axle can be located backwards. It allows for greater power and smoother pedal action. The result is that rear-drive models tend to be more expensive while front-drive machines can often be found for less.

What About Regular Maintenance?

Your user manual will detail the recommended maintenance. The majority of ellipticals don't require any maintenance. However, it is important to check for loose bolts, like those on moving arms, as well as clean the rails, rollers, and other parts.

The list of best cross training bikes is updated frequently to approach the latest information. Please check our website to get any changes and additions usually.

Would you like to be given practical support about best cross training bikes of 2024? Our customer service department is always here to assist you. Please contact us as soon as possible whenever you need.


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About Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson is a former pro football player and tech reporter who now serves as the editor of Kris Van Assche's website. He is a dedicated fitness enthusiast who splits his workout time between strength and conditioning training, martial arts and running.

Jonathan's athletic career began in college, where he was a star running back. He went on to play professionally for several years before injuries forced him to retire. Afterward, Jonathan transitioned into a career in tech reporting, where he quickly made a name for himself as a knowledgeable and insightful commentator on the industry.

In addition to his work with our website, Jonathan remains active in the world of sports. He regularly competes in martial arts tournaments and running events, and he is always looking for new ways to challenge himself physically. Jonathan is an inspiration to many people, and he is proof that it is never too late to pursue your passions.

Read Jonathan's full bio