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Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer (2009 Model)
Equipment DetailsManufacturer: Schwinn Brand: Schwinn Model: 100160 Color: Grey,White Product features: - Provides smooth upper and lower-body cardiovascular workout with 16 resistance levels
- 12 Workout programs, including 6 course profiles, fitness test and custom workout
- Integrated grip heart rate system for easy fitness monitoring
- Ergonomic handles for multiple workout positions, natural-feeling 18-Inch stride
- 300-Pound maximum user weight, 5-year warranty on frame, 1 year on parts and electronics
Accessories:
Sports reviews of Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer (2009 Model)Customer Review: An Excellent Value for the Price Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
This review is based on having ordered the machine, taken delivery, put it together, and used it about half a dozen times.
I had the advantage of having browsed through the hundreds of reviews on this site of the predecessor 430 machine, as well as the fewer number there for this product. Because of that, I was aware of some of the assembly problems that others had encountered, especially on the 430, and some other things to be alert for, which probably helped.
Ordering was smooth (usual Amazon routine) and the delivery was timely and efficient. Delivery was to my home, whereas the machine was intended for my cabin, so the delivery guy slid it into the back of my SUV for me.
The box is very heavy (nearly 170 lbs), and the intended location was in an upstairs room. I didn't have anyone available at my cabin to assist, but was able to slide it out of my SUV so that it was standing on end on the front deck and then "walk" it through the door by rotating it back and forth on the two short edges of the end. Once inside, I laid it flat, opened and unpacked it. (It was very well packaged, with everything sealed in plastic and packed in styrofoam.) I then carried the pieces upstairs individually or in small groupings. The heaviest piece was the flywheel assembly (about 45 pounds), which was manageable.
I assembled it by myself in a little over two hours, using my own tools. In a pinch, you could probably make do with the tools that come with it, although it would likely take somewhat longer. The assembly instructions are OK. I prefer written ones, which tend to be more specific, whereas these ones are primarily illustrations. But, that's probably the most efficient and economical way for manufacturers to deal with today's multi-lingual requirements. The parts list is very comprehensive and complete. I ended up with a few parts left over which didn't appear to be covered in the instructions or parts list, which made me think the machine might be produced on some sort of common assembly line with another type for which parts were inadvertently included. But, everything that I actually needed seemed to be there.
As far as actual use, I've used it about half a dozen times and am quite satisfied with it so far.
Compared to commercial grade machines or more expensive home machines, it lacks a few "nice touches", but nothing essential for me. For example, as others have noted, the screen isn't backlit and it doesn't have a built-in fan, but I can get by without either of those.
It's pretty compact (although you do stand pretty high on it), so the stride length and arm "throw" length are a little shorter than on some machines. I'm 6'0" and they're pretty much at the limit for me, so it might be a problem for a taller guy. I also have to hold the handles by the tops of the knobs, rather than a little further down as on machines with longer handles, which I find to be somewhat less comfortable and "natural", but I can live with it.
Lack of a bottle holder would have been somewhat annoying, as some have noted, but there's a place for one, and I had one from an old machine which I was able to install.
Some have found the heart rate monitor to be somewhat slow and sluggish, but I find it to be about on a par with other home machines I've had. I've found the calories generated at the maximum resistance setting over a given time interval to be noticably less than on commercial machines (about one-quarter as many) or more expensive home machines (about one-third as many), but comparable to those of similar home machines that fall short overall in other respects compared to this one.
It's also very smooth and quiet and "solid" feeling for a machine in this price range. It has just recently (the last time or two) started to exhibit a slight but noticeable "click" on each rotation that I think might be coming from the left wheel track (although not sure yet), which I will investigate further, but nothing unusual for this type of machine. I usually watch DVDs when I use it, and, at least so far, it's barely audible over those.
All in all, a very good value for the price, hence the five stars notwithstanding a few minor irritants. I'm quite satisfied with it, and definitely glad I bought it.
Description of Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer (2009 Model)The SchwinnŽ 420A elliptical is engineered with biomechanically designed linkages for a comfortable and natural elliptical path. BioDyne? performance features a perimeter-weighted flywheel with high inertia for smooth, consistent workouts. Ideal for the home gym for fitness enthusiasts of any skill level, the Schwinn 420 provides an effective cardiovascular workout by combining upper and lower body flexibility and coordination into one impact-free motion. Elliptical trainers emulate the natural motion of your foot while supporting your heel throughout the stride, making them much easier on your knees and joints. In addition to feeling more natural while working out, regular use on elliptical trainers will increase heart and lung capacity while improving your health (and burning calories at the same time). The Schwinn 420 offers 16 computer-controlled resistance levels and 12 programs for workout variety, including six user-profile programs, one fitness test, and one custom workout. Its quick start functions allows you to easily change your resistance level while exercising to challenge yourself to the next level. It offers a natural-feeling 18-inch stride while the trainer's BioFit design will provide a comfortable feel on the footpads and handlebars. The handlebars also feature grip heart rate monitoring, which allows you to track your heart rate while you're exercising. Features and Specifications: - Biomechanically designed linkages means a comfortable and natural elliptical path
- Ergonomic handles for multiple workout positions; fixed and moving handlebars
- Perimeter weighted flywheel with high inertia for smooth, consistent workouts
- Oversized stabilizers and levelers that are built-in for a solid workout platform
- 12 workout programs, including 6 course profiles, fitness test and custom workout
- Integrated grip heart rate system for easy fitness monitoring
- Transport wheels
- 16 resistance levels
- Eddy Current Brake (ECB) resistance system
- 18-inch stride length
- Switchable from miles to kilometers (KM)
- Maximum user weight: 300 pounds
Manufacturer's Warranty 5 years on the frame, 1 year on parts and electronics, 3 months on wear parts, 3 months on labor 
The Schwinn 420 offers biomechanically designed linkages for a comfortable and natural feel. | 
See a larger version of the console. | | Compare These Recumbent Exercise Bikes |
| Schwinn A40 | Schwinn 420 (2009) | Schwinn 420 (2012) | Schwinn 431 | Schwinn 460 | Nautilus E514 | | Number of Programs | 7 | 10 | 10 | 19 | 16 | 16 | | Workout Programs | 1 Manual, 6 Profile | 6 Profile, 1 Custom, Quick Start, Fitness Test, Results Mode | 6 Profiles, 1 Custom, Quick Start, Fitness Test, Results Mode | 1 Manual, 10 Profile, Calorie Goal, Time Trial, 3 Heart Rate Control, Fitness Test, 2 Custom | 1 Manual, 11 Profile, 2 Custom for 2 Users | 6 Profile, Quick Start, 2 Custom, 3 Heart Rate Controlled, Fitness Test, Distance Goal, Calorie Goal, Results Mode | | Performance Tracking | No | No | No | No | Schwinn Advantage? | No | | Stride Length | Fixed 17 inch | Fixed 18 inch | Fixed 18 inch | Fixed 18 inch | Variable 2 to 28 inches | Fixed 18 inch | | PolarŽ Heart Rate System | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | | Heart Rate | contact | contact | contact | contact | telemetry enabled (with chest strap) & contact | telemetry enabled (with chest strap) & contact | | Display Type | LCD | extra large LCD | LCD | blue backlit LCD | backlit touchscreen LCD | extra large blue backlit LCD | | Resistance Levels | 8 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | | Other Features | magnetic eddy current brake, extra large console, articulating footplates, space saving front drive flywheel, fan, reading rack, water bottle holder, powered by battery or AC adaptor (sold separately), transport wheels, switchable from miles to kilometers | magnetic eddy current brake, fixed & moving handlebars, articulating footplates, space saving front drive flywheel, extra large LCD window, transport wheels, switchable from miles to kilometers, AC adaptor included | magnetic eddy current brake, articulating footplates, fixed & moving handlebars, space saving front drive flywheel, extra large console, speakers, fan, reading rack, water bottle holder, rear stabilizer frame levelers, transport wheels, switchable from miles to kilometers, AC adaptor included | magnetic eddy current brake, articulating footplates, fixed & moving handlebars, space saving front drive flywheel, extra large console, fan, reading rack, water bottle holder, rear stabilizer frame levelers, transport wheels, ac adaptor included | magnetic eddy current brake, fixed & moving handlebars, space saving front drive flywheel, articulating foot plates, fan, transport wheels, water bottle holder, reading rack | magnetic eddy current brake, articulating footplates, space saving front drive flywheel, blower fan, reading rack, water bottle holder, rear stabilizer frame levelers, transport wheels, switchable from miles to kilometers | | Dimensions (L x W x H) | 59 x 23 x 64 inches
| 62 x 26 x 71 inches
| 62 x 26 x 71 inches
| 59 x 26 x 68 inches
| 54 x 34 x 73 inches
| 62 x 26 x 71 inches
| | Product Weight | 93 pounds | 152 pounds | 152 pounds | 165 pounds
| 205 pounds | 165 pounds | | Warranty | Frame: 2 years, Mechanical and Electric: 6 months, Wear Parts: 30 days | Frame: 5 years, Parts: 1 year, Electronics: 1 year, Wear Parts: 90 Days | Frame: 5 years, Parts: 1 year, Electronics: 1 year, Wear Parts: 90 Days | Frame: 15 years, Parts: 2 years, Electronics: 1 year, Wear Parts: 6, months | Frame: 10 years, Parts: 2 years, Electronics: 1 year, Wear Parts: 90 days | Frame: 10 years, Parts: 2 years, Electronics: 1 year, Wear Parts: 6 months | | Max. User Weight | 275 pounds
| 300 pounds | 300 pounds | 300 pounds | 300 pounds | 300 pounds | | About Elliptical Trainers Elliptical trainers represent the next wave of advancement in low-impact cardiovascular exercise machines and continue to grow in popularity. By simulating motions experienced through walking, stepping, cycling, and skiing, elliptical machines allow for a smooth and fluid motion while building strength in the arms and legs. Similar to the exercise position for treadmills, elliptical trainers are used by standing in an upright position while holding the handrails of the machine. With elliptical trainers, however, your feet remain in the foot pedals throughout the exercise regimen and circulate in a smooth and seamless motion, resulting in little to no impact on the knees, back, and hips. Elliptical trainers are compatible for all ages and fitness levels and allow you to select the difficulty level through the incline and intensity settings. Additionally, elliptical trainers allow you to determine the complexity of your workout based on your needs, all while listening to music, watching television, or reading a magazine while exercising in the comfort and safety of your own home. Although different types of elliptical trainers offer an assortment of features, many of them include an array of challenging programs, forward and reverse directional movement, EKG grip pulse handles, a lightweight portable design with easy fold-up capability, and a monitor displaying calories burned, distance, speed, time, and heart rate. Other types of exercise machines, namely treadmills and bikes, offer excellent cardiovascular exercise and muscular training for the legs in a forward-motion exercise. Elliptical trainers take this to the next level by offering an upper and lower body workout with dual motion, challenging and diverse programs, and a low-impact exercise machine that won't strain sensitive joints.
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