The Keiser M3i is brimming with new features. However, its single biggest improvement compared to the older-model Keiser M3 is the introduction of Bluetooth Wireless System. Thanks to it, now the bike can be connected to all the major spinning apps out there, which puts the Keiser M3i at the top of the race. It is now not only the best commercial-quality spin bike but also the best alternative to the Peloton bike to be used with the popular Peloton Digital app.
Table of Contents
2 Minute Review: What You Need to Know About Keiser M3i
Design: Eye-catching and versatile V-shape frame
Keiser M3i Specs
Resistance: Amazingly engineered drive-train that effectively simulates a road-bike feel
Pedals: Curved crank arms for a better fit and extra-durable Shimano dual pedals
Computer display: Simple design that displays everything you need
Bluetooth signal: You can now connect your bike with your favorite indoor cycling apps
Comfort and user experience: Handy accessories included and simplified maintenance
Who’s the Keiser M3i for?
Who’s the Keiser M3i not for?
Competition: The Keiser M3
Keiser M3i Series app
Keiser M3i Series Group app
Is the Keiser M3i compatible with Zwift?
Keiser M3 vs. Keiser M3i: Which should you buy?
Although it is true that the M3i comes with a sizable price tag, users can take advantage of Amazon’s great Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle Bundle deal and get the bike together with many accessories, including the M Series Converter and Assembly and Maintenance Kit, all for an unbeatable price.
2 Minute Review: What You Need to Know About Keiser M3i
Thanks to its single poly-v-belt drive train, with Keiser M3i, you’ll get the smooth and quiet workout that sets the Keiser brand apart, but you’ll also find some great improvements on user experience that now we can’t do without.
Its Bluetooth signal and resulting ability to interact with the newest apps, has redesigned what an indoor cycle is in 2020. Now, you’ll not only be able to store and track your workout progress, but you’ll be able to connect the bike to your favorite apps and make your workout a more enjoyable experience. With such a fun incentive to workout, it’ll be easier to keep up with your fitness goals.
In a Keiser fashion, the M3i sports a v-shaped frame and four-way adjustable saddle. The now-four-way-adjustable handlebar makes the M3i more versatile when it comes to catering to users of different sizes.
To enhance safety and comfort, the M3i sports curved crank arms designed to cater to wider pelvises and wider shoes than would comfortably allow a road bike. The shifter is also mounted directly on the handlebars allowing for quick and safe operation, especially when riding out of the saddle.
A rear-mounted flywheel keeps the flywheel out of the sweat zone, which increases the life of the bike by protecting its most sensible parts from sweat and corrosion. This protection is further enhanced by an angled channel that directs fluid away from the bike’s drive-train.
The M3i now sports re-designed, butterfly-style handlebars to accommodate its also-included media tray, where you can set down your smartphone or tablet.
The Keiser M3i is the ultimate indoor bike for serious cyclists, if you can afford it. If you’re not into mobile apps, however, and could do without the premium features, then you might want to have a look at the cheaper Keiser M3, too.
Design: Eye-catching and versatile V-shape frame
Just like with its flagship, the M3 bike, Keiser continues to deliver a sleek and modern design with the M3i. Indeed, with its V-shape design and rear flywheel, the Keiser M3i is the most eye-catching and recognizable indoor bike out there.
The V-shape frame design is not only there for the looks, but it offers the highest degree of customization of the frame to the rider’s size, no matter how short or tall. In fact, the bike can be effectively used by cyclists from 4’10” to 7’ height and weighing up to 350 pounds.
To adjust the frame, you only need a few seconds to lose the knobs and raise or lower both the seat and the handlebars. By doing this you’ll be effectively simulating road bikes of all frames, so we think Keiser did a pretty good job of catering to the preferences or fitness levels of different riders. To allow for even further customization, you can also adjust in the fore-aft position not only the seat but also the handlebars – something that can’t be done in most other spin bikes. In fact, the lack of fore-aft handlebar adjustment is the second biggest improvement of the Keiser M3i over the older-model Keiser M3. Another bike that also doesn’t offer four-way handlebar adjustment is the popular and expensive Peloton bike. This is a real deal-breaker, especially for cyclists shorter or taller than average, that might need that extra adjustability to achieve a perfect fit.
Keeping up with the M Series standards, the Keiser M3i sports a rust-resistant design – thanks to its all- stainless-steel hardware, and rear-mounted flywheel that keeps its most vital parts out of the sweat zone. The aluminum flywheel is also incredibly light, weighing only 8 pounds, which helps immensely to keep the bike on the lighter side, so it can be moved around effortlessly.
The multi-grip handlebar with a unique-continuous-design delivers a secure and comfortable grip no matter the riding position, which experienced riders will surely appreciate. The saddle, while not really comfortable indoor-cycle-style, is lightly padded and ergonomically contoured – so, while you wouldn’t want to spend hours sitting on it, it is more than good enough for those moments when you want to take a rest and sit after a standing interval.
Keiser M3i Specs
Dimensions: 45 x 26 x 49 inches
Weight: 85 lbs.
Maximum user weight: 350 lbs.
Adjustable saddle: Yes
Adjustable handlebars: Yes
Resistance type: Magnetic
Q-Factor: 196mm
SPD compatible: Yes
Computer display: Yes
Bluetooth connectivity: Yes
Warranty: 10 years frame, 3 years parts
Resistance: Amazingly engineered drive-train that effectively simulates a road-bike feel
The Keiser M3i, with its super-light 8lbs flywheel, is living proof that a spinning bike doesn’t need an enormously heavy flywheel to be a good bike, but all the opposite: a good spinning bike SHOULDN’T need a heavy flywheel in order to create the kinetic energy necessary to effectively simulate a road-bike feel. There, we’ve said it.
History says that when Keiser designed its first indoor cycle, they came up with a simple, but amazingly efficient drive-train design, which is unlike any other out there. It relies on a single poly-v-belt to generate the necessary speeds for the aluminum flywheel to produce the amount of kinetic energy and magnetic resistance that can effectively replicate a road-bike experience. The drive-train design is so effective that it became a staple of Keiser and is included in the whole M Series. As an added bonus, the design positions the flywheel at the rear and out of the sweat-zone – so, apart from giving the bike a unique look, it makes the drive-train more accessible and easier to maintain.
Its drive-train design is without a doubt one of the Keiser M3i biggest advantages against other indoor bikes, since its single poly-v-belt, apart from better simulating a road-bike experience, also renders a smoother and quieter ride than the most-often-used cog belt. Not only that, but since the drive-train puts more emphasis on speed than on weight to generate kinetic energy – as shown by its 8.8:1 flywheel to crank ratio – it puts less strain on the joints and greatly reduces the risk of injury.
The poly-v-belt also considerably reduces the need to adjust and maintain the bike, saving a lot on time and money. However, when the time comes to inspect or change the belt, you’ll be glad to learn that only eight Phillips head screws need to be removed in order to expose it, so it can be done much quicker than with most other models. It is also a better option in the long run since the poly-v-belt has been proven to be very resistant to wear and tear, which is why it is also the preferred choice by car manufacturers on their front car engines.
Pedals: Curved crank arms for a better fit and extra-durable Shimano dual pedals
When choosing a road bike, a lot of emphasis is put on a narrow Q-Factor, as it supposedly helps with speed. Indoor cycles, however, should be designed with more than just speed in mind, but also versatility and comfort, since their target audience are riders of all shapes and fitness levels and not just elite athletes. That’s why we give Keiser a thumbs-up for introducing with the M3i curved crank arms – as opposed to the standard straight crank arms – to better accommodate the wide-gym-shoes usually worn to indoor cycling classes while also maintaining the proper distance for wider hips.
There seems to be a debate on whether or not increasing the M3i Q-Factor by the addition of curved crank arms was a wise choice – although it remains well within the Q-Factor range for most spinning bikes – we haven’t noticed any problem with the bike’s feel and performance. In fact, the Keiser M3i remains one of the smoothest, most comfortable spinning bikes we’ve tried. If you insist, however, on having a narrower Q-Factor and nothing we can say will convince you otherwise, then you’d better check-out something like the Spinner NXT with its extra-narrow Q-Factor of 158mm, keeping in mind that it doesn’t include a console for readings and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Keiser M3i also sports re-designed pedals, which are now slightly curved just like shoes, and present ramped barbs at the base to aid in keeping the feet firmly in place. The cage is now inserted into the pedal giving it a more fluid look. We liked the slightly-curved base as it makes the pedal feel more ergonomic and reduces pressure points on the feet, but the best feature of this new design is that, with its stronger bearings, the pedal’s life has been extended to more than 30 times the life of the previous pedal.
For SPD riders, the clips are positioned on the underside of the pedal and can be easily engaged. The cage was also re-designed and now stays horizontal with the floor so there’s no worrying about it touching the floor while you pedal with your SPD shoes. If you’d rather not have the cage at all you can always replace the pedals with Shimano clipless pedals, which can be found for as cheap as $50.
Computer display: Simple design that displays everything you need
The Keiser computer display is simple – it has zero buttons and zero need for you to fiddle with them – and displays everything users need to know when working out. Its back-lit display, instead of being set by default, turns on only when low-ambiance-light is detected, saving on batteries.
While most models tend to lag 2 to 4 seconds behind on power and cadence readings, the M3i always displays immediate and accurate numbers, as proven by its TÜV certification for power accuracy and safety EN957-1.
The data from your workout that is shown on the computer is:
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM): This amounts to how many times you pedal a full circle within a minute. RPM is also known as cadence and represents the speed at which the user is cycling.
Watts and KCAL: The power generated by the rider is shown alternatingly in watts and kilocalories. The computer alternates between these two every 8 seconds. The power output is very important as it can be used to measure of performance when combined with the rider’s weight data.
Heart Rate: When a heart rate monitor isn’t detected, the computer will display a zero where the heart rate value belongs, but once the computer locks onto a heart-rate signal the heart symbol will begin to blink and a heart-rate value will be displayed instead of the zero. The heart-rate strap should be Gym Link compatible and preferably Polar H1 or H7.
Elapsed Time: The total time spent cycling is displayed and will be reset to zero if there are more than 60 seconds of inactivity.
Gear: The gear the bike is set on is shown at all times, which can range from 1 to 24, making it easier to adjust the resistance after an interval. Actually, the M3i was the first bike to come up with showing the gear on the display and even today it’s a feature that you won’t find on every bike.
Odometer: During the first eight seconds after the computer is activated it will show at the bottom-right corner the total distance the bike has ever been ridden – this is for maintenance purposes – and after eight seconds have passed, the computer will show on its place the distance the user has ridden during that particular workout.
Average Calculations: Average RPM, power, and cadence are shown on the computer after every interval is finished.
Bluetooth signal: You can now connect your bike with your favorite indoor cycling apps
Thanks to its Bluetooth signal with open API, you’ll be able to share your data and communicate with a group class projection system (and participate in competitions), while at the same time remaining synchronized to your own smartphone or tablet.
Together with the M3i, Keiser introduced their FREE Keiser M Series app which can be easily synchronized with the bike to record your workout data and track your progress. The M3i is also compatible with all the major indoor cycling apps, including Goind, Ride Buddy Buckets, Impowered BeTested, and Impowered BeTrained.
The Keiser M3i can be easily paired with the M Series converter – you just need to attach it to the back of the media tray – rendering the bike compatible with indoor trainer apps such as Zwift, TheSufferfest, PainCave, and even the super popular Peloton Digital.
With the – also FREE – M Series Group app, indoor cycling class instructors can now monitor their class members’ performances all in a single screen. On the app they can also divide their class teams and have them compete, making the class more engaging and fun. Instructors can also synchronize the M3i bikes with any other projection system of their preference (e.g. MyZone, HeartZones, and Performance).
The Keiser M3i is the only bike that allows users to upload their workout data to their personal apps, while simultaneously communicating with a group class projection system during an indoor cycling class.
Comfort and user experience: Handy accessories included and simplified maintenance
The Keiser M3i also sports a few features that, although not essential, do enhance user experience. The inclusion of a media tray – where you can place your book or smartphone – and water bottle holder, for example, are features that you’ll only find on high-end models.
On the bike’s bottom rear, you’ll find stretch pads which were introduced with the M3i as a convenient spot for stretching before and after a cycling session and were later also added to all of the M Series bikes.
A shifter mounted directly on the handlebars – as opposed to under the seat – allows the rider to quickly and safely change gears, which comes in handy when pedaling on an upright position. Robust knobs make the bike easier to adjust and also require less maintenance due to wear than a traditional cam-lock.
Other convenient features that were introduced with the Keiser M3i and later included to all the M Series bikes include: curved crank arms to accommodate standard gym shoes and stronger constitutions, and re-designed pedals for a more ergonomic feel and higher durability.
The bike is not as heavy as expected thanks to its simple design and aluminum flywheel. It also comes with transport wheels that make it a breeze to store the bike away without straining your back or scratching the floor.
When it comes to maintenance, the bike’s drive-train can be accessed after removing only eight Phillips head screws which is a nice change from other models that require at least three times more effort to maintain. Although it is true that the M3i requires very specific tools for its assembly and maintenance, you’ll be glad to learn that you can get these for free as part of Amazon’s Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle Bundle.
Who’s the Keiser M3i for?
Gym owners
Its four-way adjustable handlebar makes the Keiser M3i better at catering to users of different sizes, which is a must for gym bikes. Although Bluetooth connectivity could be considered overkill for a gym bike, we think that gym members would love the ability to take their workout data home on their mobile apps and it’d definitely keep them coming back for more.
Indoor cycling instructors
Together with the M3i, Keiser also introduced their own projection system app – the Keiser M3i Series Group – which is pretty simple to set up and will display individual class members stats live. Instructors are even able to divide their class in teams and organize competitions, making their class more engaging and fun. The Keiser M3i is also compatible with all the major projection systems (e.g. MyZone, HeartsZone, Performance).
Elite cyclists
With the inclusion of Bluetooth technology on the Keiser M3i, elite cyclists can now store and analyze their data either on Keiser’s FREE app, or any app of their preference. The M3i also sports Shimano combo pedals, so that’s a nice plus.
Online apps enthusiasts
With the introduction of Bluetooth connectivity, the M3i puts Keiser on the online experience game. Now cyclists can not only upload an analyze their workout data on their personal app, but they can also interact online with other cyclists through training apps such as Zwift, Peloton, and many others.
Who’s the Keiser M3i not for?
You’re on a budget
The price is not for the faint of heart, or wallet. Yes, it’s cheaper and a better value than the Peloton, but there are cheaper bikes if you can live without all the premium features.
You aren’t into mobile apps
The Keiser M3i’s $200 price increase over the M3 is due mainly because of its Bluetooth connectivity. If you’re not a tech-savvy person, or just aren’t into mobile apps then you’ll do much better with the Keiser M3 as it is identical to the M3i when it comes to workout performance.
Competition: The Keiser M3
Both the Keiser M3 and M3i are considered premium bikes. They look very similar and deliver exactly the same smooth, quiet and challenging workout. Although it is true that the M3i has the advantage when it comes to user experience and versatility, the Keiser M3 has the advantage when it comes to price.
Keiser M3i Series app
The Keiser M3i Series app allows users to keep track of their progress by connecting to their M3i bike via Bluetooth. In the app -which you can download for FREE- cyclists are able to train using Functional Threshold Power (FTP), follow one of the pre-programmed cycling sessions by Keiser Master Trainers, analyze your data within the app itself or export your workout data in TCX format to analyze it with other tools.
Some other cool features you’ll find in the app include:
Use the ONLY rider app to keep a log of your workout data while at the same time participating in group class projection systems or use other apps.
Create graphs and analyze data from your rides within the app or export them on TCX format to other apps.
Sign in with your Keiser Metrics account which allows you to save your data on the cloud and then synchronize it to your app as needed.
Syncing your Keiser M3i with the M3i Series app is also straightforward. All you have to do is locate the bike’s ID, which will be shown for a few seconds on the console right after you start pedaling.
But what is Functional Threshold Power?
Functional Threshold Power or FTP is the average power that a rider produces during the course of an hour, and is often used as the more readily available measure of fitness when combined with weight data. FTP is expressed as watts per kilo based on the premise that you’d need more power to go at the same speed if you weighted more, although there are other factors that can also play a role on this, such as aerodynamics, incline, etc.; but still, even without considering these, you get a pretty good idea of your performance and progress by keeping track of your FTP.
While a few years ago only very dedicated riders were able to follow their progress by performing FTP tests, now this kind of testing is more accessible to the general public thanks to the introduction of power meters, which allow both road and indoor cyclists to quantify their workouts. The Keiser M3i, however, eliminates the need for such gadgets thanks to its incorporated wattage reading, which can be seen on its console and is also uploaded to the Keiser M3i Series app where you can analyze this data and perform FTP training.
Keiser M3i Series Group app
With the Keiser M Series Group app, which features Functional Threshold Power (FTP) Training, instructors are able to turn their indoor cycling classes into a competition, keeping their attendees engaged and always coming for more.
An advantage of the M Series Group app over other group class projection systems is that it is entirely operated by the instructor, leaving the attendees to focus on their workouts, while other systems have to be individually set up from each bike at the instructor’s request.
The M Series Group app also allows instructors to divide their class into teams to compete and compare results at the end of the ride. The app comes at no cost and can be set up in a few minutes. From there you can easily choose which bikes are going to participate in the group projection and start your session right away with a Warm Up, through the Main Workout and into the Cool Down interval with a few swipes. Some of the features you can find in the app include:
Unranked Rides
FTP Testing
Intervals (Timed Sets)
Team Challenges
Class Summaries
Another great thing about this app is that it gives the user the liberty to choose between Distance, Cadence, and Energy to measure performance. Other apps just don’t offer such an array of options.
You can start using it right away
The Group app was designed to be straightforward to use, so instructors will only need a tablet or smartphone to download the mobile app for groups of up to 40 attendees, or a PC for groups of up to 200, and of course a TV where the app mobile app can be mirrored for everyone to see or connected via HDMI.
After opening the Keiser M3i Series Group app on your mobile device and connecting it to a TV -in a classroom with up to 40 bikes- these will be automatically synchronized to the app via their Bluetooth signal, displaying real-time, accurate readings from each individual rider. Apart from being able to divide the bikes into groups, instructors are able to hide any rider who doesn’t wish their data displayed on the TV.
For indoor group cycling classes with more than 40 attendees, it might be better to use the PC version of the app -which can support up to 200 bikes- in which case, a Triple-Redundant Receiver (PN990836) will need to be connected to the PC in order to detect the Bluetooth signals from the bikes. The stats that can be projected on the leaderboard are cadence, power, heart rate, distance, energy and functional threshold power (FTP).
Something great about the M3i is that it is also compatible with all the major group projection systems available, so if an instructor would prefer to use another system there’s always that choice. Not only that but, individual riders are able to track their progress individually by staying connected on their own app (Keiser M3i Series app) while simultaneously participating in a group projection. This is something you can do with the Keiser M3i and not with any other indoor cycle.
Some of the group projection systems that are compatible with the M3i include: MyZone, SpiVi, iOniter, HeartZones, Performance and ActiviO.
Is the Keiser M3i compatible with Zwift?
The Zwift app, which was designed as a game to allow indoor trainers to ride alongside their friends in a virtual environment has become so popular that now indoor cycle owners also wish to take part in all the fun.
Up until recently in order to pay their bikes with the app, users had to equip their bikes either with a cadence and speed sensor or with power pedals, which meant an extra investment. And though the Keiser M3i’s Bluetooth connectivity makes it compatible with most indoor cycling apps, it’s still not compatible with indoor trainer apps. Enter the M Series converter.
The M Series converter converts the Bluetooth signal of the M3i into the Power profile format used by road bike trainers. With it, you’ll have access not only to the Zwift app but also to TheSufferfest, PainCave, BKOOL and many others.
The converter – which can be attached to the back of the media tray – can be easily paired with an M3i bike by touching it to the bike’s console and will automatically turn on whenever an app looking for its signal is detected.
It is true that, at almost $200, it is not a cheap accessory, but you can usually get it for free together with your M3i. Actually, you can find it for free now together with many other accessories as part of Amazon’s Keiser M3i indoor cycle bundle.
Keiser M3 vs. Keiser M3i: Which should you buy?
Since the introduction of the Keiser M3, the bike’s innovative design and extremely effective drive system made it an absolute favorite among home cyclists and indoor cycling class members and built a reputation for Keiser.
Despite its greatness, the bike had flaws and didn’t feel complete because you didn’t have the option to track your progress since all the data was lost after each workout session. Enter the Keiser M3i, with its Bluetooth connectivity, and subsequent ability to store your data and interact with other cyclists online.
Although the biggest driver of your decision to pick one bike over the other is the Bluetooth connectivity, there are other important considerations to keep in mind when deciding which one is right for you.
Whether those differences are worth a $200 price gap is something that’ll ultimately be up to you to decide, but we’re going to give you the details to figure that out.
What are the differences between the Keiser M3 and the M3i?
Aesthetically, the Keiser M3 and M3i look fairly similar since they both sport Keiser’s staple V-shape frame design and eye-catching rear flywheel. The drive system on both bikes is the same, so it’s no surprise that both bikes deliver exactly the same superior workout-performance. There’s no doubt that, whichever model you choose, you’ll be getting a top-of-the-line indoor cycling bike.
With the M3i, Keiser solved the M3’s design flaw: the lack of a horizontally adjustable handlebar. Now, this didn’t present an issue for most users – as shown by the bike’s popularity – who were able to use the bike effectively and comfortably without the need of extra horizontal-adjustability, but it was a deal-breaker for riders shorter or taller than average, that found the standard handlebar position less-than-ideal and were not able to adjust it accordingly. The Keiser M3i is the only bike of the Keiser M Series to sport a four-way adjustable handlebar, which makes it the most versatile when it comes to adapting to users of all sizes and body shapes.
The most marked improvement presented with the Keiser M3i was on user experience, with the introduction of Bluetooth connectivity. While on the Keiser M3 users lose their workout data after just 60 seconds of inactivity, a real bummer for those that like to keep track of their week-by-week progress.
Thanks to the M3i and Keiser’s FREE app (or any app of your preference), you can now view and analyze your workout data on your smartphone, and most excitingly, even interact with other cyclists online through the newest training apps. The M3i’s Bluetooth connectivity has also revolutionized indoor cycling classes as it enables instructors to monitor the performance of all cyclists on a big screen and organize competitions, making the class more fun and engaging for everybody.
With the introduction of a new handlebar design on the M3i, Keiser’s main worry was to accommodate a media tray while continuing to provide the rider with maximum support and versatility. The new handlebar’s “butterfly-look” might seem a little unfamiliar to riders used to the M3’s handlebar design – it more closely resembles that of standard road bikes – but we found while testing the bike, that after a small adjustment period we were able to ride comfortably on just as many positions as with the Keiser M3 bike.
The Keiser M3i also sports an upgraded console that now lets you choose between kilometers and miles for your distance display. It is on every other aspect, however, identical to the console included with the Keiser M3.
We were expecting to find more differences between these two bikes, since they were launched so many years apart. However, Keiser has done an amazing job at upgrading its standard bike: the Keiser M3, which now includes many of the new features and re-designed features introduced with the newer-model Keiser M3 Plus (now discontinued), and more recently with Keiser M3i.
What do the Keiser M3 and M3i have in common?
While there are some notorious differences between the Keiser M3 and M3i, when it comes to workout performance, these two bikes are exactly the same. No wonder, since they both possess all the amazing features that set the Keiser M Series bikes apart. Some of these features are:
V-shape frame design
Aluminum rear-mounted flywheel
Automatic backlit display
Four-way adjustable seat
Single poly-v-belt drive system
24 levels of magnetic resistance
Curved crank arms
Re-designed pedal
Transport wheels
Stretch pads
Which one should you buy?
While the Keiser M3 and M3i are miles ahead of most other indoor cycling bikes, there isn’t much separating one from the other. They look almost identical, and their workout performance is exactly the same.
Riders of average height that aren’t into training apps, might find the Keiser M3 a better choice, as they will get exactly the same performance than with the Keiser M3i, but for a much more accessible price. Although if you’re shorter or taller than average, you might want to do a test-run and make sure that the bike fits you well before committing to buy, as you won’t be able to horizontally adjust the handlebar.
If you’re looking for that extra adjustability though, or just can’t do without the data analysis and online experience offered by the Keiser M3i, you might find that a $200 higher price tag is very well worth it.
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