Having read the other reviews, I conclude that the chap who claims to have put it together easily in about an hour is Superman, while those who found it near-impossible obviously needed help. The parts do need laying out with care before beginning and the whole business is certainly not simple or swift. At the very least it's a couple of hours' work. However, once sorted (a) there's a distinct sense of achievement (b) the machine is extremely hefty and robust. It's certainly not easy to move about and,depending where you use it, a mat would a very good idea.

The right-hand harm on mine was a bit loose (no matter how hard I tightened it) and clunked a bit in use but with one quick, helpful, businesslike (UK) phonecall, a replacement arrived in 24 hours - no questions asked. Exceptional service.

As an exercise machine, the XC530 is everything it's cracked up to be and gives a really good workout with plenty of readings. I'm in my late 60s and recently diagnosed as Type 2 Diabetic, so needed something on hand to make me exercise without the willpower to get out and walk when I don't really feel like it. With this machine I can do 5 or 10 minutes whenever I feel like it, on a whim - and it's really working! Mind you, my wife's a bit brassed off with having it at one end of the lounge (but elsewhere it might have been 'out of sight, out of mind'!).

I do sometimes regret my hasty, enthusiastic, big-money purchases - but not, so far, in this case (three weeks in). So well done, York - I'm a very happy old Hector!