What's a good brand and cost range? I think I want an electric one, not one with a fan. Beyond that I don't know.

I have a Linex X588 Recumbent, it is very nice and very cheap for what it is.  It is smooth and has several different workouts.  Also, it is magnetic resistant, I wouldn't get anything that isn't magnetic. schwins are nice but you are gogint o pay way more.

I have had a Schwinn Air-Dyne for several years.  I am closing in on 6000 miles on it.  It is a very nice machine.

I like it much better than the Life-Cycle machines.

It is loud, though (because of the fan).  I found a cheap pair of noise canceling headphones at Walmart for $35.

I don't know the current price but they are not cheap.  But as they say, you get what you pay for.

Don't forget to check out the classified section of your newspaper.  People buy them with good intentions and end up using them as a clothes hanger.

You might want to consider either a wind trainer or mag trainer to use with your regular bike.  It is one less big piece of equipment sitting around the house.

Quoted: You might want to consider either a wind trainer or mag trainer to use with your regular bike.  It is one less big piece of equipment sitting around the house.

+1

I have a fluid resistance trainer that  attaches onto my rear wheel.  IT works very well for the times I can't ger out and do the miles on the road.  Stores very compactly.   Stable enough to do hard intervals.

the only thing I know about stationaries is they are boring.
I use rollers when it's snowing out

Quoted: You might want to consider either a wind trainer or mag trainer to use with your regular bike.  It is one less big piece of equipment sitting around the house.

Another vote for a wind/magneteic/fluid trainer if you have a decent bicycle.  Cheaper than a separate stationary bike.

I have used all wind/mag/fluid (current) trainers as well as rollers and rollers with wind resistance fans.  To me anything is preferable to Lifecycles.  Put it in front of the TV and spin away.  Use a fan to help keep you cool.