Rowing machines - http://www.rowingmachinez.com

Editor's picks

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  Stamina 15-9003 Deluxe Conversion II Recumbent / Rower

  Sports (Stamina)
  

  Rating (35 reviews):

  (4.1/5)

  

  Fantastic Piece of Equipment

  This is a great piece of equipment. If you are wondering if quality is compromised as a result of the 2-for-1 deal, you'll be very happy to know that it isn't. This is a smooth and quiet piece of equipment. I am very impressed with it. It is of very nice quality.It took me about an hour to put together because I was being very attentive to the directions and taking my time. At first sight, the instructions are slightly confusing but it only takes a few minutes of looking over everything to understand them.The monitor is of nice quality and has several different modes: time, speed, calorie, pulse, RPM and distance. It's actually built into the bike/rower with this model as opposed to being on top like a very similar model that currently goes for $100 less. To me, it looks better built in as it is with this model.Now that I've said that, what I specifically like about this bike/rower is that is really more like a 3-in-1 machine. You not only get the... 5/5 Tams - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Stamina 15-9003 Deluxe Conversion II Recumbent / Rower (Sports) This is a great piece of equipment. If you are wondering if quality is compromised as a result of the 2-for-1 deal, you'll be very happy to know that it isn't. This is a smooth and quiet piece of equipment. I am very impressed with it. It is of very nice quality.It took me about an hour to put together because I was being very attentive to the directions and taking my time. At first sight, the instructions are slightly confusing but it only takes a few minutes of looking over everything to understand them.The monitor is of nice quality and has several different modes: time, speed, calorie, pulse, RPM and distance. It's actually built into the bike/rower with this model as opposed to being on top like a very similar model that currently goes for $100 less. To me, it looks better built in as it is with this model.Now that I've said that, what I specifically like about this bike/rower is that is really more like a 3-in-1 machine. You not only get the... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 20, 2007

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  Excellent Recumbent/Rower!

  I bought this because it was both a recumbent bike and a rower. I am very happy with this product because the quality is the best I have had with any fitness equipment I own. It is so quiet and sturdy and easy to use. I can go from bike to rower in seconds, making it easy to rotate every couple of miles if desired.The extra bonus is that you can use it for strength training by just pulling the resistant bar while standing. And a few other options are shown in the book that comes with it.I would recommend this product for the quality and ease of use. Easy to fold up if needed. 5/5 B. Oaks (Pequot Lakes, MN USA) - See all my reviews, January 20, 2008

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  Coincidence or poorly manufactured equipment?

  I ordered the Stamina Deluxe Conversion II, knowing that it would be an excellent addition to my home gym. After assembling it, I saw that the tension knob and the spring pin knob were cracked, making it impossible to use w/o taping it together (which I did, just to see how the unit worked). I liked the unit, but it was ridiculous to pay that much for something in order to "tape it together" so I contacted Stamina and they would not return my calls or e-mails. Amazon (from whom I had purchased it) graciously replaced it with a new one. When the new one arrived, I examined it thoroughly before the delivery person left. After assembling it, I started to work out and there was such a loud squeaking noise, it was impossible to use. I persevered, thinking that there was something that "needed to be worked out" but it got worse. Once again, Stamina would not return e-mails or voicemails, so Amazon (thank goodness I had bought it from them) allowed me to return it (their policy is to... 1/5 Ki "Ki" (NJ) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Stamina 15-9003 Deluxe Conversion II Recumbent / Rower (Sports) I ordered the Stamina Deluxe Conversion II, knowing that it would be an excellent addition to my home gym. After assembling it, I saw that the tension knob and the spring pin knob were cracked, making it impossible to use w/o taping it together (which I did, just to see how the unit worked). I liked the unit, but it was ridiculous to pay that much for something in order to "tape it together" so I contacted Stamina and they would not return my calls or e-mails. Amazon (from whom I had purchased it) graciously replaced it with a new one. When the new one arrived, I examined it thoroughly before the delivery person left. After assembling it, I started to work out and there was such a loud squeaking noise, it was impossible to use. I persevered, thinking that there was something that "needed to be worked out" but it got worse. Once again, Stamina would not return e-mails or voicemails, so Amazon (thank goodness I had bought it from them) allowed me to return it (their policy is to... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 16, 2008

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  List Price: $900.00
  Price: $749.00
  You Save: $151.00 (17%)

  8 levels of smooth, quiet magnetic resistance; hand-pulse sensor built into grips

  Top bar for performing upper body exercises, such as bicep curls and tricep kickbacks

  250-pound weight capacity; measures 74.5 x 25.5 x 10 inches (W x H x D)

  Electronic monitor with large LCD display tracks speed, time, calories, distance, and more

  Combination rowing machine and recumbent exercise bike for total body workouts

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• 

  LifeSpan Fitness RW1000 Rowing Machine

  Sports (LifeSpan Fitness)
  

  Rating (21 reviews):

  (4.2/5)

  

  Not meant to actually be used

  I loved this rower at first, although if you have small feet, it's difficult to keep them from pulling out of the pedals while rowing. 6 broken straps, several emails to Lifespan (they did replace them for me), a change to a different type of shoe, and that problem was finally fixed. Then the pulleys started to break. Ordered a new set and replaced those (those I had to buy). Now the flywheel will not recoil. Took it apart...I would have to replace the magnetic wheel assembly. It's time to give up, it just wasn't made to be used. I used this rower for 2 1/2 years. My last rower was a cheap old piston type, it lasted 12 years. I finally broke the frame. I used the rower 4 times a week, this one just couldn't hold up. And, no, I'm not some 350 pound body builder...I barely make it over 5 feet and am under 135 pounds. I don't think I should be killing rowing machines. 1/5 T. J. Stewart (Burnsville, MN, US) - See all my reviews, March 5, 2010

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  Good rower, not the best

  I bought my LifeSpan rower about a year ago and have used it a lot with no major problems. It does the job and seems to be a good value for the money, but it definately is not a performance rower.PROS:CheapCompactFolds EasilySimple Digital Display lasts a very long time one one batteryCONS:No chain, the pull mechanism is a strap of fabric.Plastic wheels support the seat and pull movement. Mine have note worn out yet but they're not that smooth and they do feel as if they have worn down significantly during the year that I have used my rower.The pull movement creates no momentum as with a fan or water resisting model, so you really cant build up much inertia and each pull feels like you're starting from a stp, which is not mych like real rowing.All in all it's a good unit but if you're looking for something that will really take a beating and last a long time and also emulate the feel of rowing much better,... 3/5 James D. Strawn "Problem Finder" (San Jose, CA United States) - See all my reviews, May 12, 2010

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  Great Product; be careful with shipping!

  We ordered this product to help in a revamping of our exercise program, and it is absolutely great in that mission. The device assembles very easily and quickly; 15 minutes or less if you lay the parts out. There are two major assemblies, and you just attach the seat and put the two pieces together. In action, the device is smooth and quiet, and it can give you a very good workout in a relatively short period of time. The electronics package is good; the only issue some may have is that changing rowing resistance doesn't appear to change the calorie count.The only problem we had was with Amazon in shipping. This is shipped in two boxes but for some reason Amazon seems to lose sight of that fact on its own tracking. If the two boxes become separated (which ours did) and only one is delivered, they show status as "delivered". I called customer service to try to get them to help with the other box and they continually insisted that the order was one box and was... 5/5 T. Nolle "NetTraveler" (New Jersey) - See all my reviews, December 13, 2009

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  List Price: $699.99
  Price: $499.99
  You Save: $200.00 (29%)

  Three-LCD console provides distance, calories, time, strokes, and strokes per minute workout feedback

  Folds to 34 by 19 by 64 inches (L x W x H) for easy storage

  300-pound maximum user weight; five-year frame warranty, two-year parts warranty, and one-year labor warranty

  Features a smooth and quiet eddy current drive system with a 16.5-pound flywheel

  Solid steel frame; assembled dimensions measure 87 by 19 by 23 inches (L x W x H)

  Recipient of the 2008 Gear Awards Seal of Excellence

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  Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Bike / Rower

  Sports (Stamina)
  

  Rating (15 reviews):

  (3.7/5)

  

  Good Item. Poor company.

  To open this review I would like to explain the service and process I needed to go thru to get the equipment up and running, Then a product review.I purchaced this in the middle of march and it was delivered 4 days late in a box that looked very torn up. It was only being held together by the plastic bands, the box had been torn apart at both ends. Because I received it late I did not have time to assemble it for a week. When I began to assemble I noticed that I was missing screws, bolts, and the 'included' tools. So I went online to ask about this. On the Stamina website a form is provided for serial number to be included with any request. I went over every part included and every page of the manual and could not come up with a number. I found a place in the manual that told me where to look for the sticker with the number, but I did not have any such sticker. I sent the request anyway with my explination. After 2 weeks I had no response so I called their support number... 3/5 David J. Mcdowell (Spartanburg, SC United States) - See all my reviews, June 9, 2007

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  Two Great Machines for One Great Price!

  Don't hesitate to buy this bike/rower! It's an awesome product -- or should I say "two products in one." I couldn't find any reviews on this machine and am happy to be able to provide one to interested parties. Of course we wanted to see this product in person before we spent the money on it, and that took awhile where we live. We're glad we persevered. It was relatively easy to put together. The seat is very ergonomically positioned. As a bike it is easy to adjust not only where the seat is, but also the tension level on the biking. Biking is smooth and quiet. The knob to change from bike to rower is under the seat and therefore a little awkward to reach, but it couldn't be simpler to change the function. Just turn the knob and you've switched from rowing to biking or vice versa! The rower has the same easy adjustment on the tension and really smooth, quiet rowing action. It has several features on the electronic monitor, 'though I must confess I'm not really interested in that... 5/5 S. Webb (Kennewick, WA) - See all my reviews, December 11, 2005

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  Better than average; I expected better computer and foot guard

  I tried a few other rowing machine before this purchase. I rate this rowing machine as barely average, rowing machine alone 6 out of 10 because I like the seating and overall study structure. Rowing handle could be longer.- The computer is cheap with no programing option or upgrade from manufacturer, I give this 4 out of 10- The rowing machine foot rest was made for someone with foot size-9 and not larger. The strap does not secure properly and some what uncomfortable. In summary the foot guard for rowing machine is 2 out of 10.I like the bike and rate it 8 out of 10. The seat is comfortable, again the foot guard is poor.- The foot strap/guard could be better, I rate this as 4 out of 10.Summary: I like it, for $499 this product is average. I hope the manufacturer looks to improve and offer interchangeable parts and computer. 3/5 Andy "Engineer" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Bike / Rower (Sports) I tried a few other rowing machine before this purchase. I rate this rowing machine as barely average, rowing machine alone 6 out of 10 because I like the seating and overall study structure. Rowing handle could be longer.- The computer is cheap with no programing option or upgrade from manufacturer, I give this 4 out of 10- The rowing machine foot rest was made for someone with foot size-9 and not larger. The strap does not secure properly and some what uncomfortable. In summary the foot guard for rowing machine is 2 out of 10.I like the bike and rate it 8 out of 10. The seat is comfortable, again the foot guard is poor.- The foot strap/guard could be better, I rate this as 4 out of 10.Summary: I like it, for $499 this product is average. I hope the manufacturer looks to improve and offer interchangeable parts and computer. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , April 1, 2007

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  List Price: $699.99
  Price: $599.00
  You Save: $100.99 (14%)

  Smooth, quiet magnetic resistance

  Multi-function monitor

  Heart rate sensors are built into the seat handles

  High-end, molded foam padded seat and seatback

  Extruded aluminum rowing beam

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• 

  Schwinn IC Evolution Indoor Cycling Bike

  Sports (Schwinn)
  

  Rating (3 reviews):

  (3.3/5)

  

  a great bike (but be sure to follow even instructions recommended for set-up)

  After years of indoor cycling on schwinns at multiple gyms, and after trying out the other two Schwinn models offered by Amazon (SR and Pro), I opted for the Evolution in part because the SR felt a little rickety at the local fitness shop, and I figure I'd pay a hundred or so more dollars to get a perfect ride.Amazon was terrific--it only took three days to get here, and since I have Amazon prime, shipping was free. The only piece of advice I have for folks ordering this or any other model is that you follow--to the letter--ever word of the post-assembly advice.In my manual the most important text box is on page 5, titled "Prior to first using the Schwinn Evolution bike it is a good idea to follow these initial set up steps." Basically these tell you to soak the brake pads in special lube which is of course not included with the bike. (Schwinn really ought to think about tossing in a sample pack for set-up, because this is so important.)I bought a... 4/5 heavy amazon user (State College, PA USA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Schwinn IC Evolution Indoor Cycling Bike (Sports) After years of indoor cycling on schwinns at multiple gyms, and after trying out the other two Schwinn models offered by Amazon (SR and Pro), I opted for the Evolution in part because the SR felt a little rickety at the local fitness shop, and I figure I'd pay a hundred or so more dollars to get a perfect ride.Amazon was terrific--it only took three days to get here, and since I have Amazon prime, shipping was free. The only piece of advice I have for folks ordering this or any other model is that you follow--to the letter--ever word of the post-assembly advice.In my manual the most important text box is on page 5, titled "Prior to first using the Schwinn Evolution bike it is a good idea to follow these initial set up steps." Basically these tell you to soak the brake pads in special lube which is of course not included with the bike. (Schwinn really ought to think about tossing in a sample pack for set-up, because this is so important.)I bought a... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 2, 2007

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  Great Bike but still has a few flaws

  I bought this bike from amazon about a year ago and it has held up really good. But after a year of use I found that there a few things this bike is lacking. 1) The seat is way too hard. It took me (actually my butt) almost a month to get used to the seat. 2) The handle bars. They are positioned so that the only way to use them is if you lean all the way forward with your head down like you were cutting into the wind. Theres no halfway where you can lean forward a little and just use them for a little support. If they fixed these 2 minor issues this bike would be perfect. It rides real smooth and made pretty tough. The price tag is pretty high on this and would not recommend for the casual user. If your really into spinning/biking or just filthy rich this bike is made for you otherwise look for an exercise that has a weighted fly wheel for a cheap version of this. 4/5 Review the product honestly (Bartlett, IL) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Schwinn IC Evolution Indoor Cycling Bike (Sports) I bought this bike from amazon about a year ago and it has held up really good. But after a year of use I found that there a few things this bike is lacking. 1) The seat is way too hard. It took me (actually my butt) almost a month to get used to the seat. 2) The handle bars. They are positioned so that the only way to use them is if you lean all the way forward with your head down like you were cutting into the wind. Theres no halfway where you can lean forward a little and just use them for a little support. If they fixed these 2 minor issues this bike would be perfect. It rides real smooth and made pretty tough. The price tag is pretty high on this and would not recommend for the casual user. If your really into spinning/biking or just filthy rich this bike is made for you otherwise look for an exercise that has a weighted fly wheel for a cheap version of this. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 4, 2008

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  poor customer communication

  I ordered a schwinn cycling bike for a Christmas gift 12/02/2011. I have emailed them 2 times no communication back regarding the ship date. when I called the number on amazon website it goes to an generic voice mail no indication what company you are calling. I have not received the bike yet but I'm not happy with the customer service. I'll keep you posted 2/5 Tony M. Pankey - See all my reviews, December 14, 2011

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  List Price: $1,249.00
  

  50 by 22.5-inch footprint; 300-pound weight capacity

  Fully-adjustable seat position (fore and aft, up and down)

  Designed to withstand countless hours of intense Exercycle program use

  Trapezoidal shape creates a "wedge effect" for maximum stability

  Infinitely variable resistance levels with linear increase throughout resistance range

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