Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

The Schwinn AD7 Airdyne bike that I received had been repackaged, and I was not happy about that! The box, and inside contents had large amounts of transparent package tape holding things together. Amazon normally offers a discount on an item that has previously damaged packaging, or cosmetic blemishes, and markets that item as used. Due to the substantial cost of this item, I would not have taken a chance on a repackaged product, that someone else rejected and returned. That said...I could not find any damage to the bike, and only an insignificant Transport and Immobilization Strap was missing. I believe the bike itself is worthy of a good rating, and I will complain to Amazon about the repackaging. The bike is solid and smooth, and will give you whatever level of workout you want to put yourself through. I deducted a star because of the blast of air that blows into your face as the fan spins. I can overcome that problem, but a removable wind blocker should be included in the price. The $50 that Schwinn wants for a small, optional, wind screen is outrageous. Helpful information: I spent several hours researching the Schwinn Airdyne, by looking at Customer Reviews and You Tube videos. What is the difference between an Airdyne7 and an Airdyne Pro?? I was able to previously see and try out the Pro at a distant city. They wanted $1299 for it. The Pro was $999 on Amazon, while the AD7 was $899. Being a penny pinching retired senior, I took a chance and opted for the AD7 after seeing other reviewers say that it is the same as the Pro. The AD7 that I got was the same as the Pro that I saw in the distant store. The only difference was the name on the side of the bike frame. I suspect that Schwinn wanted to charge more money for their product, and simply re-named it the Pro, and added $100 to the price. As for a wind screen, I followed the advice of another reviewer, and ordered a plastic fender/shield from Mucky Nutz on Amazon. The cost was $11-13, depending on color. It came with some velcro style tape to attach it, but small zip ties would also work. It too was overpriced. Somehow, I will solve the air blast in the face problem, I just don't want something ugly, like duct tape, unless I have to. However, there is black duct tape, also sold on Amazon. Bottom line---I really needed to get a compact piece of exercise equipment to stay heart healthy, and believe the Schwinn Airdyne 7 will fill that need. I suspect the AD7 will not be available very long, after the supply of those with that name imprinted on it runs out. P.S. The rollers at the front are really nice for moving the unit around for cleaning under it, or moving it to another room. Best wishes and happy fitness, from a grandpa. Update: Amazon's great customer service gave me a bit of a refund to make up for my having received a returned, repackaged item. Update- Assembly: I was able to assemble the bike by myself, even though the manual said two people were needed. It would have been nice to have my wife (she was away) hold items while I lined up screws, but it worked out ok. While some reviewers had problems with installing the handles, it was a non-issue for me. All you have to do is look at the splines on the shaft, as well as the splines on the hub of each handle, and line up the flat spot with each other. I found it helpful to use a rubber mallet to gently tap the handle hub onto the shaft, to overcome a little resistance from some paint overspray inside the hub. Then, insert the two, Right handle bolts, from front to back, and the two, Left handle bolts, from back to front. Don't use only the ball end of the supplied allen wrench (as shown in the picture), but use the L end of the wrench to tighten the bolts properly. The handles are thus firmly secured with no wobble or play in them. I am now a Happy Camper! Update- 8 months later. Bike still smooth and wonderful. My wife and I are small people (less than 5'4" tall), but we have lost over 20 lbs each, due to regular workouts on the bike and more sensible eating habits. Weight and blood pressure now at levels I had when 20 years old. Using the bike while watching TV makes exercise session more enjoyable. Update-Jan 2020 (almost 2 years). Bike still smooth and wonderful. Got lax and gained back 5 lbs in Nov-Dec, due to cruise type vacation plus Thanksgiving and Christmas eating. Big deal for me on weight gain. Renewed commitment to using bike (indispensable!!) and better eating. Have shed 4 of the 5 lbs. No fad diets needed. Just eating less junk and more fruit-vegetables. Could not have done it without bike, which is essential to keeping weight off, long-term. Blood pressure is at healthy young adult level. Before bike purchase, was borderline needing BP medication.