I really loved that this item was both a bike and an elliptical machine, at such an awesome price. I wasn't very certain that it would be sturdy, etc because it is so inexpensive. But I am pleasantly surprised. However, the only reason that I am rating this four stars is that it took me three hours to put together. The directions are extremely hard to follow.
I had the product for 2 weeks before I started having problems with it. Last night I had to take it apart in order to tight some parts that were shaking and making the most irritating noises, and I am talking about parts you would not touch on the initial assembly, those were manufacturing issues. I had to repeat the process 5 times in the few weeks I had it. So unless you have good handyman skills, get something else. It is a nice looking product but as I started using, it really showed its poor quality. If I had the chance I would return it. Not worth your money.
Compared to other non-commercial exercise bikes, the Phoenix 99608 is an excellent buy. It was easy to assemble, well constructed, and operates very quietly. It was exactly as advertised. I expect it will provide many hours of hassle-free use. Don't expect to use the bike for hours at a time - the seat padding is not thick enough for that. My only other concern is that the seat may not be able to be adjusted appropriately for a person with short legs. Those observations not withstanding, I would recommend it to anyone who wants an inexpensive home exercise bike.
My wife and I have been looking for an exercise bike that is comfortable for our backs and seats. Recumbents are good but the costs and space requirements have discouraged us up to now. The Stamina is economical, well made, silent, comfortable, and takes up very little room. It even folds if you want to gain even more space. I was a bit concerned about the bike because when it arrived the packaging was severely gouged (by a forklift?)but the inner packing is well designed and there was no damage. Assembly was easy and took approx. 30 minutes. There is a tool included that will fit all the screws and nuts used.
I have no way to tell how accurate the mileage, caloric, etc. readouts are but I don't find that a problem because I exercise by time and I can pace myself by the various levels indicated. It is quiet so it is easy to exercise while watching TV. We are very satisfied with this product.
Low impact, but will make the burn if you work it. I use it during the summer time when I can't get outside due to the heat. You can sit on the edge of a bed or chair and peddle away in an air conditioned room. Doesn't take up a lot of room to use. It takes a moment to get use to the foot and peddle action, you are not pressing down like on a bike but forward. Great for elderly or someone who is just starting out their routines. You do not need to stand up to use the product. Therefore, not alot of pressure on your knees. Very sturdy, even if you are over 300 lbs, since you are not standing on the machine it will work for you. Can be used under a desk at work, make a little noise. Works on the legs and moves the blood, great for the numb butt. It does not take up much room for storage, about 2'x 2'space. Easy to put together. Not what I recommend for traveling, it is alittle heavy. But a wonderful work out machine to use while listening to your Ipod !!
This recumbent bike does not have all the bells and whistles, but is a solidly built product at a great price. The computer that came with it had enough functions to make my workouts interesting enough, and this bike really excels at providing a very smooth and almost inaudibly quiet ride. Perfect for watching television or movies.
Assembly was straightforward and well documented with the exception of having to understand an insert that amended how a cable was threaded.
One caveat that prevented me from giving this product five stars is that the minimum distance setting between the seat and the pedals is still too large, and riders who are 5'4" and under will have trouble pedaling this bike.
They all look the same but the price range is big. I can say that I believe this model is as good as they get. The quality is high and the pedal resistance can go all the way up to a a pretty hard workout, if you want to. I like the 4 big feet on this model. I think they will wear better than the kind I've seen on other models, and they look cooler!
