Schwinn Recumbent SR23

[4myself4mykids]

OK, I'm a firm believer in watching consumer reviews, especially when making a purchase of $100 or more. Investing in exercise equipment was crucial for me, yet I really had to watch my investment $'s like most people do. I found my best bang for my buck at Sears in January. They had the Schwinn SR23 on sale for $449 less $30 instant rebate (regularly $599) and free in store pick up. Ordered online, parked at the special merchandise pickup area, went in scanned my receipt and credit card, two gentlemen brought it out and loaded it. The entire transaction took a total of about 4 mins!!! Great start!

Got it home, DH helped me unload it-he's not mechanical so it was up to me to put it together. Took not quite 2 hrs, but I had to take breaks to help with homework, wash hair, etc. The only thing I needed help with was holding the seat while slipping it on its stabalizer bar.

I've been riding it now every day except 3, since the 28th of January. It's perfect for what I was looking for! Very sturdy, informative screens, and easy to use! I was concerned about the lack of space in my room for it, but I have it at the end of the bed with less than a foot extra space on ea side and its perfectly fine! LOL, I actually like the fact that its close to my bed, because I keep my cell and cordless at the end of the bed for grabbing in case they ring along with my water, and remote for either the tv or stereo whichever I'm using. It does have a water bottle holder under the seat, but its not really convenient. One of my big concerns was the comfort/size of the seat, as I have had a broken tailbone and still have problems with comfort. This is a full seat and I have very few problems-unless I'm already sore from having sat in bad seats at work for longer hours than normal (i.e. last weekend I worked 2-16 hr shifts and had a sore seat!) Here's what the website states about features:

• 16 levels of magnetic resistance
• Walk-through design accommodates users with a wider range of abilities and fitness levels
• BioConnect® Feedback system with backlit LCD display shows a variety of workout statistics - including Time, RPM, Distance, Watts, and many more - to help you get the most out of your workouts
• A full complement of workout programs, including 2 custom and 10 profile courses
• BioDyne® Performance engineering creates a smooth ride and high inertia from a 20 lb. steel flywheel and computer-controlled drive system
• BioFit® comfort system with padded ergonomic seat with dual-position lumbar support
• Grip Heart rate sensors built into the handlebars Integrated adjustable fan
• Magazine rack built into the seat back
• Built in transportation wheels
• Max user weight = 300 lbs.
• Product weight = 106 lbs.
• 67" long X 25" wide X 46" high
• Warranty: 10 yrs frame / 1 yr mechanical & electrical / 6 months wear items / 90 days labor

Dicks Sporting Goods has similar models Schwinn 230/231 on sale for $449/549 normally $549/649. The main difference really is the fan on the 231-not worth $100 in my opinion!

I'm very pleased with this purchase and although it was quite a big expense for my budget, I think its well worth it for the convenience of being able to exercise at my convenience and really cheaper in the long run-$35/mo at the gym and this will pay its own way in about a year and I know its getting a lot more use than a gym membership would, because its just hard getting there and finding someone to watch the kids for me-wasting gas running them somewhere and then to the gym, then pick them back up and get back home! I know that I will find 30-60 mins a day to use this rather than struggling to make it to the gym! Thanks for taking the time to read this, and if you have any questions, feel free to pm me!