Avari Conversion II Rower Bike Review

Quick Take

These combination rower/recumbent bikes aren’t particularly common, as most people are looking for either one type of equipment or the other, however the Avari Conversion II Rower Bike is one of few examples that are surprisingly well executed for the price of entry. It comes in just under the $700 mark, and aside from having a very short warranty the few negatives we found with this machine can’t really be counted as dealbreakers. So often with these machines we see brands cutting corners in other place in order to deliver this added functionality, but that doesn’t seem to be the case here outside of some shorter than standard warranty terms. Given the price range there’s little surprise that this machine is only rated at a weight capacity of 250 lbs—pretty much standard until you get into rowers closer to $1,000.

Our Review

The Avari Conversion II Rower/Recumbent Bike is a unique fitness machine for home gyms. Switching it from a rower to a bike (or vice versa) just involves removing a pin, adjusting the seat, and pinning again. Supporting two popular exercises, this machine is a great tool for toning your body, dropping or maintaining weight, and exercising your heart. This machine is basic in terms of programming. Preset programs aren’t provided, but a data screen displays standard readouts plus the machine’s total distance traveled.

Customers report that the Conversion II holds up well over time. It’s disappointing that the machine’s warranty is short, but seeing consistent real-world reports of longevity are very encouraging. Adding a more industry-standard warranty term to this machine (at least a couple of years rather than 90 days on parts) would earn this machine a much higher review ranking.

The Avari Conversion II’s full price is $899. We’ve seen online deals for $699. Here’s a point-by-point review of its features.

Positives

Here are some reasons shoppers choose the Avari Conversion II Rower/Recumbent Bike.

• Assembly: You might expect assembly to be complicated, but the Avari Conversion II isn’t a headache to build. The assembly instructions are clear and the job can be accomplished within an hour.
• Strong Frame: The Avari Conversion II has a steel frame and an extruded aluminum beam. It has a three-year warranty.
• Space-Saving: The Avari Conversion II is ideal for people with limited space. It measures approximately 2 feet x 3 feet when folded for storage.
• Back Support: Like traditional recumbent bikes, this hybrid has a supportive seat back. The good lumbar support helps make it a low-impact impact fitness machine.
• Data: The Avari Conversion II Rower/Recumbent Bike displays distance, time, speed, calories and pulse. It also has an odometer to track the machine’s lifetime distance.
• Quiet Operation: Quiet operation is advertised, and according to customer reviews the Avari runs quietly even after months of use.
• Optional Bottle Holder: A water bottle holder is especially handy when you use this machine in biking mode. A water bottle holder and water filter are optional add-ons at checkout.
• User-Generated Power: A smart transfer of energy makes this machine cord-free and battery-free. Energy for the console comes from the rider’s pedaling or paddling.
• Foldable: When folded the Avari Conversion II Rower Bike measures just 34” long x 23.5” wide x 56.5” high.

Negatives

Here are potential drawbacks of choosing the Avari Conversion II Rower/Recumbent Bike.

• No Preset Programs: Preset programs are helpful for exercisers at any fitness level, but this machine doesn’t include preset workouts. Other rowing machines and recumbent bikes in the same price category provide a good variety of workout routines.
• Inaccurate Pulse: The heart rate data displayed on this Avari is inaccurate, according to customer reviews. That said, this is pretty much the case for the majority of hand grip heart rate sensors, so it’s not really a huge strike against the Conversion II.
• Short Warranty: The Avari Conversion II Magnetic Recumbent has a three-year frame warranty, but it only has a 90-days parts warranty. That’s substandard and it’s not a good match if you spend $699-$899 on this machine.

Our Conclusion

The Avari Conversion II Rower Bike tends to get positive customer reviews. The price isn’t a good match for the warranty, but this clever hybrid apparently outlives its warranty on a regular basis. Acquired on sale it could be a good buy, especially for people who need to conserve space.