No one has properly explained the display and it took me hours and hours of trying to decided based on negative or lack of information, but I finally bought it anyways and here is my findings after having it for one month and using it regularly:
As many of the other reviews have said, this is a solid, well built treadmill. I find it quiet. Heavy! But I have no problem moving it within the area it is in, but I am a big guy. I would buy it again and again. I really like being able to watch my TV while working out.
1) Reviews: You will find this highly reviewed by those that reviewed it here, on Consumer Reports (highest rated for a folding treadmill), and other consumer sites or equipment sellers agree.
2) Fan - FUNNY to me, but some folks seem really ripped up over the weak fan. Well, it does work and on high it is nice to have but still weak. BUT non of the gym machines have a fan and it does help some, so I see it as a plus and at worse just not that useful. I setup my own fans - seems a simple solution to me.
3) Display - the two "bubble" displays are for only the incline and speed (For the modes I have tried which is manual, hill, speed, calorie countdown-I assume for all modes this is the case), which means you have access to these two items at all times. The display below is multi-use. Other reviewers complain that words are scrolled by 2 letters at a time for "action" messages and I agree this sucks(action messages are like: CO OL DO WN). BUT - those items will not matter as you use it since you brain will learn to read and remember what is what(at least my brain has no problems after a month). Also, the 2 letter scroll is mostly used at the beginning when you select the mode (manual, hill, custom, etc) and at the end when you get a summary (which by the time you get off it, I bet you are like me, you are counting the calories and time, so you already know those items). In this area (The multi-use) also you get your calories, time elapses or count down to zero, etc. You have to cycle through it, which is the same as the gym I go to. Anyways, it would have been better if they just displayed all the time, but they don't. But it isn't a major issue, just select the toggle button to cycle through to it.
4) Buttons - I copied this from another review and comment afterwards: "Several of the buttons on the display have "modes", and it is not always clear which mode you are in. For example, the "Enter" key doubles as the "Cool Down" key. When you enter your speed, it is not clear if you are to key in your speed and press the "Enter" key, or key it in and wait for the treadmill to speed up. If you are unsure of which mode you are in and you press the "Enter" key at the wrong time, you've just ruined your workout, and need to shut the machine off and reprogram it to continue your workout."
My response: This is true - this was a bad design, BUT there is an very easy work around I found as I had the same problem. You just need to use the up or down arrows under the SPEED section - problem solved!!! Now - I am a walker, I could see if you where on 7 and need to get to 2 fast, that this could be a factor, but the arrows speed down or up the treadmill fast. Also note this is only a problem as the "enter" key double for the "Cool Down" key, but for incline you can select the incline and hit it's enter key and not worry. Also, you can use the up and down arrows under the incline (Left side) label as well. Both Speed (On the Right side) and Incline (Left Side) on different sides of the console.
If you program it wrong for a work out, say 20 minutes instead of 40 minutes, you have to stop and reset the machine. The gym machines let you add time as you work out and this one does not. I just set it for 90 minutes and let it count backward, if I am done in an hour, so what that it has 30 minutes left. For me, this was not a big issue.
5) Instruction Manual - Not clear and screws not always label correctly. But if you take your time and count the screws and figure where each goes, you should be fine. BUT they should correct this. Also, no instructions on how to lubricate the deck when you need too and no pictures on where to adjust the belt (hint: at the back end of the deck are two holes with screws that you turn with the allen wrench - manual says something like on a hub which made me think it was on the front of the deck as there are two caps covers over the front of the deck - These do not get removed!!). It took me 2 hours to put together - but I stopped 10 times to do other things - I would guess an hour. Aside from the screw and bad labeling, the actual assemble was pretty easy for me - I use to be a PC tech, so I am tool inclined (good with tools).
6) Delivery - I buy more from Amazon then anywhere else and I buy a lot and Amazon is my favorite place since price and reviews are great! BUT, I did pay the extra $100.00 to one of the big chains to have it delivered inside the house and am glad I did with the reviews of others saying the delivery folks that contract with Amazon may just leave it in you driveway! How silly! Pay the extra $100.00 have it delivered inside and up or down two flights of steps. HINT: 3 of the chains use the same supplier even though the webpages are different, if you look, you will see that returns for all 3 go to the same place and BOX number!!! They all use the same supplier and I believe the same web developers as most of the text is the same on the webpages. OH - and, also not tax as well, at least in Maryland - so I pay a 100.00 more to get it delivered.
7)Heart monitors(hand and wireless) - Many folks have said that the hand grips don't work for them or it takes a long time. Mine works great and fast (I am a walker - so maybe those that run are the ones having problems with it with the pounding on it from running? Anyways, my works great and as well as the wireless band that fits around you chest. BOTH works great for me.
8)Build materials - Seems really well built. I am 260 guy and it has no problems working for me and doesn't shake when I run (occasionally only) The 20 x 60 deck is great. Deck is easy to fold up and has a weight system inside which helps make it easy and light to fold up and to fold down slowly. I also agree with other that these machine seems to be "commercial" quality. Time will tell.
9)Help line - I had to call to ask where you adjust the belt. They answered pretty quickly and was able to help me for whatever that experience may give you.
SPECIAL NOTES:
For incline to work, you apparently need to do the calibration sequence on page 28 before the incline feature and maybe other things too. No problem - just takes a minute and is easy.
NEVER USE WD-40: To lubricate your belt. According to Nautilus, this is something a lot of people do, and any consequential damage will NOT be covered by your warranty. Some posted a how to in their review.
Buy Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill!
This is the best treadmill you can buy for the cost. I wasn't sure what to expect from a lower cost treadmill but this thing has exceeded my expectations. It is sturdy and well built, the motor is relatively quiet and has a very comfortable surface. You have to adjust the incline manually and there is only 4 training programs but for the price of this thing the extra features aren't missed. If you are looking for a great treadmill for a good price without all the bells and whistles , this is the one you are looking for.!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Buy Merit Fitness 715T Treadmill!
After reading quite a few reviews I was under the impression that this was a very sturdy treadmill. It has a much higher weight tolerance than most home models in this price range and a heavy duty deck. Unfortunately when I set it up at home and began running on it, I found that it's not quite a sturdy as it claimed. There is still a definite unsteady feel and it does shake. While walking it's great, the fan is a nice option but if you're a frequent runner, I would opt for something more substantial.
Buy Horizon Fitness T91 Treadmill!
Bought this treadmill about 18 mo.'s ago in July 2007.
The Good: Solid, sturdy treadmill. Clearly not a cheap piece of junk. Not difficult to assemble. East to fold up (we don't really use that feature but I've tested it and it's not a problem).
The Bad: If you get a defective one, you're stuck; good luck trying to get it repaired, and good luck trying to return it. The problem with our treadmill (Bowflex Series 3) is that the running deck is at a permanent incline/elevation even after an attempted repair. First, we had to wrangle with Bowflex to get them to send someone out to look at it. When Bowflex did send someone out for us, the guy told my wife that the treadmill deck angle was "normal" and that there was nothing wrong with it. Luckily I work close to home, because I had to come home from work and argue with the guy! When I got my 6 foot level out and showed him that the degree of incline was in excess of 15 degrees, he finally relented and agreed that there might be a problem. He then - lo and behold - discovered a problem with the motor-mount and bowflex agreed to send a part and have it repaired. It's been a year since the "repair," and it's better - at about a 5% elevation now - but still not right. I also use the treadmills at the gym in my office building and it's clear to me that our treadmill running deck angle is not "normal." I'm all for running on hills, but not 100% of the time!! So, I now have a board under the rear wheels to help make the treadmill level (in case you're wondering, the floor under the treadmill is perfectly level). Anyway, just what you want with a $1000 treadmill right, a board under the back end.
I'm not saying that all Bowflex treadmills are bad, but I do caution you that you may be gambling with your $1000 because you risk getting a defective one. You also risk not having the company repair the product properly even if they are willing to send someone out to look at it. Also, our problem occurred about a year ago, but I've seen a recent reviewer state that bowflex now refuses all responsibility for treadmills sold through Amazon. If I were purchasing this treadmill, I would sure want to find out whether that's true before plunking down my grand.
Buy Bowflex Series 3 Treadmill!
great product took about 2 hours to put together works great does every thing it is supposed to do would reccomend this to a friend
Buy Proform C 525 Treadmill!
After set up and 60min breakin I found the TM to be quiet and smooth. I needed something for our small home and find it's size to be what I was looking for. I'm 71 and was noticing a problem getting around so I wanted to get moving. I don't really enjoy walking the neighborhood and wasn't interested in a gym so this TM suits me well. I vary my 30min workout manually between 2 and 3.5 mph which is enough to work up a sweat and strengthen my legs again. I'm satisfied with this purchase.
Buy Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill!
I purchased this unit a few months ago. When i put it together it was still not working. I then called the number in the manual but was disconnected. I then though maybe i put it together wrong so i called a treadmill repair man. He came to look at it and told me that it was not put together right by the company. I kept trying to call but there was no working number. The other number keeps you on hold for 45 minutes before going o an answering machine. I will most likely report this companyto the better business department. Please dont make the same mistake i did. DONT PURCHSE THIS MACHINE
Buy Weslo Cadence C44 Treadmill!