MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike Arm and Leg Exerciser
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List Price: Our Price: $149.00 You Save: $40.00 (21%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Sports See more product details |
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Customer Reviews of MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike Arm and Leg Exerciser
Customer Review: Magnetrainer Mini Exercise Bike
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought the Magnetrainer extended range mini bike once I admitted to myself that I was addicted to playing on my computer and I would probably keep ignoring, for the most part, the shiny new treadmill I got for Christmas. I made my purchase based on the reviews I read here and it turned out to be a good bargain.
The mini bike was easy to put together, and that's saying something since I'm not mechanically inclined. All you have to do is insert the two base pieces, slide their rubber feet on the ends, tighten a bolt, screw on the pedals with the tool provided, and connect the display which comes with its own battery. Took about fifteen minutes.
The bike weighs about 20 pounds and I'm using it on deep pile carpet. It doesn't budge when I pedal. I'm using it as a recliner bike, meaning I sit back from it, not over it. I'm almost 70 years old, so I'm not looking for a workout, I just want to be able to say I exercised today and didn't just play on the computer. It is so quiet, easy and fun, I don't pay attention to the clock. I don't put my feet into the pedal straps. I turn the pedal over and use the other side.
The only downside, if you can call it that, is that there is only one handle and it is attached vertically on the back of the bike. There is no corresponding grip on the front of the bike unless you grasp the tension knob and that's not a good idea. So moving it is inconvenient if you reposition it every day. I found a way around it, sort of, by turning the bike around so the handle is facing me. It's easier to move and I can pedal from the back. Fortunately, the pedals spin in both directions. But then you can't read the display to see how many calories you burned. I wish the manufacturer had put the handle on top of the unit. I haven't tried using it on a table top to exercise the arms yet, but I have adjusted the resistance knob and I can feel the difference.
If you're wondering whether to spend a little more to get this unit instead of a cheaper one, all I can tell you is I'm glad I did. You can see it's well made the moment you open the box and start handling the parts during assembly. When you use it, you never make a sound because it's so smooth and quiet, like riding on air.
There is one more thing you need to know. This is not a cycle you can sit directly over while at your desk unless you are using an elevated work surface like a drafting table. There simply isn't enough space between your knee and the undersurface of the desk. The pedal in its highest position is 16 inches high. My leg from foot to top of the knee is 21 inches. 16 plus 21 = 37. My desk is 30 inches high. As you can see, I cannot pedal sitting upright at my desk. That is why I pedal in the reclined position.
If you're looking for a mini bike that's sturdy, fun and easy to use, and will qualify your "playtime" as "exercise time" when you're at the computer, this is probably the one you're searching for.
Customer Review: Follow-up
Summary: 5 Stars
I left an earlier review with issues regarding software used with the Magnetrainer and also lack of responses to support. Well a month later I can report that Support for the Magnetrainer has been exceptional. They have offered to allow me to return the unit if I was unsatisfied. Fact is I love this unit and would not part with it. Over the past month or so it has turned out to be everything I had hoped for and more. The unit is super quiet and I have no problem with it moving around. I have it under my desk and I'm using an office chair on wheels with no problems.
I had a small problem with the left pedal wanting to loosen up but a little wd40 took care of that; however again the support was great and they have offered to send a new pedal if it acts up again. With support like that I feel much better about the equipment. But a word to the wise don't use the email response, call them direct on the phone and they will get right back to you. I only used the email and they didn't seem to get through the system for whatever reason. But once contact was made they were super in resolve all the issues.
I had an issue on the software. The PC hookup and FitXF is worth every penny. If you are going to be around a computer or even have a laptop you should get this and keep a record of all you workouts. I also tried out the Island Worlds and although the graphics will never win an emmy I found it fun. There seems to be some issue with it working with Vista so you might want to try the trial package out first. It seems to be working fine on my computer with Vista. Again work with the support people at Magnetrainer. The big issue I had was with NetAthlon. I could get no response for support. I tried out the free trial unit but that doesn't have the Magnetrainer link, you need the update for that. When I updated the trail software it locked up and would not allow me to use it. No amount of calls or emails helped. I got zero response from NetAthlon software people. Although Magnetrainer support people were not able to help me with the third party software they did suggest another program called Fuel which is awesome and has a huge data base like 500 square miles so you roam for a long time without retracing your steps. I got the program on Amazon for $7 and it seems to be a much better program with much better graphics.
Bottom line you can't go wrong with Magnetrainer. All the issues I had in the first couple weeks were all resolved and there is no way I would give up my mini bike now. I range from 20 to 60 miles a day and it is easy to ride awhile and then do other things and come back again. The PC FitXF lets you keep track of the total workout for the entire day regardless off interruption. Enjoy.
Customer Review: Quiet, convenient, durable
Summary: 5 Stars
I've wanted a fancy recumbent ergometer cycle for years, but there's no way I can either afford or store one. After a long, frustrating winter trying to figure out some way to easily exercise indoors, I decided to try the Magnetrainer. It's been great.
Pros:
* Almost entirely silent. Occasionally a tiny whir or a little squeak, but for the most part I can cycle while having a quiet conversation, and the cycle is not even noticeable.
* Super compact and convenient. Mine is currently is tucked next to a wheeled file cart next to my desk. Barely visible.
* Very adjustable. The hardest levels of the current model are quite difficult, and you can also dial it down to nearly free-wheeling.
* The monitor. I LOVE how it turns off and on automatically when the cycle is used, and retains data until it is reset. I can tally up my exercise in a day, no matter how often I have to stop and start.
* Durable. I use my exercise equipment so hard I always wind up breaking it, but so far this is holding up great.
Cons (very minor!):
* With long cycling the magnetic braking causes a bit of electric discharge smell. I'm not sure what it is -- ions? ozone? It's a little unpleasant, but it dissipates quickly. I put a fan on, which gets rid of it. (Along with cooling me, of course!)
* The included velcro strap to prevent sliding is very helpful, but it's not terribly convenient to set up, and rather difficult to adjust. Still, I'm pleased it's included. Makes the cycle much more usable.
Other observations:
* The idea of cycling while reading or watching TV is very appealing, but keep in mind that you will still be exercising. It's still hard work!
* It would be nice if this fit under a normal desk, but that's not really possible. (Can you cycle your legs now, with nothing under there? Probably not.) I can just get mine underneath, sit back, and still reach a mouse, but my desk is unusually high.
* A little assembly is required, but it's very minor.
Overall: Highly recommended!
Customer Review: Quiet, small, solid, good price, and has features - what else could you want?
Summary: 5 Stars
I just purchased this mini-bike today and had to say how impressive this little bike is.
Pros:
* It takes all of 10 minutes to put together
* It takes up very little space! No need to put this in the basement where I won't use it regularly
* It is cheaper than any new stationary bicycle I've seen on Amazon or any discount store
* It is built very solidly
* It is whisper quiet
* It comes with a monitor for distance, time, etc. I wouldn't rely on it for calories burned, but the electric monitor is a nice touch.
* I'm semi-athletic (a frequent volleyball player) and a mid-range resistance is quite enough for a good workout.
* It isn't difficult to get used to pushing up and down only (not to the front)
* This mini-bike isn't that light - it weighs about 20 pounds, so if you use it on carpet and use the straps to attach it to your chair, you won't move it
* Some people complain about the foot pedal straps, but I don't see the problem. They adjust to fit over my women's size 10 triple-E clogs (and clogs aren't cut small) so the way I see it, you need some pretty monster-size sneakers on to out-grow the straps!
The "sorta cons" (not problems, just things to be aware of):
* You do need to use this on a carpet and attach it to your chair. It's one of the best mini-bikes out there for your money, but it is still a mini-bike. Someone else here already wrote about mini-bike features so I won't repeat it. Just don't buy a mini-bike and then complain about it being a mini-bike! :)
* The electronic readout isn't tip-top perfect. I'd rely on it more for comparisons between readings, than for an actual "I rode X miles today."
All in all, I am very impressed with this, and think I got quality for my money. I'd rather spend an extra few dollars for something that isn't flimsy and that won't break.
Customer Review: Utterly Cool
Summary: 5 Stars
I wanted a recumbent exercise bike but dreaded the gigantic and heavy box, the assembly, having to move the behemoth in the case of relocating, and just the room it would take up in my home. Then I was sitting in my favorite floor chair Multi Angle Floor Cushion - (Natural) and it hit me that maybe this type of compact portable exercise bike might work well with it. I choose the Magnetrainer based on its features and positive reviews. Happily the combination of the two items has proved to be a perfect match. The Magnetrainer is of high quality and comes (in my case via FedEx) in a super sturdy carton that provides complete protection. Easy as pie to assemble, all you need do is to attach the pedals, insert the front support and tighten a thumb screw, install (included) batteries in the monitor, plug in its cable, and slide it on to its support. I love that the monitor does not re-set itself until you press and hold the red function button. This way I can get on and off the bike throughout the day and reach my goal of at least one hour without having to remember how many minutes I have already put in on it. The cranks are quality three-piece type and they have a soft closed-cell foam sleeve on them to protect your ankles. Cranks are about six inches in length. The bike is very quiet, almost silent. Because I use it from such a low and reclining position I have placed the bike against a wall so that it does not slide forward. I'm sure if I were to use it from a normal chair height, pressing down instead of forward on the pedals, it would stay put. I am so pleased to have found such success using these two great products together. I saved a bunch of money and space too!