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Proform ZX2 Exercise Bike Review
What you get with the Proform ZX2 Exercise Bike is a good entry level (i.e. low cost) upright exercise bike with plenty of motivational features including a sound system with iPod/MP3 player jack, iFit Card technology, Gamefit fitness games and plenty of built in workout programs. 
What you will not get is the durability of the more expensive upright exercise bikes, the comfort of a recumbent exercise bike or the more intense workouts (and durability) of an Indoor Cycle.
Keep in mind that, although the Proform ZX2 will give you a very good low impact, aerobic workout, it has been designed for light to moderate use only.
With that said, you really get a lot for your money with this bike. Upright Exercise Bikes are generally more affordable than recumbent exercise bikes and Indoor Cycles but you still get a lot of the same features that you get on the more expensive bikes (especially with the electronics and motivational features).
Note: The Proform ZX2 Exercise Bike is No Longer Available (was previously selling at Sears for $599).
See the Nordic Track GX 2.0 Exercise Bike for this bikes replacement. The biggest differences with these two models is that the Proform ZX2 comes with iFit Card technology where the GX2.0 comes with iFit Live technology.
Proform ZX2 Upright Exercise Bike Features
The Proform ZX2 has a well padded, highly adjustable and comfortable seat. You sit completely upright and will probably be more comfortable on the Proform ZX2 than you would be on your own outdoor bike (unless maybe your outdoor bike is a recumbent model) and you will basically get the same (or better) workout that you would outdoors.
Next, the Proform ZX2 has 12 resistance levels, 16 built-in workouts and of course, the iPod/MP3 player jack and build in speakers so you can select your favorite inspirational workout music.
In addition to that Proform has included the iFit card technology, which allows you to purchase customized workout programs (that control the bikes resistance levels, react to your workout and that have a personal trainer voice to guide you). Note that, unlike the newer iFit Live technology, once you purchase a customized workout program there are no additional costs and you can use it forever.
Finally, you have Gamefit fitness games. Basically this is another workout program but it is designed as a game to add a little fun to your workouts (if that is not too much of a contradiction!). The harder you workout the easier the game gets.
About-Bicycles Review
The Proform ZX2 Upright Exercise bike is a comfortable upright exercise bike, with the same motivational features and options as the more expensive Proform and Nordic Track exercise bikes.
Proform bikes are made by Icon Fitness, the manufacturer of Nordic Track exercise bikes, and the Proform ZX2 is Proform's version of the Nordic Track C2 SI Upright Exercise Bike (the bikes are essentially the same).
A few things to keep in mind is that you only get the less accurate handle grip heart rate monitors (as apposed to the more accurate telemetric heart rate monitors) and although this bike can be used with an AC adapter, you will need to purchase the AC adapter seperately (for about $20).
With the Proform quality and warranties, the iFit Card technology and the many features and options included with this bike, I would recommend this fitness bike but for light to moderate use only.
If you are really into the latest motivational fitness equipment (the electronics and workout programs, etc.) and would like a bike that is otherwise very comparable to the Proform ZX2, then I would suggest the
Nordic Track GX 2.0 Exercise Bike. One of the biggest differences with these two models is that the Proform ZX2 comes with iFit Card technology where the GX2.0 comes with iFit Live technology.
Upright exercise bikes, including the Proform ZX2, are more similar to traditional bikes, provide an excellent low impact, aerobic exercise, are more compact and are usually more affordable than other home fitness equipment.
Aerobic exercise improves cardiovascular health and circulation and exercise bikes provide a safe, low impact aerobic exercise that has been used for fitness, weight loss, health and physical therapy for years.
Proform ZX2 Features at a Glance:
- Dual-Grip EKG™ Heart Rate Monitor
- iFit® Workout Card Technology
- GameFit™ Interactive Fitness Games
- Compatible Music Port for iPod
- Grafixx™ Hi-Res Display
- 12 Resistance levels allow you to adjust your workout
- 16 Personal Trainer Workouts
- Power Source: Batteries (optional AC adapter)
- Resistance: Magnetic
- Weight Capacity: 250 lbs.
- Footprint:41"-L X 22.5"-W X 60"-H
- Item Weight: 110 lbs
Warranty:
5 year warranty on the frame
90 day parts/labor
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