Customer Reviews:
 So far, nothing but trouble May 12, 2008
I can't review how this bike works, because I'm still trying to put it together. But I can tell you, it's not easy to put together if you're by yourself, for one.
But also, when I got it, the rear frame that's supposed to attach to the back stabilizer piece was bent so it didn't fit. Also, the black case was split at the seam underneath the tension knob and I could see metal underneath, but I wasn't sure what it was supposed to look like (it could have been an artistic choice, I don't know) and when I called the customer service line it took me three tries to actually get a person.
The hotline won't let you just stay on the line until somebody's available, it just keeps you on a hold for a little bit, repeats the web site address and e-mail a few times and then shuffles you off to voicemail.
When I finally did get somebody, they were nice about sending the rear frame piece and said it sounded like the front case probably just wasn't lined up properly and I could redo all the screws to fix it. I was skeptical but when I got off the phone I took out the screws and was getting ready to re-do them when it became painfully obvious that the fly-wheel was not only positioned crookedly but also was full of gouges and scrapes.
Hopefully I'll be able to reach them at some point again and they'll send a new front piece, too (and not just a new fly wheel, which would necessitate a level of deconstruction and construction that I'm not at all comfortable doing), and then, if I'm really lucky, the UPS guy will actually bring it to my door instead of leaving it at my apartment complex's office "for my convenience" -- which really meant I had to enlist my manager's help to get it to my car and then open the box and carry it up a flight of stairs by myself, piece-by-piece. And I still ended up hurting my back, so it was a week or so before I even felt like trying to put it together.
Rest assured I'll not only never buy a product from Stamina again (and if I had paid less than a hundred dollars I'd just call this a wash, but for $200, nuh-uh. I'm getting a product or I'm getting my money back), but I'll probably never buy anything big or mechanical from Amazon again.
 Great bike! May 2, 2008
I was a little scared to get this because I read that people were getting damaged parts, etc. But luckily when my bike arrived, it was in great shape. I really enjoy working out with it, especially since due to my Anterior Compartment Syndrome in my legs, I'm only allowed to cycle. I needed something that would hold up to every day use, as well as provide a good amount of comfort for my back. I HATE bikes where I have to sit upright on a seat with no back support. It's very uncomfortable and often cuts my workout in half because of it. But now I can work out as long as I want with no interruptions. The only thing I would love is a cup holder or a place for my iPod but ya know what...it's not even that important. I get a great work out and that's all that matters.
 Gets the Job Done for the Price April 13, 2008
I really like this exercise bike. I had it for about 2 years of the time of this review and it got me back into shape to go ride the trails with a standard bike.
Assembly was easy and the bike is relatively easy to lift. That is about 80 some pounds. The electric monitor of the speed, miles, time, and calories is plain but it gets the job done.
The only problem that bike has is what most similar bikes have. That is there is not enough tension on the pedals. It sometimes seems like it is too easy to pedal. If my gears are right, I would say somewhere between 4th and 5th gear of a mountain bike. I realize that this is constant pedaling (no coasting down hills) and over time. I'd say you'd have to pedal at least 20 minutes to get any benefit. But I guess the tension is like lifting your max in weightlifting once, compared to lifting a tenth of your max 10 times. In other words, this thing is meant for consistency and technique. I don't know if any other recumbent bike in this price range would offer any greater tension.
In the end my rating of 5 stars reflects this: I wish this bike had higher resistance and a more sophisticated electric monitor, but the simple fact remains with the factoring of the price is that it gets the job done. So if your are staying in shape for the winter when you can't ride or just looking to lose a few pounds this bike delivers.
For $189, it'll definitely do. March 31, 2008
I'm 6'4" and still need to drill an extra hole just about 1 and 1/2 inches further out. Long legs I guess. No biggie, it looks like it can easily accomodate it without compromising any stability.
I had one reservation in buying this online without being able to try it out first. I was worried that the maximum resistance setting would not be difficult enough. Unfortunately that is "somewhat" the case. The highest level (8) is really not very hard and I started on it without much trouble for 50min. It still provides a good workout, though at times I have to put my book down and step up the intensity to get the extra that I want.
Despite the criticism, I still give it 4 stars and remind myself, it was likely never meant to simulate climbing steep hills or to deliver a strength training workout. For the sake of perspective, I do get out to play basketball and go to the gym about once a week.
P.S.
Since you can disconnect the pedal section from the seat section I wonder if I could set it on something and try it with my arms lol. It really is very compact.
Recumbent Bike March 24, 2008
Easy to assemble, very heavy duty and easy to use...the LCD screen tells your mileage, calories burned, etc., which is a wonderful feature...much more than I expected for the price!
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