Going nowhere real fast...
Written: Aug 13 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Reasonable resistance range. Mostly good 'ergonomics'. Does the job.
Cons: Seat too wide.
The Bottom Line: A good sturdy exercise bike with a good range of measurement features. It's only real downside is the overlarge seat.
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| doreiwolf's Full Review: ProForm 940s Stationary Bikes PFEX3199 |
I originally wanted a treadmill, saw the prices, and instead thought maybe one of those stationary bikes might be the go.
After a bit of mulling over features, we went for the 'mid range' 940S.
Some assembly required
It was heavy, and took a bit to get it into the car and home, then even more fun to get it inside. Still, with the help of my wife, we got it out of the box and began assembling it. Now while they do supply tools, you'll probably want to use your own, since, as with most 'supplied tools' they're not really up to the job (excepting the allen key). Assembly was easy with two helping. I think it would be a little harder with only one, but I don't think it would be in the 'difficult' category.
Time for a workout
Ok. So, it's assembled, the battery is in, let's go.
The seat height is adjustable with little pain, and given the huge difference in leg length between my wife and myself that is a huge bonus. The position of the handle can't be adjusted, but then, it's a large handle that surrounds the 'console' so we can both find comfortable places for our hands.
The whole thing feels pretty stable, even when pedalling flat out. So don't worry about it collapsing under you (and yes, I've had equipment that threatened that once too often)
Resistance is...pretty good actually
The 940S uses magnetic resistance, and gives a good range of resistance for the various fitness levels. I might like to see a little more resistance in the upper range, but still, a longer 'ride' compensates.
The pedals have straps that go over the feet. I'm not really sure they're needed, but I guess they're there if you want them, right?
The Console
The console. I've barely mentioned it. It's got a place for a water bottle or drink, a shelf for a book/magazine, the dial to change resistance and a little display that can show calories burned, distance travelled, time worked out and heart rate. In order to have your heart rate measured, you need to put your hands on the silver ends at the base of the handle. For me this was a little awkward (I'm a rather tall, broad kinda bloke), but since I wasn't measuring my heart the whole time, I didn't see it as a problem. You may feel differently.
Storage
How easy is storage? Um...well yes. It doesn't fold down, or even disassemble easily. It stays its usual bulky shape. They do, however give a nod towards at least rolling it out of the way. The front 'cross stand' is actually a pair of wheels, so you can grip the handle, tilt it forwards, and roll it where ever you like. Just be careful getting it around corners.
The bad....
There is only really one bad point to this piece of equiment (if you ignore it's lack of storeability) and that's the size of the seat. It looks lovely, large and comfortable. It is. Until you've been pedalling a while, and it's then you realise why pushbikes don't have such large seats. It gets in the way and your legs can come in for a beating. Some bruises in some unmentionable places showed that a smaller seat would have been a much better idea.
Overall
If you're after a stationary bike, I think the 940S is a good choice. The resistance range is acceptible, the console has all the basic 'measurement features' you might expect, and it's a nice stable ride. Just be careful of that big seat, and be prepared to explain bruises to your partner...
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
doreiwolf
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Location: Australia
Reviews written: 53
Trusted by: 9 members
About Me:
Computer geek, Star Wars nut, toy freak, interested in religion, ancient civilisations.
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