The elliptical is better than the bike. You are moving your whole body on it. It is better than the treadmill as well and easier on the knees. After using the elliptical at a gym 2+ years ago we bought one for our basement. I have done it just about everyday for 2 years now. Just got off of it now!!

YES! There is a company called Derri-Air Bicycle Seats that makes an Exercise Bike Seat Adaptor that would allow you to put a bigger and wider standard bicycle seat on your exercise bike. They also have special bike seats available for people with medical problems. http://www.derri-air.com/exercise-bike-seats.htm You can buy a seat with an adaptor or the adaptor alone. Really helped.

Yay! I'm glad to hear things are looking a bit brighter for you. Make sure you post some pics of your finds!

Have you looked into treadmill designs where the part you run on folds up to vertical? Some of them can fit into closets. Best folding treadmills