Endurance E4 Ellipitcal Trainer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been using this elliptical for about 6-7 months, 4 times a week for 20 minutes. Early on it started squeaking, so I called Body Solid and he said to spray some silicone on the parts I thought were making the noise. Being a mechanic for a living, working on similar equipment for a rehab healthcare facility, I knew by the sound of it, that wouldn't quiet the noise. I applied some synthetic motorcycle chain lube to all the pivots that had brass bushings and that took care of the problem.
Now what started out as a howling noise, turns out to be the bearing on the main 15lb wheel. In a short time the bearing came apart and it is now down for the count. I will be contacting Body Solid and see how the "Lifetime" warranty works, and do a follow up.
In looking back, I wish I would have spent more money to get a better quality product.
UPDATE--- I made a call to Body Solid and explained the problem on a Monday. The technician was very receptive and friendly, and I had the part on Friday, no charge. Great service!! Even though it was still under labor and parts warranty, I installed the part.

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Endurance Cardio E4 Elliptical Put your plan in motion for a diverse, in home workout. Greater muscular involvement with less perceived exertion that was the goal when Endurance set out to design a line of commercial quality elliptical crosstrainers with a compact design and an affordable price for in home workout enthusiasts. With its patented elliptical motion providing ergonomically correct workouts, the Endurance E4 enables you to experience a weight bearing exercise with a no impact cardio workout. Challenge yourself with 15 levels of smooth, magnetic resistance as you stride towards peak cardio efficiency. Maintain correct posture as you grip the ergonomically designed SynchroStride arms. Burn calories faster and with less perceived exertion than with any other type of equipment. The Endurance E4 also features conveniently located Contact Heart Rate grips and a large, 5 function data display, enabling you to monitor your workout and keep pace with your desired level of fitness. Best of all, you will get a quiet, convenient workout in the comfort of your own home. The Endurance E4 is commercially engineered and solidly built to provide you with a lifetime of affordable, exhilarating workouts. Try to find a better elliptical crosstrainer or a more comfortably efficient workout, and you will end up at the health club. Whether your goal is weight loss, cardio fitness or endurance training, you will always hit your stride with the Endurance E4.

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Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)***Update 12/21/2007***
Well, I've had this machine for about two weeks now and it works great. I am completely satisfied with this purchase. I was a little concerned about shipping, but mine came in perfect condition. Like others, it took me little under 3 hours to put it together. If you can put a screw in and follow directions, you'll be able to put this together. The machine is so smooth and quiet. It's no problem for others in the room to watch TV at the same time. After a week, I started to notice a clicking sound and it turned out I had tightened the screw that connects the handle bar to the foot pedal bar too tight. Loosening it a little fixed the problem.
***Original review***
- I should start by saying I just bought the Schwinn 431 from Amazon, but haven't received it yet so my total usage of it is only the 15 minutes or so I spent trying a demo model at a store. However, I spent a lot of time demoing various brands and some of my research may help you decide what's best for you. My price point was also under $1000. You can definitely find better, but you'll pay for it. First, just some general things I found while demoing ellipticals.
* Machines with the wheel in the front seemed to have a better, more natural feeling movement than those in the rear.
* Stride length of 18" worked best for me (I'm 5'5"). Some low end models had 16" stride, but I found this to be too short. Others had 20" or 21" but these were too big for me.
* I don't think you'd want to buy an elliptical for less than $500. They're just too cheap feeling.
I narrowed my search to three brands, based on the reviews I read on Amazon and also on a website that has lots of reviews of treadmills and ellipticals ("treadmill sensei").
Horizon
Most chain stores carry the Horizon brand. I looked at two models: Horizon Ex56 (Horizon EX55 seems to be the older model) and Horizon EX66. These two are basically the same, with the EX66 just having a few more bells and whistles (i.e. more programs, etc.). I believe the internal mechanisms to be pretty much the same. These were well sized to fit into my smaller house. $600-$800. Overall, these seemed like a nice machine, and I almost bought the ex56, as I didn't think the extra $200 really gave me much more. The EX66 does look a bit more sleek and has 2 extra support legs that could provide better stability.
Sole
I wanted to try the Sole 25, but the store I looked at only had the next model up, the 35. These machines are a bit pricier, actually the 25 was "on sale" for $999 with a MSRP of $1999 (I don't think anyone every pays the MSRP though) and the 35 is more. Both have a 20" stride length, and this was just too big for me. For a taller person, this might be fine. The machine itself is bigger and I would have a harder time fitting it into my house. In general, the motion was very smooth. This seems like a well built machine if you have the space and money. Sole seems to have a pretty good warranty too.
Schwinn
I didn't expect Schwinn to make ellipticals. Actually, they don't. This brand falls under the Nautilus brand, which also makes bowflex, nautilus and stairmaster. I looked at the 430 and 431, (431 seems to be the later model and has more bells and whistles, like more programs, a fan and rubber pads on the foot pedals instead of just hard plastic ones on the 430, a bigger cup holder!). Consumer reports actually recommended the 418. The model numbering is strange, the 418 and 438 go together, and the 430 and 431 are similar. The 431 is smaller in size, about the same as the Horizon EX56. The price for the 430 is $600 and the 431 $800. I ended up going with the 431 (there is a promotion going on for a $100 gift card so that brings the price closer). In general both the 430 and 431 felt the same, except the rubber pads on the pedals did feel nicer with better grip for your shoes. This machine actually feels better than the horizon line due to the 25lb flywheel, vs. only 14lbs for the Horizon. This really makes the stride feel smoother. This machine also felt more solid than Horizon. The only problem with this brand is that it was hard to find a demo machine. Another potential drawback is the warranty, which is 15 year frame, 1 year parts, and 6 months labor.
Your best bet is to actually get on the machine and try them out before you buy! Good Luck!

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Elliptical trainers provide an effective cardiovascular workout that combines upper and lower body flexibility and coordination into one impact-free motion. By emulating the natural motion of your foot while supporting your heel throughout the stride, elliptical trainers are much easier on your knees and joints. In addition to feeling more natural while working out, regular use on ellipticals will increase heart and lung capacity while improving your health and burning calories.
The Schwinn 431 accommodates a wide variety of users, with a full-sized 18-inch stride length and bi-directional pedaling action that lets the user pedal forward or backward depending on the targeted muscle groups. Users will also appreciate the variety of workout programs, including three heart-rate controlled programs, a calorie goal program, a time trial, a fitness test, 10 profile programs, two custom programs, and a manual option. And thanks to the Eddy Current magnetic brake resistance system, the Schwinn 431 is smooth and quiet. Other details include an backlit LCD display with such feedback programs as Recovery Mode, Results Mode, and BMI; hand-grip heart rate monitors; a water bottle holder; and bottom wheels for easy transport. The Schwinn 431 measures 59 by 26 by 68 inches (L x W x H), weighs 172 pounds, and carries the following warranties: 15 years on the frame, two years on the parts, one year on the electronics, and 3 months on the labor.

Key Features:

Schwinn BioFit console design includes an integrated MP3/portable media compartment, on-console towel hook, fan and oversized cushioned footplates
Schwinn BioDyne performance system includes a 25-pound (11.3 kg) steel flywheel and computer controlled drive system that provide high inertia for smooth strides
Transport wheels for convenience, and oversized stabilizer tubes for rock-solid steadiness; biomechanically designed linkages to provide a comfortable movement of the foot throughout the elliptical motion
Multi-program and feature-packed Schwinn BioConnect computer allows users to input data, measure a variety of workout results, and track progress
Oversized bottle holder fits most beverage containers and may be removed and cleaned separately

Specifications:

Dimensions: 59 inches long by 26 inches wide by 68 inches tall
Maximum User Weight: 300 pounds
Power Requirements: AC Adapter
Performance Features Resistance Levels: 16
Resistance System: ECB (Eddy Current Brake) Resistance
Drive system: Computer Controlled
Workout Programs: Manual, Profile, Calorie Goal, Time Trial, Heart Rate Control, Fitness Test, Custom
Feedback Programs: BMI (Body Mass Index), Recovery Mode, Results Mode
Heart Rate Monitor: Grip Heart Rate Monitor
Computer Features Display Type: Blue Backlit LCD
Display Readout: Time, Interval Time, RPM, Watts, Distance, Pulse, Speed, Calories, Resistance

Manufacturer's Warranty Frame - 15 years, parts - 2 years, electronics - 1 year, labor - 3 months

What's in the Box? Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer, user's manual, warranty information

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Schwinn 430

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Quantum Fitness 210H Stride Total Body Elliptical Trainer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this unit from Amazon and I love it. It was super easy to put together, and it fits great in my extra bedroom. I would definately purchase again.

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The Quantum Q-210H elliptical trainer's advanced design is less than 44 inches long, giving it the smallest footprint in the industry, yet it still maintains an optimal 21-inch stride length. The result is a safe, effective cardio machine that minimizes the impact on your joints--a must for people with sensitive knees or shins.
The elliptical trainer employs unique mid-drive technology andstride motion to promote core stability, so you won't lose your balance while using thepedals only. The rest of the time you can grab the unique upper body arms for a morecomplete upper-body workout. Other details include a low step height and securehandrails that provide an easy and safe entry/exit; cushioned pedals designed to reducefoot fatigue; a welded, commercial-gauge steel frame; and a 110-volt brake system with20 resistance levels.
Key Features:
Predefined programs: Manual, random, hill, interval, 5K, weight loss
Heart-rate controlled programs: Fat burn, cardio, interval
Quick start: Yes
Personal profile storage: Personal setup data, workout time, total distance traveled,total calories burned, total number of workouts, last 3 fitness scores
Stride: Fixed, 21 inches
Display: 21 x 8 dot matrix
Display feedback: Resistance, heart rate, percent of maximum heart rate, heart ratetarget zone, time, distance (miles), strides per minute, calories, calories per minute, watts
Heart rate: Wireless, contact (heart rate strap included)
Brake system: 110-volt Eddy current brake system with 20 levels of resistance
Operating resistance: 10 to 425 watts max
Rollers: Sealed roller bearings on all pivots
Active footprint: 56 by 31.75 inches
Accessories rack: Yes
Water bottle holder: Yes
Hand grips: Biomechanically designed to fit all users
Upper body arms: Removable
Foot pads: Ergonomically designed to fit all users
Max weight capacity: 400 pounds
Dimensions: 43.5 by 65 by 31.75 inches (W x H x D)
Weight: 305 pounds

Manufacturer's Warranty Lifetime on frame; 5 year on parts; 1 year on labor
About Elliptical Trainers Elliptical trainers represent the next wave of advancement in low-impact cardiovascular exercise machines and continue to grow in popularity. By simulating motions experienced through walking, stepping, cycling, and skiing, elliptical machines allow for a smooth and fluid motion while building strength in the arms and legs. Similar to the exercise position for treadmills, elliptical trainers are used by standing in an upright position while holding the handrails of the machine. With elliptical trainers, however, your feet remain in the foot pedals throughout the exercise regimen and circulate in a smooth and seamless motion, resulting in little to no impact on the knees, back, and hips.
Elliptical trainers are compatible for all ages and fitness levels and allow you to select the difficulty level through the incline and intensity settings. Additionally, elliptical trainers allow you to determine the complexity of your workout based on your needs, all while listening to music, watching television, or reading a magazine while exercising in the comfort and safety of your own home.
Although different types of elliptical trainers offer an assortment of features, many of them include an array of challenging programs, forward and reverse directional movement, EKG grip pulse handles, a lightweight portable design with easy fold-up capability, and a monitor displaying calories burned, distance, speed, time, and heart rate. Other types of exercise machines, namely treadmills and bikes, offer excellent cardiovascular exercise and muscular training for the legs in a forward-motion exercise. Elliptical trainers take this to the next level by offering an upper and lower body workout with dual motion, challenging and diverse programs, and a low-impact exercise machine that won't strain sensitive joints.

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