I bought a "Pro-Form 900 cardio cross trainer" last December for my wife's Birthday (she ASKED for one
). I got it direct from the factory for around $340 delivered. I spent about a week reading reviews and looking at prices online before I decided to go with a higher-rated, low priced home model rather than spending upwards of $1500 on something I wasn't sure she would use. I was diagnosed T2 in March and have been on the thing 3-4 times a week myself whenever I have been home (and not out at sea).
My wife is also using it 3-4 times a week. I am amazed that it has held up so well. It has acquired a couple of slightly annoying squeaks, but since we both use it while watching DVD's in the TV room the noise isn't too bad. I highly recommend it.
If/when it wears out I will probably get a higher priced model from Pro-form, but for the $$ and the amount of use this thing sees I'm pleasantly surprised by the quality.
It took about 1 hour to put it together, and the directions were pretty easy to follow.
FYI I'm 6'2" 195 (down from 210 lbs when we got it ) and it handles my size/weight just fine, though I think anyone over around 250 lbs might be too heavy for this unit.
Good Luck!,
Mike
