If you are looking for a cross trainer in the low-to-mid price range, then you are literally spoilt for choice. But the sheer amount of choice can make a decision difficult to make, as seen by our guide to the best cross trainers.
One popular brand is the athlete-endorsed range sold under the Roger Black name.
There are three different models in the range. All differ slightly in features and price, in the ascending order Plus, Gold and Platinum.
But which is the best value for money? And which will be most suited to your current and future home exercise needs?
So, let’s take a look at all three models in detail right now, to help you make an informed buying decision and kickstart your fitness journey.
| Plus | Gold | Platinum |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| 4.5kg Flywheel | 6kg Flywheel | 8kg Flywheel |
| 8 Levels of Resistance | 16 Levels of Resistance | 16 Levels of Resistance |
| 125kg Max. User Weight | 125kg Max. User Weight | 125kg Max. User Weight |
| 26.4 inch Stride Length | 26.4 inch Stride Length | 29 inch Stride Length |
| 35.5kg Product Weight | 42.7kg Product Weight | 54kg Product Weight |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
The Roger Black Range
The range consists of three models, all sold within a surprisingly small price range, but with a significant sliding scale of increasing quality and features:
- The basic Roger Black Plus
- The mid-range Roger Black Gold
- the top of the range Roger Black Platinum
The difference in price between the Plus and the Platinum versions is only around £50 in most retail outlets. Each version is a slight upgrade on the basic Plus model, but what features do you get with each model for the different prices you will pay?
Roger Black Plus: Features
Check Price of the Roger Black Plus Magnetic Cross Trainer
This is the junior model in the range, coming in at the lowest price. However, it still packs quite a punch in terms of the features and specification it delivers.
The key features and specification are:
- Battery operated LCD display
- 8 level manual resistance tension control
- 4.5kg flywheel
- Plastic transportation wheels
- Maximum user weight 125kg (19st 10lbs)
- 26.4 inch stride length
- Dimensions: height 164cm, width 89.5cm, depth 123cm
- Weight 35.5kg
Roger Black Gold Cross Trainer: Features
Check Price of the Roger Black Gold Magnetic Cross Trainer
This is the mid-range version, both in terms of features and price. For your money, you get an excellent set of features, especially when stacked up against other company’s products in the same price range.
The key features and specification are:
- Mains operated programmable LCD display
- 16 level manual resistance tension control
- 6kg flywheel
- Plastic transportation wheels
- Maximum user weight 125kg (19st 10lbs)
- 26.4 inch stride length
- Dimensions: height 165cm, width 67cm, depth 122cm
- Weight 42.7kg
Roger Black Platinum: Features
Check Price of the Roger Black Platinum Cross Trainer
This is the top of the range of three models. It’s still well within the general mid-range price point for a home model but comes with a really competitive range of features and a good specification.
The key features and specification are:
- Mains operated programmable LCD display
- iPad holder and USB charger
- 16 level manual resistance tension control
- 8kg flywheel
- Plastic transportation wheels
- Maximum user weight 125kg (19st 10lbs)
- 29 inch stride length
- Dimensions: height 169cm, width 68cm, depth 126.5cm
- Weight 54kg
Features Comparison
When there is a range of products that obviously is encouraging you to trade up to the top version, it can be tough to resist this. If you don’t need all the features and accompanying complexity of the top range product, then you have to make an informed decision about which version will suit your needs.
All three models in the range have a good variety of features for the price, that’s important to say.
But when it comes to specifics, things are not quite so simple.
The Plus version is the budget one. It has the smallest flywheel weight, and has only eight resistance levels, compared to the 16 resistance levels of the Gold and Platinum models. Changing the resistance is also a manual process on the budget model, via a knob on the front post.
This isn’t a problem if you are a beginner, but if you are hoping to keep your machine for the long term, then the 4.5kg flywheel and resistance levels will not be challenging enough if you are hoping to progress over time. This is especially true if you are a male, or a younger person.
The higher up the range you go, the heavier and more sturdy each model is. This isn’t to say that the Plus version is unstable, but you will certainly notice the difference in terms of comfort and quality in use.
All three models have a handgrip pulse sensor built in, but the real difference between the models, other than being able to scale up the resistance, is in the control console.
Control Console Comparison
You may overlook the importance of the control console when you are comparing features. But if you are to monitor your progress, get inspiration during a workout, and be able to create your own workouts, then the control panel features are important.
In the Plus model, you get a basic console that is battery operated. In the Gold and Platinum models, you get a more powerful set of options, but the consoles are mains operated.
This may not seem an issue, but it means that if you unplug the machine you lose your data. In one way, the basic console on the Plus model is better because the battery retains information without needing to be near a mains electricity outlet.
But on the other side of the coin, you just don’t get the power and flexibility of options you may find you will need in that more basic console.
Let’s take a look at the features built into each of the consoles.
Plus console:
- Displays Scan, Time, Speed, Distance, Calorie, Pulse, ODO
- Cannot be programmed
- No preset workout programmes
- Battery operated
- Basic LCD display
Check Price of the Roger Black Plus Magnetic Cross Trainer
Gold console:
- Displays Scan, Time, Speed, Distance, Calorie, Pulse, ODO
- 12 user programs
- Six preset programmes
- Mains operated
- High quality LCD display
Check Price of the Roger Black Gold Magnetic Cross Trainer
Platinum console:
- Displays Scan, Time, Speed, Distance, Calorie, Pulse, ODO
- 12 user programs
- Six preset programmes
- Mains operated
- High quality LCD display
- Ability to change flywheel tension through a digital control on the panel
Check Price of the Roger Black Platinum Cross Trainer
So, as you can see, each model in the range has slightly better specifications. If you just want a basic read-out while you work out for a fixed length of time, and you don’t want to push your fitness progressively upwards, then the information contained on the Plus model console would be enough.
However, if you want to take your fitness to the next level with user programs and more detailed information then you should be looking at the Gold and Platinum models. The more feature-rich control panels on these two models will help to keep your workouts interesting as well.
If none of the models takes your fancy then we recommend you take a look at our best home cross trainer guide.
Comparing Assembly, Storage & Maintenance
Most units take around 1-2 hours to build, depending on the person building them, and the complexity of the model purchased.
These are all home self-assembly products, and we would recommend that they be constructed by two people.
The Plus model is fairly straightforward, but users do report it can take up to 2 hours to complete. The average seems to be around 1 1/2 hours.
The Gold and Platinum models are more complex and therefore more challenging to build. On top of that, they are heavier and therefore may be a two-person job. This is especially true of the Platinum version, which is nearly 20kg heavier than the Plus model. You should really allow two hours to build these more advanced versions.
All of the models come with the tools you need to assemble, so you won’t need to find additional screwdrivers or spanners.
In terms of storage, there are two key things you need to be aware of. The Gold and Platinum models require plugging into the mains for the control panel to remain active. This is not the case with the plus version which works by battery.
The second key thing around storage is the fact that the lower price Plus model is 20cm than the other two models.
The only other thing to mention in terms of storage is that all three models have plastic wheels. However, the budget Plus model does not have great wheels it has be said. But it is lighter, and this is the trade-off.
Users do report noise and squeaking with all three of these models, which requires some adjustment to correct. This is most widely reported in the basic Plus model it seems, which may be about build quality.
However, you may need to jump off and tighten a few screws to fix the problem, but this is usually the only adjustment you need to make with any of the three models in early use.
Which Is The Best To use?
Determining which model is the best to use is obviously subjective and will depend on the person you are, the fitness levels you want to reach, and your personal expectations.
The Plus model is very simple to use cross trainer, but you can jump on whenever you need a workout. You don’t have to program anything, you get basic feedback, and in operation it’s smooth and silent.
The more advanced Gold model is also simple to use, but obviously you will have to interact with the more advanced control panel to get the best out of it. The heavier flywheel gives you a better range of options, and a more solid base to work from, plus a smoother ride.
And at the top of the range, the Platinum model has the heaviest flywheel and the best build quality. If you are looking for the most solid base, the best information and presentation, and the nice little feature of an iPad Holder and USB charger that adds to that user experience, then this is the model to look at.
In testing, all three models perform really well. All three are quiet, give a solid base to work out on, and present a challenging set of incremental resistance levels. The panels are all easy to read and give basic data you need.
Conclusion
The range gives you three different model options at slightly different price points. All fall within the mid-range in terms of pricing and features, but you definitely get an incremental feature and build quality improvement between the models, making it a serious decision in terms of which to buy.
All three models offer great value for money and any one of the three will be a great choice. Is just a case of making sure the model you choose will fit your needs both now and in the foreseeable future.
The plus model is available for around £220, the Gold model for around £240, and the Platinum model for around £250.
So, with such a small price difference between the three models, we would have to conclude that the extra features, build quality, stability and long-term progressive use you can get, the Platinum model offers brilliant value for money.
This machine is often highlighted as the “best” value, which in many ways it is. But for just a few pounds more, you get a flywheel that is 2kg heavier, longer stride length and a more feature rich and user-friendly computer console.
But we shouldn’t discount the other two versions. The Gold model does offer brilliant value for money. And the Plus model not only offers value for money but if you are looking for a high-quality exercise machine that you can simply get on and go with, then it’s the easiest to get started with.
If you found this round up useful but want a slightly more advanced machine then it may be worth checking out our review of the York Active 120 cross trainer.
Related:
Reebok ZR9 Cross Trainer Review