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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172 of 174 people found the following review helpful: By Hawk (Newton, NH) - See all my reviews This review is from: Stamina 15-0200 InTone Folding Recumbent Bike (Sports) My wife and I have been looking for an exercise bike that is comfortable for our backs and seats. Recumbents are good but the costs and space requirements have discouraged us up to now. The Stamina is economical, well made, silent, comfortable, and takes up very little room. It even folds if you want to gain even more space. I was a bit concerned about the bike because when it arrived the packaging was severely gouged (by a forklift?)but the inner packing is well designed and there was no damage. Assembly was easy and took approx. 30 minutes. There is a tool included that will fit all the screws and nuts used.
I have no way to tell how accurate the mileage, caloric, etc. readouts are but I don't find that a problem because I exercise by time and I can pace myself by the various levels indicated. It is quiet so it is easy to exercise while watching TV. We are very satisfied with this product. 67 of 67 people found the following review helpful: By This review is from: Stamina 15-0200 InTone Folding Recumbent Bike (Sports) As has been stated in other reviews, this has a weight limit of 250 lbs (I'm at 215) and people much taller than I am (5'10") may find the bike too short unless they drill a new hole to further raise the seat. However, it fits me, is stable and doesn't "moan". In fact the mechanism is very, very quiet.
I had a small Tunturi upright bike nearly 30 years ago but now felt that the semi-recumbent form of the Stamina In-Tone would suit me better at this age, and it does. Yes this is a "semi-recumbent" and fits about halfway between an upright and a full recumbent. I like this aspect of the design very much. The unit is well built (better than I expected) goes together easily in a half hour ("tools" included) and while the seat is harder than I'd like, I just throw a towel over it and it's fine. A terrific value and a great alternative to big, expensive recumbent bikes. UPDATE July 2008, I moved up to a much larger, more expensive,...Read more 175 of 186 people found the following review helpful: By Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Stamina 15-0200 InTone Folding Recumbent Bike (Sports) I really, really wanted to give this bike 4 to 5 stars because the flaws it has are relatively minor, but they would have been so easy to fix by the manufacturer that it galls me more than it should to see the product crippled the way it is by them. First the good: - Its easy to move, deploy and store. - Small footprint, both folded and unfolded - Has the Bells & Whistles of more expensive models Now the stuff that will annoy you: - Terrible instructions, perhaps I'm spoiled on IKEA but the assembly instructions are poorly laid out and mislabeled - Mediocre machining of key parts; the frame fits together roughly instead of snuggly. - Washers, bolts and nuts are generic sized instead of fitted to their specific purpose on the bike. These problems come to their apex with the backrest. The concept is solid, but it fits together so poorly that there is no way to configure it so that it won't wobble, shake and...Read more |