Is this simple/easy to assemble? Or should we pay the $103.00 extra for pro assembly?

Its very easy to assemble. For the best customer service be sure to purchase from the Fitness Emporium.

Does this truly provide an intense calorie burning workout? Has anyone lost significant weight using it to workout?

It definitely provides an "intense" workout. What you think of the intensity depends on what shape you're in, right? I *really* like it. It doesn't have resistance settings, but by the time you get to needing more than the resistance that your body weight provides, you're probably getting decently fit. (Some have suggested adding wrist and/or ankle weights for more resistance.) There are a lot of factors to losing weight... your exercise equipment being only one. I think if you are in the middle of the bell curve (i.e. wanting to get into better shape and lose some weight) and you're willing to use this climber regularly while watching your calorie intake, you'll be happy. This thing easily jgives me a burn and makes me break a sweat. Regarding the weight part of the question, I am not personally looking to lose a lot of weight, but to just increase my fitness level.

Are the pedals sturdy and adapted for intensive use?

I would say that they are relatively sturdy in themselves... but the pedals themselves won't likely be your issue. The poly roller bearings used to help the pedals and handle rods glide up and down are high-failure components in this machine. I have to replace them too regularly. The repair is a time consuming process. At the end of the day, this is a budget climber like most of the rest at this price point. There is no middle ground for these machines yet. It's either the $100-200 machines or $3K+ machines (versa climber). There is a $1,500 climber out there too. If you want intensive use equipment, I think you'll be disappointed with this climber and the others in this price range. That said, I do keep repairing mine. I've found I can purchase the roller bearings from China, and I keep the machine hobbling along... at least until one of the other less easily replaced critical parts goes. Oh, also, this exact climber appears to be available for less $$ under a different brand. ;)

Is this the best climber in the mid-range category, or are there better options on the market?

Truly, I don't think climbers have a mid-range at this point. You have a group of low-priced budget climbers including this one and then the uber expensive like the Versa climber. The market is ripe for a better but still reasonably priced climber. Most of these units need to be viewed as disposable. Find the best one and use it till you can't. Then replace. I keep repairing my BestFitness climber... usually goes about two-three weeks before needing new roller bearings. Still cheaper than the gym.

Brand	Body-Solid
Color	Black
Material	Nylon
Product Dimensions	37"L x 25"W x 85"H
Item Weight	48.5 Pounds
Weight Limit	330 Pounds
Manufacturer	Body-Solid, Inc. -- DROPSHIP
Global Trade Identification Number	00638448013773
UPC	638448013773
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H	66.5 x 9 x 6 inches
Package Weight	24.04 Kilograms
Item Dimensions LxWxH	37 x 20 x 85.5 inches
Brand Name	Body-Solid
Model Name	BFMC10
Number of Items	1
Part Number	BFMC10
Model Year	2018
Included Components	BFMC10

Body-Solid Total Body Workout Exercise Machine – Vertical Climber, Maxi Climber, Max Climber, Jacobs Ladder & Cardio Climber for Home Fitness.

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