Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer

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 165 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.

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 - 3 months

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

Compare These Recumbent Exercise Bikes
	Schwinn A40	Schwinn 420 (2009)	Schwinn 420 (2012)	Schwinn 431	Schwinn 460	Nautilus E514
Number of Programs	7	10	10	19	16	16
Workout Programs	1 Manual, 6 Profile	6 Profile, 1 Custom, Quick Start, Fitness Test, Results Mode	6 Profiles, 1 Custom, Quick Start, Fitness Test, Results Mode	1 Manual, 10 Profile, Calorie Goal, Time Trial, 3 Heart Rate Control, Fitness Test, 2 Custom	1 Manual, 11 Profile, 2 Custom for 2 Users	6 Profile, Quick Start, 2 Custom, 3 Heart Rate Controlled, Fitness Test, Distance Goal, Calorie Goal, Results Mode
Performance Tracking	No	No	No	No	Schwinn Advantage™	No
Stride Length	Fixed 17 inch	Fixed 18 inch	Fixed 18 inch	Fixed 18 inch	Variable 2 to 28 inches	Fixed 18 inch
Polar® Heart Rate System	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Heart Rate	contact	contact	contact	contact	telemetry enabled (with chest strap) & contact	telemetry enabled (with chest strap) & contact
Display Type	LCD	extra large LCD	LCD	blue backlit LCD	backlit touchscreen LCD	extra large blue backlit LCD
Resistance Levels	8	16	16	16	16	16
Other Features	magnetic eddy current brake, extra large console, articulating footplates, space saving front drive flywheel, fan, reading rack, water bottle holder, powered by battery or AC adaptor (sold separately), transport wheels, switchable from miles to kilometers	magnetic eddy current brake, fixed & moving handlebars, articulating footplates, space saving front drive flywheel, extra large LCD window, transport wheels, switchable from miles to kilometers, AC adaptor included	magnetic eddy current brake, articulating footplates, fixed & moving handlebars, space saving front drive flywheel, extra large console, speakers, fan, reading rack, water bottle holder, rear stabilizer frame levelers, transport wheels, switchable from miles to kilometers, AC adaptor included	magnetic eddy current brake, articulating footplates, fixed & moving handlebars, space saving front drive flywheel, extra large console, fan, reading rack, water bottle holder, rear stabilizer frame levelers, transport wheels, ac adaptor included	magnetic eddy current brake, fixed & moving handlebars, space saving front drive flywheel, articulating foot plates, fan, transport wheels, water bottle holder, reading rack	magnetic eddy current brake, articulating footplates, space saving front drive flywheel, blower fan, reading rack, water bottle holder, rear stabilizer frame levelers, transport wheels, switchable from miles to kilometers
Dimensions (L x W x H)	59 x 23 x 64 inches	62 x 26 x 71 inches	62 x 26 x 71 inches	59 x 26 x 68 inches	54 x 34 x 73 inches	62 x 26 x 71 inches
Product Weight	93 pounds	152 pounds	152 pounds	165 pounds	205 pounds	165 pounds
Warranty	Frame: 2 years, Mechanical and Electric: 6 months, Wear Parts: 30 days	Frame: 5 years, Parts: 1 year, Electronics: 1 year, Wear Parts: 90 Days	Frame: 5 years, Parts: 1 year, Electronics: 1 year, Wear Parts: 90 Days	Frame: 15 years, Parts: 2 years, Electronics: 1 year, Wear Parts: 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: 6 months
Max. User Weight	275 pounds	300 pounds	300 pounds	300 pounds	300 pounds	300 pounds

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.

Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
***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!