Just putting together this anorexic Darlek is a workout in itself. Fiddly and annoying are two of the nicer words that come to mind. Things don't get much better. As well as being heavy and unstable, it has a huge seat and the instructions make James Joyce feel like an easy read.

Despite the bad start, underneath its ungainly exterior the York 6000 has a depth only the serious fitness addict would appreciate. As well as the best pedals of the group, it comes with an infrared heart rate monitor and some of the more advanced training programmes you'll see. Each has loads of options and there's even a fitness test that's based on the maximum amount of air you can draw into your lungs. And it powers itself. Which is nice. However, as the manual doesn't explain any of this you'll just have to take our word for it.

Stunning looking, the Golf E also comes fully assembled so we're off to a good start. This is somewhat ruined as it's tricky to pull across the carpet and there's another black mark for needing to plug it into the mains. 

The instructions let this bike down. Crowded print, four languages - easy reading this certainly isn't. That aside, the display is well laid out and with a bit of fiddling things look more understandable, especially the selection of hills.

Comfort-wise it doesn't win too many prizes with a hard seat, plus it's difficult to adjust and has an annoying ear-mounted heart rate monitor, but this bike does grow on you. It even tells you the room temperature.

Though not for the read-while-you-cycle brigade, the T8 is relatively comfortable with everything on the bike easily adjustable - you can even replace the handlebars, saddle and pedals with ones from your real bike - letting you accurately focus on the muscles used for cycling. It feels sturdy and is quiet as you pedal, although you do need to plug it into the mains. 

Computer-wise you have the choice of the Alpha 300, 200 or 150. We tested the 150 which comes with three programmes that liaise with the Polar heart monitor to help you get fitter. On top of this, you can set up your own programmes or connect the T8 to your computer and use software that will design a bespoke programme for you. The 150 is the simplest model, with the 200 and 300 models having even more ways to keep you in shape.

The Melinda Messenger of the group, it's easy on the eye but lacks depth. Putting it together isn't hard - admittedly we had washers to spare - and once complete it's light and easy to wheel around, even on carpet. On the downside you need batteries - not good when you're looking for any excuse to stay on the couch.

Once on board, the RB1000 feels surprisingly stable with an easy-to-read computer screen, although the saddle and footstraps could be easier to adjust. The programming is simple - you can set different goals, whether it's heart rate or just time, but there are no hills - you set the difficulty manually - to give you a bit of incentive to finish your 30 minute slog. While the programme options are a bit basic, the RB1000 is perfect for that thrice-weekly cycle in front of the TV. And for under £200 it's a steal.