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Elliptical Trainers
#282131 12/11/09 07:39 PM
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Now that winter has arrived, and my bicycle will be hybernating for the 3 mos, I'm looking at some elliptical trainers to keep in shape over the winter months. There are usually a number of them on sale, at or near half price, at any given time and I've set my limit at around $500(sale price). Do any of you guys have any experience/recommendations on these trainers? I'm not liking some of the complaints I've been reading about some of the manufacturers out there...ie poor customer support, waiting months for replacement/missing parts ect.


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Re: Elliptical Trainers
Adrian #282148 12/11/09 08:35 PM
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My wife and I did tons of research, read reviews, and talked to people that belong to clubs. You want an adjustable elliptical, not one that restricts your stride. Also, if others will use it, everyone has a different walk, jog, or run stride.

So make sure you get an adjustable one....We ended up with the Schwinn 460, awesome reviews and great built in training routines. It is more costly than what your looking for, and I'm sure in Canada would be much higher, but you to get what you pay for....Stay away from nordic trac...


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Re: Elliptical Trainers
SirQuack #282150 12/11/09 08:41 PM
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Randy, by "adjustable" are you referring to the footrest position, or can some of these higher end machines actually have the ellipse itself adjusted? I'll check out some Schwinn's, thanks for mentioning.


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Re: Elliptical Trainers
Adrian #282151 12/11/09 08:43 PM
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Oh, you mean a coat rack.

Last edited by kcarlile; 12/11/09 08:44 PM.

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Re: Elliptical Trainers
Ken.C #282157 12/11/09 09:19 PM
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yes, with an adjustable one, it automatically adjust to your stride and step pattern. Otherwise, you just move your legs back and forth based on the machines design, which is not natural.


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Re: Elliptical Trainers
SirQuack #282161 12/11/09 09:40 PM
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The Schwinn that you speaketh of must be the Schwinn Fitness 460, about $1000 US.


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Re: Elliptical Trainers
Adrian #282162 12/11/09 09:43 PM
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I believe that is the one we ended up with....I can confirm when I get home, I think we got it cheaper on Amazon, must have gone up...


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Re: Elliptical Trainers
SirQuack #282164 12/11/09 09:58 PM
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Why not get a bike trainer and use the difference to get a pair of M3's a receiver and have money left to go out to dinner?

Just a thought.

Scott


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Re: Elliptical Trainers
a401classic #282165 12/11/09 10:10 PM
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Scott, I thought about getting one of those bike trainers but once read that they put stress on the rear hub. I've seen them at one of the local bike stores but have never tried one out. Of course, the second part of your recommendation can't be contested! \:D


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Re: Elliptical Trainers
Adrian #282172 12/11/09 11:01 PM
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I'm with Scott. You can use a bike trainer on your existing road bike (preferrable) or a mountain bike. Yes, it can stress your hub but there shouldn't be any damage assuming you mount the bike correctly and keep your weight centered most of the time so as not to torque it. I ride my steel frame road bike hard and my 180 lbs (on a bad day), don't cause any ill effects to the bike or trainer.

I use a Cyclops that I got on my local Craiglist for $100, used but great condition. Fortunately, the SF Bay Area is a hot bed for cyclists so the used market is pretty good. For a challenge, I use Spinverval DVD (http://www.spinervals.com/). Consider these just as hard as a real spin class. Try ebay, I'm sure you can find a bunch for cheap.

For the rear wheel, you'll want a cheap slick tire because any knobs will create a serious buzzing noise that will drive your housemates crazy. I bought a cheap, black road tire for $15. If you're paranoid about the back wheel, find a cheap rear wheel (which I did) and put your training tire on it. Then just change out the wheel when the bike is on the trainer. Assuming you have a quick release wheel, it's a 2 minute job. This whole setup will be WAY less than an elliptical and you'll keep your cycling legs all season. Now if you're real gung ho, you can get rollers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4lA1Yd2Jzc

There's a bit of skill involved and it's like riding on ice, but it's more natural than the trainer. BTW, I don't have the guts to try it...

Last edited by oldskoolboarder; 12/11/09 11:02 PM.
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