Customer Reviews

Schwinn 840 Treadmill

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

The box did arrive damaged, but everything appeared to be okay inside. It is fairly heavy yet easy to move on a level surface, but I'm not sure how getting it up stairs would work. The top of the console comes in three sections, there's one bag of tools, one bag for the cord, and then the rest of the unit. I was able to move the unit from my garage to my living room myself without too much problem, but I'm over 6' with enough muscle to do it, most people will need help moving it and all the directions call for two people to set it up. All the tools are included and it took only about 15 minutes to tighten a couple of bolts and unscrew a few screws, put on the console, and replace the screws. Fairly simple.

Just a test run today to see how quiet it is which I was concerned about, but it is very quiet, even more so than I'd hoped. So far it appears to be very solid and I hope to get a lot of use out of it. The instructions do say to use some silicon lubricant prior to use and after every 50 hours or 3 months, which I didn't know about.

Pros
1. Quiet
2. Easy to assemble ( I did assemble by myself within 1 hour)
3. Stable (Good for running)
4. Variety programs and Quick start program.
5. Quick delivery
6. Easy to move after folding
7. Easy to fold and unfold.
8. Safety key (Stop treadmill when you lose control)

Cons
1. Only griping style heart rate (No telemetric heart rate)
I recommend it.

This is an amazing piece of equipment! I have been a typical "couch potato" most of my life, but over the last two years I've gotten healthier. This past year I trained and walked in a 3-day cancer walk for the Susan Komen Foundation. After that, I decided I wanted to continue my walking routines, but indoors. I've never had a treadmill before, so I was excited about getting one for all the regular reasons - walking indoors in the air, walking in a safe place, convenience of walking when I wanted, etc. But I was also a little nervous about having to put this piece of equipment together; however, it was a breeze!

First, most of it is already put together when it arrives. All I had to do was connect the arms/handlebars and console. The directions - unlike many other companies - were easy to understand and follow, and all the little tools and parts required to do the job were included. I am not especially handy at this sort of thing, but I had no trouble at all.

Next, using this treadmill is wonderful and easy. The deck or walking belt is very, very comfortable and the whole thing is on hydraulics so that with the push of a button the deck raises or lowers to increase or decrease the incline and level of work. I especially like the fact that the incline can be adjusted in small increments of only 1% at a time so that I can easily determine my level of work. The speed controls are also easy to use so that I was able to walk from a slow easy pace (my beginning level) to a brisk pace (I don't run). And my husband, the runner, loves it as well because the pace will boost to his level very quickly. It goes from 1/2 mile an hour to 10 miles an hour for the really fast folks!

The best thing about this treadmill is that it is a highly professional piece of equipment. It looks like and has all the functions of all the "high end" treadmills that I have seen or used in the local gyms - but WITHOUT the "high end" cost. The console provides multiple functions so that each user can program a personal routine and save it. The routine can be based on sex/weight/and type of program and later shows calories burned, AND the program can be converted to Metric standards easily. There are multiple course options to choose from so that beginners, intermediate users, and athletes can use the machine and get a great workout from it. For serious folks wanting to improve their health or train for personal or athletic goals, this equipment comes with a heart monitor and instructions in the book for setting goals to reach 65%, 75%, or 85% heart "rates".

Another favorite quality of this piece of equipment is that the walking deck can actually be folded upwards so that it is in a standing position instead of taking up floor space! That's right - it folds! Even though this is a heavy, professional weight and quality piece of equipment, the deck folds up into the arms/handlebars so that you can have the floor space for other uses.

So basically, I have had this treadmill for about 4 weeks now and I am no longer a "couch potato". I am back to a good walking routine, but indoors instead of in the 90+ temps and high humidity of south Georgia. My best walking time is 5:00 a.m., so I now have the safety of walking in my home instead of the dark outside, which previously kept me from walking at all. I also find that I walk more often since I have the treadmill right here. I can get on and do 30 or 40 minutes in the comfort of my own home - and I am loving it!!!

The product itself is absolutely wonderful!!! I love having a treadmill in my own home. My husband loves it and we use it everyday. Since we live in Jersey, this keeps us from using the excuse, "it's too cold outside to go to the gym!" It's actually quite quiet and has all the basic functions my husband and I were looking for. Great product.

Problems- I was refused inside delivery when I was told otherwise the day before. Also the treadmill is missing one major component, one of the two bolts which are to hold the handlebars upright. (I am still waiting for parts) I have contacted customer service twice and still no replacement or even some kind of acknowledgement. Called and stood on the line for over 30 minutes without any answer. Product is great but be aware you will have to transport this item yourself into the house and pray you have all the parts.

Item 5 stars
Delivery- delayed.. 1 star
customer service- 1 star

I always wanted to have a treadmill at home. I've been a runner for thirty years and the worst part of running outdoors is the cold air in your lungs and the coughing that results. I hate to join a gym, tho -- the crowds at peak hours and the "wrong" music -- so the Schwinn 840 is a great choice for me. It's reasonably priced (even if you don't get yours as a reviewer) and it seems just as heavy-duty as the ones at the gym I've tried. It *is* heavy -- getting it in the house would be a problem if you have stairs, altho it is easy to move on a flat surface. As it was, the delivery man left it on my porch and I was able to get the box in the house by myself, tho I'm not saying it was easy. Assembly was easy enough -- It comes with the right size wrench. My friend helped, and then I disassembled and moved with it, and it did take two movers altho they did not seem to think it was a problem to carry. It was lighter and less bulky than the sofa bed, e.g.

I really like having the variable programs. I used to think that treadmills would be boring compared to being outside, but on cold, rainy days, it's much better to set a different program and be home listening to music (without the headset that keeps you from hearing oncoming cars). And, in a rural area, jogging outside is not even possible in winter as the roads are too icy. As far as heart rate, I'm not really that concerned about how well it measures it, because I've been running so long that I know where my optimum rate is and how it feels. I also can't compare it to any other type of heart-rate measuring device, because I haven't used them. I also don't keep track seriously of my distance and time, since I'm not working on improving them -- I have my routine, about 20 mins of jogging/running, but it's a nice feature to have. I use it for fitness, not for training, but I do vary the speed/program a little to keep from getting bored. I also like the "calorie count" feature. LOL.

It is quiet and won't disturb other members of the household (unlike, say, a Nordic Track), and very important -- it's easier on your joints than running on a hard surface. This is important if you've been running awhile or if you're older starting out, but younger runners should be thinking ahead -- I know, I didn't think ahead at the time, either, just ran on the pavement, but your knees will thank you if you do. Of course, you should still use good running shoes and be sure they are sized properly. OT: your running shoes often should be 1/2 size bigger than your other shoes, to make sure that your weight lands on the cushioned part of the shoe, not the narrow part toward the toe. For lubricating the treadmill, use Pure Silicone (comes in a spray can at a home improvement center or hardware store). It's very easy and low maintenance.

This is the most unreliable, faulty treadmill that I have ever owned. Since about a month after I bought this treadmill, it has been nothing but error messages and calls to Schwinn Tech Support. Schwinn has already had to send me a new speed sensor and two new control boards. This treadmill has been nothing but a headache. If the latest recommended fix from Schwinn doesn't work, I'm going to have the garbage collector pick it up and recycle it. I wouldn't buy this treadmill again if it only cost one dollar. It is not worth the space it takes up in my house. The warranty on labor is only good for 90 days and WHEN it breaks after that, Schwinn MIGHT send you new parts (without directions). Maybe my Schwinn 840 is just a lemon, but maybe Schwinn treadmills are garbage. Buy something else if you don't have $800 to flush down the toilet.

I think that the reviews so far have been quite accurate. The treadmill is very quiet, and it runs smoothly. The display is easy to read, and the fan is actually quite effective. I also love the fact that a User can save as accumulating data the miles and calories burned.
There are few negatives to note. 1. The treadmill is quite heavy to move (particularly upstairs). Because the treadmill is nearly completely assembled when it arrives in its box, you cannot easily break it down into lighter parts. Therefore, my husband and I had to carry up steep stairs a 235 lb. rather unwieldy box with the treadmill in it. (It was easier to carry it in its box then taking it out and carrying it.) If you are not strong, and you need to move the treadmill up or down stairs, get some help.
2. I do not love the fact that in order to save data, you must run one of the set courses. Yes, you can change speed, and incline, but it can be a bit of a process if all you want to do is run at a constant speed. (According to the manual, you cannot save your data if all you are doing is pushing "quick start" while not having first pushed "profile" and chosen a user and course.)
However, even with these two issues, I am very glad I got this treadmill. I think the price is right for what you get!

I still can't believe I got free delivery on this treadmill. Thank you Amazon! We wanted to put the treadmill in an upstairs bedroom, so it took my husband and adult son a while to carry it up the stairs. But once it was up there, it was very easy to assemble. My husband and I both use it, and are delighted with its performance. We bought the mat and the lubricant with the treadmill, and would highly recommend that.

The only thing that is a little disappointing is that the grip heart rate monitor really doesn't work very well. I suppose the chest strap version would work better, but we would have had to buy the 860 model to get it. But we love how easily the display works. The fan is wonderful, and so necessary!

We're very glad we bought this treadmill.

So far so good. I did my homework before I bought this treadmill. I was a little leary before buying it because of the 90 day parts and labor warranty. However, after reading some reviews about other different brand treadmills, it seemed that having a lengthier warranty isn't always a worry free experience. To be fair, this treadmill does have a 10 year warranty on the motor and I believe a 5 year on the frame. It was delivered to my front door within the delivery date estimation. The freight company states they will not enter your house. So I prepared myself well. I had a dolly, which I highly recommend, because it weighs over 200 pounds. The box is about 7'L x 4'w x 1'H. The treadmill is quiet and very sturdy. It was easy to assemble and it took me about an hour. I am very pleased with this product. Although, I have had this product for only about a month. Time will tell if I feel the same about this product a year from now.

I loooove this treadmill! It is not loud at all (so i am able to watch tv, and hear it while on the treadmill) but it also love the fan on it! You can adjust the direction on where you want the wind to blow. Makes it really nice..Also, I love that my knees DO NOT hurt when I am on here running and walking...alot of treadmills...I had prob. with sore knees after! I am big girl (5'10" 195) and in no way to I feel like I am going to break the machine while running on it (alot of machines I have been on, I felt like I was going to break it!) well this one is STURDY!!! This is a great treadmill....great price, and I have also recommended my mother to get the same one! (which she will be ordering here soon)