Customer Reviews

Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer (2009 Model)

5 star:		(116)
4 star:		(49)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(19)

 

 

I ended up buying this at a local sports store and like the previous two reviewers was a bit wary to buy it because there were no reviews. I ended up finally buying it because of the reputation that Schwinn has with its other ellipticals and was not disappointed.

I had no difficulty putting it together by myself but it would be best to have two people. Thank you reviewer Toasty for informing me that the water bottle holder is not included. I'll stop searching my house for the damn thing now. I thought I lost it. The bolts, screws, and washers come on two cardboard sheets along with two wrenches and a hex/screw driver. You will have the screws left over for the water bottle holder. The programming was pretty straight forward until I got to the custom program level. I'm still not sure how I got past that screen.

The elliptical itself feels sturdy and well built. I am 300 pounds and it supports my weight without shaking or wobbling. The 18" stride and the handles feel comfortable for my 5'10" frame. I heard some complaints from the salesmen at the sports store that the handles were to far forward but I did not have that problem. The console is pretty basic but what was expected for the price.

Bottom line is if you are looking for a sub $600 elliptical that is well built, this is the one for you.

I was wary if purchasing a product with no reviews on Amazon, but I found other reviews of this machine online and decided to take a risk. I'm glad I did. So far, this machine has met all my expectations.

Setup
Took about 1.5 hours total with 2 people (don't even attempt to do this with 1 person). As I expected, some parts were harder to do than others because of the way the holes line up, but in the end I managed to put it all together. Don't make the mistake of adjusting the levelers before you put it all together like I did; otherwise you'll have to put them back at factory setting to realign the holes so the bolts can go through. I also made sure to spray all the moving parts with silicone lubricant as I was putting it together.

Note that you may want an actual wrench of some sort, in addition to the tools they provide you with. Also note that the cupholder they describe in the instructions is not actually included. (even though it is in the product description, an addendum to the instructions says it is not included) The touted "magazine rack" is also just a lip on the console, so don't expect anything fancy.


Console
The interface is very confusing (and I work in computers, so I'm not a novice with technology). I still haven't managed to figure out how to do a customized program, despite running through the instructions step-by-step. However, since I rarely do programs anyway, I don't really care about this feature. There is also no backlight.

The heart rate monitor takes a while to settle at your "real" heart rate, almost a minute, so either always keep your hands on the monitor or don't count on using it too often.


Use
This machine is super-quiet, with no squeaking so far. I can watch TV at normal volume while doing my workouts. There were several complaints that on the 430 (the predecessor to this model), the easiest level was acutally pretty difficult, and I don't find that to be the case here at all even though I haven't worked out at all in months.

The stride works for me, as I'm short (5'0"). The handlebars are also fine for me, but just barely. Any further and they would be very awkward to grip.

***UPDATE*** after almost 2 years of use <Aug 19 '11>:
Just wanted to update my review, as my husband and I have used this machine 3 times/week each for almost 2 years. It still operates smoothly, no strange noise or stiffness anywhere.
I really like the fact that this machine doesn't stop counting the work-out time when I pedal backwards (some machines don't know what to do with that, and stops counting the distance etc.) We're STILL very happy about this purchase. Thought I'd update the review and let you all know that as this is a large purchase (at least for us).


<Sep 25 '09>
As Toasty mentioned, I was also unsure of purchasing this machine without any reviews posted but I did anyway. I've been working out with Precor elliptical machine at a nearby gym and I quite liked it but decided to purchase Schwinn 420 for my exercise room at home (did not want to pay thousands of dollars).

The assembly took just under 2 hours and you do need 2 people. The package is quite heavy as well so do not attempt to build this on your own. The workout is smooth and quiet which is a real treat. I also found setting the custom work-out was a bit hard but I figured it out eventually.

And no, the WATER BOTTLE HOLDER is NOT INCLUDED in this purchase.

Overall you will not be disappointed with this machine especially at this price. It looks good, makes you work out hard and keeps you in shape. I'm short (5' 2") and my husband's 6' but we both find the size of this machine suiting.

We enjoyed our Schwinn 420 for almost 6 whole months before it died. We came home from vacation, and it was making a loud knocking noise from the motor housing. Thereafter, it gave the dreaded E-2 error...

We are extremely disappointed with the quality of this machine, which has only been exacerbated by the poor service we have received while trying to repair it. To start, every phone call to Nautilus takes about an hour to get a human being. After the first phone call, they were sure it was the console that had failed and I waited two weeks for the replacement. Of course the new console gives the same error. Another hour of sitting on hold and re-explaining how the device failed, and now they are certain it must be the motor. Oops, they don't actually carry that part; I'm supposed to wait for 3-4 weeks while they see if they get replacement parts (then wait for another two weeks for shipping). If and when it does arrive, I'm supposed to go to a bike store so I can buy a crankshaft puller (somewhere in the $20-30 range) and spend my weekend pulling apart my gently used 150 pound paperweight.

You might guess I was less than enthusiastic about the above scenario, so I asked that they simply replace the elliptical since they didn't have the parts necessary to fix it and certainly could not guarantee that this new part would actually make it functional. That replacement request also carries a 2 week waiting period. After two and a half weeks, I sent them an email asking whether they would grant this request for a replacement elliptical. Of course that email to the person who said it would take two weeks and would certainly contact me with the result was ignored. It's been about 5 weeks total now without our elliptical, and I don't have much hope of that changing anytime soon.

Our last elliptical from Eclipse lasted for over 5 years and cost less than this Schwinn by a couple hundred dollars. I don't think I will buy another Schwinn or Nautilus product and hope you don't have the misfortune of having to deal with their product support.

After spending much time looking at many different Elliptical's and reading all the reviews, I decided to take a chance on the newer Schwinn model 420 over the 430. Its been in use now for 2 weeks by both my wife and I,(6 times a week) and I'm very happy with my choice.

The shipping by via ABF was very fast (4 days) and they called ahead to set up a delivery time. The weight of the 420 in approximately 160lb, so have some help ready if you think you need it. I had the box in the basement and the 420 put together in a little more than 2 hours by myself. Tools are included if you don't happen to have any of your own. Socket wrenches and a screw driver make it a little faster. I lubricated all moving parts during assembly, this machine makes no noise what so ever while it is in use and is very sturdy. ( Lets remember, this is a machine with moving parts and most all moving parts need lubricated from time to time!) I found no hole or bolt alignment problems and the assembly instructions were very clear.

The operation of the 420 is very smooth, both my wife (5'10") and myself (6'1") have no problem with the handle bar reach. Although both of us have long legs, the 18 inch stride seems very comfortable.

Not being a computer or programing wizard, the console instructions could of been made a little clearer. The read out is clear and the manual operation is simple enough but I am still trying to work out the customized programs. There are 16 levels of resistance and going up and down threw them is done easily.

All in all. For the price (599.00 + free shipping) this is a great deal and a very good Elliptical in my opinion.

Programming the console:


Lots of people have complained about the user manual for this machine. I heartily agree with the gentleman who described it as "crap." However, the machine itself is quite good. Here is what I have learned about programming it:

Notes:

To begin programming, always start by hitting Stop/Reset until "Schwinn 20" scrolls across the top of the screen. When you see that, you are ready to begin.

Also, however limited, be sure you read, understand, and program with machine with the few details that are included in the Schwinn instruction book.

Whether used by one person or by several people, I recommend you program a default user into the machine. That user will have weight/height/age preprogrammed in. The "guest" user will have to enter that data each time the machine is used.

Programming a User (only one user can be programmed):

Press "Start" (After you see "schwinn 20" see above.)

Press "up/down" to select "add user"
Press "Start" and read 'Enter Name" across top
Press "Start" then press "up/down" to select first letter of name
Press "Start" and "up/down" for next letter until all letters are entered
When all letters are entered, press "Start" repeatedly until all spaces are used up and "Enter Weight" appears.
Press "Start" then "up/down" arrows to enter your weight.
Press "Start" and read "Target Weight" across the top.
Press "Start" and use "up/down" to enter your target weight.
Press "Start" and read "Height" across the top.
Press "Start" and enter your height in inches
Press "Start" and read "Age" across the top
Press "Start" and enter your age.
Press "Start" and "Custom 1" program will appear.

To accept a flat program without changing resistance (you can select other programs when you get on the machine for an exercise session):
Press "Start" repeatedly until the bar disappears off to the left of the screen, and the words "User Added" appear.

To create a custom program with varied resistance per segment:
Each press of the "Start" button moves you to the next segment so, change the first segment using "up/down" buttons, then press "Start" and program the next setment, etc until all setments are programmed to your desire. If you mis-program a setment, press "stop" to move backward and re-program the previous segment.

You have now programmed the user. Each time you start exercising you will select the name and choose which program you will run - either the custom program, or any of the other programs available in the computer.

To begin a session:

Press "Stop" until "Schwinn 20" scrolls across the top of the machine.
Press "Start" then "up/down" to select user by name, or "Guest" user.
Press "Start" and follow the prompts using the technique described above. When the program appears, you can use the "up/down" arrows to select the program you wish to use.

The hardware:

Once I completely re-lubricated with silicone-based spray, it worked smoothly and quietly. I haven't had it long enough to give it a real tryout.

The delivery:

I'm writing this review to point out a potential problem which was for me entirely unexpected and unpleasant -- the delivery.

I tracked the shipment using Amazon's system. On the day that had been showing as "estimated delivery date" the tracking system showed it as "out for delivery." I waited all day and it never showed up.

Late in the afternoon I received a call from the trucking company indicating that they wanted to deliver it the next day. I asked why it had not been delivered today, the scheduled date. The reply: Oh, we just got it from the cross country shipper, we could not have delivered it today. So, I had to hang around the house for a second day to receive the shipment. What's the point of a tracking system if it doesn't work? That was problem number one.

During the same conversation, I was asked "You don't live on a cul-de-sac, do you?" I said no, but I have a 1/4 mile driveway. "Oh, that's a problem" I was told. The semi probably won't be able to negotiate your driveway and turn around at the end. "Semi?" I queried? "You do home delivery in a semi? It sounds to me as though your company is not qualified to make home deliveries." Her answer: "Well, your choices are either to refuse delivery and we'll ship it back, or you meet our truck with a pickup truck at some convenient location and we'll transfer it to your vehicle." I eventually arranged the pickup truck and a meeting at the local airport, but I was certainly miffed. The delivery conditions had stated "at your front door or inside your garage" -- a delivery standard that they could not possibly have met with the enormous semi that delivered the box. The large box was dwarfed by the cavernous interior of the huge truck that it was delivered in. That was problem number two.

So, buyer, beware. Depending upon whether a semi truck can get to your front door, you may or may not have the delivery that you were expecting.

If I could do it separately, I would give the machine a four-star rating, and the delivery a one-star rating. So, overall, it gets a three.

I did all sorts of research before purchasing this model. Worked great for 4 months until one day the chain broke and that was it for this piece of junk. Hours on the phone with Nautilus telephone support resulted in them telling me "tough cookies" basically. This unit has a strict 90 day warranty and Nautilus/Schwinn will not repair it after that date. I was told that I could call someone to repair it. If you're going to buy this, be sure to put it on your AMEX or some other card that gives you an extended warranty.

After reading pretty good reviews, I bought the Schwinn 420. Assembly was pretty straight forward, but once together, the right leg/arm assembly didn't line up very well, making the wheel want to run off track. I called Schwinn and it turns out the 90 day labor warranty only covers parts that were assembled at the factory. Still, the Schwinn rep on the phone was very nice and together we guessed on which part was causing the problem. He sent me a new one, but unfortunately we guessed wrong. Problem is still there. Right wheel / pedal wants to run off track resulting in pretty bad squeeking. Lube does no good. I'm giving up. I'll use it until the wheel fails in a few months and try a different brand.
Based on other reviews, most are fine right out of the box. But just know that they're made in China and the quality assurance (or lack there of) shows. If you get a lemon, you are in for trouble trying to fix it.

I originally planned to purchase the Schwinn 430, but the price ended up being the same for the newer model so I went with this one. I too was nervous about a machine with no reviews as well as ordering a machine online. It seems several Schwinn 430 purchases had shipping damage that led to a long process of getting the machine fixed or replaced. But comparing this machine to those I found in stores I decided to take the risk. It was shipped in good shape. The only complaint involved with shipping is that the driver did not call in advance to set up delivery, luckily the driver caught my land lords who signed for it, or it would have taken an additional week to deliver.

My husband pretty much put the machine together by himself in less than two hours, the only part I helped with was getting the center bar that holds both legs to the base lined up. (However, many people will probably need two people. My husband is very strong so dealing with the weight was not a problem for him, but would have been for me).

I feel like I get a great work out on this machine, I don't have a lot of experience with elliptical machines, I have always been a runner, but I seem to get plenty winded and work up a good sweat.

It feels very sturdy and is quiet. I'm starting to notice a light squeak (which based on 430 reviews I was also worried about) so far it is not enough to even be a bother, plus we did forget to put lubrication on the joints during assembly as recommend by several who purchased the 430 model. We will probably add some lubrication as a precaution.

As for the comments that the 430 model was hard to use, I'm not noticing that on this model, I am starting out at level 7 and as I mentioned I have been running and biking but am not used to ehlipticals.

The only other thing I noticed is that the handle bars did initially seem far away compared to other models, after my first workout it no longer seemed bad, actually it seems to make me really feel the workout in my arms. But I am 5'7" with pretty long arms, so someone with shorter arms may find this uncomfortable or not usable.

I ordered Dec 11 from AMAZON to take advantage of free shipping, unit arrived via ABF Dec 16, arranged for dock pick-up as opposed to scheduled home delivery since they were only a 15min drive and I have a small truck. People from ABF were wonderful to deal with, took calls no problem, and loaded into my truck via forklift. Box is 150lb plus, but no problem carrying pieces into basement from garage by myself. Schwinn does an excellent job of packing, no damage or issues from transit to the item.
Like other commentary, I was slightly hesitant of the 420 vs 430 due to limited reviews, however with largely positive feedback, took a chance on the 420. As I unwrapped and moved pieces to basement, I was impressed with components, heft, finish, etc. Assembled myself with no problem whatsoever and would make several recommendations (based on some other comments)as follows: Invest in a 6mm t-bar wrench or 3/8 drive and ratchet. Also 13mm wrench/socket make this a breeze as opposed to using the moderately crude (but sufficient I suppose) devices included. One axiom for assembling anything where multiple attaching points exist is DO NOT tighten until all of the bolts/screws have been started. Thus you avoid problems (as alleged by some) of difficulty in pieces fitting and requiring use of hammers, etc. This thing was drilled/jigged perfectly and all components fit with relative ease. I further suggest you assemble in very close or exact proximity to intended use, since leveling adjustments should be set prior to complete assembly. Set the adjusters on far ends of support cross bar all the way in (turn clockwise), then turn ONLY the ones needed (counter clockwise) to make contact with the floor. Next set the mid-cross bar, you will discover that these must be extended considerably more than the far ends in order to make contact with the floor. Tighten all lock rings and you have a very secure base, NO movement whatsoever on mine after final assembly. Much commentary seemed to exist about squeeks on the 430, I borrowed some "wheel bearing grease" this is a very heavy lube for automotive/industrial use and applied liberally to ALL points of movement/rotation on pins and grommets. The unit is virtually silent other than light hum from flywheel when operating.
Only draw back as most others indicated is seeming complexity of "custom" programs for work out, not an issue for me since I am more than content to use quick-start manual program, but would agree that the instructions for customization are somewhere between cryptic and confusing. One note about seemingly difficult "low level" resistance as mentioned in some reviews, the unit "defaults" to #3 level when first powered up, but when decreased to #1, it felt perfectly fine to me. Anyone who cannot facilitate use in the #1 setting is either so far out of shape that walking down hill pains them or they are unaware of the default start at #3.
Final score, solid 5 stars across the board, both for machine and purchase through amazon and free shipping, looking forward to many years of good use. One final note, called Schwinn to register the product and was connected rapidly to a wonderful young lady in the good old USofA, not Bangladesh or some other god forsaken country on the planet :)