Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a drive mechanism including a first pedal and a second pedal each operable between a first position and a second position. At least one shaft in communication with the first pedal and the second pedal such that movement of either of the first or second pedal results in rotation of the shaft. At least one brake having a rotational input for receiving the shaft. An encoder capable of generating electrical pulses in response to the rotations of the rotational input of the at least one brake. A first sensor capable of sensing a position of at least the first pedal by providing an electrical signal indicating the first pedal is passing the position of the sensor. A controller in electrical communication with the encoder and the sensor wherein the controller counts the electrical pulses received from the encoder between the electrical signals received from the sensor and calculates a stride length. A user interface may display the stride length.