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

Editor's picks

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  Concept2 Model E Indoor Rowing Machine

  Sports (Concept2)
  

  Rating (18 reviews):

  (4.3/5)

  

  A Great Rower

  I ride dirt bikes, and this machine offers the perfect workout for the areas I need help with most. Shoulders, Back and Arms. Some people say the legs get a good workout as well, but I would say that is not the case. Very little benefit to the legs, but it is easy on the knees.Overall the Concept2 Model E is a great machine. I am glad I chose this over the Model D just for the higher stance, PM4 and maintenace free (except for oil) chain. The machine came delivered in two boxes, both of which were pretty beat up when they arrived, but nothing was damaged.Putting the machine together took me about 30 minutes, and the instructions were OK. For the money I paid for this machine, I was hoping for a little bit better overall quality. Some of the screws did not line up really well with some of the holes for assembly. I may have even stripped one trying to get it in there, but it seems to be holding on ok. Also there is more plastic than I thought there would have... 4/5 J. Pope - See all my reviews, October 19, 2009

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  Best rower in the world

  I have owned two Concept 2 rowers, the Model C and now the Model E. I donated the Model C to my parents when I "ascended" up to the Model E. Without doubt, Concept 2 has produced the world's best rower. It's built to last a lifetime of private use. And if parts are ever an issue, Concept 2 still has parts (quite cheap) for all their rowers, even the Model A! If you seriously plan to row for exercise or sport, the Model E (or any model, for that matter) will be your best investment. 5/5 Randall J. Pederson "sputnik" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews, December 5, 2009

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  Best Investment in Aerobic fitness

  I have had the Concept2 model C for over 6 years and still use it 3 to 4 times a week. My company recently got the model D in the office gym and it does have some improvements. Most noticeably the machine is a bit quieter and the electronics are more advanced (although, as has always been the case with concept2 rowers, the electronics can be upgraded to the latest for a reasonable fee).While I don't see a need to run out and upgrade my home machine I do think the new model is an improvement.In addition to being a great product, it is backed by a great company. They go out of their way to make rowing safe, and fun, with informative newsletters, regular chalenges and competitions, excellent support, online rowing logs, rankings, and races. 5/5 0, April 10, 2004

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  List Price: $1,260.00
  

  PM4 Performance Monitor accurately measures performance and heart rate, includes chest belt HR transmitter

  Indoor rowing machine with sliding seat for complete total body workouts

  Requires footprint of 9 x 4 feet; 500-pound capacity; 5-year frame warranty

  Separates easily into two parts for transport and storage. Caster wheels make it mobile

  Flywheel is designed to minimize noise while providing the smooth feel of rowing on the water

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  Lifecore R100 Commercial Rowing Machine

  Sports (Lifecore Fitness)
  

  Rating (22 reviews):

  (4.4/5)

  

  Solid unit, great workout

  Overall an excellent unit that I feel is worth its steep price. I've owned a couple rowers and a skier for years and after 3 weeks this is now my cardio workout device of choice. It's quiet, comfortable and the computer controlled workout options are nice. At first I thought things like "whitewater" rowing were a bit goofy but the variable resistance programs make a real difference. The fan does make a bit of noise but far less than my skier and I can easily watch TV over the top of the resistance unit.The stats and options in the computer unit are top notch. The only gripe I have here is at full extension it sometimes loses the signal of my heart monitor (new Polar unit) - I'm 6' 3" - I tested the Polar watch and it, too, tends to lose the signal at that range so I suppose it's to be expected. I just wear the watch on my wrist to keep track of my actual heart rate (which is normally pretty close on the rower computer anyway) and use the computer stats for tracking... 5/5 Jeff Lindborg (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews, February 22, 2007

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  I'm very satisfied with my R100

  After looking at several manufacturers and models I settled on the R100 because it has magnetic as well as air resistance. I'll admit I was a bit reluctant because of the price but after using it for three weeks now I'm extremely satisfied with the R100. It works like a dream. The flywheel isn't too loud and the seat glides very smoothly. It takes a bit of assembly but the allen wrench that comes with the R100 works just fine. When I placed my order I received notice that it would be delivered in 3-4 weeks but I had it in my house in one week! I've read some negative comments about Mercantila but I had no problems. If you're considering a rowing machine I highly recommend the R100. But if you've never used one before, see if you can test a few different types to experience air vs magnetic resistance. Possibly at a gym or spa if they allow single day or guest memberships for a day. 5/5 D. Mengle (Central PA) - See all my reviews, November 3, 2006

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  Great Machine

  I tried every rower I could find before buying one, and the Lifecore R100 is by far the best of the bunch. I only gave it 4 stars because there are little things that I think can and need to be improved, such as the screen tends to lower itself gradually when working out, to the point where you need to let go of the handle bar and raise it, yea I am sure it just needs to be tightened up, but on a brand new machine, one should not have to do anything. I also think they could have made a longer, and beefier cord to plug this thing in, the little short cord is just not long enough.The thing glides smooth, rows nice, and is a good rower. It goes together very easy, took me maybe 5 min to put together. I also spoke to the owner of Lifecore when researching these things, and the guy really knows a lot about rowing machines, and you can tell that he spent a lot of time refining this machine, and he cares about his product. Bottom line, good product, and this is defiantly on... 4/5 SpeedRacer (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Lifecore R100 Commercial Rowing Machine (Sports) I tried every rower I could find before buying one, and the Lifecore R100 is by far the best of the bunch. I only gave it 4 stars because there are little things that I think can and need to be improved, such as the screen tends to lower itself gradually when working out, to the point where you need to let go of the handle bar and raise it, yea I am sure it just needs to be tightened up, but on a brand new machine, one should not have to do anything. I also think they could have made a longer, and beefier cord to plug this thing in, the little short cord is just not long enough.The thing glides smooth, rows nice, and is a good rower. It goes together very easy, took me maybe 5 min to put together. I also spoke to the owner of Lifecore when researching these things, and the guy really knows a lot about rowing machines, and you can tell that he spent a lot of time refining this machine, and he cares about his product. Bottom line, good product, and this is defiantly on... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 1, 2007

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  List Price: $1,599.00
  Price: $1,299.00
  You Save: $300.00 (19%)

  Measures 92 x 19 x 36 inches unfolded; 600-pound weight capacity

  15 preset programs and 4 heart rate control programs compatible with Polar HRM products

  Commercial-grade, folding rowing machine with 16 levels of magnetic resistance

  Warranty: 5 years parts/1 year labor for residential; 2 years parts/1 year labor for light commercial; 1 year parts for full commercial

  Ergonomically designed seat and handles; angled footrests with pivoting heel supports

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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
  

  Designed to withstand countless hours of intense Exercycle program use

  Infinitely variable resistance levels with linear increase throughout resistance range

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

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

  Trapezoidal shape creates a "wedge effect" for maximum stability

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