Fuel FE46 Elliptical Trainer Review
I recently got the Fuel FE46 elliptical trainer. Yes! In addition to reviewing ellipticals, I actually own one. Fuel is a relatively new brand that currently offers two treadmills and two ellipticals. They are owned by a company that also owns a couple of other well-known fitness equipment brands, so this is not some fly-by-night operation.
All the Fuel models qualify as budget machines, and sell for under $1,000. However, their equipment tends to be heavier than comparable models, giving them more stability.
I want to relay my experience with the delivery and the set-up of my Fuel FE46, so you understand what transpires when you buy an elliptical trainer online.
Note: As of 3/8/10 the Fuel FE46 was selling for $899 with shipping. Go to
www.FuelEllipticals.com
for the latest deal.
The Delivery of Fuel FE46
From the time the FE46 was ordered to the time it was delivered was less than two weeks. The majority of fitness equipment companies use a network of fulfillment companies throughout the country. The level of service can vary.
I was contacted the by delivery company and was given an estimation of when the machine would arrive - between 11:00am - 12:00pm. They actually showed up during that designated time-period.
Since I was getting the free delivery service, which is to the curb, I asked if the truck could back up to my garage. They said no, because they didn't want to be responsible for the truck cracking my concrete drive. I told them that's not a problem since my drive is gravel. I am not sure if all companies have that same rule.
The delivery person was very accommodating and helped lift the elliptical off the truck and slide it into the garage. That is not always the case, often they dump it at the curb and you are on your own. That is why I encourage people to pay extra for the inside delivery option.
Set-up of the Fuel FE46
I've put together a treadmill and a home gym. Putting together the FE46 was a cakewalk in comparison to the home gym, but was more involved than the treadmill. There are more parts to assemble.
The assembling took about and hour and a half. The instructions were easy to follow, and they have the nuts and bolts separated into the various steps. Best of all, they had all the parts and they fit together properly.
Exercising on the Fuel FE46
My wife and I tried the machine out, and both of us were sweating bullets when we were done. The 20" stride feels comfortable for my 5'8" height. I've been on some elliptical trainers with a 20" that felt longer, but it still was comfortable.
The elliptical motion was relatively smooth for a budget elliptical. That can be attributable to the heavy 21 lbs. flywheel in the front.
The pedals run on two rails in the back. The rails are circular, with a concave rubber wheel that runs along the rails. This is not always the most stable design, and can contribute to shifting right and left. However, as a new machine there appears to be no shifting. This kind of design is typical for sub $1,000 ellipticals with front drive.
The pedals angle with the elliptical motion, which minimizes the stress from your foot lifting. However, they are not adjustable. Also, the pedals are not cushioned; therefore, you want to make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes with good cushioning.
The FE46 at least initially was very quiet. It ocassionally develops a rubbing noise from the wheels on the rails. Some lubricant, which is included, fixes this issue. After lubricating the FE46 isquiet enough that I have NPR playing on the radio on the opposite side of the garage and can hear it clearly.
There are speakers built into the console with a plug-in for an MP3 player. However, I am not a Gen-X and do not have one.
Speaking of the console, it is very basic, with a single LCD window. You get 14 workout programs, but so far, I've only used the manual program.
The Fuel FE46 is equipped with wireless heart rate control and a heart rate strap. Two of the programs work in conjunction with the HRC. You generally will not find HRC included on ellipticals at this price range.
Warranty - The warranty is fairly standard. You get lifetime on the magnetic brake and one-year parts and labor.
Overall Review
So far, I am impressed. Considering the price, the FE46 elliptical trainer is a decent machine. It is stable and quiet, with a smooth elliptical motion. It weighs in at around 180 lbs., so that contributes to the stability. The heart rate control is a plus at this price.
Being a new brand, I can't say how it will hold up, but my first impression is that this elliptical trainer has the potential to be a serious contender.
Final Note: Although a decent elliptical for a budget crosstrainer, the Fuel FE46 is not a Precor or Life Fitness elliptical. I would recommend this elliptical for moderate use, and for users under 225 lbs.
Customer Reviews
I was only able to find one review and the brief comment was.
"As a heart attack survivor this machine gives me an excellent cardio workout, the quality of the unit is outstanding and it is very quiet."
For more details go to FuelFitness.com.