Schwinn
460 Elliptical Trainer Review
"With Variable Stride"
I've always been impressed with Schwinn Ellipticals. In fact, they are some of the best budget crosstrainers on the market. Their Schwinn 430 has been a very popular machine, and has received my "Best Buy" rating. It also has gotten very positive customer reviews on Amazon.com. The new Schwinn 460 may just be the new contender for a best buy under $1,000.
The elliptical industry has been evolving with a variety of new machines that do more than provide a standard elliptical motion. The problem with ellipticals a stationary stride is that they limit your ability to tone different lower muscle. When you can change up the motion either by an incline feature or variable stride, you can target different muscle groups like calves, quads, thighs and glutes.
Note: As of 12/31/08 the Schwinn 460 was on sale for $999 with free shipping at
www.Amazon.com
.
You can also view a video demonstrating the variable stride.
The Schwinn 460 elliptical does just that. In fact, it allows you to change the stride from 2"-26". This feature is called the Schwinn V-Stride Technology, and by varying the stride length you get the following affect:
- Short stride targets calves and quads.
- Medium stride works your thighs and glutes.
- Long stride engages all muscle groups.
If you are looking to maximize your workout and tone more muscles groups, this feature will help you achieve that goal. It also is ideal for accommodating users of various heights.
Note: The stride length changes with with amount of effort and resistance you apply. One reviewer mentioned that they had a difficulat time getting it to the full 26" stride.
Other Features on the Schwinn 460 Elliptical Trainer.
16 Workout Programs - You get 1 manual program, 11 profile, 2 custom for 2 users. The 11 workout profiles include instructional messages on how to maximize your workout benefits. A nice feature to help motivate you to work harder. There is also a system that tracks results and programming for up to 2 users. Keeping track of your results can further motivate you to reach new goals.
221 lbs. Unit Weight - The problem with many budget ellipticals is that they are light-weight machines that are not built for heavier users. However, the manufacturers will suggest unrealistic user weight limits. At 221 lbs. the Schwinn 460 is solid enough for overweight individuals. They set the limit at 300 lbs. I believe that is a bit high, but I might go up to 240 lbs. One further note, the heavier weight makes it less mobile than lighter weight machines. This may not be the best elliptical if you plan to move it constantly.
25 lbs. Flywheel - The heavier weight of the flywheel provides a smooth elliptical stride. It is not the smoothest or the quietest, but for the price it is not bad.
Articulating Foot Pedals - This means the pedals angle with the motion. The advantage is your foot does not have to lift that much during the elliptical stride. You will have less problems with numbness.
Compact Design - The Schwinn 460 is about the length of the Schwinn 430, but it is slightly wider. The 54" length is less than many ellipticals, however the shorter length does not tend to compromise the stability.
Backlit LCD - This is not a big deal, but having the display backlit is preferable and more brilliant.
Wireless Heart Rate Monitor - Heart rate monitors are a standard feature, but usually only include handgrip monitors. The 460 also includes a chest strap with telemetry so you can use the moveable handlebars and still monitor your heart rate.
Warranty - This is an area where Schwinn usually falls short. The warranty is as follows:
- 10 years - Frame
- 2 years - Parts
- 1 year - Electronics
- 90 days - Wear Parts
They don't state the labor coverage, so I will assume it is also 90 days. I highly recommend you get additional coverage of at least a year or two and protect your investment. It is relatively cheap on Amazon.
Our Review - Schwinn 460 Elliptical Trainer
It looks like Schwinn has another winner that will probably surpass the Schwinn 430 in popularity. Because of the single 18" stride the 430 was limited. With the variable stride, the Schwinn 460 can accommodate a wider range of users based on height and fitness level.
One of the most impressive features on the 430 was the durability of the machine for the price. Although relatively new and without a track record, I would assume the Schwinn 460 will be at least as durable, if not more so.
I feel that Schwinn offers some of the best value with their elliptical trainers, and with the case of the Schwinn 460 you are getting an elliptical that is equivalent to models that cost considerably more.
Customer Review (Amazon)
If you are looking for a more versatile machine to have variability in the same workout, or even looking for a machine that has a wider range of strides, look no further than this machine. Out of the box, this piece of equipment can accommodate for a wider range of size of users (with regard to height, stride, leg length and fitness levels). It is comparable to machines much higher in price ($2000 and up) but with a significantly smaller footprint which does not compromise stability (or space).
I highly recommend this product.
To learn more go to www.Amazon.com.