123 of 123 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
worth the extra money, May 17, 2007
i was originally going to get one of those $20 models, but reading the reviews cured me of that. after that it was between getting a cheaper version or this one. i am so very glad i spent the extra money.
you can barely hear the unit as you pedal along. all you need is enough clearance for your knees and you will start pedaling throughout the day. i even like it better than my gazelle walker and that is saying alot.
i was worried about the amount of tension that i could get from the magnetrainer but it appears to give me exactly the amount of tension i want. i am sure for people who are cyclists full time find it to have less tension than they want, but for a couch potato like me, i get quite a workout. i expect that this unit will help me get back into some shape other than "round".
for those that pedal hard enough to make it slide away even on carpet, the manufaturer offers to send you a free set of straps that you can attach to the legs of your chair. i opted for the straps and find them VERY effective in keeping the bike right where i want it.
Update:
i've started using my unit on a regular basis, 3 times a week, and already my blood pressure is back to normal, and my heart has stopped threatening to go AWOL.
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96 of 97 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Are you CERTAIN you want a MINI-bike??!!, January 18, 2009
This review is from: MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike Arm and Leg Exerciser (Misc.)
Most of the negative reviews/critiques that I've read are really complaints about MINI-bikes in general...NOT the Magnetrainer. So before you read any more brand reviews (including mine), do yourself a favor and think about your expectations for a moment.
1. Are you looking for something that provides a low-key, no-fuss, no-muss way of adding extra activity to your day (maybe at work or something casual while you knit)? Are you looking for something to conveniently rehab with? Are you cramped for space, and able/willing to accept that MINI-bikes have more limitations (due to simple physics) than standard-sized bikes?
*** If you answered YES to these, then skip #2 and #3, because you've got realistic expectations about MINI-bikes, and you'll want to know why the Magnetrainer is a brilliant way to go. ***
2. Are you looking for the same level of difficulty as a marathon spin class at your local gym?
*** If YES, then a MINI-bike isn't for you. ***
3. Are you able/willing to accept that the physics of MINI-bikes requires certain compromises?
*** If NO, then a MINI-bike isn't for you. ***
Now, for those who've decided that a MINI-bike fits their bill...let's talk about the Magnetrainer. First of all, the quality is exceptional. The frame is sturdy and well-designed. The pedaling motion is extremely smooth and quiet. The bike comes with simple, clear instructions and it doesn't take much time to assemble.
Stability issues are minimized by the Magnetrainer's weightiness and the width of its base. Additionally, you can extend the front base and use the velcro strap to tie the bike to your chair.
You may need to make additional modifications if you're doing some very strenuous peddling, but that's the nature of MINI-bikes, since there's not as much weight holding them down (less bike weight and none of your sitting weight). Maybe use a higher chair so your legs are more vertical and/or invest in a rubber mat. Another option is to find a way to secure the base to the floor.
For those looking to peddle while at a desk: unless you have about 3 feet of clearance (+ or - a few inches), you will need to push out your chair to keep from hitting your knees. Once again, this is just the physics of MINI-bikes, and something to consider before you decide to buy one. In order to stay productive while peddling at work, I purchased a height-adjustable laptop cart/laptop caddy. (You can find one at WalMart for $39.)
Contrary to one complaint I read...the Magnetrainer has an exceptional tension range. All but the most dedicated cyclists/spinners will find the intensity more than adequate. Remember, MINI-bikes don't sell themselves as an equivalent substitute for $800+ equipment. Convenience and portability is the main selling-point for MINI-bikes, and these features involve a tradeoff. Based on my experience, you compromise the LEAST with this brand. If the Magnetrainer doesn't work for you...no MINI-bike will.
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66 of 66 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very nice exercise bike, December 30, 2006
I bought this as a christmas gift for someone else, but I got to try it out a bit after christmas. It seems quite sturdy and well designed. It is VERY quiet, almost inaudible even in a quiet room. It stays put pretty well on carpet. Of course, you have to supply your own chair, and what chair you use has a big impact on how well it works. You need to be positioned so that you push down on it instead of forward or it will not stay put. Anyway, it seemed to work perfectly for me and I would recommend it to anyone who wants this sort of product.
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