nordictrack elliptical

After carefully assembling the machine, I got on for a test ride. Smooth and quiet! Excellent, I thought. I guess I’m one of the lucky ones. The next morning my wife got on for her first workout. Exactly two minutes into her routine, a soft clunking sound started coming from the left handlebar central pivot. Two minutes later, a squeaking noise started. By the end of her 30 minute workout, there was squeaking coming from both handlebar pivot points that was so loud I had to crank the TV up to hear the dialogue! I guess I wasn’t so lucky.

In my opinion, the Achilles’ heel of this machine is the design of the central handlebar pivot point mechanism. Each pivot consists of a plastic “bushing” and a metal axle. The axle and bushings come from the factory with a very light coat of grease. In the case of my machine, clearly not enough lubrication was applied to prevent squeaking. In addition, because the bushings are lightly coated with grease, they attracted black plastic “sawdust” and other small fragments during manufacture and shipping. This debris may have also contributed to my squeaking issues. The fix was fairly easy. I disassembled the offending squeaking points, cleaned all of the grease and plastic debris off of the bushings and axles and then re-applied a coat of synthetic white lithium grease to all contact points. I used synthetic grease as I’ve read that petroleum based grease may break down plastic parts over time…. I reassembled everything and during a subsequent 30 minute workout session the machine was squeak free. In my opinion, Schwinn could solve this whole issue by simply supplying a tube of high-quality grease and leaving the pivot points clean. I guess they assume that the pre-applied lubricant will get most machines through the 90 day labor warranty period without squeaks…. Perhaps I’m too cynical.

So what’s the long term life expectancy of the machine and maintenance requirements? Not sure. I imagine that I’ll have to perform the above steps for the other pivot points and will likely need to repeat the process for all pivot points on some periodic basis. If the pivot points stay lubricated, I’m hoping the plastic bushings hold up for 5 years or more. At which point, I’ll feel like I’ve gotten good value out of the machine. Perhaps, worn bushings will be replaceable as necessary…. That could extend the life of the machine indefinitely.

I give the machine three stars because it is a good value for the price point. Be aware that you may get squeaking issues right out of the box or experience the issue at some point down the road. Additional lubrication appears to solve the problem (at least based on my short term experience). I’ll update this review at some point in the future if/when the handlebar pivot points start squeaking again. That’s my first hand info for anyone considering this purchase. Cheers!

A couple months later…
I’ve had this elliptical for just shy of two months. I had read all the reviews about assembly nightmares, missing or damaged parts, noise during use, etc. It seemed most were happy with the purchase except for a few defective products and a bad customer service rep or two, so I figured it was a gamble purchase but odds were in my favor + warranty and all.

Arrival/assembly:
There were no missing or broken parts when I received the machine but the packaging wasn’t so hot. Nevertheless, this machine is so sturdy that it would really have to be mishandled hard to have bent/broken parts. None missing, thank god. Assembly was a pain. Not rocket science but tedious and annoying. I’d say it took a couple hours and a couple of the screws seemed to be very stubborn. Sturdy tho! And it got done..

Use:
After the second use I heard the loud screech that other reviews mention. Their tips about losening the bolts 1/4 turn until it stopped were so helpful and no more noise even 2 months later. I did have to tighten the area that attaches to the foot pedal ‘thing’ because there was a slight squeak. However, it was easy to hear where it came from, simply to adjust and for the price I wouldn’t complain. Besides Schwinn recommends you always check the stability and make any needed adjustments each time before use (safety, blah blah blah)

Functionality:
I get a great workout with this machine. Now I’m just shy of 6′3 so I might have liked a tad longer stride length but honestly it’s not a big deal and I wouldn’t have paid the price difference for it. The display is fine for what it’s worth. There are, in my opinion, cool features like ‘recovery score’ for your heart rate, etc. I do not rely on accuracy for calories or speed but it’s close enough I’m sure. The heart rate monitor is s-l-o-w to take readings but it does work–again, price range.

Overall:
What a great buy thru Amazon. While I might have changed a couple tiny things, there is no way it could have happened in this price range so 5 stars. It’s so great to be able to workout at home at my convenience. I may not be America’s Next Top Model with this elliptical but at least I’m getting my 30 minutes of exercise a day without financing some outrageous equipment. I truly feel great and you can’t put a price on that.

The Schwin is working out well
I purchased the Schwinn Elliptical 430 about two months ago. I have been working out about five times a week for 60 minutes each time. It is a good, sturdy machine and I am satisfied with the purchase. The only thing that disappointed me is that the “moving arms” are not adjustable to height. I am short (5′2″) and it is not comfortable for me to use the “moving arms” - it is too much of a reach for me. I mostly use the handles with the heart rate monitor, which gets to be tiresome for my hands at times. Otherwise it is a great machine with everything I wanted.