Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes

Review by Jessica Reeves for *NEW* FitDesk Space Saving Semi Recumbent X Bike for Laptops and Gaming
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First of all, this is a great idea! I have been in graduate school for the last year in a program that is strictly online. Due to spending so much time on the computer, I have gained more than a few pounds. I think the Fitdesk is a great idea; now I can do my school work and be active. I have had my Fitdesk bike for just about a month, and have lost 10lbs with the help of this device.

Also, the bicycle mechanism is very quiet; one can easily workout in the same room as a sleeping spouse. However, the seat is so unbearably uncomfortable, that your spouse may be awakened as you mount and dismount the bike. I also purchased the recommended by Amazon cushioned bike seat, which is an improvement. But for those of you not used to riding a bike, it takes some time for your hind end to get accustomed to sitting for a long amount of time on any bike seat. I have added additional padding to the seat, as I am losing my own personal extra padding from my back side. You will get conditioned to it.

That being said, there are quite a few weak points of this machine. First of all, the design is pretty simple, and flimsy. The first day I had the bike random pieces of plastic fell off. After closer inspection I found that there are design flaws, like the pivot point for the two legs or stands was made a few clicks too low on the pieces of steel, making the whole machine sit too low. To fix this flaw, the manufacturers inserted a heavy piece of plastic into the fulcrum, making the device sit at the angle is was intended. However this quick fix is just that, and pretty flimsy if you ask me. The piece of plastic is held onto the steel frame with some tacky glue and a rubber band. Seriously. This is an accident waiting to happen.

The secure bands that hold your laptop inplace are once again, rubber bands! It seems that for $200 the consumer should expect more security than the same tool that holds my newspaper in a roll.

Lastly, the “desk” part of the machine is actually molded styrofoam. This just adds to my overall impression of this “great idea” being made in someone’s basement. The only thing missing is the duct tape.

This product is advertised as “patent-pending”. I have to believe that this idea can be executed with more stability, and aesthetic attention. There is no heart rate monitor / timer / calorie counter / odometer / speed monitor on my prodduct. That should have been a no brainer.

All in all, this is a great idea that will be improved upon in the near future, I have to believe. But you will get a workout. I always work up a sweat and raise my heartrate. In fact, I find it easier to work out on my Fitdesk bike than jogging, because I can distract myself into working out longer by using my laptop. I can easily work out for an hour on the Fitdesk bike, while I find myself counting down the minutes of my jogs.

Review by Dowd Family for *NEW* FitDesk Space Saving Semi Recumbent X Bike for Laptops and Gaming
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I purchased my FitDesk last week..i was very pleased with ease of ordering through Amazon and the availablity of customer service for the FitDesk if I needed them..the ease of putting it together…i like that it came with tools…very empowering to do it myself, as a work-at-home-mom..what I love most about the FitDesk is that the time really flies by while Im cycling because im focusing on my work at hand…incredibly my work productivity has actually increased…now THAT was perk I didnt expect!! I feel really good about staying fit while working at the same time. Although my husband (who is a lean muscle machine) found the standard seat to be perfect,and is using the FitDesk everyday as well, I’m more pleasantly plump, shall i say.. I opted to change out the seat(easily) with a $21 Schwinn No Pressure Seat at local WalMart and that has been just perfect. I cant get to the gym lately and now I have no guilt about working, social networking, even gaming (my son)…im losing weight and it has only been a week. I also noticed my endurance is better..you can control the tension,I love this innovative piece of exercise equip. because I can COMFORTABLY rest my elbows and work on computer and burn calories at same time! I cant believe companies have never thought of this before! I think it will actually make a great gift and i plan to give it to my friend who have everything..and family for gifts..the price was very affordable for the solid quality and value.. I made a really smart purchase and when my husband agrees with me, you know it’s all good! Thank you Amazon!

Review by Terri for *NEW* FitDesk Space Saving Semi Recumbent X Bike for Laptops and Gaming
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Brilliant! Love it. Since I sit on my computer for hours a day I might as well be moving and getting some exercise at the same time. Easy to ride, comfortable. GREAT gift idea since everyone I know sits on the couch at night watching TV and using their laptop. I’m gonna get them off the couch and they can still use their laptop. Oh my gosh really great gift for father’s day!

Review by J. Reed for *NEW* FitDesk Space Saving Semi Recumbent X Bike for Laptops and Gaming
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I received my FitDesk several weeks ago and have enjoyed using it. On the plus side, it folds easily and compactly. Once opened, it is quite sturdy. The mechanisms all work well and the straps on the pedals ensure good footing. It can be used with or without the desk attachment and the ergonomic design is excellent. The tension adjustments are simple and straightforward. My experience with FitDesk Customer Service was also excellent. Before placing the order, I was concerned about the assembly and my e-mail to the company was answered promptly along with an attachment of the manual. The assembly instructions could have been clearer but the diagrams were easy to follow and there really wasn’t very much assembly required. The necessary tools are included. The two negative issues were the extremely hard, narrow seat and the onboard “computer” which was supposed to keep track of time, distance, speed and calories burned. The first unit did not fit or work and the second replacement unit, mailed promptly after my e-mail, turns on but still doesn’t work. This was not a major concern for me. I would, however, recommend getting a very good bicycle seat pad. All in all, this is an excellent product with outstanding customer support and I am very pleased with my purchase.

Review by L. Nakajima for *NEW* FitDesk Space Saving Semi Recumbent X Bike for Laptops and Gaming
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I just bought the surf desk and am pretty happy with it. It arrived on time, but the casing of the gearbox was cracked. Also, when putting it together it was great they included a tool (thanks!) but they failed to include instructions! It was fairly easy to figure out, though. Also, the mounting bracket for the computer doesn’t fit, so I will have to have that replaced. Once assembled, the seat was easy to adjust, the tension smooth, and a very comfortable ergonomic position for typing, surfing and doing work. I am quite happy and have used it three days in a row for about half my work day, not bad. I pedaled for about two hours of the four, with intermittant pedaling in between. My posture is better on this seat than on a normal chair, too, oddly enough. For the price, its a good way to get some exercise for those of us with computer based jobs. I have also ordered a better seat, too, as sitting on this narrow saddle all day can get a bit sore