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The most helpful favorable review
The most helpful critical review
76 of 76 people found the following review helpful:
worth the extra money
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...
Published on May 17, 2007 by angelrats
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66 of 77 people found the following review helpful:
Break a sweat! In two hours!
I wanted to like this product, I really did. The thing did have solid build quality and didn't feel chintzy, but it just doesn't work very well. First of all, the only way I could get it not to slide around was by having it directly adjacent to my subwoofer on a carpeted floor; even then with each pedal motion it rocked back and forth a little.
Second, the...
Published on February 24, 2007 by Nicholas Dunn
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76 of 76 people found the following review helpful:
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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53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:
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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60 of 61 people found the following review helpful:
Utterly Cool, May 19, 2007
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!
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37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
Are you CERTAIN you want a MINI-bike??!!, January 18, 2009
This review is from: Magnetrainer Extended Range Mini Exercise Bike (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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26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
Perfect for knee rehab!, May 24, 2008
This review is from: Magnetrainer Extended Range Mini Exercise Bike (Misc.)
I purchased this bike to help me during recovery from ACL (knee reconstruction) surgery. I knew within the first 5 minutes that I had made the right decision. The machine is obviously of good quality. It glides smoothly whether pedaling in forward or reverse, and it makes almost NO noise whatsoever. It appears sturdy and stable. Assembly was a breeze. The digital display is large enough to be easily read without having to lean forward and squint. You can track your stats cumulatively over a day/week, etc, or reset it to zero each time you use it. I put this machine in front of the couch, shove a pillow behind my back, and I'm off. It comes with a velcro strap to secure it to a chair leg, but I just put it on top of a rubberized bathroom mat and it doesn't slide at all. I haven't cranked up the resistance yet, but even at zero I can tell it is going to be very helpful in keeping my knee mobile.
If you're looking for a heart-pounding, thigh-burning Tour-De-France type workout, this is probably not what you want. (Well, I don't know for sure, since I haven't upped the resistance yet). If you're looking for a gentle, no-impact way to keep your muscles and joints moving, then I highly recommend this product.
I know this isn't the cheapest mini-bike out there, but if you prefer quality then this is the right choice. I suspect this bike will still be humming along after the cheaper models have rusted and seized.
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21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
WOW, Unbelieveable Mini Bike, March 8, 2007
This is the best purchase that I have made in a long time.
I have done my research before I decided to try this bike, and I am glad that I did. The size is perfect to leave out and not to big to be a clothes tree. I love that I can leave it out to be a great reminder.
A+A+A+A+ customer service, fast, friendly and answers all of my 900 questions.
I highly recommend this to everyone!!
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25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
You'll love this!, March 6, 2007
My family loves this little bike so much I had to order another one! You can use them with any chair under any table or desk with no problems. It is light enough that you can easily haul it from room to room yet sturdy enough I let my son carry it around.
My grandparents came to visit over the holidays and they liked using it on the table for their arms. My grandfather recently lost a leg due to illness and he is having to work very hard to maintain his upper body strength. He used it at my house over the holidays and has now purchased one for himself. It is really helping him.
My son sits on the edge of his bed and pedals it while he plays his video games. No more yelling for him to go outside and get some exercise.
I am getting everyone I know one for Christmas next year.
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66 of 77 people found the following review helpful:
Break a sweat! In two hours!, February 24, 2007
I wanted to like this product, I really did. The thing did have solid build quality and didn't feel chintzy, but it just doesn't work very well. First of all, the only way I could get it not to slide around was by having it directly adjacent to my subwoofer on a carpeted floor; even then with each pedal motion it rocked back and forth a little.
Second, the site claims that it's great to use while at your computer desk. Here's the thing, unless you are 3' tall or have a 6 feet tall desk, I don't understand how in the world you would accomplish this. I had the thing under my desk but with the range of motion of the pedaling motion I would have been hitting the desk every time; instead I had to sit way back from the computer in order to not bump my knees.
So do not plan on using a computer while you use this product; I was, however, able to play xbox 360 (with wireless controllers no less) and watch a movie with no problem.
The main issue is that the resistance doesn't go nearly strong enough. Even at the max, it felt like riding a bike in one of the lowest gears. I take that back, it doesn't feel at all like riding a bike; I can't imagine what sort of chair you would have to have (stool maybe?) that would allow you to sit with a normal biking position. In most normal chairs, you're going to keep being pushed backwards.
Pros: It is relatively quiet. Solid construction quality
Cons: Restocking fee + shipping means if you buy this and don't like it, you're out 25% off the bat, plus the shipping you paid to get it to you (probably 15 bucks) plus whatever it costs you to ship it back. I ended up not even bothering returning it and giving it to my younger siblings. Hopefully they get more use out of it.
The resistance might be acceptable to either the elderly or young kids, but for a person with moderate leg strength, it just won't do much for you.
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21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
Great exercise bike!, February 9, 2007
Was slightly skeptical of this idea initially, but have to say that having assembled my Magnetrainer, am immensely pleased with both the build quality and the resistance. This will provide good solid exercise when couch-bound. Great for those of us who don't like to go out in the cold and/or have small apartments. Company order response time was prompt.
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
A good buy, September 14, 2007
I just purchased this machine and I am very pleased. It was easy to assemble, even for an idiot like me. The machine is very quiet and gives you a good aerobic workout. My only criticism is that it does move around when you use it regardless of the surface you put it on. I finally put it against a rowing machine I own and that kept it from sliding. I found you have to put it up against some heavy object to keep it stationary, but once you find the place to use it, you will be happy you bought it.
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