Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer

5 Comments

1. balefire says:

   June 21, 2010 at 11:31 am

   Review by balefire for Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer
   Rating:
   I didn’t see many reviews on the 430, much less details regarding the differences between this stripper model and its big brother brethren. So here goes my first real Amazon review:

   Why I chose the Schwinn 430
   
   -Price (esp on Amazon w/ mat and shipping)
   
   -Space saving
   
   -ECB resistance
   
   -Forward + Backward
   
   -25 lb flywheel (per manual)
   
   -18″ stride

   Why I’m happy after buying
   
   -Feels solidly built, like it will last
   
   -Relatively quiet
   
   -Forward + Backward motion
   
   -Bargain price, esp w/ Amazon mat + shipping
   
   -I get a good workout

   Why I’m not happy
   
   -Manual subpar. Amazon acknowledges with email M8x25 error, but there are other (unrecognized by Amazon) mistakes.
   
   -Fit is only 99% perfect. Some holes don’t line up perfectly, but what can you expect at this price point?
   
   -”Heel rising” during motion despite “articulating foot plate” was a little more than I expected, but not much more than other ellipticals
   
   -I’m only 5’9″, but I prefer a 20″ stride (found on Sole Ellipticals), probly because I’m use to the gym but 18″ is definitely ok
   
   -Display is hard to read. Backlighting (on 418,438) would help.
   
   -The “easiest” setting is a little hard for my wife, probly due to heavy flywheel
   
   -My wife has tripped over the small power cord, so I can understand why battery power on the 418 is a nice option.

   Differences between 430, 418, and 438

   430
   
   LCD display
   
   AC Power
   
   Grip HR Monitor
   
   Preprogrammed Workouts 8
   
   Max User Weight 275 lbs.
   
   Warranty: Labor – 90 days

   418
   
   adds backlit LCD
   
   adds Battery Power Option to AC
   
   same Grip HR Monitor as 430
   
   increases Preprogrammed Workouts 12
   
   same Max User Weight as 430
   
   increases Warranty: Labor – 6 Months; Wear Items – 6 Months

   438
   
   adds fan, multi grip handlebar to backlit LCD
   
   deletes Battery Power Option of 418, only AC
   
   adds Chest Strap HR Monitor to Grip Monitor
   
   increases total Preprogrammed Workouts 21, 4 user settings
   
   increases Max User Weight – 300 lbs.
   
   same warranty as 418

   Due to the price, I would buy the Schwinn 430 again in a heartbeat. Same award winning mechanics as the 418, 438 but a much cheaper price point. However, if you work out a lot at night and want a backlight, or don’t want a power cord across the room, I would seriously consider spending the extra $200 for the 418 despite the problematic Amazon reviews.

   UPDATE: Like others, I too had developed a small “squeaking noise” problem. However, my squeaking was located where the moving handlebars pivot, close to the flywheel. A quick call to Schwinn (hold time < 1 min) told me that I probably tightened the handlebars too much. I was told to back off by a quarter turn until the squeaking disappeared. Three quarter turns later, my squeaking is gone! Apparently my obsessive compulsiveness in tightening everything down was too aggressive. One month later, and I still love my Schwinn 430, and I was very happy with the customer service too.
2. SGT SCOTT says:

   June 21, 2010 at 11:44 am

   Review by SGT SCOTT for Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer
   Rating:
   I am a soldier who has recently returned from deployment. While I was deployed I injured both knees and am unalbe to run due to the impact. I had tried ellipticals while I was deployed and was quite impressed with the work out I got. When I returned I went out and started searching for one of my own. My goal was to keep it under $1000. I tried many different brands and discovered that not all ellipticals are created equal. Many of them are cheaply made and shake side to side or make alot of noise. The stride is very important. I am 6 foot tall and the 16 inch stride on some of them just didnt cut it. I ended up buying a Proform 160 from the Proform website since it had an 18 inch stride and seemed to be sturdy, however, after discovering how little they care about customer service, I cancelled my order. I ended up buying an Image 9.5 from Walmart. I used it for about 3 weeks and came to the conclusion that the foot pedals were spaced too far apart and it put pressure on my knees and made my hips hurt. After thinking about it for a minute it made sense to me, who runs with thier feet that far apart anyway. My feet almost land in a straight line when I run. So I set out to find one with closer pedals. Overall I tried almost 2 dozen different machines and finally found the Schwinn 430 at a fitness store. I tried the 418 and 438 also, but the 430 seemed to be the most comfortable to me. The 438 and some of the other brands seem to have a high arch on the upstroke. The 430 was very smooth and ultra quiet. It is very well made and should last for many years. Amazon had the best deal on it and had it to me in about 8 days. It is a very comfortable machine. After all of this I would say to anyone wanting to buy an elliptical, try alot of them, I tried all the ones at Sears, Oshmans, Academy and Fitness in motion. Make sure the stride length, pedal angle and pedal spacing are comfortable for you, after all, if its not comfortable you wont want to use it. The only thing I think could be improved on the Schwinn 430 is a backlit display. Luckily I work out with the lights on so its not a problem, haha. I tried many machines that were between $2-3000 and this one was still more comfortable to me. It is a heavy machine, so get help carrying it in, but you will be glad its heavy when you ride it. It is some assembly required, but it has fairly clear instructions, so there shouldnt be a problem with assembly. Happy Hunting!
3. Jeremiah II says:

   June 21, 2010 at 12:08 pm

   Review by Jeremiah II for Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer
   Rating:
   PRICE:

   Amazon offered the best price at $600.00 and free shipping. With the lowest price and the confidence of buying from a recognized and established business rather than some online fly-by-night, Amazon was the obvious choice.

   PURCHASE:

   Online ordering was, of course, a breeze at Amazon. Shipment was done via “Eagle GL” shipper. Make sure your correct telephone number is included in the ordering process because Eagle will not deliver the product without an appointment. Delivery personnel were ahead of schedule, polite and helpful. The delivery is curbside only and you should make plans to move the 200 lb box to your indoor workout location. You may find it easier to unload the box at the drop point and carry in the individual pieces. The flywheel, however, may take two people or just leave it in the box and slide it up the steps.

   CUSTOMER SERVICE / ASSEMBLY:

   A real nightmare. Online reviews of other Schwinn ellipticals warn the prospective purchaser that Schwinn has a real problem with packing the proper parts. The 430 is no exception. Two right legs made the unit inoperative. Several calls to customer service, although they have a great bedside manner, netted little results as each representative advised different information and none could correct the problem in a timely fashion. An email to Nautilus, (parent company of Schwinn), upper management did result in action within five minutes of receiving the message after 8:00 PM. The problem was taken care of within three days, (even they had a problem with obtaining the proper part), and they showed a genuine concern for the situation.

   The assembly manual rated about a 5 out of 10. Parts were incorrectly labeled and some parts changed their part number on each page they were displayed. Customer service either read from a different diagram or could not understand what was presented to them. Take it slow and as a hint, there is no M8x25 bolt.

   FEATURES:

   General Use – The ECB system makes for a very quiet, very smooth ride. Parents of newborns will find this welcome when space restrictions require exercise close to their sleeping babe (aside from an occasional electronic beep, but not a nap breaker). The forward and reverse option is an added benefit not found on other machines in this price range.

   Size – No excuse here. Though slightly wider than a ski machine, the 430 will fit in any apartment. The front rollers make it possible, (not easy), to move the unit into a corner when not in use.

   Electronics – Nice array of feedback though no backlight with this model. Heart rate monitor is lacking, however. When compared to a “Polar” HRM with chest strap the 430′s HRM took about 60 seconds to display an accurate reading. Since the sensors are located on the stationary handlebars this feature is not helpful to someone who chooses to use the dynamic handlebars for upper body movement.

   BioFit & BioGlide – Big words for “a well polished machine” Essentially this means that the design is such that there are no rough edges, placement of interaction points with the user, (handlebars, electronics, etc.), have been optimized and so forth. Although nice, this is what consumers expect in a product. Anything less would be a poor purchase.

   Foot Plate – Although Schwinn claims that the 430 has articulating foot plates, (follow the foot’s path to maintain contact with the surface), I found my heel constantly rising as in the motion of a cross-country ski machine. The plates are wide and hard plastic. Even with walking shoes on this is a bit uncomfortable. The plates could use a softer surface and a strap system to hold the foot in place.

   PERFORMANCE:

   Once you get the unit together you’ll find one smooth ride (No reference to the manufacturer of other elliptical equipment intended). Since the unit was just manufactured in 2006 and this review is written after only one use, it is unknown how long the 430 will hold up to its good performance. For now, however, the 430, coupled with another Nautilus product, the Bowflex home gym, may entice you to cancel your exercise club membership, that is if you can get past the ego trip of the mirrors first.

   Sept. 28, 2008 – Still going strong. A few minor creeks that could probably be resolved with lubrication or bolt adjustment, but it’s still smooth, quiet and no mechanical problems.
4. J. Schreiber says:

   June 21, 2010 at 12:59 pm

   Review by J. Schreiber for Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer
   Rating:
   I don’t know what all the prior fuss is about. I had no trouble reading the assembly manuel and putting the elliptical together all by myself in under 2 hours. And I’m a female! The parts were labeled correctly, formed correcty and there were no missing or malformed pieces. It is on the heavy side, but my being a stubborn individual-I didn’t want to wait for my husband to get back home from his trip in a few days and I was anxious to start using it, so I did it myself. I really had no trouble. But being female if I’m lost in out in the real world I ask for directions, and when it comes to assembling items I read the directions very throughly and line everything up before I begin. Men usually don’t follow those methods and hence they get frusted, confused then angry.

   This is my first elliptical and for the money this is an excellent value with the features you get. You can input your weight and height and customize it for your target fitness goals, like you can on those more expensive health club machines. The display is large and easy to read. I would be nicer if the background lit up, but I can live with it.

   The motions are smooth and the machine is very quiet-very easy to hear your music, the TV or carry on conversations and you don’t have to compete with the background noise of the machine-much like you have to do with our treadmill. That thing is noisey.

   I’m quite pleased with this unit and I really don’t see myself purchasing a more expensive higher end one in the near future, unless this one should go belly up-which I doubt, it is so heavy duty and very well made.

   I will recommend this to anyone and everyone. It is by far a superior piece of home exercise equipment for the money that most people can afford. Your health and fitness is worth the investment.
5. Eagle Vision says:

   June 21, 2010 at 1:37 pm

   Review by Eagle Vision for Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer
   Rating:
   INTRO:
   
   Shopping around for ellipticals, I look at the range of $150 to $5000. Obviously the fitness club versions are great, with the quiet operation, range of resistance, electronic analysis, durability, comfort and range of adjustments for stride. After shopping for several months (6 to be exact – riding dozens of machines), the MOST IMPORTANT thing to realize is that you have to be comfortable with the stride of an elliptical. This varies in ‘orbit’ from one manufacturer to another. The stride length is another consideration (ride it for at least 10-15 minutes to get a true feel). If you’re not comfortable, it will become a $800-$5000 towel rack. Next, you need a machine that is solid and stable for your body weight.

   As a homeowner, more important features were durability, quiet ride, comfort, general data about exercise (i.e. calories, speed, distance, cadence), and saving space.

   I ordered from Amazon and it originated out of Pennsylvania. It took a week for delivery and delivery is only to your door. I was contacted when the shipment arrived and the delivery was on schedule. The condition of the box was good and there was no damage to the cosmetics of the machine when I received it. The box is massive and heavy (200 lbs) and it is difficult to push on high grade pile carpet.

   SETUP:
   
   After reading the reviews from this site, I decided to take a chance. After unpacking, I checked that all parts were correct and present. Outside of some inconsistencies with a couple of lines on assembly, the setup was easy and clear for 98%. The supplied tools made the job even easier (I was ready with my huge toolchest to decide on what I needed).

   APPEARANCE:
   
   Enameled coated frame, plastic housing for the brake, and pedals. The pedals are hard plastic and I would have preferred a higher grade pedal with rubberized grips. The handles are covered with comfortable ‘rubber’. The heart rate monitor is only on the console handlebar but that doesn’t bother me (I don’t need constant instantaneous heart rate monitoring). The electronic monitor is lightweight plastic which is where the materials kind of skimp for the price.

   The electronic display is well organized allowing simultaneous data to be displayed (Interval/time, RPM/watts, speed/calories). The caveat is that the display is not backlit but who wants to exercise in the dark? The water bottle holder is a nice touch but practically out of the way during the operation to be useful when riding.

   The footprint is small (62″ long x 27″ wide) and there are rollers on the front to allow easier navigation if it has to be moved. This was the main attraction of this model over the more expensive Schwinns (saving space).

   USE:
   
   Quick start is a nice way to start using your machine. You can push the various parameters to display what you want. I personally find that the RPM (your cadence), calories, and time to be most important.

   This is an extremely quiet machine for operation outside of the loud beeps that arise from the electronic console. The operation is smooth and comfortable, and I found it quite enjoyable. Being 200 pounds, I found the machine to be stable and did not rock or squeak, unlike many models in this price range and lower.

   Warranty for labor is 6 months but, hey, you put it together. How can they cover your work?

   SUMMARY:
   
   For the price and features, given the smooth operation, features and solid feel (with the exception of the plastic pedals), I believe this machine is worthy of consideration. Like a golf club or even a shoe, the equipment has to fit the person: make sure that the stride length and elliptical motion fit you.

   UPDATE:
   
   After some use it started to squeak. My first thought was “You get what you pay for”. I got off of the machine and tried to localize the sound but it only occurred with weight on the pedal. However, I adjusted and tightened two bolts and loosened one other on the left pedal, and it went back to quiet operation. Assembly is the first thing to consider if it starts to make noise. Localize where it is coming from and then adjust the screws. Keep the handle tools that came with the machine to make your adjustments. It is so smooth and so quiet, I cannot justify spending any more money unless you weigh more than the limits of the machine. Any more electronic features is just a wasted luxury.