I don't think you'll find a more compact recumbent bike, perfect for my one bedroom apartment. It's solid as a rock too… I'm pretty sure the few reviews claiming otherwise, specifically complaints about seat movement, are almost certainly due to user error. The seat adjustment function is the only difference I'm aware of between the two product options (black vs silver model). The black version I purchased uses a knob that you pull out and then repeg into one of the few available holes in the metal the seat rests on, but after pegging it into a different seat position you still need to then rotate that same knob clockwise to tighten down the seat. It's fairly unique to have a knob that functions using a pull and peg adjustment mechanism, but also requires rotation using screw like threads to tighten down. If you don't rotate/tighten the seat adjustment knob after moving the seat to a different peg location, the complaints about the seat instability make perfect sense. If you do rotate/tighten the seat adjustment knob, there is zero instability at all it is solid as a rock.
You definitely want to watch the assembly video, which included on the amazon product page, just cycle through the product pictures to find it. A few of the negative reviews I read before taking a chance and purchasing this obviously did not watch that just over seven minute long video, which resulted in the user error they were complaining about… Like the guy who found it "impossible" to complete the assembly step where you attach the tension adjustment knob because he specifically states "you have to assemble at tension level 16, the highest setting,", when in fact the video clearly explains you must adjust the tension down to the lowest level to assemble it.
Unhelpful reviews resulting from user error aside… I did have the same issue several other reviews reported where the 2 screws needed to attach the electric display panel were missing from the package I received. This was certainly annoying and the manufacturer's email based customer support did take an entire week to respond to my email. Figuring I probably wouldn't receive any response to my customer support email based on other negative product reviews I just went to my local hardware store and purchased the missing screws for $0.62. The product assembly instructions at least provided sufficient size information for the missing screws ("M5*10"), the "M5-.80×10" size screws I purchased fit perfectly. I am very glad I bothered dealing with this small hassle rather than allowing my justified annoyance at this inconvenience cause me to return the bike.
In the month since I purchased this bike, I have ridden 150 miles on it according to the bike's odometer. If you need a no frills exercise tool, especially with limited space like an in an apartment, and you don't mind dealing with the possibility of some assembly hassle and slow response from product support if the unit you receive has any actual defects unlike mine that has worked perfectly; I don't think you will find a better value than this bike. The ride is smooth and whisper quiet. The tension adjustment on the unit I received is more than sufficient for me and I have been involved in varying degrees of athletics my entire life. I am six ft tall and weight just under 200lbs and this thing has been very comfortable for me to ride. In the month I have spent riding this thing, the improvement I have felt in the lumbar spine condition I first began experiencing symptoms of several months ago has me very hopeful this few hundred dollar investment may literally save me from needing spinal surgery. I love this bike!
I hope this review is helpful and I wish everyone the best of health.
Ellen E –
Amazon Customer –
Michael Stout –
Hank Warner –
Jim –
Richard Woodman –
Cathy –
Kathleen –