On the negative side, the seat is not the most comfortable, and I really would have preferred more normal, cruiser-bike type handlebars, as I’m on the petite side and it’s a reach to these. However, I am 4’10″ and yet I was able to adjust the seat so that I can reach the pedals just fine.

The speed readout on the computer module never seems to stay constant even when I feel like I’m going fairly steadily, but the timer, miles ridden and calories burned seem to be reasonable. My unit does not save information between rides, so I take notes and keep a record on my computer of how much I’ve done each day.

The cycle is extremely quiet, and I was able to assemble it myself, even though I don’t consider myself to be very strong. Getting the tension cable hooked was the most challenging part, but thanks to reading other reviews here and elsewhere, I knew to adjust the tension dial all the way down and get as much slack as I could to make the connection easier.

I have been faithfully riding the bike nearly every weekday since I received it on February 2, and I usually pedal for about six to ten minutes at a time, anywhere from 1 to 1.5 miles, at a leisurely pace (it usually works out to about 8 miles an hour or so), on tension setting 2. I try to do that three or four times a day, so it’s not a huge workout, but it is definitely showing in my stamina when my husband and I go out to walk around the mall or other shopping.

All in all, I would say if you’re looking for some very basic exercise, and find you can’t (or don’t want to) get out of your home to go walking, this is a nice little budget cycle to purchase. I can’t judge what it would be like for those seeking a more serious workout.