Marcy Magnetic Cycle

Advantages: None at all
Disadvantages: too difficult even on the lowest setting

...I had one of these excercise bikes, used it once and gave it to a friend. I bought it from Index or Argos, cant remeber which for £100. It was a self assembly job which was not too difficult but on using the cycle it was a nightmare. Because it use magnets instead of a friction belt you had to constantly strain to keep the wheel going unlike a conventional cycle which sort of free wheels a bit. I used this excercise bike for less then 5 minutes and my legs were like jelly when I got off. I have since given it to a friend. It was a total waste of money and would not recomend it to anyone.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Durable, versatile, heavyweight, fully programmable
Disadvantages: Very heavy, need to be plugged in for computer to work.

...I have found this to be an excellent rowing machine, especially after using the concept rowers at gyms. It compares very well against them. The computer gives you the ability to really up the tension as you progress. It also offers you bespoke programmes similar to that in treadmills and cycling machines for overall cariovascular workouts. You can even direct the air back on you to provide some much needed air whilst you are woking out. It needs to be plugged in for computuer to work, but its a great all round machine. The seat runs very smoothly and the pulling mechanism is seat-belt like material, so very durable. It is extreemly heavy and so not easy to move, but the seat running bar can be unlocked and lifted upright to make storage easier.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Simple to use, sturdy and reliable, great value for money
Disadvantages: A pain to set up

...story altogether. It was extremely fiddly. The magnet has to pass the sensor through a 'sensor zone'. This involves finding the closest spoke to the forks and putting the magnet on this. The magnet height then has to be set to ensure that this zone in passed. The instructions state that the magnet must be no more than 5mm away from the sensor when it passes it. This in incorrect. The magnet has to virtually touch the side of the sensor as it passes it. Getting the magnet to pass the sensor in the right place took a while. Firstly it was to far away. Then with a bit of adjustment I got the computer working. However, the magnet was rubbing against the side of the sensor. This resulted in a horrible 'tap - tap - tap' noise as I was cycling along. It was a bit like those plastic balls that I used to put on the spokes of my push bike when I... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful