Back to Black Attack! (Roger Black AG-11201)

Member Name: doncasteryb

Product:	Roger Black AG-11201
Date:	26/07/09 (60 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Silent, can tailor your workout, sturdy construction

Disadvantages: The seating takes time to get accustomed to

I purchased this bike 9 months ago and with regular use, I have had absolutely no issues with it. A brilliant buy for those of you wanting to have a cardio workout in the privacy of your own home. It was very easy to assemble. Pretty basic in terms of digital readings, but gives you the information you need to have a productive workout. The bike itself is very sturdy and I never feel like i'm going to lose balance. It's not like your conventional exercise bike, you have to spend a little time getting accustomed to the seating position.

This bike uses a manual magnetic resistance system rather than a conventional strap that can wear out. It allows for smoother resistance and is, very importantly to me, quieter - thus allowing me to work out, whatever the time. The flywheel 4kg provides smooth, and silent resistance. Hand grip pulse sensor to take an accurate reading of your heart rate. A very useful feature which means you can track the intensity you're working at - fat burning zone/cardio.

There are 3 target user programmes, meaning you can up the anti of your workout. I find that the third programme is just that bit too strenuous at the moment. For those of you with excellent fitness, this should be a doddle.

The LCD display also includes a detail of programmes target, time, distance and calories (features which are on most exercise machines these days). Feedback on speed, distance, time, calories, pulse, odometer and scan feature. The large single console LCD window allows you to clearly see all of the aforementioned details.

If you don't want to follow the set programmes on the machine, you have a choice to override this and tailor a workout to your exact requirements, where you can adjust the manual tension, of which there are 8 levels.

Should the need arise to move the bike around the house the transportation wheels make this effortless. Even picking it up - the gross weight of the bike is 29.3kg, which is fairly easy to relocate to different parts of the house.

The bike also includes self levelling pedals and pedal straps. Whilst riding you're feet are always in a secure position.

In terms of dimensions the actual size is: (H)130, (W)55, (D)100cm. The maximum user body weight 110kg/18 stones.

A feature which is great, but thankfully I have had no use for, is the manufacturer's 2 year guarantee on parts and labour.

Prior to this, i bought a "budget" V-Fit bike, which literally crumbled to pieces within days of use. I did not intend to spend too much on a replacement and with Roger Black endorsing this one, I did not feel i could go wrong. You can purchase this from Argos for £149.99, value for money, for sure! They only do home delivery for this item, so don't expect to be taking it from their hidden shelves.

Summary: Great cardio workout at a reasonable price!