Monday, 23 March 2009
Elliptical Trainer - great value, stationary bike
I don't know why Marcy changed the model number on what was a great-selling and highly rated exercise bike on Amazon, and somehow managed to lose its 100+ mostly flattering reviews, but this looks and sounds exactly like the one I've been using 2-3 times per week for the last year-and-a-half. It works really well, and it is definitely worth the money. I'm in fairly decent shape and I use it at level 3 for 20-30 min. Level 8 would be really really hard for more than a few minutes. People who don't find the tension difficult at level 8 either got a defective tensioner or had trouble installing it properly.
The calorie expenditure readout also seems pretty accurate. The flaw, but not a fatal one: the uncomfortable seat, which could not be easily replaced with another one. I tried using a sheepskin cover, but that created its own problems. You probably just have to get used to it as I've tried and mostly succeeded doing. (And the seat doesn't seem to bother everyone.)
As for durability, it's as quiet and smooth as when I first got it. I don't stand on the pedals or the plastic chassis and neighbor kids are not allowed to play on it, etc. I treat it like it's not very tough, although maybe it really is.
Another interesting thing about this exercise bike is that the price has bounced around a lot from $99 to $200 and all over the map and now back down again to $107 with free shipping, at the moment. That makes this an excellent deal to me. I don't know why the three or four other reviewers had such bad luck with it. Marcy Upright Mag Cycle
Bought this item via Amazon over other retailers because of the free shipping (delivered very quickly by Fed-Ex). Took a while to put together, and the tension chord was a complete bitch, but I broke out my trusty wrench and got it in place. This bike is very sturdy, and I tightened the piss out of the nuts and bolts so it would be. I can see where the base legs and seat may wobble if the bolts are not tight, so be vigilant about that. Had to get used to the smooth, noiseless ride, and the higher tension settings will get smoother as I get more used to it. The lower settings are very smooth and effortless. The plastic case was intact, no bolts were missing, all was good, and the bike fits into a convenient spot in my apartment and takes up little space. As a cardio exerciser, it works well, and after 15 minutes of use I was sweating like, well, like a fat guy on a bike. After 30 minutes I could barely walk, but, again, that's due to me, not the bike. The seat really does hurt the 'taint' area, but I'd chalk that up to my ass being too fat, and not as a fault of the seat. As of now, after one day's use, I am completely satisfied with this relatively cheap and very convenient (and silent) exercise bike. I recommend it, though I am no expert on exercise. Good value, solid structure, free and quick shipping = very satisfied.
I bought this bike mainly because of its low price and small size. It does fit into a rather small space in my home office, and it's quiet and smooth. It took me about an hour and a half to put it together (I'm a 61-year-old woman)- a little challenging, but not impossible. I had to buy a gel seat for it, since the seat is pretty uncomfortable without it. My biggest complaint is the configuration of the handlebars. I'm not racing anywhere, but the handlebars are way out in front like a racing cycle. This means I either have to stretch out for it (hard on the arms and shoulders), or sit up very straight with my hands holding onto the back of the seat. I never realized what an issue this would be when I saw the product description. If you can get a similar cycle with "normal" handlebars, you will be much happier.
I bought this bike about two weeks ago, and have ridden it every day since. I am by no means a "professional" cyclist, just a chubby girl looking to lose some weight. The bike arrived the day after I ordered it, with free shipping, and I had no damage to the packaging that other people noted. The bike was very easy to assemble alone, it took me maybe a half hour and I don't consider myself the most handy person, you just need to be able to follow directions. The bike is quiet and takes up very little space in my tiny front room. My only complaint is that the seat is MURDER on the bum, so I would recommend finding a seat cover to protect your assets.
I purchased the Marcy upright mag cycle and initially loved it. I'm not particularly demanding on what I expect from an exercise bike, but I do expect the pedal not to break from regular use. I know that I'm straining the product, what with my massive 140 pound body and all, but I sort of expected more from this product than one of the pedals bending and eventually breaking off.
I contacted the manufacturer to make a warranty claim and did not initially receive a response. After several attempts, I was able to find someone who told me that they would gladly mail me a new pedal in six to eight weeks. The pedal never arrived and I was ignored on all further communications.
Avoid this brand like the plague, unless you're a fan of being lied to and ignored.
This excersize bike is sturdy and not really hard to assemble. The pieces were well packaged so it was not damaged or anything when I got it. I put it together following the instructions (which also include some helpful stretching techniques in the back for before you start using the bike). I used the bike for 30 minutes the first day I had it and was fine. But the next day I woke up and my butt hurt SO BAD that I could barely sit on the bike again. I waited until my soreness went away, and bought a seat pad from Wal-Mart. This bike seat is 10 inches across and about 10 inches long. So, if you're going to buy a bike seat pad make sure it's big enough to fit that. Other than the seat, it's a very nice and simple bike to work out on. - Stationary Indoor Bike - Upright Bikes - Stationary Bike - Great Value'
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