Saturday, October 31, 2009

Bladez DX7T-MEO Folding Treadmill


... WE PURCHASED A DIFFERENT MODEL.
OUR MODEL,THE BLADEZ MILAN,DOES NOT HAVE THE TV MONITOR,ANY AUDIO OR A NOISY FAN.WE HAVE ADDED OUR OWN FAN AND TV.
BUT OUR TREADMILL HAS THIS ONE GREAT FEATURE.
AN EASY ASSIST MECHANISM THAT HELPS TO RAISE AND LOWER THE DECK.
WE NEED TO MOVE THE TREADMILL AT TIMES AND THIS IS A GREAT HELP.I ASSUME OTHER MODELS WOULD HAVE THIS GREAT FEATURE,ALSO.
AFTER ONE MONTH WE BELIEVE THIS IS A QUIET WELL BUILT TREADMILL.BUT TIME AND USE WILL BE THE JUDGE.
HAVE A GOOD DAY. ...
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Friday, October 30, 2009

Epic 550 View Treadmill


... I purchased this product Feb 16 2009 from Sams Club [...]. The warranty states "the frame and drive motor are warranted for a life-time. Parts and labor are warranted for one(1) year from the date of purchase". I purchased an additional 1 yr warranty from Sams Club [...]. I've given this product a one-star review because (1) the incline motor broke in the first month of use; and (2) the product's warranty has hidden fees associated with it.

The machine came in a box that was very wide and very heavy. I hired 2 men to transport and put the product in the room it would be used. After they removed the packaging, it looked like it would be relatively simple to put together myself, so I decided to attempt to assemble it with the assistance of a male friend (instructions state 2 people are needed to assemble the machine--absolutely true!!). Putting the front of the machine on and off of the provided cardboard piece (as per the instructions)was awkward. The alignment of the screws gave us the biggest problem. One of the holes needed enlarging a little bit to accommodate the screw. It took us approximately 45 minutes to assemble it.

Initially, I was pleased with the operation of the treadmill. The various programs were adequate. The treadmill's TV function hasn't been used because the treadmill is setup in front of a big screen TV, and I didn't purchase it for the TV. Until yesterday, my son and I used the treadmill almost every day for approximately 45 minutes each. The highest incline used was level 10 and it ran very smoothly. Yesterday, less than 1 month of owning this machine, I elevated the machine to its highest level of 12 to vacuum the debris that had accumulated from the walking belt at the back of the machine. Afterwards, when I went to lower the machine back to zero elevation, the machine refused to decline. I turned off the machine and restarted it several times but was not able to get it to decline at all. Everything else on the machine was working

I immediatedly called the customer service telephone number that was on the user manual. The customer service rep told me he would open a case for me and proceeded to ask info about the purchase. After I provided the requested information, he asked me to run a routine on the machine that would help him identify the problem. I followed his instructions. He then told me that the "incline motor" needed replacing. Ok...at this point I'm thinking this repair won't cost me anything. I WAS WRONG!! The customer service rep tells me that although my warranty does cover the free replacement of the defective part and labor, there are fees that are not covered by the warranty. Specifically, I would have to pay the cost of shipping the replacement part [...] but would also have to pay what they refer to as a "trip charge" [...]. I told the rep that I've had this machine for less than a month and in no way did I think it fair that I should have to pay anything for what is clearly a defective part. He became apologetic and asked me "what amount do you think would be fair". I told him I felt I shouldn't have to pay anything, particularly [...]. He then directed me to the 4th sentence of the second paragraph of the warranty which says "For in-home service, the customer will be responsible for a minimal trip charge". I told him a [...] charge is not "minimal". He then told me I have another option. He told me if I purchased from them a 4 yr extended warranty [...], the shipping fee and trip fee would be waived. I told I wasn't going to buy their extended warranty nor was I going to pay the [...] trip charge. I said, instead I'm going to write a letter to the presidentof Icon Fitness and complain about this rip-off practice. He then asked to put me on hold so that he could speak to his supervisor. When he returned he told me they would waive the [...] trip charge (this time).

If I had known how this warranty operated, I would not have purchased this machine. I'm writing to the president of the company to tell him what I think of their warranty. ...
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Thursday, October 29, 2009

LifeSpan Fitness TR 2000-HRC Treadmill


... Does what I need, basic functions, speed and incline controls and timer/speed displays are all set up well. Noise level is low allowing me to listen to the TV or radio easily.

2 Negatives - I don't like what are supposed to be cup holder/remote control bins. Very poor design. I tie-wrapped an improvised remote control container to the handle. Static shocks have been frequent. Is there a good way to preclude this such as a specific grounding technique?

Overall very satisfied. ...
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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Sole TT8 Treadmill (2009 Model)


... This machine is perfect if you are looking for a light commercial machine for your home. Its the widest running surface my wife could find online, 22". It also has a huge 3.5HP motor. ...
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Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Phoenix Denise Austin 98510 Easy-Up Manual Treadmill


... This product was pretty much what I expected. It was not too difficult to assemble. However, it should come with some lubricant for the belt, it was a bit "jerky" at the beginning. After using some lubricant on the belt it was much smoother. ...
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Monday, October 26, 2009

Bowflex TC5000 Treadclimber (Refurbished by Nautilus)


... I just got this in last week and put it together yesterday. I was avoiding it because I thought it would be difficult, coming in 3 seperate boxes. Me, a woman, and my 13 year-old daughter got this together in about an hour. I was surprised. I was also surprised by how it looks. There isn't a scratch or mark on it, no proof at all that this has ever even been used before! I am going to start using it tonight. I will comment back on how well it works and "hopefully" if I start loosing weight and trimming up! This was a definite good deal! Why spend another $1000 for a new one? Amazon is the best! ...
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Sunday, October 25, 2009

Sole F63 Treadmill (2009 Model)


... Well, I only made it to the third step in the assembly process before I lacerated my thumb and required (3) stitches. So, I don't have experience using the machine, but I have experience putting it together, and I'm not impressed with what's required for assembly. The plastic on the sides that covers the arm mounting areas is held in place with little "clip nuts" that are extremely difficult to get lined up and difficult to thread the bolt into. I'm a mechanical engineer, I design assemblies like this for a living, and I'm fairly good at it. Perhaps some of the difficulty was that we are installing the treadmill on carpet making reaching the threaded locations nearly impossible, but can easily think of 100 different ways to attach these side covers without the ridiculous low precision method the Chinese engineers with Sole came up with. If you plan to purchase one of these, be sure to add $50 to the cost for the potential emergency room visit.

That being said, ours came with a free Vuze TV & Stand, so I'm still ahead assuming I can one day soon get it put together and don't incur any additional injuries! ...
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Saturday, October 24, 2009

BodyCraft 1120 Folding Treadmill


... Ordered this treadmill on line from Amazon (no sales tax & no shipping), site unseen. It arrived 10 days later by a trucking company. We were able to put it together in 20 minutes and were walking. It is used by three adults and we walk/run 7-10 miles a day total. It is very stable when walking/running, smooth walking platform, low noise so we can easily hear the stereo when walking/running. This treadmill does not come with all the extras like fan, ipod docking, or TV (which usually break and cost too much to fix). We are very happy and thank the Treadmill Sensei for making it easy for us to choose a treadmill for our needs! ...
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Friday, October 23, 2009

Horizon Fitness T93 Treadmill


... I just received my treadmill and put it together, Instructions were easy to follow. Treadmill will not power up the console. Followed the troubleshooting guide in the book and all checked fine. As instructed in the manual, I called their custmomer survice for Tech Support. I am on pacific time and they are on central time so all I could do was leave a message. The auto recording took my information and said that I would receive a call back. did not say if it wouldbe thenext business day or not. I will call again in the morning. Very leary that I just purchased a $1000.00 clothes rack.......
I did get a call back from the Tech support, unfortunately the left a message to have me call back and to try to use the troubleshooting guide in the manual. I fixed the problem after leaving this review. I had to open up the console to find that the main power connector to the dispaly was never connected. I called Horizon back, was on hold for 20 minutes then disconnected with a message that I would get a call back. The treadmill is great, Horizon customer service not so great..... ...
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Thursday, October 22, 2009

Sole F83 Treadmill (2009 Model)


... I recently receive my F-83, it is an outstanding product.

Easy to set up and operate, great features.

I was supposed to have inside delivery to my house.

The delivery was a night mare. The delivery company delivered it to the wrong address (my office) and the driver refused to take it to the proper one when it was pointed out to him on the bill of laden. He was in too big of a hurry to get back to Dallas.

I do not blame Sole but am very up set with Amazon for using this type of delivery service, as I know they have had similar complants about this company previously on delivery.

I will think twice before ordering another large item that has to be delivered by truck. ...
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Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Star Trac V-Pulse 3210 Vibration Training Platform


... For those who are knocking this product without knowing anything about it, I have actually used it. My friend owns a similar model and at first I was skeptical as some of you. Although I can't afford it, I am able to use it whenever I visit his house which is quite regularly. I am a recreational runner, weightlifter, and have recently started the p90x routine... working out is my hobby.

At first it was really awkward and even gave me a slight headache because it vibrates so fast and powerfully(it is definitely not safe near unattended kids). But after I learned how to use it I love it. This vibration board actually works great when performing stretching and calisthenics on it. I wouldn't say it's better than other forms of exercise, just different and definitely effective. For example doing pushups w/ my feet on the floor and my hands on the platform forces me to tense my muscles harder. I can do over 100 continuous pushups normally, but less than 30 on this machine. Stretching while on this machine is incredible...i fell like my muscles are loosening better.

The actual vibrations are pretty intense. It's not designed to be used for long periods of time, that's why the built in timer settings are great to have. The safety handles help keep your balance.

The only reason I don't own one is because it's so darn expensive. So if money is not an issue, I would say definitely get one, but only if you are going to use it. Like any piece of workout equipment, it's not worth the money if you plan on using it as a clothes rack. It takes a short while to get used to, but it works. Although the equipment is 5 stars, I gave it 4 stars only because of the high price and my perceived value for the money. ...
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Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Bowflex Series 3 Treadmill


... As can happen sometimes, the first treadmill we received from Amazon was damaged during shipping. Amazon was very efficient and prompt in sending a new one in exchange. A year later and a few days after my warranty expired, I was having trouble with the speed sensor. I spoke with Shannon, Megan and John at Customer Service. All three technicians were very helpful and patient. Shannon went the extra mile and sent replacement parts to me at no charge. This is not the norm and I really appreciated it. I hope it's a long while before I need a new treadmill, however, when I do, I'll be getting a Bowflex and from Amazon. ...
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Monday, October 19, 2009

Sole F85 Treadmill (2009 Model)


... Very, very good product. Only thing is, the "STOP" button broke and fell into the console after two (2) days. Fantastic customer service, though, sent us a new console in a couple of days, no hesitation at all. I am sure it was less expensive than attempting to have someone come out and replace the button, as the mounting housing was part of the interior of the console. All said, I would rate a 96 out of 100. Program choices, including two customized programs for User 1 and User 2 (in addition to other programs), plug in for sound, fan, capacity, speed, incline, and easy-to-understand instructions for use and assembly make this a superior choice. The assembly required is minimal and a 12-year-old could (did) follow the instructions. Worth every penny (and yes, it was a fair number of pennies). ...
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Sunday, October 18, 2009

Horizon Fitness T92 Treadmill


... I love my treadmill. The company that delivered it even put it together for me, a service they provide which I was so greatful for. It took them a few minutes to figure out why the wheels weren't folding back but the key is to lift it from the back and they will. Then finishing the assembly of the machine was easier. I would recommend this to anyone. My kids love the IPOD port and I love the fan addition. ...
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Sunday, October 11, 2009

Stamina InMotion II Manual Treadmill


... I love this treadmill! It is easy to assemble and earthfriendly. The only thing you burn is calories. It does take some time getting used to it at first, it runs different than an electrical treadmill. Once you get used it, it is great and gives a much bette workout. Folds up nicely for easy storage and I have not had many problems with the belt moving side to side. ...
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Friday, October 9, 2009

Merit Fitness 725T Treadmill


... Spent quite a bit of time researching treadmills as there are so many models to chose from. But my budget was under $500 and this one appeared to have good reviews. Very satisfied with the product overall. The speeds are adequate, the incline motor is great and comes with a great warranty. The motors are amazingly quiet and smooth, and it folds up pretty well. The only thing I can wish for is that the computer turned off automatically instead of having to manually turn off. Also the only thing that doesn't work properly is the heart rate monitor. But I use a manual wrist monitor in any case, so not a big problem. ...
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Thursday, October 8, 2009

Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill


... this treadmil is the best. it comes ready to plug in and strat working out. my girlfriend and I use it everyday for a 30 minute workout and it has given us no trouble. I can see how it may be to small for a guy or a very tall woman but it works great for us. it is really easy to put up and down and hide it if you have people coming over or if you need the space. it is really compact and easy to move around. I'm glad I purchased this item. ...
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Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill


... 1. Delivery man (there was only 1) said he would not have delivered the box upstairs if I had needed that. Unless I paid extra. Freight company was ABF in Houston TX. They called me in advance before the delivery and asked me where I wanted it. So I had an opportunity to request a delivery upstairs but wanted to make this point here, don't assume you can have this option.

2. The packages is quite large and quite heavy. I don't see how one person could have moved this anywhere but then I'm a woman. The delivery man using special equipment did deliver the box to our garage which was a straight shot on a driveway with no incline (they asked about this on the phone).

3. First problem I ran into was the wires that needed to be threaded up thru the left column holding up the console. A black wire is provided to pull the wire thru but it kept getting clogged up. Once I got some duct tape and taped the end so there was nothing to catch on whatever it was that caused the column to become more narrow, the problem was solved.

4. Once the column on the left and one on the right were attached (pretty easy), the console was attached also very easily although my husband had to be there holding it while I was guiding it. There was no way I could have done this without him. He's a big guy. Though the console was bulky, I don't think holding it for this part of the installation required someone of extra strength.

5. The next problem was the most frustrating. There are two arm pieces, one on the left and one on the right. Each piece is composed of a couple of parts that needed to be screwed in. Difficult to describe but the main point is that the screws need to be screwed from the inside (near the cross bar) pointing out, i.e. in a somewhat difficult position for maneuvering. I found it impossible to screw these hex screws using the hex screwdriver provided. (the allen screwdriver was okay for the allen screws). There were a couple of reasons the hex screwdriver was so difficult. But bottom line, I went to the hardware store and bought a very long hex screwdriver with a very nice grip that made it much much easier. (because of the length, the interference from the cross bar was minimized...)

6. finished the rest of the arm pieces and powered it on and it works during our short demonstration. It does seem to be very very sturdy and because of the heaviness, I'm hoping it will be long lasting.

7. Last complaint, the documentation has nothing about the "KEY" and where it goes. We figured it out but how difficult would it have been to provide this info? Other questions we figured out that were not documented. Guess I'm used to clearer info from my previous experience with assembling furniture and what not. I definitely got the impression that the manufacturers were assuming that people with experience in mechanical installations would be putting this together. Not the case with us.

Whew! I was really nervous about this. Thank goodness it seems to have gone okay at this point. I have the name of a repair person for exercise equipment that will come to your home that I've used before and found highly competent. If we do have any problems, I don't plan to try to fix it myself or even call the company. Sounds like that would be a real frustrating experience. I plan to just call her. Let's hope I don't have to.

(Note- I don't remember it being documented here but for anyone not aware, the machine can only handle 300 pounds (did I say my husband was big? but luckily not 300. The bowflex 3 is only for maximum of 275 pounds - just so you know...) ...
Check Amazon Price and Read More Reviews on Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Horizon Fitness RC-30 Recumbent Exercise Bike


... The bike was easy to assemble, took a little over an hour. It has been running without issue since it arrived. the only downside is that the screen does not light up when its on and it can be difficult to see in low light, so don't plan to be able to read the screen without overhead lights on. Over all this is a great bike. ...
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Monday, October 5, 2009

Weslo 360 R Recumbent Exercise Bike


... This bike has been great for me. It is very quiet so I can ride while my children nap. The seat is comfortable and the display unit is high enough that you can rest a book on while you ride. I get a great work out on it. ...
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Sunday, October 4, 2009

Horizon Fitness RC-40 Recumbent Exercise Bike


... When this product came I had to put it together. My only problem was the small tool that tightens the bolts fell into the open part of the wheel section which I had to open to get out. Once that was done everything else was pretty easy to follow. Great directions enclosed. When I ordered my treadmill the company that delivered it put it together for me but I had to put the bike and the elliptical because a different company delivered them. Took me about 5 hours but I put the two products together myself. ...
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Saturday, October 3, 2009

Weslo® Pursuit E25 Exercise Cycle


... I've had mine for a couple of weeks now, here is the specifications some of you are looking for.

1. THE SEAT; Some mentioned it was unconfortable--I didn't notice but here is why and my advice on how to deal with it. If you take both your hands and put your thumb tips together, then your two middle fingers together to form something like a diamond shape--then seperate them about two inches.....and you have the size of the seat. My opinion is--don't lean forward much. Futher, I've got a pillow and half a roll of duck tape to deal with that problem if it ever arrives. (I don'tknow why the industry keeps putting bicycle seats on these exercise machines when everybody knows a motorcycle seat is better.
2. THE RESISTANCE KNOB; Yeal, that knob isn't the best design. If you look up at the top of the page and see the picture, you'll notice the front wheel. Well, a canvas strap wraps around that wheel. When you want more resistance, you turn the knob and it tightenes up the strap. This way you get more resistance. One of the problems here, the difference between no resistance and total resistance is that strap being tightened up about one half inch. I tried mine, it does work, but not as well as I would have liked it to. Fortunately, you can reach through the handlebars and take hold of the straps' end (just above the front wheel) and either loosen or tighten it. Don't ask me how long that canvas strap will work before friction wears through it. For those of you who've been around, the strap is a lot like the military straps on your 'web' gear where you tighten and loosen things up. It is also similair to the straps on a 'field pack'. The bottom of this strap has some sort of felt-like material under it. This strap wraps around a 'slick' piece of plastic. This plastic allows the strap to slide around the wheel without heat build up. It feels less slick than 'soapstone'. I figure it will last a year. I have other straps on my field pack. If this strap ever breaks...I'll sew it to one of them.
3. PEDALS. Plastic, wider and longer than on my mountain bike...here's the measurements.
Mountain bike: Four inchs wide (wider than my foot) three inches long.
Exercise bike: Four/one half inches wide...three/one half inches long.

Remember the last time you rode a bike and the middle of your foot was a little sore?......I don't think this will be a problem.
4. FOAM HAND GRIPS; They remind me of pipe wrap. A hollow tube of foam that you pull over the white handle bars. I tried to just pull mine on and tore a 'thumbnail' size piece out of one. Then, I took my can of WD-40--sprayed both handlebars-- and 'wringed' the hand grips on. Wringed?...like wringing a wash cloth--twist forward with the right hand, twist backwards with the left while all the time scooting it across the handle bar. The only real trouble I had getting them on was stretching the hollow foam tube open enough to get it started on the handle bar.
5. CHAIN: I've hand no trouble with the chain yet.
six. FRONT WHEEL; Front wheel is made of plastic.
7. CHAIn GUARD; If you look up at the picture you'll see a black material covering the 'chain' area--I guess to keep your fingers and toes away from it. It is on both sides of the bike and is made of fairly strong plastic--I didn't take it apart.
8. TIME TO CONSTRUCT: It took me about an hour to put this machine together.
9. WOBBLE: Mine sits on a short nape wall to wall carpet with padding under the carpet. Sitting on it, and tilting to either side I get little more than one inch of wobble in either direction--nice and sturdy.
10. CONSTRUCTION; Nice and solid. A man once mentioned to me '...the front bumper on your car is twenty gage steel...' The metal supports in this machine appear to be the same thickness. Very solid construction for all supports. In the construction instructions it said '...supports up to 250 pounds...' I have to agree--I doubt any of us will break one of these supports in our life time.
11. HEIGHT OF SEAT; With my seat at the lowest position, it measures out to 31 inches high. I read all the other reviews. Some mentioned it was hard for short people to get on. I'm just over five and half feet tall--I have no problem at all. Those of you who are shorter might consider pulling the seat out (steel rod attached) and cut the bottom three inches off of the hollow steel rod. You'll have to leave screw/pin adjustment knob off unless you want to re-drill your hole. (I'm going to put a captain's 'seat' on mine so I can swivel it around and work on my computer--so I don't have a problem with tossing that 'screw/pin' away.
12. ELECTRONICS; I didn't mount mine to the bike--I have no use for such things as distance, calories burned...yak, yak, yak.

All in all, very sturdy construction in all the 'key' places. That resistance strap may or may not be a problem in the future with it breaking--but I know a work-around. I don't think you'll find its' equal on the internet for the same price anywhere. I got mine at one hundred and nineteen dollars--I noticed other web sites were charging two hundred dollars for the same product....this is probably some 'introductory' price.

If you are poor or cheap (like me) you might consider Weslo Pursuit E25.

bye! ...
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Friday, October 2, 2009

Cateye Gamebike Exercise Bike


... Bought the bike and received unit sans the fitness meter and adapter. Still waiting on the adapter, but they tell me the meter is discontinued...still showing it in the sales info though...instruction/build manual appears to be from another/out-dated model. Definely my last internet purchase from an out-of-state supplier :-( ...
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Thursday, October 1, 2009

Upright Fan Cycle


... Back in January, I attempted to buy a fan bike from Amazon.com. They had a high quality bike that normally went for $220 that was marked down to $80. I went ahead and purchased it, happy with the fact I got a great deal. After a couple of days passed, I noticed that my credit card was not billed. I made several inquiries and I was told that Amazon didn't have the bike in stock and my order was subsequently cancelled. They then offered me this bike as a replacement, though it was listed at $120. After several hours of complaining and threatening legal action (bait and switch), they finally relented and gave me the bike at $80 (though I now needed to pay tax and increased shipping). When the bike arrived, I must say I was disappointed...there was no resistance settings...one speed, all the time. No matter how I adjust the seat, the handles are too far away and I am forced to lean in an uncomfortable position to work the handles. I get absolutely no work out...instead a sore back from leaning over.

This is the second time I found an item on Amazon that was a "great value" ($150 below invoice), and the second time I was unable to purchase the item even though I was told that I successfully purchased. ...
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