Yarii Say: bike for cyber monday sale
The BEST recumbent bike for the price, 2010-12-28
This review is for: bike for cyber monday sale
WHY DID I CHOOSE THIS BIKE?: I previously owned the Schwinn Model 230 Schwinn 230 Recumbent Exercise Bike which is still sold here at Amazon but for some reason isn't shown on Schwinn's site - I knew how fantastic that recumbent bike was....ten months ago I gave it to a good friend who needed it more than I did. I chose the Model 220 over the newest model A20 Schwinn A20 Recumbent Bike because of length of warranty, AC power on the 220 vs. battery power on the A20, and general overall beefiness of the 220. I chose Schwinn in general because I'd checked out the cheap recumbent bikes sold at Wal-Mart, such as the Stamina and Gold's Gym brands; those are junk and cost about the same as the Schwinn.ASSEMBLY: In short, this was painless and simple. There is a small booklet which explains everything step-by-step with diagrams - I see that some assembly manuals had just pictures, mine had pictures plus directions in English and French. All the tools, nuts, bolts and screws are included in a blister pack - don't remove the parts before you need them as they are all labeled. Some of the cables are fastened by rubber band or plastic wire ties - do not remove the rubber bands or ties until you have the parts connected, otherwise you will have to fish the cable from the tubing and it's not easy. Assembly took me less than 60 minutes, partly because the assembly of my other Schwinn was still somewhat fresh in my memory. Here's an assembly tip: If you attach the computer/console to the mast before attaching it to the frame, it will be easier.BUILD QUALITY: Strong, stable, well designed, and everything fits together the way it should. The AC cord is approximately 55" long, but that is completely taut, which you don't want the power cord to be pulled completely straight, it's one of those thin cords. I have mine connected to a surge suppressor, which helps make it easier to reach the electric outlet, because even though it's 55" long, it looks MUCH shorter. There is a magazine "ledge" but it isn't good for anything....even if it would hold a magazine, then you couldn't see the console display.... and it really isn't good for holding an MP3 player also. Below the console on the mast, there is a water bottle holder, which I don't use for a bottle, I use it for holding my TV remote control and I can also clip my Sansa MP3 player onto it.CONSOLE: My old Schwinn 230 definitely had an easier-to-understand console. This console will take some time, and I usually don't have a problem learning something new, but this is quirky. Schwinn needs to re-do the user manual for the Model 220. I find it easier just to remain a Guest User, and it seems to be easier to get to the Programs this way (my favorite being Pursuit 2). I do think it's a pain to have to enter age, height & weight each time though. Some other reviewers complain about the console taking AC power instead of batteries. AC power is a much better choice, because the power is not only needed for the console, but also to change the magnetic resistance of the flywheel, and if you were using batteries, you'd be replacing them too often.WORKOUT: This bike is completely silent, the only noise is the little whine (from the magnetics on the flywheel) that it makes when it changes intensity. You could ride this bike with someone asleep in the same room and they will not be disturbed (except for the beeps from the console when you first start out). I'm fairly short at 5'3", and the seat adjusts fine for me, and it also works for someone over 6 feet tall. Of course, some will say this is just a lower body workout--I tend to disagree, it is working your most important muscle - your heart - but it doesn't hurt to also do some upper body exercise to have a well-rounded fitness program. I sometimes wear 2 lb. weights that fasten onto my hands and I do simple tricep and bicep exercises while pedaling. In fact, a few reviews here complained about the handlebars being too far from the seat, those bars by the console are NOT the handlebars - if you ever seen an outdoors recumbent bike, not an exercise bike, the ONLY handlebars are the ones by the seat. So I completely ignore those grips by the computer, the only handlebars I am concerned with holding occasionally are the ones down by the seat cushion, so I can also check my pulse.AM I HAPPY WITH THIS BIKE?: You betcha! I look forward to getting on it every day and working out in the privacy of my own home. No driving to the local gym, and this is cheaper in the long run. After I've had this for 6 months, I will update my review.

Sandy Say: bike for cyber monday sale
We really like it so far, 2009-10-06
This review is for: bike for cyber monday sale
We just rec'd the exercise bike today. My 2 son's put it together in about 1 hour.We are enjoying the product so far. It is very quiet! I'm 4ft 11 inches and I can reach the pedals. I have knee problems and so far have been able to exercise without any aches or pains. It seems to be less stressful on my knees then walking.