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DeskCycle 2 is a compact, under-the-desk exercise equipment designed by 3D Innovations, a company renowned for its line of health and fitness products.
Released in late 2019, this innovative tool aims to promote an active lifestyle while sitting, whether you’re at home or in the office.
Despite its compact size, Desk Cycle 2 has garnered several awards, including Best Home Exercise Equipment by Consumer Reports in 2020.
Design and Features
DeskCycle 2 sports a sleek, minimalistic design that makes it unobtrusive, blending well with a variety of decors.
Despite its compact size, it houses a wealth of features that maximize user convenience and effectiveness.
It offers eight calibrated resistance settings, allowing you to customize the difficulty of your workout.
The device also comes with a five-function LCD screen that tracks speed, time, distance, calories burned, and scan, providing you with real-time feedback on your performance.
A unique selling point of Desk Cycle 2 is its patented magnetic resistance mechanism, which ensures a smooth, quiet operation, ideal for an office or home setting.
Unboxing and Setup
The DeskCycle 2 arrives in a sturdy, well-protected box that promises safe delivery. Inside, you’ll find the main unit, pedals, and necessary accessories neatly packed and segregated.
The package also includes an easy-to-understand manual that guides you through the assembly process with illustrations and step-by-step instructions.
Although the tool comes disassembled, the setup is straightforward and manageable for even those not mechanically inclined.
Most users reported that they could start pedaling within 10 to 15 minutes of unboxing, which speaks volumes about the simplicity of the setup process.
Moreover, no extra tools are needed as everything required for the assembly is provided in the box itself.
Quality and Durability
DeskCycle 2 stands out with its robust and solid steel frame, indicating an unwavering commitment to quality.
The high-quality build material guarantees that the unit withstands wear and tear, promising a long-lasting exercise companion.
It provides a solid base that ensures stability even during intense workout sessions, eliminating any worries about the machine tipping over or sliding.
The pedals are also robustly built and come with adjustable straps, ensuring they’ll survive extensive use.
The quality of the components, right from the main unit down to the nuts and bolts, reassures users of its durability and longevity.
Comfort
One of the key aspects that DeskCycle 2 scores high in is comfort. With its low pedal height of only 10 inches, it offers a comfortable experience, ensuring your knees don’t hit the underside of your desk, even when seated at a standard-height desk.
This thoughtful design prevents any discomfort or awkward positioning that could detract from the effectiveness of your workout.
Furthermore, the pedals are equipped with wide, adjustable velcro straps that cater to a variety of foot sizes, ensuring a secure grip.
This adaptability prevents slippage and provides additional comfort, allowing you to focus entirely on your workout.
Portability
The DeskCycle 2 is designed with convenience and portability in mind. Weighing in at 23 lbs, it strikes a perfect balance – light enough for easy relocation but heavy enough to remain stable during use.
The inclusion of a built-in handle is a thoughtful touch, aiding in transportation.
Whether you’re moving it from your home to the office, or merely shifting from one room to another, the Desk Cycle 2 is your go-to portable workout equipment.
Resistance Levels
DeskCycle 2 outdoes itself when it comes to the versatility of workouts it offers. It boasts a range of resistance levels, extending from very easy to challengingly high.
This feature caters to all fitness levels, making it a great option for beginners and seasoned athletes alike.
The transition between the resistance levels is smooth and seamless, ensuring an uninterrupted and fluid exercise routine.
The high levels provide a challenging workout for those looking to push their limits, while the lower levels are perfect for a casual workout while multitasking.
User Interface
The user interface, encompassing the LCD monitor, is simple yet functional. It provides real-time feedback on your exercise parameters such as speed, time, distance, and calories burned.
While it may not be the most advanced display in the market, it does a commendable job of offering essential information at a glance, which is crucial in tracking your progress.
The monitor is easy to read and the large display ensures you can see the data even while cycling.
Noise Level
Thanks to its patented magnetic resistance mechanism, the DeskCycle 2 operates almost silently.
The stealthy operation is perfect for environments where noise could be disruptive, such as office spaces or while watching TV at home.
This ensures that you can engage in a fitness routine without disturbing others around you, making it a considerate choice for shared spaces.
The whisper-quiet operation is one of the standout features that users rave about, furthering its appeal as a workout tool suitable for any setting.
Comparison
| Feature | Desk Cycle 2 | FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical | Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Quality | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.1 |
| Comfort | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| User Interface | 4.3 | 4 | 4.2 |
| Portability | 4.7 | 4.4 | 4.5 |
| Noise Level | 4.9 | 4.6 | 4.7 |
| Price | $$ | $$ | $$$ |
The DeskCycle 2 outperforms both competitors in terms of exercise quality, comfort, and noise level, making it an excellent choice for prolonged use and shared environments.
Its user interface, while simple, offers all the necessary features and is on par with competitors. Moreover, it stands out for its balance of quality and affordability.
The FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical excels in providing a different style of under-desk exercise, mimicking the natural stride of an elliptical machine.
While its comfort and noise level are commendable, it falls slightly short compared to DeskCycle 2 in these areas.
The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike offers a high-quality exercise experience and a good level of comfort. It operates quietly and is the most portable among the three. However, it is priced at a premium compared to the other two models, which could be a deciding factor for budget-conscious customers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the DeskCycle 2 is a well-rounded under-desk exercise tool that combines portability, comfort, and a range of customizable features. Its primary strength lies in its quiet operation and quality construction. However, it could benefit from an advanced user interface and remote control for resistance change.
It would be particularly beneficial for those seeking to add some physical activity to their sedentary work or home routine.
It’s quiet operation and compact size makes it perfect for office environments and small homes. Given its features and performance, Desk Cycle 2 offers excellent value for money and comes highly recommended.
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