Cycling machine sitting down?

[oldtimer2]

Who has one of these exercising machines where you sit in your usual chair and wizz round pedals to exercise your legs?

I was thinking about getting one but reading the reviews on Amazon (where my searches kept directing me), in the low star reviews there were lots of complaints about shoddy goods, things falling apart, not working, the thing slipping on the floor, etc.

I would love some feedback from the experts on here.

If you've tried one: what make have you got? does it slip on the floor? did it arrive assembled? and anything else you have found out about it since buying one.

[Neonkittie17]

Me but mine is an older one and I need to replace. Mine is on the dining room carpet so doesn’t slip. I don’t use it so much now I walk more.

[medway-lady]

No but I'd suggest you look at Decathlon, we have a 20 year old Nordic trainer which still works great. These things are very heavy though and can be boring. I have iPod to listen too and my trainer is in the man cave. Not sure I'd want it in the house although of course Pelotons are an expensive gadget I'd image people want to be seen. x

[oldtimer2 in reply to medway-lady]

Thanks, I agree but I already have a ski cross trainer. I don't use the cross trainer much in the summer and, when I do, I watch the birds in next's door's garden (they are VERY keen on birds and lots visit their garden), but find it a bit dull in the rain when there's nothing to see.

I was really looking for something that I could use while reading or watching the TV.

[medway-lady in reply to oldtimer2]

I'd not want a bike in my lounge but can see one in a bedroom might be fun. I do road cycle in fine weather but like the Nordic trainer as its all over exercise. Trouble is the roads are so busy. I'm a birdwatcher but like sea birds and waders. We live near a large reserve we often go there except when I had the star trooper boot on it just wasn't possible and since its come off it done nothing but rain and I'm still supposed to use a crutch over uneven ground. By the time I can go again it'll be snowing but the ducks will have arrived so just need to wrap up and take a flask. lol

[Missjosefina]

I got one about a year ago off Amazon for about £50. It came assembled and with a rubber mat to put under it if using on hard floors. It has a digital display but nothing that would stop it from working.

I must admit, I didn't use it much because it's pretty heavy. But now I have a proper desk set up, with adequate room underneath - together with a sturdy desk chair that tilts - it's now perfect to use at 5 mins intervals throughout my work day. I would say only get it if you have similar conditions, in that you can use it easily without having to continually set up your 'exercise space'.

Jo xxx

[weathervane]

i got one for my father in law , he wasn’t walking so much as knees were very sore . He found it easy to use , it had a handle so could be moved out of the way and was quite compact . He used it on and off for 2 years until dementia became worse .

I now have it and use it occasionally. It came in handy when ihad covid as was able to exercise my legs. I got it in argos but I checked and can’t find same make . It was only £40 so you don’t need to spend a fortune. Check the reviews, hopefully you find one to suit.

[benjijen]

I bought a mini pedal exerciser from amazon earlier this year. It was around £35. I use it sitting on the chair in the living room watching TV on days when I don't have much other exercise. It's on carpet so don't know how it would be on a hard floor. You can vary the intensity depending on how much you want to push yourself.

[Connie49]

I have an excellent one that I purchased from QVCUK. I actually don’t use it anymore, so, if you’re local to the Midlands, it’s available!

[oldtimer2 in reply to Connie49]

Thanks for the offer - South Wales is a bit far away unfortunately!

[Connie49 in reply to oldtimer2]

Indeed. Bore da!

[helenlw7]

I have an Opti mini exercise bike from Argos. I have it in my dining room and watch catch up tv while using it. I have it on a rubber bath mat to stop it slipping on the laminate floor.

[oldtimer2 in reply to helenlw7]

A rubber bath mat to stop it slipping sounds a good idea, thanks. Some of them seem to come with mats.

[helenlw7 in reply to oldtimer2]

it came with a really thin mat which didn’t really do the job.

[Angjoplin]

I have had several over the years. I have found the cheaper ones go wandering off while your cycling and make a lot of noise. I now have a desk cycle 2 which is great. Its not cheap but it's sturdy, doesn't wander, has handles for moving it and it's quiet.

[cropredy]

. Hi Oldtimer2 try this one doesnt slip and very well made. I have had it a couple of years and its still going strong. Ray.

HOMCOM Portable Mini Pedal Exercise Bike 8 Levels Magnetic Resistance Cycle Leg Fitness Cardio Workout w/ LCD Display Black

[oldtimer]

Thanks so much for all the advice. I feel better able to choose wisely.

[LondonLinda]

I’ve had a ‘Mira Fit’ pedal machine for 10 years +. It has controls I don’t bother with but will quite happily use it while watching TV or knitting, or pedal gentle and its okay to read a book. TV’s best though. 30-60 minutes a day easy. It does slip a bit, so I bought carpet grips for the corners. All fine now. When finished, move it with feet and hands to one side and replace with footstool.

[TheBoys]

I had one - got it during the first lockdown but to be honest didn’t like it. Felt very awkward to use and it had a habit of moving around if you put a bit of effort in. Go it from Amazon- So - unfortunately it ended up getting thrown away 🙂