Office Fitness Deluxe Folding Pedal Exerciser with Counter

I've had this machine just a few days, my initial thoughts are that it is sturdy and well-made. It does not slide across the floor (rather my office chair on wheels does the sliding away).
I could have done with at least one How To page - it came with nothing, just as-is - as I haven't yet figured out how to fold it up when not in use.
Having only used it for 10 minutes at a time the metal warmth isn't a factor, I suppose you have to go hell for leather for at least 20 minutes to get the heat that some find a problem. However, the pedals aren't so close to the frame that one might get burned so again this isn't an issue although others' reviews had put me off buying for some time.
A friend who daily works out on her full sized exercise bike tested it out and was so impressed she intends to buy one.

Arrived on time, looked good on opening. Unfortunately I recieved an email on the same day advising the maximum weight for using it, if it had stated this on webb site I would not have ordered. I did not use it and it was returned fall full credit which I received. The low rating is only because of poor information on the site.

This is written within a couple of days of receipt, so I have no information on the durability of the product.

My comments are as follows:

The product is compact and reasonably priced. Compactness is, for me, a significant factor in relation to exercise equipment.

Tension is controlled by a knob on the end of a threaded screw which screws into the frame, between the two pedals. At least while the product is new, the knob is effective in making a significant difference in the tension of the pedals when I turn the pedals by hand. However, when cycling, the pedals are very easy to turn, however tight one makes the screw. Thus, do not expect to be able to make the kind of adjustment in tension which is possible using gears on a bicycle.

Others have noted that the metal part to which the pedals are attached can get hot. This is credible, as heating does occur, presumably dependent on the tension setting, but personally I think you would have to pedal vigorously for quite a sustained period before the metal became painful to touch. Perhaps others pedal significantly more vigorously than I do.

I found it more practical to pedal after removing footwear. Otherwise, sometimes at least, there was not sufficient clearance from the floor to avoid footwear brushing against the floor. The slight weight of the straps for keeping one's feet on the pedals is sufficient to turn the pedals so that the straps hang below the pedals. Thus, to use the straps, one needs to have the dexterity to flip the pedal over using one's foot and promptly slip one's foot inside the strap. Whilst it is is feasible to pedal without using the straps, I found that the strap on one side brushed against the floor when I did so, so I would not recommend using the equipment without using the straps.

The product is envisaged to be usable in an office environment. Practically that may depend on 1) how much control the individual has over their personal work environment and 2) what kind of office work they do.

As regards 1), any supervisor one has, or colleagues, might have a view about one pedalling at one's desk. Opinions may differ on whether pedalling whilst working could detract from your work performance or bother others around you. There's also the issue of whether the equipment will be there in the morning if left overnight.

As regards 2) I doubt very much that it is possible to pedal this equipment whilst typing. To avoid knees hitting the underside of the desk, I think one would have to sit too far away from the desk to type at the same time. On the other hand, I think it would be perfectly feasible to pedal whilst talking on the phone.

Even if it was not considered appropriate to pedal whilst actually working, the equipment could, perhaps, be used during lunch breaks or other permitted breaks.

In a home environment, this equipment could readily be used whilst sitting in an armchair and reading or watching TV.

Obviously, the device will exercise the legs. Possibly, that might have circulatory system benefits. Depending on the angle at which one sits, I think it might also exercise the abdominal muscles to some extent. I doubt whether exercising on this equipment will get healthy people out of breath or raise their heart rate significantly and, personally, I think going for a walk in a lunch break, rather than continuing to sit, albeit pedalling, might be a healthier option.

I understand that climbing short flights of stairs, instead of using lifts, is often a good option for office workers who need to fit something into their daily routine which may make them a little breathless or raise their heart rate a little. Obviously, one should take care not to overexert oneself and should introduce exercise into one's lifestyle gradually, especially if one is old or not in the best of health. Sometimes people have health conditions they do not know about. The user manual, sent by e-mail after purchase, gives sensible precautionary advice to consult one's doctor before beginning an exercise program.