Customer Reviews

Kettler Teletrimmer Mini Exercise and Rehabilitation Cycle

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this machine because (1) it looked very portable & convenient to use throughout my day (2) would fit into a small space (3) and I figured German engineering must be excellent quality-wise. Sadly, my unit is defective and must be returned for a refund. There is a thick plastic bushing that fits around the metal bar / pedal-bar in the center of the unit. When the unit is used for more about 15 minutes at a time, that central pedal-bar becomes very warm - seemingly from friction with the bushing (I think) - the unit begins to squeak and squeal LOUDLY at that point. I tried to ignore it, but it really is distracting since it grows from intermittent to pro-longed yiping. I did not use the unit excessively (meaning it shouldn't have worn out in less than 2 weeks), I was trying to use it once a day for 20-minutes. Additionally, upon its arrival, I was not very happy with having to assemble the unit myself - it took me 40 minutes. Their manual is in several languages, there is a short bit in English, and not useful for assembly. The exploded diagram - which was my only option for figuring out assembly - is not in English. In their defense, they did include the only tool needed for assembly - a small spanner. I contacted the company (Kettler) pre-purchase and was very satisfied with the friendly nature of their pre-sales staff. I contacted their company (Kettler) after the squeaking / squealing and they recommended that I take it apart and apply a layer of vaseline to the bushings - then re-assemble. If that didn't solve it, I was directed to buy new bushings. I don't think those suggestions were appropriate. This machine cost almost twice of competing units, but doesn't actually hold up. I will try one of the higher rated, lower cost models by other makers instead. In the end, I loved the portability and do think a small portable cycle provides a reasonably good work-out when it works and isn't squealing like a little piggy. Very disappointing.

I bought this exercise cycle for my father who has a very bad knee. He is very happy with it because it's light and easy to carry around and he can sit comfortably and pedal while watching TV, reading the newspaper, etc... His primary use for it is to keep his joints loose so he doesn't stiffen up when sitting for long periods of time. Another benefit is that it allows him to do light exercises without straining himself. I give it a 4 and not a 5 because I'm not too familiar with these types of products so I don't have anything else to compare it to. All I can say is that my father is happy with it.

This product was purchased as a result of my father-in-law having knee replacement surgery. While he was hospitalized, he used this type of equipment for rehab purposes. He talked about how it helped him tremendously, and my husband and I decided to surprise him with one of his own. He loves it; it continues to help in with his rehab. We were told by relatives that he sometimes wants to exceed the amount of reps as perscribed by the doctor so they have to take it from him (smile) which in my opinion is a good thing. We loved the price and the free shipping. Comparable items pricewise ranged from $80 to $125+.