Stamina Bio Flex 2200 Home Gym Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)i bought this because it was a really good deal on the gold box.
its kinda big which is expected and fills up my whole room.
it uses rubber bands to provide the resistance. i think the benefit of that would be: safety, no need to lift heavy weights to change exercises, no bulky weights.
cons:
when i work out, i feel that free weights give a better workout than the rubber bands. i am not sure if this will work as well to give me the bulk size i'm looking to develop. i will update in a few months.
i think this might be a good system to tone up rather than bulk up but we will see...

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J Fit Weighted Hula (Hoola) Hoop, 3-Pound Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Do not buy this product. It hurts like h*ll to attempt using and you can't return it once you find that out. A total waste of money.
I thought it might just take a little while for my stomach to get used to it; so I tried to grin and bare it. My goal was to hula hoop for 1 minute. I got 15 seconds and my stomach was killing me. Not killing me as in it was a little sore from working out... Killing me as in bruised instantly from the way it pounds against you. Directly after using it I had a red mark on my stomach that felt like a bruise for a couple of days.
I wouldn't recommend this product to anybody.

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Schwinn 113 Upright Exercise Bike Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)While I agree that this bike has many desirable features for the money, I'm a firm believer that you get what you pay for.
On the positive side, the bike is built of solid components. It is almost silent when in use. The electronic readout is well laid out, and the program features are plentiful for the pricepoint.
On the downside, the quality of construction is lacking. The main problem I had right out of the box was with the RPM/speed sensor. When I tried the bike out, the RPM readings would frequently peg at 199 RPM or drop to zero. This throws off the distance calculation too. Obviously this would be unacceptable for anyone on a training regimen.
A couple calls to the knowledgeable and helpful Nautilus/Schwinn customer support line sorted this problem out. Apparently this was not an uncommon problem. Turns out that the flywheel revolution sensor, underneath the plastic base cover, was installed in the wrong place. The sensor is attached to the frame by a couple machine screws. I was informed there was a bad batch of 113 and 213's that had the screw holes mis-drilled. (If this happens to your bike, move the black plastic sensor so that it lines up directly with the magnet on the flywheel, and is 1/8th an inch away from the magnet. By the way, it will take some doing to remove the plastic cover, and access is tight unless you remove the pedals - this is not a 10 minute fix.) This bike had not been QA tested, otherwise the problem with the sensor would have been discovered. Seems like Schwinn should have recalled these bikes rather than letting the consumer "find" them.
On a lesser note, the welds are a bit sloppy, and the paint job is smudged in several places. The electrical connectors look pretty cheap. What is ironic is that the bike has a "Schwinn Quality" badge on the front. The price is low becuase of low cost manufacturing overseas.
Overall, it's a good bike and I'll keep using it. It still seems like a good deal relative to a StarTrac or Life Fitness bike that is at least double the cost, but you get what you pay for.


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Rugged engineering and a sleek, compact design make the Schwinn 113 Upright Exercise Bike a great addition to your at-home gym. It offers a smooth, magnetic resistance system and features 11 workout programs and 16 levels of resistance for maximum variety. Additional integrated components of the bike include a fan, reading rack, and transport wheels for easy mobility and storage. The bike's full range of workout programs and functions include ten profile courses with a calorie goal, body mass index (BMI) measurement, time trial with pacer, two custom user-defined programs, three heart rate programs, a recovery test, results mode, fitness test, quick start, and manual mode.
A backlit LCD computer display allows you to track your complete workout statistics and includes time, interval time, RPM, watts, distance, pulse, speed, calories, resistance, and alpha-numeric prompts. Wide comfort Schwinn Bio-Fit pedals will keep your feet comfortable while a Bio-Fit comfort saddle with micro-adjustable fore/aft seat slider will keep you comfortable while sitting on the bike. The handlebars are angle adjustable with integrated grip heart rate sensors and micro-adjustable fore/aft console slider.
For added convenience and comfort while you take your workout to the next level, an adjustable fan will keep your temperature cool. Small yet important details, such as an integrated coin/key tray to stash your small items and a reading rack for staying current on news or catching up with your favorite novel, make the Schwinn 113 a deluxe choice in exercise bikes. Transport wheels allow you to move the bike around and stow it for easy storage while protecting your floors at the same time.
Feature Detail:
Magnetic resistance system
Computer controlled drive system
Sixteen levels of resistance
Ten profile courses with calorie goal, body mass index (BMI) measurement, time trial with pacer, two custom programs, three heart rate programs, recovery test, results mode, fitness test, quick start, and manual mode
Backlit LCD computer display with complete workout statistics including time, interval time, RPM, watts, distance, pulse, speed, calories, resistance, and alpha-numeric prompts
Bio-Fit comfort saddle with micro-adjustable fore/aft seat slider
Schwinn Bio-Fit angle adjustable handlebars with integrated grip heart rate sensors and micro-adjustable fore/aft console slider
Adjustable louver fan to keep you cool during workout
Integrated coin/key tray
Reading rack for ultimate convenience
Transport wheels protect floors and make storage and relocation easy
Product dimensions: 32 inches long by 20 inches wide by 51 inches tall (81 by 51 by 130 centimeters)
Product weight: 80 pounds/36 kilograms
Maximum user weight: 300 pounds/136 kilograms
Power requirement: AC Adapter
Bio-Fit pedals with 1 millimeter inclination/3-piece crank with sealed bearing BB

About Exercise Bikes Despite the competition from trendy new fitness inventions, exercise bikes continue to be popular options for home exercise. They offer the same aerobic benefits of riding a bicycle at any time, in any weather, without leaving the comfort and safety of home. Exercise bikes don't take up much space, require little or no balance or coordination, and can provide an effective workout for all levels of users, from beginners to serious competitors. While the same could be said for a number of other types of home fitness equipment, the exercise bike is one of the few that allows you to watch television or read a magazine while you work out. For many people, having convenient access to quality exercise equipment is critical to sticking with a long-term exercise program.
What's in the Box? Schwinn 113 exercise bike, user's manual, warranty information
Manufacturer Warranty Frame - 10 years; mechanical and electrical - 1 year; wear items - 6 months, labor - 90 days

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J Fit Adjustable Weighted Hula Hoop, 3-Pound Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Pros: the item arrived quickly.
Cons: it broke on the third day of use! also, this hoop was too heavy for me. One thing that is not mentioned in the item description, is that it's not a regular hoop, but it bends.


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J Fit Exercise Resistance Band Loop, Heavy Review

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(More customer reviews)I love these heavy duty looped bands. I use these in my pilates class every week and they are fantastic. They are the perfect size to loop around ankles and knees. Can't wait to move up in resistance to a heavier one. Good job j/fit!!!

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Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I ended up buying this at a local sports store and like the previous two reviewers was a bit wary to buy it because there were no reviews. I ended up finally buying it because of the reputation that Schwinn has with its other ellipticals and was not disappointed.
I had no difficulty putting it together by myself but it would be best to have two people. Thank you reviewer Toasty for informing me that the water bottle holder is not included. I'll stop searching my house for the damn thing now. I thought I lost it. The bolts, screws, and washers come on two cardboard sheets along with two wrenches and a hex/screw driver. You will have the screws left over for the water bottle holder. The programming was pretty straight forward until I got to the custom program level. I'm still not sure how I got past that screen.
The elliptical itself feels sturdy and well built. I am 300 pounds and it supports my weight without shaking or wobbling. The 18" stride and the handles feel comfortable for my 5'10" frame. I heard some complaints from the salesmen at the sports store that the handles were to far forward but I did not have that problem. The console is pretty basic but what was expected for the price.
Bottom line is if you are looking for a sub $600 elliptical that is well built, this is the one for you.

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Ideal for the home gym for fitness enthusiasts of any skill level, the Schwinn 420 provides an effective cardiovascular workout by combining upper and lower body flexibility and coordination into one impact-free motion. Elliptical trainers emulate the natural motion of your foot while supporting your heel throughout the stride, making them much easier on your knees and joints. In addition to feeling more natural while working out, regular use on elliptical trainers will increase heart and lung capacity while improving your health (and burning calories at the same time).
The Schwinn 420 offers 16 computer-controlled resistance levels and 12 programs for workout variety, including six user-profile programs, one fitness test, and one custom workout. Its quick start functions allows you to easily change your resistance level while exercising to challenge yourself to the next level. It offers a natural-feeling 18-inch stride while the trainer's BioFit design will provide a comfortable feel on the footpads and handlebars. The handlebars also feature grip heart rate monitoring, which allows you to track your heart rate while you're exercising.

Features and Specifications:

Biomechanically designed linkages means a comfortable and natural elliptical path
Ergonomic handles for multiple workout positions; fixed and moving handlebars
Perimeter weighted flywheel with high inertia for smooth, consistent workouts
Oversized stabilizers and levelers that are built-in for a solid workout platform
12 workout programs, including 6 course profiles, fitness test and custom workout
Integrated grip heart rate system for easy fitness monitoring
Water bottle holder
Magazine rack
Transport wheels
16 resistance levels
Eddy Current Brake (ECB) resistance system
18-inch stride length
Switchable from miles to kilometers (KM)
Maximum user weight: 300 pounds

Manufacturer's Warranty 5 years on the frame, 1 year on parts and electronics, 3 months on wear parts, 3 months on labor



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Schwinn 430

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Stamina 1724 CT 2.0 Air Resistance Cross Trainer Elliptical Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have to admit, from the reviews I found for similarly priced models ... I was a little skeptical of buying this, but I purchased right before Christmas when it was on sale on Amazon for $129.95 (and free 2 day shipping from my Amazon Prime account ... even though UPS screwed up, and it ended up being 3 days). I searched high and low online for a review of this model, and found one at Target's website. It was a pretty good review so I bought it. I should also mention that all of the similarly priced models don't come with the time/calorie monitor (I had read somewhere it was supposed to have a heart monitor built in, but it doesn't). It was a breeze to put together, but one of the hex bolts broke while tightening. I contacted the company, and they sent the wrong bolts, and finally a month later I got the correct bolts (whatever happened to companies including extra parts, just in case this happens??). It does move a bit from side to side, from stepping away ... but it's to be expected from something in this price range. I read somewhere to tighten the bolts from time to time, as they may come loose, so I've been doing that. Overall, we're really happy with it. Just be careful tightening those bolts ... customer service from Stamina isn't too great, and it takes time to get the replacement parts.

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An affordable way to burn calories when the weather takes a turn for the worse, the Stamina Air Resistance cross trainer is a terrific choice for home workout enthusiasts. Elliptical trainers offer a unique appeal, as they burn a similar number of calories as jogging but without the risk of injury to the back, knees, hips, or ankles. The smooth-gliding machines are also ideal for older people or folks who are recovering from injury, as their low-impact design won't tax the joints. And thanks to the dual-action handlebars, you can exercise both the arms and the legs at the same time--something that can't be said for traditional jogging. The movement of the dual handlebars instead mimics cross-country skiing, helping you engage the upper 30 percent of your body for better fitness results.
The cross trainer offers three ways to adjust your workout intensity: air resistance, which creates more resistance the faster you move; the dual-action handlebars, which naturally add more cardio intensity while toning your arms, chest, shoulders, and back; and a tension knob that offers eight levels of built-in resistance. Users will also appreciate the 13-inch stride length, which mimics the true walking or running motion of the foot, the extension of the leg, and the rotation of the hip. Finally, the trainer offers an easy-to-use, single button, multifunction electronic monitor that tracks your speed, time, distance, and calories burned. Additional features include oversized, slip-resistant pedals that work in both forward and reverse; comfortable foam handgrips; and an attractive two-toned grey housing. The Air Resistance trainer supports up to 250 pounds and carries a one-year warranty on the frame and a 90-day warranty on parts.

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Schwinn 140 Upright Exercise Bike Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I did a lot of online research before purchasing this bike. I was looking for a bike that was built well, quiet, decent electronics, and good value. This Schwinn 140 is exactly what I was looking for. Shipping was very quick for this item. Amazon told me it shipped on a Friday, and it arrived at my house the following Tuesday.
Unpacking the box was relatively easy. It looked like a lot of parts at first, but there weren't that many steps required to put this bike together. I was able to assemble this bike in about an hour, by myself. The instructions were clear, although installing the handle bars was a little tricky.
Once the bike was assembled I spent about 15 minutes making adjustments for my riding height and style. This bike has many adjustments, so take your time getting it right. I'll probably make more adjustments after my first full week of workouts.
I really like the electronics. The display looks high-end. It's bright, easy to read, the colors are nice. I had one issue when I first powered up the bike, after 2 minutes I got an "E3" error. But after resetting the display, it was fine, and I haven't seen it since. Hopefully that's not a portent of things to come. But so far so good.
I'm 6', and weigh 240 pounds (that's why I bought an exercise bike). This bike feels very sturdy for my size and weight. No loose parts, or creaking noises. At least not yet.
I will be posting pictures to Amazon shortly.

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Get in shape at home using the Schwinn 140 upright exercise bike, offering a compact design and the feel of a more traditional outdoor bike while relying on core, stabilizing muscles to balance your body weight. Features include a 20-pound flywheel, 16 resistance levels, 17 programs, adjustable handlebars, and both telemetry and contact heart rate monitoring. It also includes the following exclusive Schwinn features:
BioFit Comfort:
Oversized, ergonomic pedal design with dual density materials for efficient and comfortable pedaling
Adjustable console, handlebars, and extra-wide seat

BioDyne Performance:
Perimeter weighted flywheel for a true road feel, and smooth, consistent workouts
Oversized stabilizers and levelers that are built-in for a solid workout platform

BioConnect Feedback:
17 workout programs, including 8 course profiles, target heart rate, 2 user profiles with custom workouts
Backlit, multi-color console for easy viewing
Schwinn Advantage workout tracking, an easy way to set fitness goals and measure your progress right on the console
Telemetry-enabled, integrated grip heart rate system for easy fitness monitoring

Features & Specifications:
16 resistance levels
20-pound flywheel
Eddy Current Brake (ECB) resistance system
Adjustable handlebars
Water bottle holder
Magazine rack
Transport wheels
Switchable from miles to kilometers (KM)
Maximum user weight: 300 pounds

Manufacturer's Warranty 10 years on the frame, 2 years on parts, 1 year on electronics, 3 months on wear parts, 3 months on labor
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Schwinn Active Series 10

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SurfShelf Treadmill Desk and Laptop Holder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Let me start out by saying that I LOVE my Surfshelf because I HATE walking on my treadmill, but health requires that I do. I used to listen to music, but I was just BORED. Now, I watch movies and shows with the help of my Surfshelf, and the 45 minutes just whizzes by like never before. I've had it for about two months now, and would hate to live without it. However, I only gave it 4 stars because I feel everyone should know about the cons involved. Here they are, in my opinion:
1) The cost. It's too pricey for what you get, but I still would buy it again. So, I guess that point is debatable. It's basically a plastic tray with a velcro strap and a couple of nylon belts, but it does the job of holding your laptop VERY securely, which was very important to me. (**It's April 2010 now, and I came back to edit this portion of my review because I found out that the price I originally paid for the SurfShelf has been lowered by $20. I consider that to be a fair price and good value, and I wanted my review to reflect the change. I've had my SS for a year now, and still love it!)
2) Set up. The original set up took about 10 minutes, and was fairly simple. However, I absolutely would NEVER recommend this to someone who wanted to take it to a gym everyday. You'd have to lug the pieces with you, and spend 10 minutes or more getting it ready to accept your laptop, and that would be way too much for me. I leave mine set up on my treadmill, and then setting my laptop up on it is a one minute process every morning. Very do-able.
3) Maybe this is just me, because I'm not as young as I used to be (I'm 55), but I cannot do ANYTHING on my treadmill but WATCH something when I'm walking on it. I can't type, I can't use the mouse, and I have to step on the side rails to do anything but turn the volume up or down. So, I start whatever show or movie I'm going to watch before I actually begin walking. Again, this could be an age thing, so maybe you younger folk can get your business done on your laptop while moving, but I sure couldn't.
4) One last con for me is that I can't see my digital read out through my laptop when it's on the Surfshelf. I have to peer way to the side to see around it, and even then it's tough to make out the read outs. This isn't a big deal to me, as I set a speed and incline shortly after beginning and don't really need to see it during my workout, but that may be a problem for some people, so it's worth mentioning.
5) The Surfshelf comes with an In-Gym subscription, which I found to NOT be very user-friendly while walking. Again, this could be just me. Others may love that feature. It's a website with short videos of news, entertainment, etc., that you are supposed to be able to use your arrow keys to navigate around. It didn't work well for me, but you can check it out for yourself at in-[...].
The pros of the Surfshelf are its simplicity in setting it up, the ability (for me) to just leave it up because it's in my home, and the best pro of all, my workouts are no longer boring. Again, the end of the boring workout makes it, for me, worth all the cons I mentioned above.
The Surfshelf is well worth the price if you have access to your own treadmill, and the ability to watch lots of movies or TV shows on your laptop (I use the $8.99 a month Netflix plan and a Roku box ($99), which gives me full access to all of Netflix "Watch Instantly" movies and shows, and Amazon instant purchases. I also occasionally use iTunes purchases and regular DVD's). I still spend far less than a gym membership would cost.
All in all, I highly recommend the Surfshelf.


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Stamina 7250 Magnetic Fusion Recumbent Exercise Bike Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was surprised there were no existing reviews for this bike, and in fact I was reluctant to purchase it for that reason, but I'm so glad I did! It's exactly what I was looking for. I'll break down the details in depth for anyone considering this bike:
Delivery - The package did arrive a bit banged up, but all the parts were there and nothing was damaged. It is heavy though... my dad brought it over for me and it took both him and another man to get it up the stairs to my apartment on a dolly.
Assembly - My dad (a mechanical engineer) assembled it for me and it did take about two hours. Mind you this was at a leisurely pace while simultaneously watching a movie. It wasn't terribly complicated, just time consuming. The parts all seem to be of high quality and heavy weight.
Appearance - I love the way this bike looks! It has a more sleek design than most. It fits perfectly in my small apartment living room and isn't even an eye-sore. Technically you need about 4.5' (length of base) x 2.5' (width of widest point, the lower handlebars) of floor space. I also love the walk-thru design, it makes getting on and off less cumbersome.
Functionality - It has plenty of variety in it's programs. I especially like that it has two programs which automatically adjust resistance based on your heart rate (the heart-rate monitors are located in the handlebars). The monitor is bright, easy to use, and has all the features you would want to monitor your progress. I also like that it shows which stage of the program you are in. The column flashes depending on which stage of resistance you are at and you can see how many more columns of resistance levels are left to go. This helps keep you motivated; kind of like seeing the hills and valleys approach as you ride a normal bike. You can also manually adjust the pre-programed workouts to suit your needs. The seat is comfortable; not sitting-in-a-recliner comfy, but certainly adequate for a bike. I'm 5'8" and this bike adjusts to fit me perfectly, with room to spare in either direction for other height ranges. The bike seems very stable, has a water bottle holder (w/ bottle) and weighted peddles with optional straps. Also, this bike is partially recumbent which I find way more comfortable than either an upright or a fully recumbent bike.
The Workout - The best part... this bike is virtually SILENT! I am amazed at how quite it is! I don't think someone in another room could hear it, let alone my scary, hearing-sensitive downstairs neighbors (big plus!). If you're concerned about noise than this bike is for you! I can watch my tv at the same volume I would if I were just sitting on the couch. I worked out for 30 minutes today on the "Interval" setting and was able to work up a good sweat, felt the burn, and my bum and back stayed comfy the whole time. Its great to peddle away, watch your favorite show, and before you know it your workout is done!
All in all - LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!

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Combining the feel of an upright bike with the comfort of a recumbent, the Stamina 7250 Magnetic Fusion provides a smooth, quiet magnetic resistance and fingertip tension control. And thanks to the comfortable, ergonomic design, you'll exercise longer and more effectively. You can even monitor your heart rate with pulse sensors built right into the handrails.
Control workout intensity with advanced, easy-to-use electronics including 10 preset programs. You can even choose heart rate programs that adjust your workout to keep you within the target heart rate zone. The advanced, two-color, backlit InTouch Monitor clearly displays workout time, RPM, heart rate, calories burned, distance, resistance level, and speed so you can track your progress with every stride.
The seat slides at a 45 degree angle so your feet, legs, and hips are aligned to give you power on the downstroke and the upstroke for the best cycling workout possible. Other features include an easy walk-through design, adjustable locking slide seat, water bottle holder with bottle, and weighted pedals with eight-position adjustable strap.
Features and Specifications
Smooth, quiet, magnetic free wheel resistance system
10 preset programs as well as manually adjustable resistance
Choose heart rate program that adjusts your workout to keep you within your target heart rate zone
Large, two-color, backlit console for easy reading displays workout time, RPM, heart rate, calories burned, distance, resistance level, and speed on one screen
Push button control to change programs, adjust speed and resistance on the fly
Pulse sensors built into handrails to monitor and stay within target heart rate zone
Adjustable seat with 45-degree leg angle to reduce stress on hips and joints
Aluminum seat rail with rollers for smoother seat adjustment
Comfortable, padded, oversized molded seat and seatback
Weighted pedals with adjustable foot straps work legs on upward and downward strokes
AC adapter, no batteries needed
Maximum user weight: 300 pounds
Warranty: 5 years on frame, 90 days on parts
Dimensions: 53 x 24 x 51 inches (LxWxH)

About Recumbent Exercise Bikes Despite the competition from trendy new fitness inventions, exercise bikes continue to be popular options for home exercise. They offer the same aerobic benefits of riding a bicycle at any time, in any weather, without leaving the comfort and safety of home. Exercise bikes don't take up much space, require little or no balance or coordination, and can provide an effective workout for all levels of users, from beginners to serious competitors. While the same could be said for a number of other types of home fitness equipment, the exercise bike is one of the few that allows you to watch television or read a magazine while you work out.
The term recumbent literally means "lying down." Exercising in a recumbent or reclining position allows the user to have full ergonomic back support, without causing strain on the arms, neck and shoulders, all of which can be common effects of using an upright bicycle. For many people, having convenient access to quality exercise equipment is critical to sticking with a long-term exercise program.

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Amazon Treadmill Book Holder for X- Thick Consoles Review

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(More customer reviews)The large treadmill book rack is a joke. It is very flimsy and the lips on the ends will not keep the rack on the treadmill, the book on the rack, or the pages from turning, requiring the runner to hold the book and rack in place, defeating the purpose of the rack. Needs heavier material and longer lips on the ends.

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CycleOps Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)A trainer is better if it closely replicates an actual cycling experience. Hence, the graduating complexity and cost of fan, magnetic and fluid drive trainers. The more you pay, the closer the experience is to replicating the inertia of what happens in a real ride. You want the trainer to feel as if it takes more exertion to get up to speed, but also want it to "coast", when you stop pedaling. This trainer is a mag drive, and does a good overall job, but doesn't coast well. I find myself pedaling all the time, as if I were hill climbing. That's OK for getting exercise, but not good for getting in a sustained ride. Those brief periods of coasting help the muscles recover and allow longer ride time. I could stop entirely for short periods, but that's not how I want to ride. I do use the gears to vary pedaling speed, but can't use the high gear and standing to vary the working muscles enough on the trainer; the resistance doesn't go high enough for that. I haven't tried a fluid drive, so don't know if it would be much better. I suggest trying a trainer somewhere before buying. All said and done, I would probably buy this same trainer again, as it is solidly built and with a smooth tire on the bike, quiet enough. Now, if someone put a 20 lb weight on the spinner...

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The CycleOps Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer helps keep your legs in shape, even during the winter months. The indoor trainer is designed with magnet brakes and utilizes a unique, internal flywheel that provides a smooth and quiet ride. The resistance lever has five different settings so you can vary your workout from warm-up stage to tough-terrain riding. The sturdy steel frame has leveling feet for stability, while the foldable legs allow you to easily set-up and store the bike. The indoor bicycle trainer comes with an informational DVD.

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Schwinn 220 Recumbent Exercise Bike Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)UPDATE ON 12/27/2010. After one year of steady use, I am very pleased with the machine. In my original review (below) I reported a clicking noise, but I finally figured out that it was because the locking knob on the seat adjuster was not tightened down; once corrected the bike has been silent. It has been ridden an average of 2 1/2 hours per week. There have been absolutely no problems with the bike. My only complaints (and they're not show-stoppers) are 1) the useless book ledge, 2) the handlebars aren't usable unless you lean forward, and 3) the need for plugging the unit into an electrical outlet (rather than having a battery). Please note that I unplug my bike when it's not in use, as I expect the transformer unit would burn out much sooner if left plugged in all the time. SUMMARY: A great machine, and I highly recommend it.
The remainder of this review was written in December, 2009:
Please note that this review is written based on only ONE WEEK (Comments added 1/7/10) of use, so it can't possibly address performance over the long term. If I remember to, I'll come back in a few months and give a more complete review.
First, the machine was shipped promptly and arrived on time. The package was somewhat damaged, but all the bike parts arrived in good condition. It appears to me that the Chinese manufacturer packaged the bike for containerized shipment, and not for individual transport. Nevertheless, all was okay.
Assembly is straight-forward. I was interrupted (neighbor's horses got out), but total assembly time was probably about one hour, working alone. Note that I'm an experienced assembler, having put together many wagons, carts, bikes, trikes, etc. in the wee hours of Christmas morning. Also note that Step 5 (page 11) calls for REMOVING the seat rail bracket; the bracket on my bike WAS NOT already installed, and, not reading the instruction, I installed the bracket, as that's what the diagram suggested. No big deal, but you'll have to remove it later. Other than that glitch, all went smoothly. By the way, all the tools that you will need are included in the package - nice touch.
With only one week's use, the machine has been absolutely silent in operation; I certainly hope that continues. (ADDED 1/7/10: After a month's use, it has developed a clicking sound as I pedal.) By default, the bike starts at intensity level 3. Stepping up to level 4 is detectable but not severe. Further steps seem to increase resistance at a higher level.
I cannot grasp the front handle bars while sitting with my back against the backrest; in fact I can barely touch them with my finger tips. To grasp the handles I must lean forward. Not a biggie, but I would prefer them to be located in front of the electronic display, rather than behind it.
As to the electronic panel, it appears to me that the MPH shown is high; at 80 RPMs it registers 16 miles per hour, while my old bike showed 13 MPH. The display registers about 25 calories per mile at resistance level 4. The heart rate monitor shows about 5 beats per minute higher than my Polar unit, but I can't say for sure which one is closer.
I do not like the way the "time" feature changes between "elapsed time" and a one-minute countdown display at 6-second intervals - I would prefer it to stay on the elapsed time screen. If there is a way to reset this feature I haven't been able to find it. (ADDED 1/7/10: Press the LOCK button to keep on elapsed time and MPH.)
Also, my old bike stopped the elapsed-time clock whenever I quit pedaling, but this one continues to run - a stop to answer the doorbell reflected 5 minutes of exercise time while I was away. (ADDED 1/7/10: Press the STOP once (only once) to pause the display, and the top left button (I forget its label) to resume.)
I have not used any of the programmed workout programs, because I exercise at 78-82 RPMs for 30 minutes, varying pedal resistance during the workout (I'm a 70-year-old male, and I'm not trying to build endurance.)
The "magazine rack" is merely a small ledge. It will hold a magazine, I suppose, but I place my very small MP3 player on it. I don't believe that some of the larger players would stay on the ledge.
I knew this before I ordered the bike, so I can't really complain, but I would much prefer the display unit to be powered by a battery, as my old bike was. The Schwinn 220 must be plugged into an AC outlet - without electricity you don't get any readouts, and can't vary resistance.
The Schwinn 220 seems to be pretty stout, and my overall impression, at this point, is favorable. If it continues to function like it does now, I'll be pleased with my purchase. Time will tell. (ADDED 1/7/10: So far, so good.)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Schwinn 220 Recumbent Exercise Bike

Get in shape at home with the comfortable Schwinn 220 recumbent exercise bike, offering a compact design and the feel of a more traditional outdoor bike while relying on core, stabilizing muscles to balance your body weight. Features include a 13.2-pound flywheel, 16 resistance levels, 12 programs, adjustable seat, magazine rack, and contact heart rate monitoring built into the handlebars. It also includes the following exclusive Schwinn features:
BioFit Comfort:
Ergonomic pedal design for efficient and comfortable pedaling
Adjustable console and seat
Convenient step-through design

BioDyne Performance:
Perimeter weighted flywheel for a true road feel, and smooth, consistent workouts
Oversized stabilizers and levelers that are built-in for a solid workout platform

BioConnect Feedback:
12 workout programs, including 6 course profiles, fitness test, and custom workout
Integrated grip heart rate system for easy fitness monitoring

Features & Specifications:
16 resistance levels
13.2-pound flywheel
Eddy Current Brake (ECB) resistance system
Fore and aft seat adjustment
Magazine rack
Transport wheels
Switchable from miles to kilometers (KM)
Maximum user weight: 300 pounds

Manufacturer's Warranty 5 years on the frame, 1 year on parts and electronics, 3 months on wear parts, 3 months on labor
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