The present invention provides for a variable stride exercise device having a variable size close curved striding path during use. In an exemplary embodiment, a network element detects that a first device is unavailable, where the network element couples the first device to the second device. The second rod, the third rod, and the fourth rod are mounted respectively around outer surfaces of the first rod, of the second rod, and of the third rod respectively. The phase detector output signals are balanced and of uniform width, minimizing oscillator control signal ripple in the clock data recovery circuit, while the linearity of the phase detector makes its output predictable.