Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)To open this review I would like to explain the service and process I needed to go thru to get the equipment up and running, Then a product review.
I purchaced this in the middle of march and it was delivered 4 days late in a box that looked very torn up. It was only being held together by the plastic bands, the box had been torn apart at both ends. Because I received it late I did not have time to assemble it for a week. When I began to assemble I noticed that I was missing screws, bolts, and the 'included' tools. So I went online to ask about this. On the Stamina website a form is provided for serial number to be included with any request. I went over every part included and every page of the manual and could not come up with a number. I found a place in the manual that told me where to look for the sticker with the number, but I did not have any such sticker. I sent the request anyway with my explination. After 2 weeks I had no response so I called their support number. A friendly person told me that she could see my request in the system but there was a delay getting parts for this item because it was receiving a lot of orders for parts. A package was eventually shipped to me and it included almost everything I needed. I tried to assemble again and got as far as step 6. I needed a carrige bolt to go thru the beam that was not included. I decided to go around stamina on this one and purchaced the bolt at Lowes. The instructions are very plain and would do well to take a page from IKEA and give a few more pictures.
Now my bike/rower is working and ready. 2 months after purchace.
A metric socket set is a big help if you want to assemble quickly. The provided slim flimsy wrench is a pain.
PRODUCT REVIEW.
The bike / rower is completly as described in function. The computer however is very poor. The handheld heartrate monitor is like a carnival weight guesser. I am a very in shape 27 year old and i can check my heart rate before i begin working out and it will read 95-105. during my workout the numbers jump all over from 70 to 115 with no reason. I have tested this theroy many times before adding this to my review, it does not measure a good BPM. The buttons other than MODE do not function and must be for asthetics. The bike display does turn on when the rower or bike is used and turns off by itself as it should. The calories burned is very optomistic compared to the gear at my gym. The other readouts are good but when taken as a whole I largly disregard the readouts altogether except for time of workout. Needless to say the computer here is the large dissappointment of the item.
The magnetic system for bike and rower are good. It provides a good range of resistance but I don't beleive that the resistance is tied into the 'calories burned' computer as level 8 registers same as level 2.
There could be a tougher setting too, as for rowing at maximum resistance is still a bit soft for the strong arm. I was hoping for some extra excercise by holding the row bar palm up and pulling for curls but there isnt enough 'weight' to make this worthwhile for me.
The rower is very quiet! This is a redeeming quality that the bike really needed. The bike is quiet too but can get clanky if you accellerate hard as the weight shifts laterally. This is rare however.
The rollers and pedals seem up to the task and look and feel durable. I will update if needed if parts wear out prematurly. The fold up is quick and very easy. I actually had no intention of ever folding this away after I assembled it. Now i realize how effortless and quick it is I have been folding it in the corner. The seat is adaquate and built for the 20 minute workout. Beyond a half hour I find the firmness too much to continute to sit, especially when using as a bike. I have boney hips however and I do find a lot of workout equipment seats too wide and hard.
I weigh 180 and am 6'3" I can extend fully with the rower and never hit the rear stopper. Also I have plenty of legroom to lock in the bike and could actually extend the seat and lock it in a position for an even loger legged person. I wish cars were this roomy.
The item is easy to handle, lightweight enough to move alone. I am overall glad to have it and hope it stands up to continued use, it looks like it will. Well worth the money just for its solid feel and apparent quality. Apart from getting it up and running I can definatly reccomend this piece of equipment. ITEM 4/5CUSTOMER SERVICE 2/5Overall 3.
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Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Bike / RowerFeaturing a battery-operated monitor displaying speed, distance, time, calories burned, and heart rate, this two-in-one machine combines a recumbent bicycle and a rower for two types of low-impact strength and cardio workouts. Moving a pin switches from one mode to the other. In either bicycle or rower mode, magnetic resistance provides a quiet, smooth workout, whose intensity can be varied by turning an eight-position knob without interrupting a workout. A foam-padded seat glides on a ball-bearing roller system along an aluminum rail during rowing, and adjusts to fit different leg lengths for recumbent biking. For bicycling, oversized pedals and adjustable foot-straps hold feet securely to improve pulling motion, in addition to pushing motion. For rowing, a heavy-duty nylon strap and foam grips keep hands stable and comfortable. Assembled, the machine measures 74-1/4 inches long x 23-1/2 inches wide x 34 inches high and weighs 108 pounds. Folded for storage, it measures 34 inches long x 23-1/3 inches wide x 56-1/2 inches high.
About Recumbent Exercise Bikes Despite the competition from trendy new fitness inventions, exercise bikes continue to be popular options for home exercise. They offer the same aerobic benefits of riding a bicycle at any time, in any weather, without leaving the comfort and safety of home. Exercise bikes don't take up much space, require little or no balance or coordination, and can provide an effective workout for all levels of users, from beginners to serious competitors. While the same could be said for a number of other types of home fitness equipment, the exercise bike is one of the few that allows you to watch television or read a magazine while you work out.
The term recumbent literally means "lying down." Exercising in a recumbent or reclining position allows the user to have full ergonomic back support, without causing strain on the arms, neck and shoulders, all of which can be common effects of using an upright bicycle. For many people, having convenient access to quality exercise equipment is critical to sticking with a long-term exercise program.
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