MagneTrainer Arm and Leg Pedal Exerciser

I'm posting this same review for three closely related products: the MagneTrainer-ER Mini Exercise Bike, the Quick-Connect kit for the MagneTrainer, and the Ergonomic Hand Pedals for the MagneTrainer. I bought all three and together they effectively become a single product. Background: I'm a 62 y.o. COPD patient going through a pulmonary rehab course. One of the machines used in the course is an "arm bike" which you use by cranking some handles with your hands/arms using the same motion your feet would make on a bicycle. This makes you push and pull with your arms, shoulders, upper back, etc. I noticed that this felt like an efficient way to work a lot of muscles that I usually don't work in a short period of time, and it can be as tough or as easy as I choose since the resistance is adjustable. How to get that experience at home without spending big bucks on a gym-quality machine the size of a small car? I read lots of reviews and decided to try out the MagneTrainer and I am sold. It has the feel and performance of the pricey equipment you find in hospitals, rehab centers, gyms, etc. The action is silky smooth and consistent throughout the range of motion, regardless of the resistance. It's nearly silent. You don't need to plug it in (it runs off of one AA battery). The machine is heavy and well-balanced enough that I've experienced no wobbling...it feels like it's nailed to the table or floor when used as they tell you to use it. The standard foot pedals are substantial and comfortable and have Velcro straps to keep your feet from slipping off, and they can be used as hand grips. I bought the optional hand grips ("Ergonomic Hand Pedals") because I liked the similar feel of the handles on the equipment in rehab. The hand grips are substantial, durable and so heavy you could fling them at a burglar and knock him cold. Likewise the optional Quick Connects that allow you to swap the foot pedals for the hand pedals are very solid, well machined, industrial quality stuff. Assembly: the process is easy to understand but you need to put some muscle behind the wrenches when putting this together. All the tools needed are included. You can buy the hand pedals and the quick connects later if you're not sure about the machine, just be prepared to go through something of a second installation when you add them. You don't need the hand pedals but if you buy them, you absolutely need the quick-connects as well. Otherwise if you wanted to switch between hand and foot pedals, you'd have to break out a wrench and risk stripping threads and by the time you were done, you'd be so aggravated you wouldn't want to use the thing! I plan to use it mostly for upper body exercise, but decided to just bite the bullet and outfit the thing completely as I expect I'll have this for some time. With the quick connect adapters installed I find it easy to swap the handlebars for the foot pedals and vice versa. I also find it easy to move the MagneTrainer between the table and the floor if I'm switching from hands to feet (it has a handle). My take is that if you'd find those tasks difficult, you most likely have a helper available who could do it for you. I have two nitpicks. Resistance is adjustable from nothing to plenty with the turn of a dial, but when you find a setting you like there's nothing to let you remember that setting. If you and I were sharing the same machine it would be neat to know that I'm working at, e.g., Level 6 and you're working at Level 9. That way if you used it last, I could dial back to my comfort zone of Level 6. No such luck. Resistance is easy to adjust but it's like a garden hose. "Hey, how far did you have it turned on?" "I dunno, about half way or something." Not precise, but not a huge deal to work around. The other nitpick is the electronics module. It does exactly what it needs to do but given the overall quality of the rest of the machine and attachments, it feels a little cheap. No backlight, tiny display, no memory. On the other hand, this device has NO POWER CORD and those fancy items take power. This thing runs off of a single AA battery inside the electronics module. This isn't cheap, but for something that feels this sturdy and durable it's worth it to me.

I wanted a mini pedal leg exerciser which could double as an arm exerciser. Using the internet I discovered the Magnetrainer would fill that need. While there are other exercisers less expensive, they were also very light weight. The major complaint users had was they wobbled and moved round a lot during exercises. I tried my Magnetrainer in the middle of my kitchen floor and found it solid with no movement at all even with the rear extender all the way into the unit. The extender can go from 15.5" out to about 21" but I saw no need for that. I believe that stabilization is because of those 15" horizontal front and rear bars that keep it from rocking, and especially those front and back rubber feet that grip the floor to keep it from sliding. Update 10/11/25: I found some rocking under these circumstances A much higher tension setting with legs when pedaling at about 45 degrees angle ( on my couch not chair ). I found it's a very smooth and quiet exercise machine. I really like that. I found using it both as a leg and arm exercise machine satisfactory with no need for me to purchase the optional hand pedals & quick disconnect. If you buy the hand pedals unless you only use it as an arm machine you'll need the quick disconnects (just removing & inserting a pin) otherwise you'll be needing that wrench to remove one set of pedals and install the other each time you want to change the configuration. I took 4 stickers marking them 0, 1, 2 & 3 and added them to the resistance dial (see picture) with 0 sticker being at the top when the dial is at minimum resistance position. Rotating the dial I found my total dial travel to be about 5.75 rotations. You dial range may be different. Those sticker markers allow me to redial to my last setting should anyone else use my machine. The display unit at the top displays speed (MPH/KPH) and goes to zero when stopped. The bottom displays R RPM average which also goes to 0 when stopped. D total travel distance (miles or kilometers ) T total exercise time C total Calories (possibly accurate using the highest resistance setting) There is also a scan mode which cycles through those 4 lower displays. Momentary pressing the display button toggles the display to a different display setting. Holding the button for about 3 seconds zeros the display. Holding the button for 6 or more seconds not only zeros the display but changes between miles and kilometer each time you do that. The total distance display seems to be what it would the travel distance if you were pedaling a bike. If you wanted how approximately how far one of your feet moved then divide that number by about 9. You might have noticed a youtube video titled "Magnetrainer pedal exerciser display issue" The root cause of that was really old batteries left in the display module corroding and eating away part of battery holder spring. From the get-go I put in fresh name brand batteries into the display module and plan to swap out from them out probably at the same time that I replace my smoke detector batteries. The advertised 39lb effective flywheel weight is probably because of the difference in the internal pulley diameters since the weight of the unit is only about 23 lbs. In the 3 day period from my ordering to receiving the unit the purchase price increased by $20 from $159 to $179 (maybe because of those tariffs) but even at that higher price I would have ordered the Magnetrainer as it seems to be a very good value.

Perfect. I will have shoulder surgery soon and wanted a way to get exercise without jeopardizing my shoulder. To practice, I use this exerciser every day whenever I watch television and in the evening while winding down I do an hour on the lowest level while watching Better Off Ted or Lie To Me; I get a good 15 to 17 miles at 15 to 20 mph. This will be a good way to burn some calories while my movement is restricted. Additionally, my PT says that it will be a great benefit to have the hand bike to get blood flowing and to get some assisted movement for rehab by using my good hand to roll the bike while my other hand just hangs on. Once it is stronger, I can use the bike to exercise the shoulder to speed recovery. The bike itself is sturdy and quiet, a real joy to use. I follow the instructions and pedal down rather than out and it stays in place. I use it on a low setting to burn some extra calories on the advice of a friend who competes in bodybuilding contests. I have damaged knees, ankles, and shoulders from a stint in the military and too many adventures. I can no longer run or even walk long distances. Instead, my main form of exercise is underwater hockey twice a week for 1.5 hours; gravity free and a full on workout. Google "Intro to UWH" to see what I mean. The bike almost assembles itself.....a five year old could do it. It went together in minutes and is ready for use immediately. It is high quality construction and well worth the price. I highly recommend this bike for anyone who wants a way to burn some extra calories, or if they will be in a limited movement situation. I will update once I have the surgery. One way to improve the bike is to add a carrying handle to the top to make it easier to reposition. I would also like the readout to be larger or lighted. I would have the scan feature change the display to read a single category and number in large type rather than just pointing with a small triangle and cycling through small numbers. Even without these minor improvements, I find the bike very useful, easy to use and well constructed.

Whisper quiet as advertised. Resistance settings are basically find out as you go, but easily adjustable. Tends to slide around on hard surfaces, especially when using for leg exercise (separately purchased Gorilla non-slip pads greatly helped with tabletop use). Some personal extenuating circumstances about myself have influence on the rest if my review, in case any prospective buyer has a similar situation. I lost my left leg below the knee a couple years ago, along all the toes on my right foot, so I'm using this with a prosthetic leg and a toe filler in my other shoe. I found the toe straps awkward to use, and removed them which helped. The pedals are small, width-wise, and I am looking for possible replacements. My feet are long, (well, they used to be!) and sometimes my heel hits the frame. That said, overall a quality product, but one might have to make modifications to suit their own circumstances.

My magnetrainer has been an essential part of recovery from shoulder surgery and repeat dislocations of my shoulder. The separately-sold ergonomic hand pedals (ps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PQMGA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) are a must-have if using this device for your upper body instead of lower body. When including the price of the ergonomic hand pedals, the value for the money is incredible. Most local gyms do not have hand bikes - I've only ever seen them in PT offices and very high-end gyms. The performance of this machine rivals that of professional quality hand bikes - it has amazing fine-tuned resistance adjustment, works well forwards or backwards, and is exceptionally quiet for a magnetic trainer. The built-in computer works very well - I can't speak to the accuracy of the distance and calorie counters, but I use that information relatively speaking, relative to light resistance vs. high resistance training sessions. I use mine for both warmup - before extensive shoulder PT routines - and strength building at higher resistance levels. Packaging and shipping was adequate, I had no indication of damage or concerns when unboxing and assembling my unit. Some additional tips and comments: -The trainer comes with 130mm crank arms that provide high cadence but less range of motion than a fully adjustable handbike trainer. With the ergonomic hand pedals, you can clear up to a 150mm crank arm. I purchased and installed unicycle 150mm crank arms - the bike uses a standard square taper interface and cranks can be changed using an old square taper crank puller. At 160mm crank arms you would need to make modifications to how the trainer is mounted because you will get interference between the ergonomic pedal and the legs of the trainer. -The trainer works well at counter height for hand biking but to really accommodate ideal elbow position, I recommend purchasing the adjustable stand or using the device on a height-adjustable standing desk. I do get some occasional wandering of the handbike when using very high resistance settings, but that is solveable with straps on your table and also by being careful with your stroke.

I took a long time looking at the MagneTrainer and other mini bikes as well as the Exerpeutic bikes. I almost purchased the new Exerpeutic 500 until one person answered a question about the MagneTrainer. What we all can do with the MagneTrainer that cannot be done with any exercise bike is push the unit away using as a recumbent, draw in closer sitting in a higher chair using it as a traditional bike, and use it for arm strength. I can sit anywhere and use the MagneTrainer, in any chair, and not be stressed if the seat starts to hurt my tailbone. And when I'm done, it tucks away nicely. It is very quiet, very well built, and it took me ten minutes to assemble. It actually took me longer to inbox the unit. It's not that heavy at all. It does come with a long Velcro strap, which I have to use. I have laminate floors and if there is any trace of dust on the floor, the unit will slide. However, it is less likely to slide if it is pedaled in a downward movement. When you assemble your pedals, be very sure the pedals are on the correct side and they are tightened. In the manual, it does state that the company does not warranty if the threads get stripped. I am extremely happy with my purchase and I do recommend it to anyone. It is very comfortable to use, and if you think you can't get a good workout, think again. If you can get a good workout on a recumbent, you can get a good workout with the MagneTrainer, all from the comfort of a comfortable chair of your choosing :-) P.S. I ordered on Dec. 10, received on Dec. 12!! (Yes, I used free shipping!)

Most of the negative reviews/critiques that I've read are really complaints about MINI-bikes in general...NOT the Magnetrainer. So before you read any more brand reviews (including mine), do yourself a favor and think about your expectations for a moment. 1. Are you looking for something that provides a low-key, no-fuss, no-muss way of adding extra activity to your day (maybe at work or something casual while you knit)? Are you looking for something to conveniently rehab with? Are you cramped for space, and able/willing to accept that MINI-bikes have more limitations (due to simple physics) than standard-sized bikes? *** If you answered YES to these, then skip #2 and #3, because you've got realistic expectations about MINI-bikes, and you'll want to know why the Magnetrainer is a brilliant way to go. *** 2. Are you looking for the same level of difficulty as a marathon spin class at your local gym? *** If YES, then a MINI-bike isn't for you. *** 3. Are you able/willing to accept that the physics of MINI-bikes requires certain compromises? *** If NO, then a MINI-bike isn't for you. *** Now, for those who've decided that a MINI-bike fits their bill...let's talk about the Magnetrainer. First of all, the quality is exceptional. The frame is sturdy and well-designed. The pedaling motion is extremely smooth and quiet. The bike comes with simple, clear instructions and it doesn't take much time to assemble. Stability issues are minimized by the Magnetrainer's weightiness and the width of its base. Additionally, you can extend the front base and use the velcro strap to tie the bike to your chair. You may need to make additional modifications if you're doing some very strenuous peddling, but that's the nature of MINI-bikes, since there's not as much weight holding them down (less bike weight and none of your sitting weight). Maybe use a higher chair so your legs are more vertical and/or invest in a rubber mat. Another option is to find a way to secure the base to the floor. For those looking to peddle while at a desk: unless you have about 3 feet of clearance (+ or - a few inches), you will need to push out your chair to keep from hitting your knees. Once again, this is just the physics of MINI-bikes, and something to consider before you decide to buy one. In order to stay productive while peddling at work, I purchased a height-adjustable laptop cart/laptop caddy. (You can find one at WalMart for $39.) Contrary to one complaint I read...the Magnetrainer has an exceptional tension range. All but the most dedicated cyclists/spinners will find the intensity more than adequate. Remember, MINI-bikes don't sell themselves as an equivalent substitute for $800+ equipment. Convenience and portability is the main selling-point for MINI-bikes, and these features involve a tradeoff. Based on my experience, you compromise the LEAST with this brand. If the Magnetrainer doesn't work for you...no MINI-bike will.

The MagneTrainer-ER Mini is a really great device for folks who can't always get outside to walk or cycle. When I received the package, it looked like FedEx had played four rough games of football with it, but the contents were undamaged. Unpacking the unit you can tell that the manufacturer thought everything out pretty well. My unit came with a long Velcro strap to anchor the cycle machine to your chair and a thin wrench to properly tighten the pedals and front foot assembly...everything you need! :-) I have now used this cycle machine for over two weeks, and the exercise has really made a very positive difference in my life! The machine is very sturdy, the cycling resistance is fairly consistent and the included readout shows (in scan mode) distance, speed, calories burned and time used. I took off one star because the unit just can't keep still. This cycle machine is not all that heavy so it's not super-stable. The instructions urge the user to pedal downward instead of from behind, but I'm not able to do that at the moment. Even when I press the back feet firmly against a very heavy object, the unit still shimmies around a lot. They sell an after-market back foot assembly to help keep the unit more steady, but I really think they should have included that as a standard item. If you are house-bound, live in an area that's not conducive to outside exercise, this machine is a God-send! There's no weight limit to worry about and it seems to be very well built. NOTE: If you purchase this item, and you notice the electrical jack on the back of the unit, it's for an optional monitor, not for the included digital readout. I thought at first that I had to hook the readout to this rear jack, but it's just for future use. Just an FYI so you don't try to pull the wire out of the bottom of the unit to connect it. ;-) EDIT - 2016-03-21: Evidently the right crank arm has a design defect. The threaded hole for the pedal is not drilled and tapped straight, so the pedal and crank arm both wear out much faster than they should. I've gone from really enjoying this product to being fairly disappointed. The MagnaTrainer company was very responsive at first and sent me replacement parts, but after a while they stopped responding to my e-mails. It looks like they got burned by the parts vendor who provides the crank arms as the new right crank arm was as bad as the original.

This is a great product that gets your cardio vascular system going very well and easy to use with both feet and hands, great for a wheelchair user.

Well build. Super smooth ball-bearing support. My parents really enjoyed working out with it. Good weight and balance even on normal floor boards. Will not move while using it.

La mejor compra para mi papá la usa para ejercitarse todo el tiempo

I am extremely happy with this product. It arrived very promptly and was pretty easy to assemble - I actually managed on my own without any problems. Takes up very little space compared to an exercise bike but is so much more comfortable to use. I find normal bike saddles so uncomfortable, that I give up after a short while. This I can use from a comfortable chair. The motion is very smooth and quiet, so can easily exercise while watching TV, without disturbing anyone. The tension knob does not have specific settings, but is quite effective at increasing the load needed to pedal, but rather noisy to set. The disadvantage is the calorie counter, not sure this is very accurate, and calories burned seem to be the same for a distance however hard the tension is, which can't be right. It gives a good workout both backwards and forwards, which seems to use different muscle groups, and can be used with hands, but I've not tried this yet. On the USA site a few users complain about it slipping when used. I have not found this when using on carpet, however I think at full tension it may be more of a problem (not got that good yet!). It came supplied with velcro straps to connect to your chair to prevent slipping and I assume this will work fine. All in all a good robust machine, that encourages me to still do a workout even when tired and ready relax in front of the TV. Certainly recommended. Only gave 4 stars due to the counter not being accurate enough.

Delivered 4 days early! Easy to setup and use. Looks and feels sturdy.