Schwinn AD2 Airdyne Exercise Bike

My doctor diagnosed me with bad knees last month and recommended that I get more bicycle exercise to strengthen them. I usually prefer full body exercises, such as an elliptical. However, the doctor told me bicycle exercise was best because it puts my knee at a 90 degree angle, whereas ellipticals only achieve 20-30 degrees. I looked at other exercise bikes, but disapproved all of them since they only worked the lower body. Luckily, Schwinn's great reputation in quality exercise bikes helped me find this one. Here are the pros and cons:

Pros:
-Full body workout that strengthens knees (like an elliptical, but better for knees)
-Low cost (I paid only $399)
-Easy assembly (took just 30 minutes--$200 savings from other Airdynes which require professional assembly)
-Digital workout display shows time, calories, distance, speed, and rpm--I love how it cycles through them automaticaly every 30 seconds
-Kicks up wind which helps you stay cool
-Not as loud as other Airdynes (I can watch TV if I turn it up)
-Lighter than other Airdynes (but will still be a 2-man lift for stairs)
-Takes up only a small footprint (about 4' x 2' area)
-No electrical connections required

Cons:
-Cannot "dial up" resistance (must pedal faster)
-No handlebars for hands when I want to work just legs
-No waterbottle holder (I just set mine on a nearby table)
-Not as durable as all-metal Airdynes, but still good durability
-Although the seat is not like a skinny bicycle seat, it took some getting used to before I felt comfortable on it (you might want to buy a seat pad if you are worried about this, but you can order that later, if needed)

I consider Airdyne bikes to hit the mark as far as giving me a full-body workout which strengthens my knees. The one drawback is that you cannot "dial up" the resistance on this bike--in order to increase intensity, you have to pedal faster; however, my lower body is sore after riding on this for 20+ minutes. Schwinn has three models of Airdyne bike, and I was prepared to get the most expensive. I consider this one to be the best since it does not require professional installation ($200 savings), is cheaper to begin with, is easier to move around the house, and provides the same great full-body exercise as the more expensive models. Unless you are adamant about passing your exercise equipment down as a family heirloom, this bike is the best.

I have also purchased a couple sets of Power Systems Versa-Loop Resistance Band, a couple of Stamina 15-0120 InStride Cycle XL (one for the office and one for home), and a pair of Valeo Adjustable Ankle or Wrist Weights for leg workouts (see my other reviews on these items for details). I consider them to constitute a complete strength-training program targeting my knees.

Ordered this bike from Amazon last Fri; received it Sat. Well packed with all necessary tools/hardware. We are not mechanical, but it went together very easily and quickly (30 min). One person could have assembled it, but it was easier with two. Hardware is well machined and everything went together smoothly, so there was no frustration. Assembly instructions were very clear; excellent illustrations. As another reviewer mentioned, the hardware for attaching the handle bars was already affixed to the place where the handle bars attached. The instruction book should have said, but another reviewer gave the heads-up on that, which was helpful. It is sturdy and well designed. I can workout in boot-cut jeans and there is nothing to catch your pantleg, and I can work out barefoot or in houseshoes (probably not recommended, but if you have only a few minutes to be on the machine, it works). You can vary your workout, doing only the handle bars to work the upper body. You can push the handle bars away from you (no pulling) and work the triceps, or you can pull only (no pushing) and work the biceps, or you and just push & pull working all muscle groups at the same time. You can pedal forwards or backwards and work the leg muscles more fully. I had no trouble reading a book while I worked the legs. There is no book rack; you have to hold the book, but that wasn't a problem for me. Had no trouble pedaling without holding on to anything. As others have mentioned, it is quiet enough to watch TV or listen to music. It is fairly easy to move the bike around, but the wheels are small and don't roll very easily on thicker carpet/rugs. As others commented, the seat is the only detractor. Overall the bike is so good, I am giving it five stars anyway because it is a well-crafted machine that exceeded our expectations. We have not found the seat terribly uncomfortable, but others have. It could just be a lot more comfortable than it is. We can always look for a better one, but it would be nice if Schwinn would address this one weak point. I can certainly recommend the bike. Small foot print, versatile workout, quality product.

As usual with items bought from Amazon this purchase arrived promptly and is all it was advertised to be.
It was easy to assemble, is very very sturdy and well built, it exceeded our expectations.
The roller wheels make it easy to move around.
This is truly a one size fits all machine, my wife is 5' tall and I am 6'3" and I push the weight limit for the bike, but with the ease of seat adjustment it is comfortable and stable for both of us, and did I mention, this thing will give you a workout, nothing to adjust, the faster you go the more resistance you get. The information readout gives you plenty of information on your progress.
At last a product that lives up to it's advertising hype.