Managed to unbox the Sunny rowing machine without slashing or stabbing myself. The box was leaning against a door jamb and I knocked it over. It landed on my bike helmet, the last place in the world I would want it to land.
Read the freaking manual. The computer runs off two AA batteries, which comes with. Exercise machine makers love to power their "computers" with esoteric battery sizes which nobody stocks and which have to installed and removed using esoteric screw sizes. I'm looking at you,
Drive Medical Deluxe Folding Exercise Peddler with Electronic Display, Black. The computer I got with that didn't even work. I should have looked into whether I could just replace the computer. The clip that holds the batteries pops right off and the batteries fit easily in the spring terminals. I hope it works because I sure don't want to return it. I'd just as soon throw it off the balcony.
Unboxing, de-bagging and removing industrial-strength plastic ties which are impervious to ordinary scissors - fortunately there's a tool for that. It helps to lean the machine against a chair while removing the bag and packing. The seat is wide. Having gone through bike seats over the past ten years, I know they don't last forever. I wonder what you do when the seat wears out: use it as a boat anchor? I didn't read any comments in the Amazon reviews about the durability of the seat.
Attach the handle bar which is covered with plastic foam - I could see where that would be another wear point, although it could probably be replaced with the same stuff you used on tennis rackets.
Putting the machine together is not, as Texas Ranger LaBoeuf would say, a "two-man job." Basically, the only assembly consists of fastening the rowing handle to the main frame, fastening the piston to the frame, and installing the computer. Don't lose any nuts or bolts - there are no extras. Threading the foot straps through the underside was tricky so I left that off.
The computer is handy for keeping track of time - my stopwatch AKA smart phone is always in the other room - and distance - anyone want to row across the English Channel? I could see where it would be fun to track your progress on a map. I don't know how accurate the calories count is.
The seat action is smooth but a little wobbly. I don't know whether I can tighten it. I got a scare when I got on it because it was really hard to row but it was set on the highest resistance. That's my biggest complaint about the Drive Medical stationary cycle - there was a setting for resistance but it wasn't worth the proverbial bucket of spit. Overall, the machine doesn't make that much noise. It took me a half hour to assemble but I'm a mechanical idjit.
It looks as if I should be able to drag it in front of the tv or set up the Kindle Fire HD so that I can watch Amazon Prime while rowing. It might even be possible to clip the tablet to the rowing bar although that eventually jiggle it to an early grave.
