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Whistle Stopper - Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer
List Price: $799.00
Our Price: $599.00
Your Save: $ 200.00 ( 25% )
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: Schwinn
Average Customer Rating: Average rating of 4.5/5Average rating of 4.5/5Average rating of 4.5/5Average rating of 4.5/5Average rating of 4.5/5

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Binding: Sports
Brand: Schwinn
EAN: 0708447504098
Feature: BioGlide motion technology allows for a comfortable and natural 18-inch elliptical stride
Label: Schwinn
Manufacturer: Schwinn
Model: 430 Elliptical
Publisher: Schwinn
Studio: Schwinn

Features
BioGlide motion technology allows for a comfortable and natural 18-inch elliptical stride
BioFit footpads and handlebars offer a comfortable feeling while working out
Features eight computer controlled resistance levels
Grip heart rate monitoring on handlebars helps you track your workout
Includes a water bottle holder and transport wheels

Accessories
Creative Fitness Door Gym
Bowflex Revolution FT Home Gym
Jack Zatorski's Push Up Pro
Stamina 65cm Crystal Edge Exercise Ball with Workout DVD
Schwinn Force Home Gym by Bowflex

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Spotlight customer reviews:

Customer Rating: Average rating of 3/5Average rating of 3/5Average rating of 3/5Average rating of 3/5Average rating of 3/5
Summary: Squeaky, but still a good value
Comment: My wife researched elliptical machines for several months. We looked at a wide range of machines, from entry level to gym quality. We ultimately decided on the Schwinn 430 due to the small footprint, the stride, and the solid feeling of the machine given its price point. My biggest reservation came while reading comments from numerous reviewers about squeaking issues.

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!



Customer Rating: Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5
Summary: A couple months later...
Comment: 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.


Customer Rating: Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5
Summary: The Schwin is working out well
Comment: 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.

Customer Rating: Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5
Summary: This machine is well worth its price.
Comment: We can't believe how quite it is. For the price, we expected it to make lots of noise ... but it simply doesn't. It does need an even surface to work well and operate so silently, though. Overall, we say great product for the money.

Customer Rating: Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5
Summary: love it!
Comment: I was so excited that my elliptical came in earlier than expected! Took all of the pieces out of the box and began to put it together. That was when I noticed that the flywheel was pushed in on one side. I was so disappointed. My boyfriend & a friend had to end up taking the whole flywheel apart (it wasn't that hard just troublesome) and bend the metal piece inside so that it would not rub each time it rotated. After all of that was done, assembly was not difficult. Been having it for over a month & try to use it pretty regularly. At one point the handlebars started to squeak, but a drop of grease solved that problem. All in all I love it.


Editorial Reviews:

With its comfortable, compact design and 8 workout programs developed to help you reach your fitness goals, the Schwinn® 430 Elliptical Trainer lets you make an impact where you want one! The comfortable 18-in stride and BioFit® articulating footplates provide a smooth and natural elliptical motion, and the easy-to-read LCD display lets you keep track of your progress.


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