My neurologist recommended I use an under-desk pedalling device at work. I tend to fall asleep when bored. Not that I’m bored at work, but perhaps it’s more that I fall asleep when I’m in the same position for a while. Falling asleep is a risk when I am reading, sitting at a computer, driving; sedentary tasks. He’s found that getting an aerobic burst, increasing the heart rate, is the best way to keep one alert without drugs. I admit that a medication solution sounds so easy it’s compelling, but there are no stimulants out there that don’t come with downfalls.

I spent some time reviewing different types of devices. Several rehab style pedallers exist for around $30. However, they come with the disclaimer that they are so slow, rehabilitative motion. I have to get my heart rate up, which requires fast movement. I’m also a cyclist. I felt like that justified extra perks like resistance settings and a tracking computer.

My neurologist cautioned that it takes a while to get a rhythm going, where you can pedal quickly and be steady enough to not be distracted by it. I sought to find one that advertised smooth rotations.

I found the Desk Cycle, which boasted the quietest operation and lowest profile. I quickly learned the biggest issues with pedalling devices are knees hitting the bottom of the desk. This model said it had the lowest profile of all, and adjustable setting to make it compatible with different desk and body sizes.

The first day I used the device didn’t go so well. Nothing cooperated. My knees hit the desk. My chair arms hit the desk. My hand weren’t at the right spot for the keyboard. My chair kept rolling away. My feet didn’t feel right. I had to perfect 10 different points just to be able pedal. The second I turned my head to address someone at the door I had to reset everything all over again.

The second day I switched to a non-rolling chair as shown in the photo below. That solved everything. I now use the device every moment I am sitting in my chair at my computer! I haven’t fallen asleep or risked falling asleep a single day since I started using it.

NOTE: I am a consumer; just your every day bike enthusiast. I am not a reviewer, and I don’t make any money off of this website in any way.