Showing posts with label exercise bikes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exercise bikes. Show all posts

6/05/2012

Schwinn 113 Upright Exercise Bike Review

Schwinn 113 Upright Exercise Bike
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.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Schwinn 113 Upright Exercise Bike

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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3/14/2012

Best Fitness BFSB10 Indoor Cycling Trainer Review

Best Fitness BFSB10 Indoor Cycling Trainer
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Over all I am very pleased with this bike. The ride is quiet and smooth. The handle bars are smooth enough that my hands don't hurt from the grip. Really, my only complaint would be the range in the resistance. It's has a muddy mid-range. The heavy resistance is great, and it comes off easily, there just isn't very much room in the middle ground.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Best Fitness BFSB10 Indoor Cycling Trainer

Shift your cardio training into high gear with the Best Fitness BFSB10 Indoor Cycling Trainer. The BFSB10 lets you ride in the comfort and convenience of your own home, so you won't have to deal with the unpredictability of outdoor terrain, rough weather, or nasty traffic. You'll also have the freedom to close your eyes and concentrate on your pedal cadence without crashing into a tree. The training bike is outfitted with such features as quick-change tension controls that help simulate hills and valleys, along with a precision flywheel that generates a smooth ride at all tension settings. The seat and handlebars are also fully adjustable, with 15 vertical seat settings and seven vertical handlebar adjustments.
And thanks to the secure straps on the foot pedals, you can ride as fast and hard as you want. Other details include an easy access brake, a water bottle holder, and transport wheels. The BFSB10 measures 20 by 47 by 43.5 inches (W x H x D) and carries the following warranties: thee years on the frame and one year on all other parts.


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12/17/2011

Diamondback Fitness 510Ub Upright Exercise Bike Review

Diamondback Fitness 510Ub Upright Exercise Bike
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Here is a review from FitnessProfessiorReviews.com:
Diamondback is well known for their pedal bikes and they continue to apply this knowledge to all of their fitness products. The updated 510 Ub is their entry level bike but it is far from basic - comfy seat and riding position, plenty of programs plus an adjustable back lit LCD display featuring a fan, MP3 compatibility, speakers and a 3 year warranty! These features help earn the Diamond Back 510 Ub this year's HEAD OF THE CLASS Award (Best Upright Bike under $750).


Click Here to see more reviews about: Diamondback Fitness 510Ub Upright Exercise Bike

510UB Features: -Upright bike. -LCD display with a bright blue LCD display and real-time feedback. -Integrated multi-speed. -Headphone jack through the built-in speakers. -0.14'' input jack for Mp3 and iPod playback. -Media bay with USB port. -20 workout programs. -16 increments of resistance adjustment. -14 pound flywheel. -Fold out magazine rack. -Assembly required. -Limited lifetime on frame and brake, 3 years on parts, 1 year on labor, 90 days on wear items. -Dimensions: 58'' H x 41'' W x 23'' D.

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12/07/2011

Stamina 7250 Magnetic Fusion Recumbent Exercise Bike Review

Stamina 7250 Magnetic Fusion Recumbent Exercise Bike
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!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Stamina 7250 Magnetic Fusion Recumbent Exercise Bike

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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11/16/2011

LifeSpan Fitness R3 Recumbent Bike Review

LifeSpan Fitness R3 Recumbent Bike
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have back problems and had rode a recumbent bike during physical therapy. I was looking for a very sturdy and comfortable bike. This one meets all expectations. It does not move while riding and it is very very quiet. I can easily watch TV while riding. The book holder is great also when reading books or I use it as a paper holder for reading the paper when riding. My husband is around 300 pounds and it supports him very well as well as my children who are like monkies climbing around on it. The back support is very comfortable and it is easy to program. To me this is a great bike. I had looked at Schwins, but they didn't seem near as sturdy. I also like this bike as the bar tilts down from the seat to the front of the bike so it is easy to step over. I highly recommend this bike.

Click Here to see more reviews about: LifeSpan Fitness R3 Recumbent Bike

Get fit in your own home with the LifeSpan R3 recumbent exercise bike, which features an advanced multi-position Opti-View display exercise console, multiple training programs, and spring-loaded, pull-out magazine rack. It's perfect for improving your cardiovascular health, strengthening your legs, and training for cyclists during inclement weather. It features a 12-inch flywheel, three-piece crank set, high quality sealed bearings, reinforced Poly-V belt and high quality pedals to transfer your workout energy quietly and smoothly to the flywheel and the oversized magnet carrier that provides frictionless resistance.
The exercise computer includes several training programs, including interval, weight loss, mountain race, target heart rate (read through contact heart rate sensors built into the handlebars), and manual--each with 16 levels of resistance. The LCD is easily readable and the LED panel helps guide you through your workout. You'll enjoy such comfort features as a spine-smart seat design with integrated lumbar support, and easy accessibility to water bottle holder.
Specifications:
Tension system: Automatic adjustment with 16 levels
Flywheel Size: 12 inch diameter/19 pounds balanced
Belt: Reinforced Poly-V Belt
Pedals: Self Balancing with Easy Adjust Straps
Cranks: Three-Piece Crank Set
Dimensions: 42 by 25 by 53 inches
Weight: 105 pounds
Maximum user weight: 350 pounds
Warranty: frame and ECB brake - lifetime; parts - 3 years; labor - 1 year

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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11/12/2011

Schwinn 220 Recumbent Exercise Bike Review

Schwinn 220 Recumbent Exercise Bike
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
Compare These Recumbent Exercise Bikes
Schwinn A20

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