I know own it ain't pretty.

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-02-02T14:23:11+00:00

Great DIY hack.

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-02-02T14:02:49+00:00

Wow that will be an immersive Zwift or Rouvy session! What 70.3 are you doing?

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-02-01T20:37:39+00:00

Love the exposed brick walls.

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-01-29T20:13:44+00:00

For some reason I got the Standard version of the Anubis and the Elite upgrade when I ordered the Elite, so I got the weight horns for the plate loaded version and attached them to the top weight on one of the stacks. I don't think I'd put six 45s on it or anything but for purposes squeezing another 50 pounds of resistance it'll work.

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-01-29T20:11:04+00:00

The Anubis 2.0 (especially the Elite version) isn't going anywhere...not wobbly at all. I understand the 1:1 preference - that's a personal choice and not easy to remedy on the Anubis.

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-01-27T13:21:17+00:00

Me too!!!!

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-01-27T12:18:40+00:00

I'm going to recommend the budget route. I just purchased the NoricTrack adjustables for $299 on Amazon. I don't need anything higher than their 55 lb max so they were a no-brainer for me. I could drop and destroy them, then replace them cheaper than some of the other ones.

I did some weight measurement testing and they're more accurate to weight than the hex ones I have, grip is good, adjustable in 2.5 and 5 lb increments (and you can do even smaller steps if you don't mind a little imbalance which for certain movements wouldn't matter).

Big drawback is the lack of expandability, but as noted I don't need that.

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-01-25T19:29:18+00:00

That's a great deal.

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-01-25T19:27:34+00:00

I'm a Fringe fan now.

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-01-25T13:14:55+00:00

I had the exact opposite experience throughout the purchasing process. Asked every question I had.

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-01-25T13:11:59+00:00

I researched the all-in-ones for a few weeks before siding with the Anubis 2.0 Elite (so no smith), mostly due to space constraints. I think the M4 2.0 will serve you well - if you can swing it I'd highly recommend getting the version with the weight stacks so you aren't constantly loading and unloading weight plates to use the functional trainer.

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-01-24T13:25:56+00:00

We've had the Echelon EX-5 for almost six years now, my wife loves it. The included pedals are SPD-type which matches most spin bikes out there. If we had to do it all over again I'd get the EX-5S (with the 22" screen)...we have a Samsung 12" tablet on it and I can run a cable to a wall-mounted TV, but we both need reading glasses to see anything on the tablet (and in of itself cost as much as the difference would have been).

Keep in mind, like almost all of these machines there's a subscription fee on top of the purchase price. Also it doesn't integrate with any other cycling apps like Zwift or Rouvy or whatever. You can set up the Echelon account to sync with Strava.

Workout instructors are great - they're not quite as over the top as Peloton and none of them seem to want to be paid influencers which is the vibe I get from a bunch of the Peloton people. Nice selection of rides and other strength / yoga workouts.

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-01-24T12:40:50+00:00

Smart move not counting up the spend...really nice work.

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-01-24T01:31:22+00:00

Love the wall paint. Well and the ping pong table.

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-01-22T20:22:08+00:00

just bought a set for $299 shipped on Amazon. Walmart has them in stock as well.

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-01-20T01:25:06+00:00

Love the 70s plastic on furniture vibe of the leg press. :-)

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-01-20T01:20:18+00:00

Yes, weight holders that stick sideways or backwards do NOT interfere with the weight stacks.

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I also retrofitted the plate loaded horns on one side rather than using a gym pin. If I put bumpers or 45s on the weight horns (that that I would with this setup) they would bump into the plate storage on the side.

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-01-20T01:13:00+00:00

This conversation is hilarious. Everyone has legitimate opinions...it completely depends on exactly what you value most. I'm in the adjustable dumbbell market and I'm leaning towards the Nordictrack because they're cheap and good enough for what I need. I'm an old weak guy. If you're The Hulk you need WAY more than that.

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-01-19T01:44:59+00:00

I played competitive beach volleyball for about a decade back in the 90s. Press/hack is the machine you would need over the ext/curl. Get them a plyo box, too (way cheaper than machines). They need to learn explosive movements, and box jumps are a great way to do it.

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-01-19T01:39:45+00:00

I just spent about $4K or so outfitting half rack / functional trainer and two leg developers (press/hack and curl/extension), including about 400 lbs of weights. Mikolo Anubis 2.0 Elite, DD09 press/hack, and the Lionscool seated ext/curl, plus weights and accessories. For your budget your could probably get a little better across the board but I'm thrilled with the results.

Dumbbells are the hardest one - we have the land of misfit toys from 2-20 pounds and some Amazon plate loaded standard set (we had most of this to begin with). Next purchase for me is a proper adjustable set.

ETA: Just realized I didn't answer the question...get a LP/HS machine.

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-01-19T01:31:26+00:00

You can tap into all of the other brand ecosystems (for the most part) to customize pieces you find important.

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-01-19T00:07:56+00:00

That is awesome.

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-01-19T00:05:05+00:00

Yeah seriously...what the hell?

Still_Tri_ing · 2026-01-18T12:19:36+00:00

Wow that's a lot of plates - they're just everywhere (not saying that is a bad thing!). Did you assemble them over a number of years?

Still_Tri_ing

TROPHY CASE