Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I purchased and use the Exerpeutic 4000. Shoppers in various forums have asked what's the difference between the model 4000 ($379) and Exerpeutic's model 900XL ($169) besides the price? Aren't they about the same? No...other than both being Exerpeutic branded they are remarkably different. Open the attached side-by-side comparison photo and you will see many of the differences I mention: Darn it! This site is not allowing me to upload the photo, sorry. Open each model in a separate browser window and do your side-by-side view that way. Size: The 4000 is a larger bike: 30 x 41 x 58 inches ; 71 pounds 325 lb weight capacity, compared to the 900XL 22 by 34 by 54 inches 63 lbs 300 lb weight capacity. Sitting in the 4000 feels stable, safe, and formidable, not to mention totally comfortable. Tension (resistance) System: The 4000 has 24 levels and is adjusted by the user via tapping the computer console. The 900XL has only 8 levels and you need to reach forward and downward to manually twist a knob with a closed fist (stopping your workout). Preset Workout Programs: The 4000 has12 Workout Programs and 4 individual settings. The 900XL has none. Comfort: The 4000 has Vertical hand grips (important to me and not easy to find) with comfortable padded arm rests. The Vertical hand grips allow me to "pull myself up" if I choose, just an inch or two with my arms as I bike resulting in working out my upper body at the same time. The 900XL has your standard horizontal grips with no padding. You're just kind of hanging out there with your arms resting on metal, where I am nicely "contained" in the 4000. Seating: They went for comfort with the 4000. The seat is "air soft: tech. The seat back is contoured breathable tight mesh. Combine this with the padded arm rests and vertical grips and you have a comfortable and functional arrangement. The seat and back of the 900XL are standard flat padded. Computer: Big differences here. The 900XL computer is as basic as it gets. The screen will show only one category at a time (like heart rate, or speed, duration...etc). If you want to switch view you need to operate the buttons on the computer while biking. The 4000 is a different story. On its own it will show you multiple categories all on the one screen...but it gets even better. The 4000 is WIRELESS. Blue Tooth. The computer is Pafers compatible. I downloaded the FREE Pafers "FitConsole" software onto my Samsung Tab Pro 8.4 tablet. Take a look at the photo. My tablet sits right into the space provided on the bike's computer (covering the computer's actual face). My Samsung runs the whole show. The screen on my Samsung shows me everything with great clarity, makes the changes I want to make, and gives me workout feedback as I bike, on all the important categories. AND, the software records every workout in detail. Reports show totals (calories burned, distance, etc) for the day, the month, and global. I knew I was going to use my Samsung and Pafers before deciding on which bike to buy. I wanted it. It makes a great "game" and challenge out of the whole experience. Finally...LOOKS: Take another look at the side-by-side photo. The 900XL looks to me like an old Soviet Union creation (drab color, strictly utilitarian in nature, minimalist). The 4000 looks like a piece of furniture. The color is pleasant, the finish is polished, the build looks formidable. It's just a good looking piece of equipment, and that is important to me too. I want to feel great about all of it, and I do. There you have it. 4000 vs 900XL. The bike is whisper quiet and working perfectly. I'll update this review periodically.