Spirit XR425 Recumbent Exercise Bike Trainer This is simple to assemble if you have two handyman; one to read the instructions, and one to assemble. The displays are confusing, and I couldn’t get the heart monitor to work; gave up after 20 minutes, I have used it for only about 6 minutes. I haven’t exercised for several months, so after the small time at level 5 (low) I was breathing hard.
Rating: 3 / 5

Fantastic Bike. We have been using it a lot. Like the fantastic selections of levels and types for different exercise needs/wants.

The only reason I didn’t give it a five star is because is was darn hard to assemble.
Rating: 4 / 5

The other reviewers have covered the technical aspects – this is a terrific bike, WHEN IT IS WORKING. The problem is that the electrical plug is very sensitive and the internal prong on my bike has detached _three_ times (despite my significant efforts to protect it after the first incident), making the bike inoperable. The first two times I called for service it was covered. But once a year is up, Spirit refuses to cover the cost of labor to fix this RECURRING problem, even though my first two calls were made within the warranty period. If this bike was an automobile, it would be covered by most states’ lemon laws and subject to return for a refund or replacement. All I requested of Spirit was consideration that this was a followup to fix a recurring problem and they would hear nothing of it.

So as I said, it’s a fantastic bike when it is working. But it’s going to cost me over a hundred bucks to cover this problem and who knows how many times that may be during the life of the bike.

My advice is to get an extended warranty, or choose a bike whose manufacturer stands behind its product!
Rating: 2 / 5

Saw a review of this bike in Consumer’s Reports which gave it a Best Buy recommendation – we are VERY pleased with the bike and glad we bought this particular make and model.
Rating: 5 / 5

I bought this bike only because my terrible ankles necessitated that I give up the impact of the treadmill I have used regularly for many years. None of the other product reviews discussed the bicycle’s quality, solidity or dependability, which were my main concerns as I must exercise daily or die.

Assembly was simple and took me approx 3 hours including unpacking. But I’m nearly 80 and not very quick anymore. The parts were individually packaged and cross-referenced to each step in the printed instructions. The components all seem to be well made and fit nicely together. The feel of the unit in motion is smooth, silent and solid. I’ve had it for only one week so can’t comment on durability but am encouraged by what seems to be excellent quality construction.

The electronic programs were of no interest to me as I use the bike only in manual mode. The only gizmo of interest to me was the pulse readout show. It doesn’t work. The readings bounce around wildly with hands on or off the grip’s sensor. I would otherwise have given the unit a 5-star rating.
Rating: 4 / 5