ProForm Dual Trainer Bike/Rower Review

Quick Take (Discontinued)

The ProForm Dual Trainer Bike/Rower is an odd duck that has now been discontinued by the brand, designed with multi-functionality and space savings in mind. The machine combines both a rowing machine and recumbent bike into a single unit, providing workout diversity in a very affordable package. Though speculation at this point, the buying demographic for a recumbent bike is different for that of an affordable rowing machine, and while it may have appealed to a small segment of the market, it generally would not be the first choice in either category for someone looking for either an affordable bike or rower.

Our Review

ProForm’s Dual Trainer Bike/Rower is a cleverly designed home fitness machine. By adjusting its pedals and seat, a trainee can use the ProForm Dual Trainer for comfortable recumbent biking or full-body rowing. The magnetic tension is conveniently adjusted with digital controls and there are 24 preset workouts to choose from. These workouts automatically alter the machine’s speed and resistance, and they are designed by a certified personal trainer to burn calories and improve physical performance.

Session progress is easy to monitor with a glance. A large LCD screen shows speed, elapsed time, distance, RPM and calories burned. The Bike/Rower console also has a target pacer, which is a light system indicating when to speed up or slow down. The monitor is battery powered for convenience, so the ProForm Dual Trainer can be used anywhere without a power cord. The machine’s frame has levelers for safe use on slightly uneven surfaces too. The whole unit can easily be folded after use and transport wheels are attached, letting you move the machine like a dolly.

While this is all well and good, and the machine is loaded with bells and whistles, where it falls short is in overall construction. To accommodate the required user position needed for both rowing and recumbent biking, the active track rides rather high when compared to a rower. To make this experience efficient, a strong stabilizing structure is needed—sadly something that is lacking in this machine. At full pace when rowing, if you plan to work out hard, things are going to feel a bit more unstable than we’re generally comfortable with. If your plan is more endurance and less sprint, you could still be comfortable on this machine.

The Dual Trainer Bike/Rower is large enough for very tall trainees and has a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds.

Positives

The ProForm Dual Trainer Bike/Rower gets mixed customer reviews but many are positive. Here are some features that owners appreciate.

• Two Machines In One: A big appeal here, of course, is the two-in-one design. The Dual Trainer supports two major types of exercise and both are low impact, delivering very little shock to the body compared with running or upright biking. Recumbent biking and rowing can be excellent ways to burn calories, improve cardiovascular health and sculpt the major muscle groups.
• Low Price: The $399 price is very low for a fitness machine and especially for a hybrid. Most magnetic rowing machines and recumbent bikes cost more.
• Preset Programs: A sizeable library of preset workouts features 24 workouts designed by a certified personal trainer. Twelve of the workouts have specific calorie burn goals and 12 are for performance (strength).
• SpaceSaver: The ProForm Dual Trainer is about 79” long when unfolded. That’s a typical size for a recumbent bike or rowing machine. After exercise, the user can turn a knob to make the frame foldable. Wheels are attached so the frame is rather easy to roll away too.
• Easy-to-Use Console: The battery powered monitor is easy to use and shows distance, time, calories, speed and RPM. An indicator light with red, yellow and green helps the user stay on pace.
• Quiet Magnetic Resistance: Magnetic resistance is friction-free, so it’s associated with quiet operation in bike mode and rower mode. There is a slight sound when the rower handlebar is pulled back, but a person can still watch TV at the usual volume. Resistance levels on the ProForm Dual Trainer range from light to heavy.
• Weight Capacity: The user weight capacity is 350 pounds.
• Fits Most Adults: Customers ranging in height from 5’0” to 6’6” have reported that the ProForm Bike/Rower is comfortable to use in both modes.

Negatives

• Quality Control: Not every customer receives the same quality of product. Sometimes this model is easy to assemble and runs well, but a minority of customers report that parts don’t align or are otherwise defective. Sometimes not all of the parts are included in the box.
• Warranty: The frame has a lifetime warranty, but the rest of the standard warranty package is rather skimpy. It covers parts and labor for one year. Extended warranties are available. The Dual Trainer is sold with a 30-day money-back guarantee too, but customers who return the machine are responsible for shipping costs.
• Compromise: As with anything that claims to give you ‘more for less’, you’re getting a slightly lesser experience of two different workouts rather than one good one.
• Lightweight Construction: The height and lightness of the Dual Trainer’s construction can make it feel a bit loose and wobbly, especially when rowing at a faster pace.

Our Conclusion

This is a tough one to call, as some may benefit from this machine on account of its affordability and versatility. It can be a great value for just $399 considering its full-body training and helpful workout programs. That said, if you’re already quite active and want to push yourself during workouts, this machine simply isn’t up to the task.