Comments on: Mini Exercise Bike

By: kimberjs

kimberjs — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:55:52 +0000

I bought one of the Brookstone mini-exercise bikes when it was still priced at $99.00 (on February 1, 2007), based on two positive reviews that were posted at that time. Initially, I was impressed by the prompt delivery of the product but immediately discovered the bike was not factory assembled correctly. Instead of a left- and right-hand crank arm, my exercise bike has two right hand crank arms. This may seem trivial until you realize that the cranks are suppose to be threaded in opposite directions to prevent the pedals from coming unscrewed during use.

I contacted Brookstone Customer Service to request a replacement part (I needed two right-hand pedals) the evening I received the shipment. I had to place follow-up calls each week for six weeks until finally receiving the replacement pedal. When, at one point, I mentioned simply returning the exercise bike, the customer service rep. indicated that approval would be needed from higher up the food chain because--as I waited for the new part--I'd had the bike in my possession past the 30-day return policy!

With the new pedal finally in place, I immediately tried out the bike and was disappointed (though, unfortunately, not surprised) that the overall construction feels very flimsy under foot. The mini-bike is quite noisy and so far, I've found no floor surface that keeps it reliably stable during use--either on a rug or on linoleum. As a result, I have to back it up against a desk, file cabinet, or bookcase to use.

This product has been a huge disappointment and I would strongly encourage people interested in purchasing a small exercise bike to please not waste their money--even at the reduced price--on this product. Rating: 1 / 5

By: Embracing Disorder

Embracing Disorder — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:24:17 +0000

I was looking forward to the arrival of this bike so much, I thought it was going to be a great way to burn calories while doing just about anything. But when I tried it I discovered 2 things. First off your legs have to be at a 90 degree angle in order to pedal without it moving all over the place (which means you have to have an adjustable office chair or put phone books on a normal one). And when I finally get settled on it no matter how hard of a setting it’s on it only burns about a calorie a minute.

This bike might be great for arm workouts because it doesn’t move as much on the table and it can offer a lot of resistance (though I only tried it for a few minutes) but definitely not for your legs.
Rating: 1 / 5

By: Peter Kennedy

Peter Kennedy — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:46:03 +0000

For some reason the electronic control panel doesn’t work on my bike. But I don’t mind too much. The bike is small and light but has enough mass so it doesn’t slide around. I use the bike while doing work, watching TV or reading. It’s a great way to get exercise on rainy days.
Rating: 4 / 5

By: R. Yeager

R. Yeager — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:56:20 +0000

the bike meets my expectations. It is well built and I get a good work

out on it while parked in my over the road tractor trailer. It fits between the bunk and the gear shift just fine. I use a folding chair to

sit on. It’s like riding a tricycle as compared to a bicycle when comparing it to a standard sized stationary bicycle. I like it a lot.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: white lotus

white lotus — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:27:30 +0000

I love my mini-bike! My gym closed a couple of months ago for renovations and i did not want to buy an expensive home gym. This quality Brookstone product (I love how they think of solutions I would never think of) meets my needs completely! I now bike a lot more because it is so convenient, I even take it to work ; it is really quiet and does not disturn others…Thanks Brookstone!
Rating: 5 / 5