Elliptical Trainer Reviews

For a Little Something Extra

For the Schwinn line of elliptical trainers, two products have come near the $1000-dollar price. One is the Schwinn 460, a trainer that offers variable stride technology. The other is the Schwinn 431 elliptical trainer, an immediate upgrade to the Schwinn 430 model. The biggest change in the 431 model is the heavier flywheel. From the standard 18-lb, Schwinn has buffed the internal flywheel to a whopping 25 lbs. Because a heavier flywheel results in tougher resistance levels, this provides you with a more solid and challenging workout.

You can also enjoy the usual 16 resistance levels, now partnered with an extensive 19 preset programs. This wide range of program combinations helps you fine-tune your daily routine, so you can find the most suitable one for your weight loss or muscle-toning goals.

Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer

Overall Rating:

 

Total Customer Reviews: (136)

Seller: Amazon

Read what customers had to say....

Like the Schwinn 460, the 431 elliptical trainer comes with another innovative technique in training equipment. BioGlide motion technology further enhances the ergonomics for the Schwinn 431. This introduces an added comfort to your workout experience. Because it aims to mimic your natural stride as accurately as possible, you also become less prone to ankle strains and injuries that may result when your footpads are less adaptive. It was also found that the Schwinn 430 did not favor heavier users all that much. As a response, the Schwinn 431 comes with a thicker and sturdier frame. They have also brought back the 300-lb weight capacity, thus keeping the trainer from wobbling and ensuring your safety while you are working out. The Schwinn 431’s console also comes with a 3-speed cooling fan, a heart rate monitor and a heart rate control system. It also comes with the standard Eddy Current Braking (ECB) system, articulating foot plates and transport wheels, signature features of workout equipment from Schwinn.

However, most users have complained of annoying squeaks when aboard the Schwinn 431. This may be due to the tightening of joints that connect the handle bars to the chassis, and may be resolved by loosening the screws by a quarter turn. The 430 also requires regular maintenance. Much like stationary bikes, the Schwinn 431 needs constant lubrication to ease friction along the joints and the flywheel. Although the 431 addresses the stability issues of its predecessor, some people believe that the price increase is just not worth the upgraded features. After all, you would have to pay $999 for a 431 while you can get the 430 for only $650.

While most people may be split halfway as to whether the 431’s additional features are worth the extra cost, it still remains one of the best elliptical trainers out there. The 25-lb flywheel alone is a mile away from its 14-lb or 18-lb competitors. The articulating foot plates are always a steal when it comes to under-$1000 trainers. Although this may not favor beginners, the Schwinn 431 definitely appeals to more experienced users who are looking for a little something extra in their daily workout routine.

This entry was posted on Friday, December 11th, 2009 at 2:42 pm and is filed under Schwinn Elliptical Trainer Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.