Buying a NordicTrack recumbent exercise bike can be a good investment for some. It depends very much on what level you're at in terms of fitness and what features and programs you want. What follows is a review of the AudioRider U400 that will, hopefully, help you decide if this model is right for you.

There are currently two models of recumbent exercise bikes from NordicTrack; the SL710 and the AudioRider U400. They cost around $430 and $500 resp. Of the two you are better off buying the more expensive U400. The SL710 comes with less workout programs and with a reduced user weight capacity of 250 lbs. Its biggest selling point is its Step-In design, which means that the center of the bike has been lowered as much as possible, making it easier to get on and off. So, if getting on and off isn't an issue for you then you can dismiss the SL710.

The AudioRider U400 is a feature rich piece of kit. It comes with magnetic resistance making it very smooth and quiet. A lot of thought went into the design of the console and it shows; it's large, easy to read and understand, and it's very simple to use. Many, first-time users of stationary bikes can be either confused or intimidated by the console, but that's not going to happen with this machine; it's about as user-friendly as it gets. You get the following feedback readings; speed, time, distance, resistance, pulse, RPM, carbs burned and calories burned.

Another nice feature is the adjustable AutoBreeze fan. You can choose low, medium, high or AutoBreeze setting; AutoBreeze automatically changes the airflow to match your speed.

iFIT technology is becoming more prevalent in all sorts of fitness equipment. It's a really cool piece of software that gives great motivational output. Each card is designed by a certified personal trainer and plugs directly into the bike's console. You hear the virtual trainer's voice as you workout helping you to achieve your goals.

You can also plug in your mp3 player into the console, so you can listen to music during your workout.

This recumbent NordicTrack exercise bike comes with 20 built-in workouts; 18 Personal Trainer workouts and 2 Heart Rate workouts. The personal trainer workouts automatically adjust to keep you 'in the zone', helping to maximize your workout.

All in all, it's a feature packed piece of kit at a very competitive price. But it does have some drawbacks.

First, there's the warranty. You get one year on frame, parts and labor. While the one year on labor is pretty standard, other manufactures give 2 years on parts and 5 year, 10 year or lifetime warranties on the frame. It would be better if the warranty was longer and would help instill consumer confidence that the company stood by its products more.

Also, the seat adjustment is good but not as good as others. It would be better if the seat and pedals could be adjusted so that the feet are much higher in comparison to the shoulders, as it is the shoulders are quite a bit higher than the pedals.