
Review
Purchased about a week ago. Was shipped to my door a day earlier than planned. Delivery was fine – shippers put it in my garage. I didn’t expect them to bring it into the house. I took as many parts out of the box as I could & then had my son help me carry the rest down the basement. This requires two people in pretty good shape (I think it weighs 150-200 lbs). You could put it on a dolly and that would work too.
Assembly was straightforward (this is speaking from someone who has assembled various things including a weight bench and others). I think it took the two of us about 2 hours. A helper is nice but not absolultely required. I purchased some white lithium grease from Lowes before the unit arrived. When putting it together, I lubricated the 8 pivot points. Messy but effective.
Like probably everyone else, when I first tried it, a horrible squeaking started. No problem – just lossen the two nuts on the main pivot shaft (just above the flywheel) and voila – quiet as a mouse. Did I mention that this thing is quiet? My daughter was exercising behind me in the room and I didn’t even realize she was using it.
The heart rate monitor seems to work quite well. The fan is acceptable and fairly useful, the control panel & display are good (although buttons are a little hard to push). The action of the pedals is smooth. It’s nice that it has wheels to make moving around not too bad. The drink holder is huge (holds my nalgene). The MP3 tray is not very useful – a bit small (note: there are no speakers with this unit).
The workout you get with this thing is fantastic. Much better than a treadmill because it’s quieter and less impact on the joints. I got my heart rate up to 130 (which I think is a pretty good rate for a 54 yr old). Note: Not much of an upper body workout, but that’s what weights are for.
My one complaint is that when I have my hands on the stationary bars (for heart beat) the moving handles brush against my shoulder if I’m leaning forward too much. But I’m pretty broad shouldered so this may be unique to me. I could just detach the moving handles by removing 8 screws.
Overall, I’m real happy with the unit so far. I’ve only had it a week so I don’t know how it will hold up over time but I have no reason to think it will fail any time soon. The price is really what sold me. I considered the Sole E35 but at 00, the extra 0 just didn’t justify it.
Feature
- High-quality elliptical trainer with comfortable and compact design
- Multiple workout programs, including heart-rate controlled, custom, and fitness test
- 16 computer-controlled resistance levels; upgraded foot pedals for comfort
- BioFit design creates more comfortable stride; backlit LCD console
- Measures 59 inches long by 26 inches wide by 68 inches tall; 15-year frame warranty
Overviews
The 59-in x 26-in x 68-in Schwinn® 431 elliptical features a compact design, perfect for your home. It’s made with a built-in 3-speed adjustable fan, iPod®/MP3 player holder, removable water bottle holder, and towel hook, so your comfort will not be compromised. The computer-controlled drive system provides high inertia for smooth strides, and the 19 different workout programs make reaching your fitness goals a reality.
Specifications
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 6 months on the labor.
A blue backlit LCD display allows you to track your progress with feedback programs such as Recovery Mode, Results Mode, and BMI. |
A built-in cup holder helps you stay well hydrated while exercising. |
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 – 6 months
What’s in the Box?
Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer, user’s manual, warranty information
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Compare These Elliptical Trainers
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Schwinn 430
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Schwinn 420
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Schwinn 431
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Nautilus E514
|
Schwinn 460
|
| Style |
Front Drive Dual Action |
Front Drive Dual Action |
Front Drive Dual Action |
Front Drive Dual Action |
Variable Stride Dual Action |
| Stride Length |
18 inches |
18 inches |
18 inches |
18 inches |
2 to 26 inches |
| Motion |
Forward/ Reverse |
Forward/ Reverse |
Forward/ Reverse |
Forward/ Reverse |
Forward/ Reverse |
| Resistance |
Magnetic ECB |
Magnetic ECB |
Magnetic ECB |
Magnetic ECB |
Magnetic ECB |
| Resistance Levels |
16 |
16 |
16 |
16 |
16 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) |
59″ x 26″ x 68″ |
62″ x 26″ x 71″ |
59″ x 26″ x 68″ |
62″ x 26″ x 71″ |
54″ x 34″ x 73″ |
| Product Weight |
152 pounds |
154 pounds |
172 pounds |
165 pounds |
221 pounds |
| Maximum User Weight |
275 pounds |
300 |
300 pounds |
300 |
300 pounds |
| Display |
LCD |
LCD |
Backlit LCD |
Backlit LCD |
Touch screen, backlit LCD |
| Display Features |
Speed, time, distance, RPM, watts, pulse, calories, interval time, resistance |
Speed, time, distance, RPM, watts, pulse, calories, interval time, resistance, course profile |
Speed, time, distance, RPM, watts, pulse, calories, interval, time, resistance |
Speed, time, distance, RPM, watts, pulse, calories, interval time, resistance, course profile |
Speed, time, distance, RPM, watts, pulse, calories, interval time, resistance, course profile |
| Heart Rate |
Grip |
Grip |
Grip |
Chest strap with telemetry; grip on handlebars |
Chest strap with telemetry; grip on handlebars |
| Programs |
1 manual, 6 profile, 1 calorie goal, results mode, BMI test |
1 manual, 8 profile |
1 manual, 10 profile, 2 heart rate control, 2 custom, time trial, calorie goal, fitness test, BMI test, recovery mode, results, mode |
1 manual, 11 profile, 2 custom for two users |
1 manual, 11 profile, 2 custom for two users |
| Warranty |
Frame–15 years, parts–2 years, electronics–1 year, labor–90 days |
Frame–5 years, parts–1 year, electronics–1 year, labor–90 days |
Frame–15 years, parts–2 years, electronics–1 year, labor–6 months |
Frame–10 years, parts–2 years, electronics–1 year, wear parts–90 days |
Frame–10 years, parts–2 years, electronics–1 year, wear parts–90 days |
| Other Features |
Transport wheels, water bottle holder |
Transport wheels, water bottle holder, magazine rack |
Transport wheels, water bottle holder, 3-speed fan, MP3/iPod holder |
Transport wheels, oversized deluxe footpads, water bottle holder, magazine rack |
Transport wheels, fixed and moving handlebars, articulating foot plates, cooling fan, water bottle holder |
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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.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 28, 2009 18:05:39
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