Body Rider BR1830 Fan Elliptical Trainer Review

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A great elliptical machine to go with, the Body Rider BR1830 Fan Elliptical Trainer is most likely the best entry level model out there right now. It is a very affordable elliptical trainer, yet it comes with more than enough features, functionality, and durability to help you work up a sweat.

Overview

For a quick overview of this particular elliptical, you can always check out this informational video.

Main Features

The Body Rider BR1830 Fan Elliptical Trainer has quite a few features that you are going to like. Keep in mind, this is an entry level elliptical machine, so the features are going to be fairly limited. However, as far as entry level models go, this one would seem to be near the top of the pack.

  • Dual action handlebars
  • Handlebars can be stationary or moving
  • Fan wheel is smooth and quiet
  • Fairly space efficient
  • Adjustable resistance with a friction knob
  • Console to display fitness aspects
  • Comes with a workout video
  • Durable steel frame

Dimensions & Weight

As far as elliptical machines go, the Body Rider BR1830 Fan Elliptical Trainer is actually pretty space friendly, plus it is not too heavy either. This makes it quite ideal for anyone with limited space in their home.

  • Length: 25 inches
  • Width: 9 inches
  • Height: 36 inches
  • Weight: 58 pounds

Warranty

The Body Rider BR1830 Fan Elliptical Trainer does come with a decent warranty. It has a 1-year warranty on the frame and a 90-day limited warranty on moving parts.

Assembly

Right off the bat, if you don’t want to assemble the Body Rider BR1830 Fan Elliptical Trainer yourself, you can always pay an extra $100 for expert assembly. However, if you want to do it yourself, the process is somewhat laborious. It will take you a minimum of 1 hour if you are working by yourself. It does come with good instructions and the necessary tools, but there are many parts to put together and they need to be put together correctly. Assembly is not a strong suit of the Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer.

What We Like About The Body Rider BR1830 Fan Elliptical Trainer

There are a few specific things that we really like about the Body Rider BR1830 Fan Elliptical Trainer so let’s go over those in some detail.

The chain driven fan resistance is something that many people like in an elliptical trainer. It is an affordable yet reliable way of providing you with resistance. The chain in this model is shown to be quite strong and durable, as is the rest of the resistance mechanism. The fan is very smooth and quiet to use, so there is no jarring and not too much noise either. Many people also like the fact that the fan provides some nice air flow too.

The resistance on the Body Rider BR1830 Fan Elliptical Trainer is fully adjustable. With the turn of the resistance knob, you can increase or decrease the resistance in a heartbeat. It simply affects how much air flow gets into the housing, thus altering the resistance. A good elliptical trainer needs adjustable resistance, which is exactly what you get with the Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer.

We really like the dual action handlebars that the Body Rider BR1830 Fan Elliptical Trainer comes with. These handlebars can be set to a stationary mode for a workout concentrated more on the lower body and core. The handlebars can also be set to move with your feet, thus giving your arms a run for their money at the same time. This is a pretty neat feature for such an affordable entry level elliptical machine to have.

The console that the Body Rider BR1830 Fan Elliptical Trainer comes with is another cool feature. It’s a pretty basic console, but it does display things like time, speed, calories burned, and more.

Another thing that we really like about the Body Rider BR1830 Fan Elliptical Trainer is that it features a solid steel frame. If you are serious about working out, you need a durable machine, which is what you get with the steel frame of the Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer. It can hold a fair amount of weight and is not going to break down after just a few uses.

What We Don’t Like About The Body Rider BR1830 Fan Elliptical Trainer

There are a few things about the Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer which some people may have a problem with, so let’s just go over those quickly.

The assembly process for the Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer is notoriously hard. It takes a lot of effort and concentration to assemble this elliptical trainer in the correct way. There have been people to note that it is fairly easy to assemble the wrong way or to have loose parts when assembly is “finished”. The point is that you will have to take great care when assembling the Body Rider Fan Elliptical Trainer.

While the air resistance may be fairly quiet for this particular model, keep in mind that air resistance is usually still louder than other forms of resistance.

Alternatives To The Body Rider BR1830 Fan Elliptical Trainer

Just as a point of comparison, here are a couple of other elliptical trainer models to look at.

Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical

This is a good alternative to consider when shopping for elliptical trainers. This particular model has a slightly higher weight capacity than the BR1830, plus it may be a little more stable. However, other than that, both models are fairly similar. The Exerpeutic Aero Air Elliptical is slightly more expensive than the Body Rider BR1830, the Exerpeutic being a strap tension model whereas the Body Rider is chain driven. In terms of value for the price, the Body Rider definitely delivers a little bit more bang for its buck.

ProGear 300LS Air Elliptical with Heart Pulse Sensors

The ProGear is a little bit more expensive than the Body Rider BR1830. This is because it has a slightly higher weight capacity, it has heartbeat sensors, 2 sets of handlebars, and slightly better pedals too. However, in terms of convenience, the Body Rider is better because it is quite a bit small and thus is more space friendly. While the ProGear 300LS Air Elliptical may have some features, such as the reversible motion, it is going to cost you a little more. All in all, if you need an affordable elliptical to go with, the Body Rider is a great choice.

Final Thoughts On The Body Rider BR1830 Fan Elliptical Trainer

The Body Rider BR1830 is definitely a great entry level elliptical trainer to consider buying. In terms of its features, as well as the quality for the price, it is most likely the best one around. It will cost you barely over $100, yet provides you with everything you need for a solid cardiovascular workout.