Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer

I read probably 100 reviews before purchasing an elliptical machine. I went to a variety of stores to try out various models and manufacturers. I finally decided on this model based solely on reviews and the price. I quickly learned that if you bought too cheap of a model the quality really suffered. On the other hand, it was also easy to over pay. This is a great easy to use piece of equipment. It did take me several hours to put together by myself, but it was well worth it. When I first started using the machine there was a loud squeaking noise. I listened and determined the location. It was the bar that both arms are connected to. I tried tightening it, but the squeak persisted. The second time I loosened it and the squeak has not returned! So the lesson leaned from that is that after putting it together you may need to tweak some of the screws. I've owned this for several weeks now and use it almost every other day.

I'm loving my Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer and using it almost every day.

The shipping was a nightmare though since about 2 1/2 weeks after the time I was told it would arrive, a Bow Flex arrived instead. Then it was a major hassle trying to reach the right people in Amazon to get the problem resolved since the shipping company claimed it was Amazon's fault. Once I reached the right folks, they started a new shipment. In the meantime, the shipping company called and told me they found my elliptical and said it was their fault. I'm thinking Amazon should go with a different company for the shipments on the product.

Theresa

Wow, Thanks to all the reviewers before me I was able to put this together in a flash. Once together, I had a squeak almost instantly but, again from the reviews, I knew that I had to loosen some of the bolts that I had made too tight! Thats all it was!! I have used it twice daily so far (1 week) and still no squeaks or problems. Thanks Schwinn!!

Originally, I had wanted a Life Fitness but couldn't bring myself to spending over 3,000.00 on an elliptical while I still have my health club membership. So, I went to the local sporting goods stores, fitness stores and anywhere else they sold ellipticals to try other brands. I was quite surprised and very pleased with the Schwinn 431.

Then, time for research, I check the web for all comments, reviews, etc. and found this one to be well liked for the money.

Next step, price comparison! Wow, Amazon.com had a deal I couldn't pass up! Free Shipping, AND an additional 100.00 Off the price. I ordered immediately and within a week I was working out at home! Thanks for the Great Deal Amazon!

So, if your looking for an afforadable, sturdy and easy to put together elliptical ....... look no farther .......... The Schwinn 431 is the one for you! (I can't believe I sound like a commercial :)

Of course, I'll continue using this and give you a review in a few months to see if my opinion has changed.

Good luck shopping and have a great day!!

We ordered our Schwinn 431 Elliptical trainer at the end of January,'08.
My husband assembled the trainer and despite lubricating, adjusting
and fiddling with screws, it still made an annoying clunk/thunk sound
on the downstroke of the left pedal.

Contacted Nautilus/Schwinn and after eight weeks they finally sent
a repair tech out to our house. Inside the flywheel were defective/worn
bearings. The machine was new so unsure how worn bearings were
put there in the first place. This particular elliptical slipped through
quality control in their Chinese Factory as someone used old parts to
assemble the flywheel.

The sound is now gone(and believe me it was SO loud). Nice and quiet,
and a very smooth machine. Love it. We were just unfortunate to have
received a defective one, but the company did stand behind their product.

Lee & Gary H.
8/24/'08

I have no clue why people are complaining about the time it takes to put this elliptical together, stating 3 hrs as the average build time. There are maybe 30 screws and bolts. My process was 35 mins.

10 min - Unpack parts and carry to room.
25 min - Connect everything. Using cordless drill with allen wrench head.

As for the people that say this thing squeaks. You more than likely put it together wrong and have no business buying something you need to put together. The most common problem is over tightening and wrong placement of bolts/screws. If you follow the manual properly you will not have any issues.

This thing is whisper quiet. I fell asleep in the same room as my wife was going to town on the machine. Has a really good stride.(I am 6'1 and my wife is 5'4) Feels like a professional machine for half the price. This thing is really heavy so if youre danty you might want to get some friends to help. ABF delivered to my house and the driver was especially nice. Considering I did not pay anything for shipping.

The only con I noticed is the Mp3 holder can only fit a ipod nano. My zune is not secure on the holder. Which is fine because I mainly watch TV while on the elliptical.

All in all. High quality and low price. Cant beat this. Trust me. I searched 100's of sites and they all pointed back to this machine.