This is a lightweight unit with a very small footprint. It is definitely for the residential user who has limited space for their exercise equipment.
Quiet…Usually
This upright exercise bike is equipped with a magnetic resistance system the delivers a fairly smooth and even pedal action.
This system also delivers an amazingly quiet, almost perfectly silent ride. That is, initially. With frequent use, especially by larger riders, the hardware tends to work loose and in the creaks, squeaks, and moans begin.
A little adjusting with the handy-dandy screwdriver will remedy the problem.
Designed for Burning Calories, Not Cycling
It features eight levels of preset resistance so that users of varying levels of health can find the resistance appropriate for them.
If burning calories is your only concern then this could possibly be the unit for you.
For those just looking to burn some calories and get low-level cardiovascular workouts in the large console display is a great tool for tracking the time, speed, calories expended, and distance of the ride.
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No Cycling Motion Here, Just Vertical Pump
Even with its counterbalanced panels and magnetic resistance system it would be unfair to attempt to compare this bike’s ride without of a similarly-priced indoor bike. ([easyazon_link asin=”B002KV383S” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”biketrainerre-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]see latest prices at amazon.com[/easyazon_link]).
Features and Specs
This unit delivers the expected up-and-down pedal action consistent with standard exercise bikes. If you’re looking for an indoor experience that equates to authentic outdoor road cycling you can skip this unit.
Transport wheels are attached to make rolling this unit from room to room easy. Because it is so light, weighing in at only 43 pounds overall, most anyone can move this unit with little effort.
This unit measures: 31.5 x 48.7 5 x 18 inches (W x H x D). It’s small enough to fit in a corner and storage closet. Shipping weight is about 45 pounds.
Great for kids and smaller riders, this unit adjusts down quite easily. It is probably not the best choice for riders over 6 feet tall.
Designed for Specific Body Types
Another awkward downside for this product is that the handlebars seem to be further away from the seat then they should be. It’s almost as if this bike was designed for someone with freakishly long arms.
This may cause a problem for people with back problems due to having to stretch forward to reach the handlebars. It certainly is problematic for people with short arms.
If someone were asking for my opinion I would have to say that unless your space is extremely limited, a real stationary bike would probably be a much better alternative.
Saddle Upgrade Advised
The biggest downside for this Marcy product is seat comfort. Users consistently reported that after 30 minute rides experienced moderate to substantial discomfort.
The good news about saddle discomfort is that it is completely replaceable with the standard saddle of your choice. It’s a fairly straightforward and easy.
Some of this may be due to the fact that the standard exercise bike delivers a bounce here, up-and-down pedal action which promotes a vertical bounce in the torso as well. Too much of this bounce will adversely affect the spine and buttocks.
Despite its size it is well constructed and, according to the manual, able to accommodate a writer of up to 300 pounds. Keep in mind that this is a very small bike and if you weigh over 200 pounds mount this unit with extreme caution.
Also, the issues of seat discomfort, handlebar overreach, and vertical pedal action could place undue stress on an overweight person. The pedal action will definitely deliver impact to knees and ankles and the handlebar overreach could result in an unbalanced bike resulting in a fall and serious injury. Again, a sturdy indoor bike designed to accommodate larger users would be the wiser choice.
This unit earns a rating of three stars.
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