---2024 June----

On June 12 Memphis and I picked up the Schwinn Elliptical 430 for $125 

   Manual 

https://www.schwinnfitness.com/product/430-elliptical/100516.html?cgidmaster=schwinn-elliptical-trainer-compare 

Connie Davidson has an Pro-Form Elliptical & Recumbent Bike

Elliptical 

1. How strong and staple is it when going all out  YouTube 
2. Stride  Must be more forward and back than up and down
3. Big for a good lateral stride
4. Manual
5. Stride Length
   1. Stride length is the length between the pedals on an elliptical when they’re at their furthest point away from each other.  LINK 
   2. For the best workout experience on any elliptical, the stride length should ideally correlate with your walking stride.
   3. 20 inches is typically the stride length on the commercial ellipticals you may be used to using at the gym. A 20-inch stride length is designed to fit users of most heights (5'3" - 6') relatively comfortably, with emphasis on most.
   4. 5:0 to 5:3" 14-16",  5'4 to 5'8" 16-20"
6. One guy said  
7. Front wheel is common, but less gliding, allows adjustment, very smooth, less similar to running, permanent fix striding  Youtube 
   1. Center drives lower hip engagement, glides good, allows stride adjustment
   2. Rear have bouncing feeling, therefore more like running. Galt Gym has back
8. Sole E95 is $2000, last generation is $1000 (Link)
9. Schwinn 411 every 30 days easily putting some of the silicone oil (which came with the machine) on the rollers if it starts to make noise. (also easily ordered addtl silicon oil on line).  LINK  It comes with a bottle of silicone oil and I'm keeping the track lubed up - especially in the beginning
   1.  I feel a bit more like I'm stepping than striding, but I'm still getting a very good workout. The arms are also more short in movement than a gym machine. Again, this was expected, but it's worth noting. I honestly don't think a person taller than 5'6" would enjoy the stride on this machine if you want to feel like you're running. It's not steep enough to seem like a stepper and not shallow enough to seem like a running stride.
10. From the hindges  100% silicon roller wheels, hindges can become lose, Phillips screw driver, 6mm allen wrench, try a drop on a rail on. Don't want them to slip, but to roll

Questions

1. Does heart rate work?
2. Does the arms have a heart rate sensor?
3. Did you buy it new?
4. How long have you had it?
5. Can I try it out for 5 minutes
6. How heavy do you think it is?
7. Does it have wheels?

Elliptical

1. Folsom $150  Corner of Folsom Lake Crossing and Folsom Auburn Road
2. Elk Grove $100 Stride Length 18"
3. Schwinn 430 - 4-5 years

elliptical machine vs exercise bike

1. Elliptical Vs Bike: Which Will Win A Spot In Your Home Gym?  LINK 
   1. ationary bike is usually in the range of 40 to 60 inches, while the typical length of an elliptical can be anywhere from 50 to 80 inches. 
2. Inexpensive ellipticals are often poorly constructed and have a very short stride length—more like a step motion than a gliding stride. They may also have very limited resistance ranges and few, if any, programmed workouts.  LINK

---2018??? or older----------

Research "Exercise recumbent bike vs upright bike"

Articles

1.  Recumbent Bike vs Upright Bike: Which is Best for You?  LINK 
2. WHICH EXERCISE BIKE IS BEST FOR YOUR KNEES?  LINK 
3. But, the seat is not the only source of comfort. As opposed to an upright bike, where you grab onto the handles, hunched forward, on a recumbent bike, your hands are completely free. This allows you to watch TV, read a book, or play one of your favorite games.  LINK 
4. This isn’t to say the recumbent bike is hard and has a steep learning curve however – it’s actually relatively easy. But it will be a new movement pattern for most of you and will take some getting used to. Typically after a few days on the recumbent bike, things will feel completely natural and you’ll be a pro at this type of cycling.  LINK 

5. Clients with knee, ankle, back and shoulder pain may find that the recumbent bike is more suitable for exercise. But, keep in mind the recumbent bike is suitable for almost all fitness levels. If you have clients that tend to suffer from knee and back pain, check out these two ISSA blogs for more resources on how to help them:

   • Knee Pain
   • Back Pain
6. 9 Tips to Make The Most of Your Recumbent Exercise Bike Workout  LINK 

$260  MaxKare Recumbent Exercise Bike Stationary Cycling Bike 8 Level Resistance Seat Adjustable Large Digital Monitor & Ipad Holder for Senior

• Amazon Product Page LINK 
• Possible video of it being put together  LINK 

$370  Sunny Health & Fitness Programmable Recumbent Bike - SF-RB4850, Black   LINK  

Knee Pain    link  link   link  Seat position  link

One exercise you can do is sit on the edge of your bed and slowly raise your lower leg until it is parallel with the floor. No weights are needed, just make the motion fluid and keep your feet aligned as you do it. The exercise will help the muscles that keep your kneecap tracking properly. I find that a few sets of 10 reps for a couple of days helps most of my sore-knee problems.

I had knee pain until I got my seat dialed in. I was over extending my legs. Pulled the seat up closer and the pain disappeared. Don't know if that is something you have tried but that is what worked for me.  

Kirkwood Elliptical  Precor EFX 

(Kirkwood Elliptical Precor EFX) Said I was at Cardiovascular between heart rate of 115 and 140 (for my age and wieght)

• How old is it?  How much did you pay for it?
• How quite

• Left knee started complaining afterward of 30 min Elliptical and then 6 minutes of both bike and elliptical
• Maybe not a good idea since similar exercise to running which I hope to be doing 2 times a week still.
• Hard to write
• Easy to do 140 to 150 watts and 140 heart beat
• Noisy (alot noiser than the
• 30 minute manual workout 3654 Strides,  Distance 3.05
• >= HR 140 is above Cardovascular.  Couldn't get above 153 (bug?).
• strides  130,  Wat 157  Heart 128
• Got Watt up to 185,  Heart pass 153 but would not display

• Only displayed one measurement at a time, had to rotate through them
• Not much noise, pretty quite, even at higher speeds
• Easy to write
• Seat set at 5 from pedals
• Resistance 9  rpm  72  watts 126
• res  6  rpm 71   watts  96

• http://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Active-Recumbent-Exercise-Bike/dp/B001ARYU44/ref=pd_ts_sg_2?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods
• The bike is very quiet, easy to use, and does not hurt my back.
• The settings and seat position are easy to adjust. The resistence level and exercise routine controls are straight-forward. The machine is quiet with even resistence at all speeds and resistence levels. The seat is wide and comfortable with solid arm rests. The structural components are heavy-duty but the bike can still be moved around without much effort.
• this machine hardly makes any noise.
• the lack of a back light on the computer monitor makes the screen very hard to read and it is pretty annoying (I keep a mini flashlight nearby). However, I understand that technology is expensive and part of the reason this bike is so affordable is because it lacks the backlighting. It is a tradeoff I am willing to deal with for the great price.
• In an effort to help others who buy this bike, the chair locking lever is tricky. When we assembled the bike the chair just kept sliding down the incline and would not lock into place. When I pushed the locking lever down I would stop when I felt resistance because it felt like it would break it for sure if I pushed any harder. I had to wait until the next day when Schwinn's customer service line was open. They were very helpful and told me they get tons of calls about this. Basically, the locking device is a suction cup and you have to push the lever down hard to lock it even though it feels like you are about to break it. Considering so many people have problems with this they should have given consumers a heads up in the assembly instructions.
• The only downside is that it is hard to read the LCD screen.
• Some favorites include the comfortable seat with a wide range of adjustments, generous size pedals, water bottle holder conveniently placed up front, and just enough computer programs to make it interesting. It's quiet, straightforward to operate, has nice lines, is solidly built, and you don't have to plug it in.
• The active 20 is the smoothest and quietest exercise bike I have ever ridden. It has plenty of difficulty settings and can even maintain your target pulse if you feel like holding onto the handles for your entire workout. I usually read a book or play video games, so my pulse is unavailable. The unit is very sturdy and quiet. It is a lot larger than it looks in the photo, but has little wheels in the front, so you can move it easily despite its weight. I am pretty handy and it took an hour to assemble. Nothing difficult, just tedious tightening of bolts. My only criticism is that the seat is flat and the quality of the foam is not that great, so after a while, it gets a little uncomfortable. Not a problem at the price.
• as other reviewers have stated. It only took us an hour to put together.
• We can watch tv while using it, which is a nice way to pass the time. We have a very small house and it fits nicely in it.  it's is hard to read the screen because there is not a backlight and the letters are a bit hard to read.
• This is not our first Schwinn, but this model ranks up there with the best.
• I recently purchased this bike. It is everything I had hoped for. I did alot of research before purchasing this one. I read the reviews & the description about the bike and decided to get it. No regrets.
• The only thing I wish was that is had a backlit screen but thats much more money. There is another similar machine with a backlit screen for a similar price but its garbage compared to this one.
• I had the same problem after assembling my exercise bike. It turned out I was not pushing down on the leveler hard enough to lock the seat into place. After the first time, it has been easy to adjust the seat and have it lock in place. If this does not help, I recommend calling Schwinn/Nautilus customer service. I found them very helpful.
• Love this product. I can exercise my legs without stress on my knee joints - and read while riding. It takes up little space - much less than I expected.
• I looked all over for a bike that would fit my small stature (4'10" 80 lbs) This bike is just what I needed. I can use it as well as my husband (5'10" 200lbs)
• As far as sturdiness, I'm currently 6'3" and over 200 lbs and it doesn't shake or lean one bit, and it's on carpet. Also, it's silent! Set it up pointed at your TV, set up a small fan close by and you've got one great tool for getting a little exercise. I usually walk for 2-3 miles per day, but this is much more pleasant, as Minnesota weather can be a little harsh for walking during some months.
• This Schwinn has a variety of programs that vary the resistance throughout the workout that I really enjoy. I pick a different one each day to mix it up a bit. There's also some other programs that focus on keeping you in your target heart rate, etc. For some reason, I find it enjoyable to watch all the stats the control module displays. Calories burned, distance traveled, watts generated, etc. The only con I could possibly list would be that your bum might get a bit tired reaching the 1 hour mark. And really, it's only the first week or so I noticed this, but it's something to consider. The seat and seat back are both adjustable, so make sure you're comfy!
• I weight about 170 pounds and there are absolutely no issues with creaking, wiggling or loose parts. The heart rate monitor works perfectly. The programs on the bike work well also...  the machine is very quiet. There are numerous options on the machine regarding the method of workout - the variety is great. The cupholder was a nice surprise - I didn't think I would use it but I do. Assembling the machine was quite easy. I did that in about an hour and a half, . The only possible thing I could say negatively is the seat could be a bit more comfortable, but it's not that bad.
• It is VERY sturdy and incredibly quiet
• I have tailbone problems and this bike has not aggravated them yet. The back support can be attached lower or higher depending on preference. I know that with it mounted on the low position the back support is great. The display is hard to see.
• I purchased this bike during my recovery from a total knee replacement. I found that using a bike during my physical therapy greatly enhanced my ability to bend the knee. I especially love the recovery function. We have a camp in Maine so I wanted something that could be taken apart and reassembled easily......we are now in maine and I'm able to continue with my regular exercises.
• Very comfortable to use. Instruction booklet is good. Haven't used all the features yet but the bike is very well made and very quiet and smooth to operate.
• The bike really is super quiet! The programs are easy to use. I think at the highest setting even a pro could get a descent cardio workout.
• I will get on the bike and watch a favorite show and before I know it I've been going an hour and burned 1000 calories, it's awesome. I am so happy with my purchase, it doesn't take up too much space and it's very quiet. I'm happy I've finally found something that works for me.
• Very quiet so you can use phone or watch television.
• the heart monitor isn't very accurate
• It apparently puts pressure on your tailbone, if you stay on it for more than about a half-hour. Eventually, both my husband and I have had trouble with our toes going numb. Something is getting pinched.
• but the Schwinn had much better features, smoother and obviously better built. For just a little more than the others, you get a great bike, and this is considerably less than what other quality bikes are going for. All the parts were carefully packaged (nothing missing!) and instructions were easy to understand.  Once put together, I thought that the seat adjuster was broken, but it turned out just needed a firmer push to lock in place - it works perfectly, quiet, smooth, provides a great workout and I absolutely love and recommend it!
• This exercise bike is EXACTLY what my overweight body and bad knees need. I get great exercise from the programs, it was fairly easy to put together, and the thing is just so quiet its unbelievable. I have it facing the TV in the gameroom and I watch ballgames and exercise at the same time. Absolutely the best online purchase I have ever made.
• He cannot use it because, being 6'2, he finds it 'tight'. I, on the other hand, have been using it almost every day. It is extremely quiet and comfortable. I do not use the programmed workouts, but I set my resistance and check my own heart rate monitor (which is necessary since the bike's monitor does not work properly). The screen is a tad small, but not so small that it would bother a person with normal vision. This bike is quite good for cardio. It makes it easy to get a workout in while watching your favourite show or reading a magazine. For global fitness, make sure you also lift some weights.
• It adjusted easily to suit user heights ranging from 4 ½ feet to 6 feet (70 to 185 lbs). The seat was well cushioned and comfortable enough for extended use. The unit was extremely silent and smooth at all resistance levels. There was no smell of any sort even after 60 minutes of continuous use at higher resistance levels. The Active 20 is well built with heavy duty metal parts. It is very stable and did not rock or sway during use. This unit is heavy, but the built in tilt up wheels made it easy to move. My only minor complaint is the battery powered display (4 C sized batteries were included in the package) can be hard to read at times, since it does not have internal lighting. The control was easy to understand and use, even without reading the directions. New resistance took a second or so to kick in after any adjustment. The resistance levels should be adequate for most people, but the availability of even higher levels would have been nice. The heart rate monitor was accurate, but the calorie calculator must be way off. There is no way I can burn off 250 calories in 15 minutes on this unit
• You can barely hear it.
• I ordered this so that I could play video games/watch tv while exercising and it works great. The other reviews are pretty accurate. The seat wears your bum out a little bit, but after a few weeks of using it you toughen up.
• Its a good thing I get up at 4:30am but then again its so quiet nobody knows I'm on it.
• While the back rest is "adjustable" (meaning, you can screw it into place in two different places), the bottom is not, and frankly, I find it uncomfortable. After sitting there for 30 minutes, my tuchus is not happy with me. I don't know if it's the angle of the seat or what, but it just isn't comfortable.
• It is now July 2009 (after 4 months) and my bike is still going strong. There are four pretty rambunctious kids and a husband that all like to hop on and give it a whirl. The handle bar sensors are still accurate, which I tested several times by just taking my pulse rate the old fashioned way(finger on the pulse for 10 seconds).
• I would make is that the display screen should be back lit. The screen is easy to read , as I said in my earlier review, in regards to the size of the graphics. However I have found that it is harder to read without a light shining on it from behind me.
• I love this exercise bicycle. I have had it about a month and have used it every day. I usually find exercise equipment too boring to stick with it very long, but this is different. I can watch tv and almost forget I'm exercising.
• It has built-in front rollers for easy portability, just lift the rear part and push to move it.  For two older folks with arthritic knees, it is a perfect way to get our exercise!!!
• Seat is a little uncomfortable after an hour or so but not too bad. I agree with the reviewer who was 6'6", this bike would be uncomfotable for anyone over 6'2. I am 5'11" and the seat is almost back to it's limit on the frame.
• I have back problems so I chose this kind of a bike. It does not hurt my back. I do wish that the seat was a bit longer, my butt hurts a little some times.
• The seats are well cushioned and large enough for a big guy like me...6' at 250lbs. No issues there.
• I've had it for about a month now and have used it almost every day for at LEAST one hour. I've gone up to two hours at once, and the only thing holding me back from doing more is the seat does get a little uncomfortable after that long (don't worry, for one-hour sessions it is fine).
• I've had it for about a month now and have used it almost every day for at LEAST one hour. I've gone up to two hours at once, and the only thing holding me back from doing more is the seat does get a little uncomfortable after that long (don't worry, for one-hour sessions it is fine). Why is it good for gamers? I have put a folding table between my computer table and the bike, which means I can easily just move keyboard, mouse, and monitor over any time I use the bike. I looked at a lot of solutions, but this one is cheap and effective (there are better ones for significantly more money than one folding table). Thus I can play games, surf the web, or watch movies while I bike. I don't even notice the time going by. I've biked during full movies. Finally I can do my favorite hobby AND get exercise at the same time.
• Be aware that the heads of most of the bolts are the same size but that there are exactly two bolts of a slightly shorter length. It is important that you get them in the right place!
• The unit makes almost no noise. The only thing you hear is a quiet whisper as you turn the pedals. You also hear a very light crank sound when the unit switches between the lower and the maximum levels. Comfortable. The seat is wide enough and soft enough that I can sit on it and work out for up to 90 minutes, break a good sweat and feel comfortable the entire time. Cons:
  1. Resistance level. The highest resistance level is not much of a challenge (then again, this depends on your fitness level). I am sure that a pro biker will laugh at it while someone intermediate like myself will be OK with it as it provides a good cardio work out.
  2. Seat adjustment. This might be an advantage to some people depending on tastes. But the way by which you adjust the seat is by a pressure/lock type mechanism. I don't know how this will hold out over the years but by then I might be sick of the machine and wish to replace it for something fancier.
• we added a pillow for our 6 year old daughter.  The bike is extremely quiet, and does not interfere with our tv viewing, and the console is compact enough to not get in our way. We have had recumbent bikes in the past; however, this is by far the best one we had.
• I liked the fact that the monitor is battery powered so I do not need to position the bike near a plug.

• Has same poor lite
• I'm only 5' tall and it's easily adjustable for my height.
• I'm 5'4", and have no problem reaching the pedals. And yes, the seat wobbles just a bit. Not an issue, as much of the exercise equipment I've used has the same behavior.
• I have a bad back and arthritic knees and this machine has really helped me.
• I read in a review that it didn't fit anyone 5'4" or smaller. I'm here to say that that's not what I found. I'm just under 5'4" and my mother is 5'2" and we fit fine on the bike.
• I'm 72 and had a back injury a few months ago. The only way I was getting around was slowly and with a cane. After using this bike for 2 weeks I'm up to 4 miles in 15 minutes and my back no longer aches but I'm walking fine now.
• When I originally purchased this product, I was severly disabled with hardening of the arteries and had very weak legs. It was very difficult to get any exercise with my legs. Most exercise bikes, even on the lowest tension setting, provided too my much resistance and I was not able to use them. When I read a review of this product from a woman with MS who also had compromised leg function, I knew product was for me. I was not disappointed. I was able to ride the bike on the lowest setting, and while I had to stop frequently, I was able to get some exercise. I had surgery to correct the problem and now have full leg function. I now use the program settings on the bike and am up to level 5. I ride the bike very day. I would be lost without it.
• Had a squeak (mentioned in other reviews) - easy to eliminate with cardboard gasket at front seat post/seat rail connection.
• My wife who has a bad back can ride 30 minuntes with ease. Anyone with a bad back, or those who have had surgery for back problems can finally exercise in confort!

 Assembly Notes, August 15, 2009

By	Mel L. "ml" (Broadview Heights, OH) - See all my reviews

Overall good product. Level "1" seems a bit more like Level "2 or 3" at the gym, 
but think it'll work out well in the long run. 

Also, good assembly instructions too, but here are 4 simple pointers that should 
help you avoid any squeaking problems: 

1. Buy a spray can of WHITE LITHIUM GREASE from K Mart etc. for a few dollars. 

2. Before assembling each part where two parts come together, clean out the 
metal shavings (left from the manufacturer) inside the holes as best you can. 

3. Spray the inside and lubricate all joints and rods with the white lithium grease 
(a better quality grease that doesn't degrade as much over time). 

4. IMPORTANT: On Step 7-3 (Install Right and Left Lower Handlebars), it says to 
"Use the two supplied combo wrenches to 'thoroughly tighten' the hardware", but 
I found that if you over-tighten this, even with plenty of lubrication, it will 
squeak a minute into using the machine. Simple fix: Get it lightly snug, then 
loosen the two bolts just a bit.

HEALTH RIDER RECUMBENT CYCLE CC125 - $225 (Sacramento)

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Date: 2009-09-16, 6:13PM PDT
Reply to: sale-q5w2q-1378214652@craigslist.org ^{[Errors when replying to ads?]}

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HEALTH RIDER RECUMBENT CYCLE CC125 

Offered for sale is a Healthrider recumbent cycle model CC125. This machine has not been used much and is in excellent condition. It has an LCD console that displays all pertinent information and can be programmed for various workouts. It also has a pulse monitor. The console will also hold a book and 2 water bottles. This is a solidly built piece of equipment and is very heavy. Included is the original manual. This item was purchased at Costco for $500.00. Asking $225.00 OBO. This can be your ticket to great health or an expensive clothes hanger. If interested or if you have any questions, please call 919-5013 and please leave voice message if no answer. Thanks for looking. 

• Location: Sacramento
• it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

Diamondback recumbent exercise bike like New!#! (Sacramento)

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Date: 2009-09-16, 7:06AM PDT
Reply to: see below 

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This Diamondback recumbent exercise bike is up for sale. Bike is in great condition with little use! A great workout without leaving your home. 
E-mail me your offers at zackkingston16@gmail.com. I have posted more pictures and info on the link below. Thanks. 


For More Pictures and Info Click 

 

 

Amazon sells several models like Diamondback Fitness 500Sr Step-Thru Recumbent Exercise Bike  http://www.amazon.com/Diamondback-Fitness-Step-Thru-Recumbent-Exercise/dp/B001MWSVS8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1253337153&sr=8-1