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Product Description
Amazon.com
Elliptical trainers provide an effective cardiovascular workout that combines upper and lower body flexibility and coordination into one impact-free motion. By emulating the natural motion of your foot while supporting your heel throughout the stride, elliptical trainers are much easier on your knees and joints. In addition to feeling more natural while working out, regular use on ellipticals will increase heart and lung capacity while improving your health and burning calories.
Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer
The Schwinn 431 accommodates a wide variety of users, with a full-sized 18-inch stride length and bi-directional pedaling action that lets the user pedal forward or backward depending on the targeted muscle groups. Users will also appreciate the variety of workout programs, including three heart-rate controlled programs, a calorie goal program, a time trial, a fitness test, 10 profile programs, two custom programs, and a manual option. And thanks to the Eddy Current magnetic brake resistance system, the Schwinn 431 is smooth and quiet. Other details include an backlit LCD display with such feedback programs as Recovery Mode, Results Mode, and BMI; hand-grip heart rate monitors; a water bottle holder; and bottom wheels for easy transport. The Schwinn 431 measures 59 by 26 by 68 inches (L x W x H), weighs 165 pounds, and carries the following warranties: 15 years on the frame, two years on the parts, one year on the electronics, and 3 months on the labor.
 A blue backlit LCD display allows you to track your progress with feedback programs such as Recovery Mode, Results Mode, and BMI. |
 A built-in cup holder helps you stay well hydrated while exercising. |
Key Features:
- Schwinn BioFit console design includes an integrated MP3/portable media compartment, on-console towel hook, fan and oversized cushioned footplates
- Schwinn BioDyne performance system includes a 25-pound (11.3 kg) steel flywheel and computer controlled drive system that provide high inertia for smooth strides
- Transport wheels for convenience, and oversized stabilizer tubes for rock-solid steadiness; biomechanically designed linkages to provide a comfortable movement of the foot throughout the elliptical motion
- Multi-program and feature-packed Schwinn BioConnect computer allows users to input data, measure a variety of workout results, and track progress
- Oversized bottle holder fits most beverage containers and may be removed and cleaned separately
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 59 inches long by 26 inches wide by 68 inches tall
- Maximum User Weight: 300 pounds
- Power Requirements: AC Adapter
- Performance Features Resistance Levels: 16
- Resistance System: ECB (Eddy Current Brake) Resistance
- Drive system: Computer Controlled
- Workout Programs: Manual, Profile, Calorie Goal, Time Trial, Heart Rate Control, Fitness Test, Custom
- Feedback Programs: BMI (Body Mass Index), Recovery Mode, Results Mode
- Heart Rate Monitor: Grip Heart Rate Monitor
- Computer Features Display Type: Blue Backlit LCD
- Display Readout: Time, Interval Time, RPM, Watts, Distance, Pulse, Speed, Calories, Resistance
Manufacturer's Warranty
Frame - 15 years, parts - 2 years, electronics - 1 year, labor - 3 months
What's in the Box?
Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer, user's manual, warranty information
Compare These Elliptical Trainers | ||||||||
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Schwinn A40 | Schwinn 420 (2012) | Schwinn 425 (2013) | Schwinn 431 | Schwinn 450 | Nautilus E514 (2010) | Nautilus E514c (2013) | Schwinn 520 | |
| MSRP | 599.00 | 799.00 | 799.00 | 999.00 | 999.00 | 999.00 | 999.00 | 999.00 |
| Number of Programs | 7 | 10 | 10 | 19 | 10 | 15 | 21 | 3 |
| Workout Programs | 1 Manual, 6 Profile | 6 Profiles, Fitness Test, Custom, Results, Quick Start | 6 Profile, 2 Feedback, Custom, Quick Start | 1 Manual, 10 Profile, Calorie Goal, Time Trial, 3 Heart Rate Control, Fitness Test, 2 Custom | 8 Profile, 6 Heart Rate, 2 Custom, 2 Feedback, Quick Start, Distance Goal | 1 Quick Start, 8 Profiles, 1 Distance Goal, 1 Custom, 4 Heart Rate Controlled | 8 Profile, 6 Heart Rate, 2 Custom, 2 Feedback, Quick Start, Distance Goal | Time Goal Calorie Goal Distance Goal |
| Performance Tracking | No | No | No | No | Schwinn Advantage | Nautilus Advantage | Nautilus Advantage | No |
| Stride Length | Fixed 17" | Fixed 18" | Fixed 18" | Fixed 18" | Fixed 20" with 6-Position Ramp Adjustability | Fixed 18" | Fixed 18" | Fixed 14" |
| Heart Rate | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact | Contact and Telemetric chest strap | Contact and Telemetric enabled | Contact |
| Display Type | LCD | LCD | Large LCD | Extra Large Blue Backlit LCD | Extra Large Black Backlit LCD with Multi-color Brickyard | Extra Large Blue Backlit LCD | Extra Large Black Backlit LCD with Multi-color Brickyard | Enhanced Resolution LCD |
| Resistance Levels | 8 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | Infinite |
| Eddy Current Brake | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Power | Battery (not included) | AC adaptor (included) | AC adaptor (included) | AC adaptor (included) | AC adaptor (included) | AC adaptor (included) | AC adaptor (included) | AC adaptor (included) |
| Fixed and Moving Handlebars | Moving only | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Other Features | Fan, Transport Wheels, Water Bottle Holder, Reading Rack | Articulating Foot Plate, Speakers, Fan, Transport Wheels, Water Bottle Holder, Retractable Reading Rack | Articulating Foot Plate, Speakers, Fan, Transport Wheels, Water Bottle Holder, Retractable Reading Rack | Articulating Foot Plate, Fan, Transport Wheels, Water Bottle Holder, Reading Rack | Articulating Foot Plate, Speakers, 2-speed Fan, Transport Wheels, Built-in Console Bottle Holder, Retractable Reading Rack | Articulating Foot Plate, Fan, Transport Wheels, Water Bottle Holder, Reading Rack | Articulating Foot Plate, Speakers, 2-speed Fan, Transport Wheels, Built-in Console Bottle Holder, Retractable Reading Rack | Ventilated seat back, extra padded seat, single stage high torque belt drive, oversized footplates for multiple positions, non-intrusive console placement |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 59" x 23" x 64" | 62" x 26" x 71" | 62" x 26" x 71" | 59" x 26" x 68" | 68" x 26" x 70" | 62" x 26" x 71" | 62" x 26" x 71" | 62" x 28" x 40" |
| Product Weight | 91 lbs | 164 lbs | 150 lbs | 172 lbs | 230 lbs | 165 lbs | 165 lbs | 120 lbs |
| Warranty | Frame: 2 years Mech & Elec: 6 months Wear Parts: 30 day | Frame: 5 years Mech & Elec: 1 year Wear Parts: 90 days Labor: 90 days | Frame: 5 years Mech & Elec: 1 year Wear Parts: 90 days Labor: 90 days | Frame: 15 years Mech: 2 years Elec: 1 year Wear Parts: N/A Labor: 90 days | Frame: 5 years Mech & Elec: 1 year Wear Parts: 90 days Labor: 90 days | Frame: 15 years Mech: 2 years Elec: 1 year Wear Parts: 6 months Labor: 6 months | Frame: 15 years Mech: 2 years Elec: 1 year Wear Parts: 6 months Labor: 6 months | Frame: 5 years Mech & Elec: 1 year Wear Parts: 90 days Labor: 90 days |
| Max. User Weight | 275 lbs | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 300 lbs |
Product Details
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
284 of 290 people found the following review helpful
By Mike M.
Amazon Verified Purchase
***Update 12/21/2007***
Well, I've had this machine for about two weeks now and it works great. I am completely satisfied with this purchase. I was a little concerned about shipping, but mine came in perfect condition. Like others, it took me little under 3 hours to put it together. If you can put a screw in and follow directions, you'll be able to put this together. The machine is so smooth and quiet. It's no problem for others in the room to watch TV at the same time. After a week, I started to notice a clicking sound and it turned out I had tightened the screw that connects the handle bar to the foot pedal bar too tight. Loosening it a little fixed the problem.
***Original review***
- I should start by saying I just bought the Schwinn 431 from Amazon, but haven't received it yet so my total usage of it is only the 15 minutes or so I spent trying a demo model at a store. However, I spent a lot of time demoing various brands and some of my research may help you decide what's best for you. My price point was also under $1000. You can definitely find better, but you'll pay for it. First, just some general things I found while demoing ellipticals.
* Machines with the wheel in the front seemed to have a better, more natural feeling movement than those in the rear.
* Stride length of 18" worked best for me (I'm 5'5"). Some low end models had 16" stride, but I found this to be too short. Others had 20" or 21" but these were too big for me.
* I don't think you'd want to buy an elliptical for less than $500. They're just too cheap feeling.
I narrowed my search to three brands, based on the reviews I read on Amazon and also on a website that has lots of reviews of treadmills and ellipticals ("treadmill sensei").
Horizon
Most chain stores carry the Horizon brand. I looked at two models: Horizon Ex56 (Horizon EX55 seems to be the older model) and Horizon EX66. These two are basically the same, with the EX66 just having a few more bells and whistles (i.e. more programs, etc.). I believe the internal mechanisms to be pretty much the same. These were well sized to fit into my smaller house. $600-$800. Overall, these seemed like a nice machine, and I almost bought the ex56, as I didn't think the extra $200 really gave me much more. The EX66 does look a bit more sleek and has 2 extra support legs that could provide better stability.
Sole
I wanted to try the Sole 25, but the store I looked at only had the next model up, the 35. These machines are a bit pricier, actually the 25 was "on sale" for $999 with a MSRP of $1999 (I don't think anyone every pays the MSRP though) and the 35 is more. Both have a 20" stride length, and this was just too big for me. For a taller person, this might be fine. The machine itself is bigger and I would have a harder time fitting it into my house. In general, the motion was very smooth. This seems like a well built machine if you have the space and money. Sole seems to have a pretty good warranty too.
Schwinn
I didn't expect Schwinn to make ellipticals. Actually, they don't. This brand falls under the Nautilus brand, which also makes bowflex, nautilus and stairmaster. I looked at the 430 and 431, (431 seems to be the later model and has more bells and whistles, like more programs, a fan and rubber pads on the foot pedals instead of just hard plastic ones on the 430, a bigger cup holder!). Consumer reports actually recommended the 418. The model numbering is strange, the 418 and 438 go together, and the 430 and 431 are similar. The 431 is smaller in size, about the same as the Horizon EX56. The price for the 430 is $600 and the 431 $800. I ended up going with the 431 (there is a promotion going on for a $100 gift card so that brings the price closer). In general both the 430 and 431 felt the same, except the rubber pads on the pedals did feel nicer with better grip for your shoes. This machine actually feels better than the horizon line due to the 25lb flywheel, vs. only 14lbs for the Horizon. This really makes the stride feel smoother. This machine also felt more solid than Horizon. The only problem with this brand is that it was hard to find a demo machine. Another potential drawback is the warranty, which is 15 year frame, 1 year parts, and 6 months labor.
Your best bet is to actually get on the machine and try them out before you buy! Good Luck!
Well, I've had this machine for about two weeks now and it works great. I am completely satisfied with this purchase. I was a little concerned about shipping, but mine came in perfect condition. Like others, it took me little under 3 hours to put it together. If you can put a screw in and follow directions, you'll be able to put this together. The machine is so smooth and quiet. It's no problem for others in the room to watch TV at the same time. After a week, I started to notice a clicking sound and it turned out I had tightened the screw that connects the handle bar to the foot pedal bar too tight. Loosening it a little fixed the problem.
***Original review***
- I should start by saying I just bought the Schwinn 431 from Amazon, but haven't received it yet so my total usage of it is only the 15 minutes or so I spent trying a demo model at a store. However, I spent a lot of time demoing various brands and some of my research may help you decide what's best for you. My price point was also under $1000. You can definitely find better, but you'll pay for it. First, just some general things I found while demoing ellipticals.
* Machines with the wheel in the front seemed to have a better, more natural feeling movement than those in the rear.
* Stride length of 18" worked best for me (I'm 5'5"). Some low end models had 16" stride, but I found this to be too short. Others had 20" or 21" but these were too big for me.
* I don't think you'd want to buy an elliptical for less than $500. They're just too cheap feeling.
I narrowed my search to three brands, based on the reviews I read on Amazon and also on a website that has lots of reviews of treadmills and ellipticals ("treadmill sensei").
Horizon
Most chain stores carry the Horizon brand. I looked at two models: Horizon Ex56 (Horizon EX55 seems to be the older model) and Horizon EX66. These two are basically the same, with the EX66 just having a few more bells and whistles (i.e. more programs, etc.). I believe the internal mechanisms to be pretty much the same. These were well sized to fit into my smaller house. $600-$800. Overall, these seemed like a nice machine, and I almost bought the ex56, as I didn't think the extra $200 really gave me much more. The EX66 does look a bit more sleek and has 2 extra support legs that could provide better stability.
Sole
I wanted to try the Sole 25, but the store I looked at only had the next model up, the 35. These machines are a bit pricier, actually the 25 was "on sale" for $999 with a MSRP of $1999 (I don't think anyone every pays the MSRP though) and the 35 is more. Both have a 20" stride length, and this was just too big for me. For a taller person, this might be fine. The machine itself is bigger and I would have a harder time fitting it into my house. In general, the motion was very smooth. This seems like a well built machine if you have the space and money. Sole seems to have a pretty good warranty too.
Schwinn
I didn't expect Schwinn to make ellipticals. Actually, they don't. This brand falls under the Nautilus brand, which also makes bowflex, nautilus and stairmaster. I looked at the 430 and 431, (431 seems to be the later model and has more bells and whistles, like more programs, a fan and rubber pads on the foot pedals instead of just hard plastic ones on the 430, a bigger cup holder!). Consumer reports actually recommended the 418. The model numbering is strange, the 418 and 438 go together, and the 430 and 431 are similar. The 431 is smaller in size, about the same as the Horizon EX56. The price for the 430 is $600 and the 431 $800. I ended up going with the 431 (there is a promotion going on for a $100 gift card so that brings the price closer). In general both the 430 and 431 felt the same, except the rubber pads on the pedals did feel nicer with better grip for your shoes. This machine actually feels better than the horizon line due to the 25lb flywheel, vs. only 14lbs for the Horizon. This really makes the stride feel smoother. This machine also felt more solid than Horizon. The only problem with this brand is that it was hard to find a demo machine. Another potential drawback is the warranty, which is 15 year frame, 1 year parts, and 6 months labor.
Your best bet is to actually get on the machine and try them out before you buy! Good Luck!
129 of 131 people found the following review helpful
By Carrie Hess
Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought this machine to workout at home because I tend to keep strange hours and the idea of going to the gym is not appealing to me. The package was delivered by ABF Freight in perfect condition (as in no damage, the box itself was extremely filthy) but I opened it and put it together with no issues. I really like the way this machine looks and feels. I had an elliptical machine about 7 years ago that I had bought from Sears that wasn't near the quality of this machine. After assembly, I turned the machine on and it prompted me to select a program. I selected the program and when the machine went to kick on the motor/resistance, an message appeared on the screen. E-2. What does this mean? There is no troubleshooting section in the manual. After an online search of other Schwinn fitness equipment, I found out that E-2 is a pretty significant problem which involves changing the console and/or motor or who knows what else. I have emailed Schwinn/Nautilus regarding the error but have yet to receive a response. I think that I am mechanically adept enough to put this machine together but I don't know how to feel about the fact that I may have to replace the motor. I don't know if I'm that talented. I wish there was an easy fix and I hope they tell me there is one. I really like this machine and I would just like it to function. I will update with future news.
Update March 21
Sorry, It took so long to get this updated but I hadn't had a chance to devote time to this problem until now. So Schwinn/Nautilus emailed me and told me to check the wiring connection which I did and still did not fix the problem. So I called the customer service number and spoke with a very nice representative who sent out new wires and a new motor and told me a repair person would phone within a few a days. So the repair person called and scheduled the maintenance and he came and put the new parts on but he discovered an additional problem, which was the resistance wheel magnet, even when fully placed against the wheel created zero resistance. So he had to move and adjust the magnet wheel thing and said that he replaced all the parts that they sent but that the magnet thing was probably the problem the whole time because he said he could hear the motor whirring away when he initially checked it out. So, I think I was just unfortunate enough to get a defect in my machine but the Schwinn/Nautilus people were very nice and effective and my machine works great now. :)
Update March 21
Sorry, It took so long to get this updated but I hadn't had a chance to devote time to this problem until now. So Schwinn/Nautilus emailed me and told me to check the wiring connection which I did and still did not fix the problem. So I called the customer service number and spoke with a very nice representative who sent out new wires and a new motor and told me a repair person would phone within a few a days. So the repair person called and scheduled the maintenance and he came and put the new parts on but he discovered an additional problem, which was the resistance wheel magnet, even when fully placed against the wheel created zero resistance. So he had to move and adjust the magnet wheel thing and said that he replaced all the parts that they sent but that the magnet thing was probably the problem the whole time because he said he could hear the motor whirring away when he initially checked it out. So, I think I was just unfortunate enough to get a defect in my machine but the Schwinn/Nautilus people were very nice and effective and my machine works great now. :)
84 of 84 people found the following review helpful
By Mojoski
I just bought one of these from a local "Play It Again Sports" location and I must say I'm impressed with the sturdy manufacturing. (I'd recommend you ask your local store for a price. I saved $100 over Amazon's price!) It has a very smooth ride and feels very sturdy even when I ride it at a quick rate. I'm 215 lbs and I have it set up on Berber carpet and it still feels very sturdy!
The assembly took me about 2 hours and it wasn't very difficult. Schwinn (er, Nautilus) did a good job of packing all of the nuts and washers in a very organized way where there is no doubt what is what. The instructions were very easy to follow and didn't require any tools other than the ones included in the box.
I'm very happy with this unit. It has a wonderful selection of 20 different programs built in and has 16 levels of resistance as well. The heart rate monitor is well placed and seems to work well for me. The lack of a chest strap compatibility feature wasn't a big deal for me since I don't use a chest strap and have never liked them, but be aware of this short-coming if that option matters to you.
Overall, I think this is a good deal and a solid machine. Now I just need to start getting up and using it every morning!
The assembly took me about 2 hours and it wasn't very difficult. Schwinn (er, Nautilus) did a good job of packing all of the nuts and washers in a very organized way where there is no doubt what is what. The instructions were very easy to follow and didn't require any tools other than the ones included in the box.
I'm very happy with this unit. It has a wonderful selection of 20 different programs built in and has 16 levels of resistance as well. The heart rate monitor is well placed and seems to work well for me. The lack of a chest strap compatibility feature wasn't a big deal for me since I don't use a chest strap and have never liked them, but be aware of this short-coming if that option matters to you.
Overall, I think this is a good deal and a solid machine. Now I just need to start getting up and using it every morning!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great machine.
I have always been hesitant of buying an elliptical for the house, I always thought you had to spend over $1000 to get anything worth having that would be close to gym quality,... Read more
Published 9 days ago by KG
5.0 out of 5 stars
Well built and very quite
After a few months of going over many different Ellipticals, going to the store and looking, and I cant tell you how many reviews, I kept coming back to the Schwinn 431, and... Read more
Published 12 days ago by Tara L Gilkey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nice Machine
This is a great machine. I had previously purchased a NordicTrack brand but in less then a year I had all kinds of problems with it so I decided to go with Schwinn. Read more
Published 13 days ago by Barbara Hodges
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great guy
Elliptical trainer with smooth mechanism.Exceeded my expectations.Value for money is reasonable.
Thus far I'm delighted.
Took some time (3-4 hours) to assemble.
Thus far I'm delighted.
Took some time (3-4 hours) to assemble.
Published 15 days ago by CK
1.0 out of 5 stars
Doesnt look like a new one, looks like a refurbished one
Missing screws and some more parts. I will never recommend this product for any of my friends. Waiting for customer service to respond back to me by Tuesday. Read more
Published 19 days ago by Krishnakumar Natarajan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great purchase.
I researched for about a month before purchasing this machine. Glad I did. This one is sturdy but gives a smooth ride. Even my husband has begun to use it! Read more
Published 1 month ago by P. Davis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Machine!
If you are extra carefull as I am to make sure that you don't delay the enjoyment of this piece of equipment if ever you mess up one part, it will take between 4 to 5 hours to put... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great in-home exercise machine!
Set up was somewhat difficult, even for 2 people. But now that it's together it's quiet & smooth. Plenty of programs. Would definitely recommend.
Published 1 month ago by Aimee Starling
5.0 out of 5 stars
elliptical
we love this. It wasn't hard to put together and is very user friendly. I would recommend it to anyone.
Published 1 month ago by Sarah
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just like at the gym!
Got the Schwinn 431 Elliptical in mid February. Easy to put together & speedy shipping. Works so well, is silent, & I can work out anytime without having to travel somewhere. Read more
Published 1 month ago by M. Steidl
