McFreedom

If you or someone you love (or hate, for that matter) are looking for an excercise machine, I'd suggest checking out Nordic Track. Their heyday was in the early 90s. They ranged at the time from the Challenger ($299), to the Sequoia ($399), to the Excel ($499), the Pro ($599), Achiever and Elite (prices unknown). The Pro and below had an adjustable strap to set tension on the flywheel (the more tension, the tougher the workout). The Pro was made of oak; many of the cheaper models were made of pine. The Achiver and Elite had a knob you turn to set resistance, and were made of Walnut. There was also a seperate "Sport" line, but I've been unable to find anything about the model gradiations. The "Sport" line had similar functionality breaks to the regular line, but the skis were graphite and the metal parts were painted white, making it look more like something you'd find in a health club.

The Pro is the only one still sold, currently at an MSRP of $599. Today's Pro seems to be yesteryear's Achiever on a Pro body; you set resistance with a knob, but it seems to be made of oak. You also get the optional book stand for free.

Unfortunately for Nordic Track, there was a bubble in these things last decade. They're also torture devices good workout machines, so if you're not seriously into it, it's easy to let it sit. They also have a bit of a learning curve, so there are a lot of people out there who have had one for years and only used it once.

On ebay, they go for about $125 plus shipping (generally another $75 or so). But, on Craigslist they go for $75 or less. If you're really patient you can probably get one for $35, or even less. Recently I saw one in Berkley that was listed as, "Here's my address...it's out in front of my house, come get it." Much as with buying a $500 20 year old car, there is little financial risk involved; if you buy a $35 Nordic Track, don't use it, and sell it six months from now, it won't be worth much less than $35.

I picked one up for $75 (a little extra because it was in very nice shape and still had the original documentation, etc). I'm thinking about keeping my eyes open for a second one for $20 or less so my wife and I can excecise at the same time... I don't know if this depressed market is just an SF Bay Area thing; or Craigslist thing (they may be more in local newspaper wantads), so you may not be able to find a price this good where you are. Also don't be discouraged if you look and see a few high prices; some people are unwilling to admit the vast depreciation these things went through and are still trying to get $400 for them.