Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1877 Indoor Cycling Bike

My local gym was closed for months, was able to open for a short time, and recently closed down again. So during this COVID time, I need something that I can do at home. I live in MN, and exercise outside in the winter is not an option for me. I have not taken a spin class for 15 years, but a spin bike is more in my budget than a treadmill. Plus, treadmills need a lot more space and when they break down the fixing can be pricey. So, spin bike, here we go! Like other reviewers, I wanted a Peloton, however, let's be real if you are looking at this bike, spending $2500 on a bike plus monthly subscription of $40 is probably not in your budget either! You are benefiting from my research! As I looked, there is pretty much a bike for everyone's budget. I am keeping my gym membership, so I did not want to spend an exorbitant amount. I was going to get one with a belt and 45-pound flywheel, but then I stumbled upon this one. The availability, magnetic wheel, price, super fast Amazon Prime shipping, the iPad shelf, and the "computer" are what sold me. I have seen a few reviews with damaged boxes, mine was fine, and I think the great packing job would totally protect the bike. It took about 30 minutes to assemble...thank you for your help, Husband! Once put together, it was easy for him to carry it to the next room (probs about 80 pounds). I have the bike in a carpeted room with a plastic chair mat under it. I will not be rolling it around, but I think it would be pretty easy. I am 140 pounds and am 5'6". The bike is sturdy, I feel totally safe when I am up out of the saddle. Speaking of saddles, I replaced the giant seat right away. I got this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0845PGYYZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I may upgrade again or add a cushion, but I did not want to spend too much without being able to try it out. I have to (or should I say my backside has to) get used to spinning again! I knew the seat the bike comes with would be much too large for my preference. The size I got is more in line with the size of the seat on my road bike. I also upgraded the pedals. I want to use my road bike shoes (way more productive), so I got these pedals in the event my husband gets an inkling to go for a ride. I can clip in on one side, and he can use the cages on the other side. A nice compromise. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081BDDGJ8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 If you want to use your road bike shoes exclusively, I'd recommend these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KC3Y0G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 The bike is silent! I mean silent! I'm pretty sure the magnetic resistance attributes to how quiet it is and, there should not really be any maintenance. The iPad holder and the stat reader are great. I only look at the rpm's (same as Peloton's "cadence") when I ride. The tracker goes between time, speed, distance, calorie, odometer, RPM, and Pulse. It is important to know that this device will not give you the most accurate readings of your performance because it has no way of knowing your body size and conditioning level. So expect them to be relatively generic. I use my own heart rate monitor and I still have to get an iPhone holder that I can attach to the bike, so I can see my heart rate app on my phone easier. I bought the Peloton app for $12/month (I did the 30-day free trial first) and watch it on my iPad. The iPad is quite secure in the holder. If you have a ROKU, you can watch the Peloton classes on your tv! The bike does not come with weight holders, and it is kind of annoying that you cannot buy the ones Sunny puts on the higher price point bikes a la carte. So, I am going to pay about $45 to get them on Etsy. I think the reason the other Sunny bikes are more money is that you would not have to "DIY" them. They come with weight holders and such.... I am COMPLETELY satisfied with my purchase! I think spinning would suck without the Peleton app (or another app or YouTube videos)...I mean it is pretty boring to just sit and pedal. Ride on, people. EDIT: A few people asked for some pics of the seat installation (I changed out the seat), and the tablet holder.