Treadmill info

Triathlon Forum
1

Any experience out there with treadmills in the $800 - $1000 range. What are the important features etc?

Thanks,

Mikael

2

I know the TRUE treadmills are nice. Not sure if they make one in that price range, but they are really outstanding and I would recommend looking into them.

3

Generally treadmills in this price range are best suited for walking, not running as they are not built to hold up to that kind of pounding.

Look at Pacemaster treadmills ($1,600) and True does make a entry level model (400-p) for around $2,000

4

In that range you can probably get something that will work okay for a few years, probably the main issue will be that it will rattle a lot and may overheat if you are big or try to run fast (8mph+) on it for extended time. I had one that was ~1200, another that was ~1800, and now have about a $4000 one. They all worked okay for my wife, who runs on them daily, but the cheaper one’s blew fuses or overheated if I tried to do a threshold run. I’d look for a stable deck and maybe avoid the folding units which are less stable. Try out a $4-5000 unit, open it up and see the size of the motors, flywheel, rollers, etc. Then compare. I found Landice to be solid units for the money but I think they are all out of your price range. You might find a refurbished Precor or LifeFitness for under $2K. I’d avoid “cushioning” decks in the cheaper models, I think they have an unrealistic give that does your knees no favor.

5

In that range I would look for used. Lots of people buy treadmills and then use them primarily as coat racks. I’d bet you can get a good 5 year old mill with only 50 miles on it.

6

Like dire wolf said, look for a used one. I got a Landice just before last christmas for $750. Chubby guy and his wife walked about 10 miles each on it in the 3 1/2 years they had it. They showed me the original receipt, $3300. Not a real big market for the high end used stuff.

7

Thanks for the info.

Mikael

8

A cheap treadmill is a disaster. I would rather buy a used higher quality one.

9

mikaelcars,

What did you decide on the treadmill decision? In the price range you are looking at www.treadmilldoctor.com likes the Epic T60 which is available at Costco for $899

http://www.treadmilldoctor.com/specifics/epict60.htm

Also one good personal recommendation on the Lets Run forum

http://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?board=1&id=694756&thread=694581

I’m also in the market for a treadmill. Was planning to spend between 1500-2000, but am considering the Epic. The 12-year motor warranty is very appealing for a $900 treadmill. It’s also a folding treadmill, which I wasn’t in the market for, but may be a bonus.

10

Check out Vision (Lifetime motor warranty, 5 years parts) or Pacemaster (12 years motor, 5 years parts). Pacemaster won “best buy” from Runners World 2 times…

11

If you have access to a Military exchange you can find good ones there - we got one from HealthRider that goes up to 10 mph and takes the punding of two people running almost every day on it - no problems. We paid about $800.00 – Otherwise try to find a sports equip resale - out here in San Diego there is a company called Play it Again Sports - depending on the location they have a good selection of equipment.

12

We ended up buying a new Proform XP 542e (around $800.) I do not plan on running on it too much. It’s more for my wife. It looks and feel very solid though.

Mikael

13

Proform comes with 90 day warranty- did you buy extended warranty? Also, good luck with service/parts if you ever need…