Exercycle (Sep, 1958)
Source: National Geographic ( More articles from this issue )
Issue: Sep, 1958
| Buy on Ebay
Remember, it’s wonderful for the aged!
Exercycle – “Runs By Itself”
There’s no easier way to keep fit, trim and strong!
MILLIONS CAN NOW ENJOY THE BLESSINGS OF DAILY EXERCISE AT HOME
There’s a world of difference between exercising yourself, and letting EXERCYCLE do it. That’s why tens of thousands of men and women have chosen this easier, simpler and more convenient way of keeping themselves fit, trim and strong. For exercycle is the only fully-automatic, motor-driven exercising instrument that can give you a complete physiological workout from head to foot while you just sit and relax.
There’s no form of indoor or outdoor activity designed to keep you slender, young and active that can compare with an exercycle ride. You can do yourself more good in a few minutes with this amazing exercycle than you can with hours of ordinary exercisingExercycle is a complete home gymnasium in itself. No form of artificial stimulation such as massages, baths, vibrations, slenderizing or reducing techniques can match its overall efficiency. Once you own an EXERCYCLE, you have solved your exercising problems for a lifetime. Start now to turn back the clock and add many happy years to your life.
A MODEL FOR EVERY PURPOSE
Exercycles are made for both normal and handicapped adults in need of exercise, regardless of age, weight. size or sedentary condition, and at a price you can afford to pay. Easy terms to suit your budget.
Just picked one up at a yard sale for 10 bucks from a Nice guy who helped me get it in my honda accord. Im glad hes a good salesman because this thing is really cool!!Thanks George!
Comment by Dr D — October 10, 2007 @ 2:53 pm
I remember this machine, I used to rent it in my 20’s after I had a child. That tells you I’m in my 60’s Very interested in purchase. What would shipping cost ?
Comment by mary kae konesky — November 7, 2007 @ 12:19 pm
I found a ‘66 Exercycle for five bucks in a Goodwill as is store about ten years ago. I bought it just because it looked cool. It had no pedals, handlebar or seat. I did not know what I had until six months later when I looked for info on the net. I bought the handlebars, fitted the pedals and made a seat. It started me exercising. I used it every day for 30 minutes for a year and a half. Then I joined a gym. The Exercycle is the greatest exercise machine ever made. About five years ago some jerk bought the company and changed the design. That machine got me on my way to rebuilding myself. I am almost 67, weight 190 pounds and can deadlift 402.25 pounds. I never exercised before getting that machine.
Comment by Arnie Lazarus — April 25, 2008 @ 9:52 am
I’m looking for an exerciese bike that fits on the floor and you can use it while watching TV or whatever. Do you know where I can get one and what I should have to pay for it? Thanks.
Jim Pummer
Comment by Jim Pummer — May 23, 2008 @ 12:15 pm
If you research exercise bicycles, you will Find out that the Exercycle is easily the best and it is more than a stationary bicycle. Look in Ebay and CraigsList. With some ingenuity you should be able to get one for about $200.
Comment by Arnie Lazarus — May 23, 2008 @ 1:32 pm
My 82 y/o father bought one of these a few years ago. Its the old model. It reminds me of a Harley: solid, heavy, steel. He used it a little, and it worked fine. Now, after heart surgery, he is trying to use it again. Only we can’t get the pedals to be powered. The little clutch switch does not move much. when it engages, the pedals should be powered by the motor. The handbars move, the Hi and low speed switch works. We just can’t engage the pedals. We tried taking it apart to see if the clutch switch linkage was broken but could not. Too solid. My dad is quite a mechanic. Anyone have any suggestions?
Comment by steve hegedus jr — June 3, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
I HAD A CLUTCH PROBLEM ON MY EXERCYCLE.
TOOK A PIECE OF WOOD AND GENTLY TAPPED IT WITH A HAMMER WHILE THE MOTOR WAS ON
AND THE CLUTCH KICKED INTO PLACE, MAKING THE PEDALS OPERATE. THE CLUTCH SWITCH
DOESN’T MOVE TO FAR.
Comment by TOM — June 12, 2008 @ 10:20 pm
we recently acquired one and looking to sell it!! Works great!
Comment by bruce — September 13, 2008 @ 12:45 pm
I got a 1961 with all the original paperwork when my grandparents passed away. I’m moving & would like to sell mine, clean && works great & was stored in a finished basement at my grandparents, my email address is kurt.schoner@yahoo.com
Comment by Kurt — September 30, 2008 @ 4:49 pm
I have an Exercycle Executive that was recently moved to new home. Gear oil got spilled and needs replacing. Where can I buy new gear oil? Thanks
Comment by robert — October 7, 2008 @ 1:43 pm
further to gear oil question above ….my email is rm.sprague@verizon.net thanks, robert
Comment by robert — October 7, 2008 @ 1:45 pm
I have no idea if the Exercycle had anything special, byt most gear oil is simply heavy petroeum oil (60 weight) and can be purchased in most automotive shops, or even stores such as Walmart with an auto department.
Comment by Toronto — October 7, 2008 @ 3:12 pm
I am interested in finding out how the exercycle actually benefits the user. I have one in good condition and was wondering if it is just as good as most exercise bikes as far as cardio workout and what muscles it acutally benefits. Any info appreciated.
Comment by Rick — October 26, 2008 @ 6:29 pm
OIL ANSWER – per instruction manual: “every five years, under normal home use, it is advisable to drain the oil in the gear box and refill it with exactly 1 quart of SAE 140 transmission oil…”
Comment by deb — October 26, 2008 @ 11:47 pm
Thanks very much for the helpful comments re gear oil. Deb, I no longer have an instruction manual and so I especially appreciate your quote from the manual.
Comment by robert — October 27, 2008 @ 8:09 am
I have a executive model in very good cond. in austin tx. make offer craig email me at jesseduke1962@yahoo.com
Comment by craig ferreira — November 23, 2008 @ 3:04 am
I’ve been looking for a manual on-line and found this page to be the most helpful so far and Knowing what gear oil to use and when to change it is a good start…thanks Deb! If possible, would someone with a manual kindly offer any additional info from the manual they feel would greatly help in maintaining this awesome machine? Is the gear oil the only oil the bike takes or are there others, i.e. hydraulic fluid, machine oil or lubricants that should be changed or used on a regular basis? What about changing any belts or regular adjustments of specific mechanisms? Pardon me but, I haven’t yet thoroughly examined the bike so I’m not even sure if any of these are applicable…just guessing they might be. Thanks in advance for your enlightment!!!
Comment by Zyla — January 13, 2009 @ 2:48 am
I just bought an Exercycle that had the switch housing, that was mounted to the back of the motor, knocked off in a move. The woman I bought it from said it worked fine before the move. So, I’m looking for a wiring diagram in order to put this thing back together. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Wes
Comment by Wes Thomas — January 16, 2009 @ 12:05 pm
My friend’s grandma passed away and there’s an exercycle w/ manual in the basement. It’s in Chicago. Does anyone want it?
Comment by Cindy — January 18, 2009 @ 1:12 am
I just got my father’s exercycle, for my chronic fatigue and fibromylgia. I don’t think the oil has EVER been changed or added to. It runs GREAT. Should I do something …it is just fine
Comment by carla — February 7, 2009 @ 10:28 pm
I just bought an exercycle on Ebay. Oh, I just love it. I had one many years ago. I am so happy to beable to find another one. It’s such great cardio. I hope it never stops running.
Carol
Comment by Carol — February 20, 2009 @ 9:50 pm
I have an Exercycle and I love it. I also have the oil to put into it, however, I can’t figure out how to put in the oil or where it goes. Do I need a special tool to move something to put the oil into the little engine. I bought it without instructions or a manual and I have a quart of oil.
This is an old school steel model like the National Geographic picture on this website. Veronica
Comment by VERONICA — February 27, 2009 @ 5:23 pm
Gear oil goes into the gearbox, not the electric motor on the back. There
are two plugs on the gearbox. They have to be removed with a rather large
Allen wrench, that should have come with your Exercycle. The bottom plug is
under the pedals, on the bottom of the gearbox. Put a pan under the hole to
drain the old oil. The plug on top of the gearbox is for filling. Clean
both plugs before reinstalling. My plugs had Teflon tape on the threads,
from a previous owner. Teflon tape helps keep the plugs from leaking. Use
a funnel, if your gear oil container doesn’t have a snout for pouring. Use
a funnel anyway, and put paper towels around the hole. If you miss, or
spill, that gear oil smells, and is hard to clean up. Make sure you’re not
using regular car oil in the gearbox. It’s a 90 weight, or a multi-weight
85-140 weight, gear oil, like for car rear differentials and manual
transmissions. That should do it…
Comment by Wes Thomas — February 27, 2009 @ 6:31 pm
Wes: I’ve always wondered why gear oil smells like sulfur.
Anyone know the anwer?
Comment by Toronto — February 28, 2009 @ 12:53 am
Thank you very much Wes Thomas for responding so quickly. I purchased the Exercycle years ago from someone’s garage so I did not get an allen wrench, manual or instructions. These bikes existed at a gym I use to frequent back east, so I always wanted one. It also leaked oil when I turned it sideways to load it into my wagon.
I appreciate your taking the time to respond. I enjoy cycling and want to maintain the motor. From your directives, I will be able to take care of it.
Veronica
Comment by VERONICA — February 28, 2009 @ 1:40 pm
Wes…my exercycle only moves the pedals backwards…please help asap. Should I change the switch or reverse the wiring or something?
Thanks, Zyla
Comment by Zyla — March 5, 2009 @ 4:02 pm
Zyla,
I was not aware that the pedals could go in reverse. You may have to have an electrician, that will work on electric motors, come out and look at your problem. I’m no electrician, but it could be that your motor is wired incorrectly, causing the motor to run in reverse. Or, you could reverse the seat, and face backwards. LOL When I bought my Exercycle, the switch housing, on the back of the motor, had been knocked off in a move. I had to have an electrician come and fix mine.
Good luck!
Comment by Wes Thomas — March 5, 2009 @ 6:42 pm
Thanks for your suggestion Wes. Believe it or not, your humorous suggestion to reverse the seat is what is was! My friend was transporting the Exercycle over to a friend’s house and to fit it in his car, he detached the seat and the handlebars…when he re-attached them, he put them on opposite posts! The guy who bought my Exercycle called me laughing telling me he noticed it when he got home and on-line…I can’t believe I didn’t notice it considering myself to be one who pays attention to details…Oh well…he swithced back the red and black wires to make the pedals go forward again too…
Comment by Zyla — March 9, 2009 @ 11:40 am
I have an exercycle that we have inherited. It is an all original 50’s version. Works and looks great. I can email pics to anyone who is interested. Would like to sell- Accepting any offers. Located in western Pa
Comment by Margie — May 4, 2009 @ 9:07 am
I have a secondhand shop in Athens Ontario. We just put an Exercycle in the window and not only is it drawing people in, but it’s drawing people in just to tell me what a great choice it was to put it in the window!
We were told it was from a hospital for physiotherapy, so I always picture a cruel nurse saying “I think you can do ten more minutes.” It’s so great to find this site and this ad. I would have not guessed it was something one could have a home demonstration of and I hadn’t yet noticed that it was the size of a travel case. It sure is!
Also, it appears that there should be a giant spring at the front which ours doesn’t have. I’m guessing that if it did, it wouldn’t look quite as deadly when it runs.
Comment by Ben from Sundial Secondhand — August 22, 2009 @ 12:57 pm
In the old days – before Vic Tanny and 24 hour Nautilus, there were Gloria Marshall Figure Salons;
also the Purdue University Co-RECreational Gymnasium (HAIL PURDUE!)
had Exercycles;
Anyone who has used one wants one. I love mine.
VERONICA
Comment by VERONICA GERMAN — August 22, 2009 @ 4:04 pm
I’m so happy to find this site! I used this at Gloria Marshall Figure Salon in the late 70’s, early 80’s. I would love to buy one…in great working condition. I live in Northen VA., but will travel to pick up (even as far as NJ,PA,DE,NC,OH…or please contact me to work something out.
Thanks, Stacey
Comment by Stacey — August 31, 2009 @ 4:51 pm
Stacey – - try ebay. There are a couple of possibilities there, with east coast location
Comment by robert — August 31, 2009 @ 5:23 pm
Thanks Robert, I just looked and see one possibility. I see someone, Margie, on this site also selling one, but how do we get in touch w/her? What should be cautious of when buying? And I
just saw an Exercyle websit…they are still making them????
Stacey
Comment by Stacey — August 31, 2009 @ 5:36 pm
Stacey: No, they make something called the Theracycle now but they do buy and sell Exercycles http://www.exercycle.com/
Comment by Firebrand38 — August 31, 2009 @ 6:36 pm
Greetings,
When you locate an Exercycle plan to transport it in a vehicle where it is upright in transport.
It contains oil for the 5HP motor so if you tilt it or lay it on its side in transport you will spill oil.
It is a wonderful machine.
Veronica German
Comment by VERONICA GERMAN — September 1, 2009 @ 9:05 am
Oh Thank You so much. We did find two, but cannot see them for 1-2 weeks due to my husband having eye surgery tomorrow. Each machine
is about a 3 hour drive in opposite directions..lol, but that’s ok.
How do I know if I’m getting a decent working machine? What should
I be careful of? Any suggestions? The handle bars move on this bike too, right? Also, do I change the before I use it? Soooo many questions. I said to my husband we should get two because he’s going to end up using it as well.
Anyone know where I can get a user manual?
Thanks so much again.
Stacey
Comment by Stacey — September 1, 2009 @ 10:59 am
Stacey – - To check the machine, I suggest: (a) listen to it running and (b) ride it. It should be relatively quiet, with no sparks or unusual sounds from the electric motor, and when you push with the pedals and push on the handlebars, the gearbox and the joints should feel relatively smooth. If you are not able to transport it upright in a van or truck, it is easy enough to drain the gear oil out and wrap the gearbox up so it won’t drip. You need a 5/16 inch hex wrench to open either the fill hole or the drain hole on the gearbox. See comments 14 and 23 above. You would need to bring a pan as well as a screwtop bottle capable of holding a bit more than a quart.
Comment by robert — September 1, 2009 @ 11:45 am
I never could understand why the Exercycle got remade into the Theracycle. There appears to be no compensation for a persons weight on the Theracycle and no way to develop “core” muscles. I turned into a pretty good weightlifter after using the Exercycle for about eighteen months. I never lifted weights before age 61. Why change a perfectly good design?
Comment by Arnie Lazarus — September 2, 2009 @ 6:10 pm
I have an exercycle in good working condition. I am trying to quit smoking and have taken up bicycling but would be interested in an original manual for one. If you have one please email.
Comment by Rick — September 10, 2009 @ 9:03 pm
I need a quick and fast answer. I have one of these up for sale on ebay, it ends this morning. A lady is wanting to know how much to ship it from Texas to Kansas and I have no clue. I am not sure how much to charge because I do not know the weight. These things are not light, who would be the best bet to ship this?
Comment by Charlotte — September 18, 2009 @ 9:06 am
Ok..never mind…sorry to have bothered you. In talking with the lady at Fed Ex..there is alot of work to go into shipping this item. Draining the oil, putting it on a pallet. I think I am going to pass.
Comment by Charlotte — September 18, 2009 @ 9:24 am
Hi, You would not ship UPS or FEDEX. You would get a trucking company or moving company to pick it up cheaper.
Further, if you are driving distance rent a UHAUL open wagon and have UHAUL attach it to your vehicle and tow it like a driver would tow a boat or a motor cycle (upright) so there will be no oil spills.
When I bought my EXERCYCLE. It was in Southern California I live in Northern California. My friend and I left home at 3AM arrived at the seller around NOON picked up the bike, ate lunch and was back home riding the bike by midnight all, including lunch for $75.00 Take a friend on the road with you because these bikes are heavy. If you rent a van or truck and you have any problems the rental companies will bring you a new vehicle, You can rent a vehicle for under $100 for the trip.
Look for alternatives. The Exercycle is wonderful and worth it.
Comment by VERONICA GERMAN — September 18, 2009 @ 9:40 am
I bought my exercycle on ebay and the seller sent it to me via UPS. It’s just under 250 lbs. I paid $175 for shipping. Filled it with the correct oil, a few niches which I figured out how to solve on the postings here and it works great. I love it. It was well worth every penny I spent. I never want to be without one.
Comment by Carol Buller — September 18, 2009 @ 9:46 am
I just picked up a “Senior” model yesterday for $75.00. It looks like it just came out of the box. I bought it for exerciseing my arthritic back, knees, and ankles. The allen wrench needed to adjust the seat, and handel bars a 3/8 inch size. I rode it for 5-minutes last night, and worked up a sweat. I’m 61 years old.
Comment by Ronnie Elliott — September 18, 2009 @ 10:17 am
Are there any used or reprints of the user’s manual available for sale?
Comment by Bill Preston — September 18, 2009 @ 12:20 pm
Have you tried the Exercycle Corp. http://www.exercycle.com. There was a booklet of exercises that they had. I used to have it. It involved reversing the handlebars for some things and changing the rotation for others. You can do “rows” that way. Call them up. I bought the booklet from them directly.
Comment by Arnie Lazarus — September 18, 2009 @ 4:21 pm
Arnie Lazarus: Oh!! If only someone could have posted that link 3 weeks ago (maybe August 31st like at 6:36 PM)!
Comment by Firebrand38 — September 18, 2009 @ 4:41 pm
You could have tried researching it. That is how I found it. There is a posted number. In all honesty it has been my impression that the idea of the Theracycle was to dump the Exercycle. It obviously isn’t happening, I hope. Contact them.
Comment by Arnie Lazarus — September 18, 2009 @ 4:55 pm
Arnie Lazarus: Or you could have tried researching post #35 above. But you knew that.
Comment by Firebrand38 — September 18, 2009 @ 4:59 pm
where can one get an owners manual or copy for this this? I just got one today and unfortunately it had to travel on it’s side so it lost a lot of oil not to mention that my back is killing me as I had to carry it up a flight of stairs with the help of a teenager. I’d love to know how much it weighs. I got mine today at an estate sale in Oak Lawn, IL.
Comment by Shara Nguyen — September 19, 2009 @ 10:55 pm
I have an Exercycle for sale $50.00 you pickup (on east coast). In good shape need cleaning. Mom past away and need to get rid of it. I will be posting it on craig’s list of anyone is interested.
Comment by Gary — September 20, 2009 @ 9:15 am
Please tell me where on the East Coast. Is it in good condition? I am very interested.
Thanks,
Carol
Comment by Carol — September 20, 2009 @ 9:32 am
I have an Exercycle we need to sell. We just downsized my mother-in-law to a smaller place and this has to go. It is in Kissimmee, FL. Motor runs smooth. We enhanced the seat with a cushy padded one. Anyone interested?
Thanks,
robin@regattaproperty.com
Comment by Robin Daniels — September 20, 2009 @ 1:51 pm
I have a very nice one available for sale. Asking $225.00 Contact me at c_grissom @ hot mail dot com with the subject bike and a way to contact you. I will not answer to spammers. I live between Dallas TX and Durant OK. Zip is 75090 Thanks!
Comment by Lynne — September 20, 2009 @ 5:57 pm
Carol. I am in Runnemede NJ. I think its in very good shape. I just moved it from my mom house to the patio because I am cleaning her house out. I know it runs but I have not plugged it in since she passed away. I will test it and clean it up. I will post new pictures after that on craigs list or let me know if you want me to email you pictures. I don’t know where you live but I would love to get rid of it without putting it in the trash.
Comment by Gary — September 20, 2009 @ 8:42 pm
If anyone has a used Theracycle 200, please call me at (815) 621-7271 Thanks.
Comment by Glen Ellman — September 24, 2009 @ 2:45 am
Hi,
I just got an older model Exercycle. I need a Seat Cushion and Pedals. Does anyone know where I can PURChase these parts?
Also, the bike only runs at a very fast speed. The toggle swith has three positions. Position one turns the bike on running at a very high speed. Position two and three do not do anything but put the bike in an OFF Position? I believe I need a new toggle switch. Has anyone out there had the same problem?
Thank you,
Mike
Comment by MIKE — October 8, 2009 @ 9:43 am
Mike: Excepting a few really odd-ball historic applications, there are basically two sizes of bicycle pedal threads in the world: 9/16ths” x 20 TPI or 1/2″ x 20 TPI. Most exercise bikes I’ve seen take the 1/2″ size, which is easily obtained at places that sell bikes, such as a bike shop or even a *Mart store. Cheap pastic ones start at about $5 a set. Take care in installing them to note the “L” and “R” stampings – usually found at the end of the pedal axles – as the left side pedal has “left hand” or reverse threading. Forcing the wrong pedal on can be an expensive mistake.
If you’re looking for pedals with toe straps and can’t find them, consider going to a bike shop and asking for “Power Grip” straps and compatible pedals – remember to specify the proper axle threading! Otherwise, many pedals will accept plastic or metal toe cages (with or without side straps) though you often have to remove a reflector to uncover the bolt holes for them.
PS: The switch issue sounds like a loose or broken wire. Switches themselves rarely break.
Comment by Toronto — October 8, 2009 @ 2:25 pm
What a great writeup, Toronto! Bicycle geek info: the reason for having the right- and left-hand threads on the pedals is so, if the bearings get stiff or are overtightened, the drag on the pedal axle won’t unscrew it from the crankarm, which would be a bad thing while pedaling.
Comment by Randy — October 8, 2009 @ 2:47 pm
Randy: The reverse-thread-on-left-pedal thing was invented by the Wright Brothers of Dayton Ohio. Whatever happened to them?
Comment by Toronto — October 8, 2009 @ 3:12 pm
If I remember correctly, Toronto, they used their bicycle design knowledge (low-friction bearings, efficient, low-weight structures, etc.) to help develop a different sort of transportation device. And they incorporated right- and left-handed propeller rotation to eliminate torque roll on their new powered device.
Comment by Randy — October 8, 2009 @ 3:58 pm
Randy: Your memory is correct on that. http://www.airspacemag.com/how.....flyer.html
Comment by Firebrand38 — October 8, 2009 @ 4:25 pm
Toronto: Thanks, I’ll need to change the original plasticy pedals with a metal ones for my bicycle as outer bearings simply dropped off a month ago…. And doggonit, if I remember, which one had left-handed threads. Now I’ll need to find a thin enough wrench for that.
Comment by Jari — October 8, 2009 @ 6:05 pm
Jari: A bike shop will often spin of too-tight pedals for a minimal or zero fee if they’re not busy. (A GREAT bike shop will do it even when they *are* busy.)
Failing that, a good quality 15mm wrench (Craftsman. Motormaster Pro, etc) ought to be thin enough for most bikes.
One trick to remember the handedness of the pedals is that you pull the wrench to the rear of the bike to remove them both (assuming the wrench is above the horizon of the pedal, that is.)
Next trick: don’t take the first one all the off – leave it cracked loose then do the other. That gives you an easier ‘handle’ to steady the crank.
Last trick: Grease the threads on reassembly, and don’t go all King Kong on the wrench when you tighten them.
Comment by Toronto — October 9, 2009 @ 12:25 am
Hello Everyone I just listed my boss’s exercycle for him and would like to sell it as quickly as possible. Check out my Austin Texas Craigslist ad and call me if you’d like to buy it. It has the exercise planner attached to the front of it. http://austin.craigslist.org/bik/1413883003.html
Thanks,
Chris
Comment by Chris Branum — October 9, 2009 @ 2:10 pm
Hi.. I am looking for a theracycle in good condition. We are in Florida.. can work with out of town sellers (reasonable distance for shipping)
Please call 352 406 5585 Interested to purchase ASAP Thanks
Comment by Richard Skinner — October 27, 2009 @ 8:54 pm
I have an exercycle that I am going to put up for sale. It is in great shape, all original. Cord will eventually need to be replaced. We are in Oklahoma City and am going to post it to Craigs list today. If you are interested check this out.
Comment by Robert Hudson — November 6, 2009 @ 11:46 am