PRICE:
Amazon offered the best price at $600.00 and free shipping. With the lowest price and the confidence of buying from a recognized and established business rather than some online fly-by-night, Amazon was the obvious choice.
PURCHASE:
Online ordering was, of course, a breeze at Amazon. Shipment was done via "Eagle GL" shipper. Make sure your correct telephone number is included in the ordering process because Eagle will not deliver the product without an appointment. Delivery personnel were ahead of schedule, polite and helpful. The delivery is curbside only and you should make plans to move the 200 lb box to your indoor workout location. You may find it easier to unload the box at the drop point and carry in the individual pieces. The flywheel, however, may take two people or just leave it in the box and slide it up the steps.
CUSTOMER SERVICE / ASSEMBLY:
A real nightmare. Online reviews of other Schwinn ellipticals warn the prospective purchaser that Schwinn has a real problem with packing the proper parts. The 430 is no exception. Two right legs made the unit inoperative. Several calls to customer service, although they have a great bedside manner, netted little results as each representative advised different information and none could correct the problem in a timely fashion. An email to Nautilus, (parent company of Schwinn), upper management did result in action within five minutes of receiving the message after 8:00 PM. The problem was taken care of within three days, (even they had a problem with obtaining the proper part), and they showed a genuine concern for the situation.
The assembly manual rated about a 5 out of 10. Parts were incorrectly labeled and some parts changed their part number on each page they were displayed. Customer service either read from a different diagram or could not understand what was presented to them. Take it slow and as a hint, there is no M8x25 bolt.
FEATURES:
General Use - The ECB system makes for a very quiet, very smooth ride. Parents of newborns will find this welcome when space restrictions require exercise close to their sleeping babe (aside from an occasional electronic beep, but not a nap breaker). The forward and reverse option is an added benefit not found on other machines in this price range.
Size - No excuse here. Though slightly wider than a ski machine, the 430 will fit in any apartment. The front rollers make it possible, (not easy), to move the unit into a corner when not in use.
Electronics - Nice array of feedback though no backlight with this model. Heart rate monitor is lacking, however. When compared to a "Polar" HRM with chest strap the 430's HRM took about 60 seconds to display an accurate reading. Since the sensors are located on the stationary handlebars this feature is not helpful to someone who chooses to use the dynamic handlebars for upper body movement.
BioFit & BioGlide - Big words for "a well polished machine" Essentially this means that the design is such that there are no rough edges, placement of interaction points with the user, (handlebars, electronics, etc.), have been optimized and so forth. Although nice, this is what consumers expect in a product. Anything less would be a poor purchase.
Foot Plate - Although Schwinn claims that the 430 has articulating foot plates, (follow the foot's path to maintain contact with the surface), I found my heel constantly rising as in the motion of a cross-country ski machine. The plates are wide and hard plastic. Even with walking shoes on this is a bit uncomfortable. The plates could use a softer surface and a strap system to hold the foot in place.
PERFORMANCE:
Once you get the unit together you'll find one smooth ride (No reference to the manufacturer of other elliptical equipment intended). Since the unit was just manufactured in 2006 and this review is written after only one use, it is unknown how long the 430 will hold up to its good performance. For now, however, the 430, coupled with another Nautilus product, the Bowflex home gym, may entice you to cancel your exercise club membership, that is if you can get past the ego trip of the mirrors first.
Sept. 28, 2008 - Still going strong. A few minor creeks that could probably be resolved with lubrication or bolt adjustment, but it's still smooth, quiet and no mechanical problems.