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Best Reviewed
Budget Treadmills
- Best budget treadmill Horizon Fitness T101 *Est. $600
- Manual treadmill Stamina InMotion II *Est. $165
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- Comes fully assembled
- Compact and foldable
- 10 incline levels
- Small walking surface
- Not designed for running
- Can stop suddenly
- Reports of smoke/burning smell
Although the LifeSpan TR200 isn't designed for running -- it has just a 1.5-horsepower motor, a maximum speed of 8 mph and a 17-by-48-inch belt -- reviewers say it can stand up to regular walking. Users love that the unit comes fully assembled and folds small enough to fit under the bed. However, some taller owners feel cramped on the short treadmill belt, and multiple users say the belt stops suddenly when in use. A few even complain of smoke, a burning smell or short-circuits after using the TR200 for about a half-hour. If you don't need a super-compact treadmill, the Horizon Fitness T101 (*Est. $600) offers a stronger motor, larger walking surface and max speed of 10 mph, and still folds for storage.
The LifeSpan TR200 is included in a group test at ConsumerReports.org, which evaluates nearly 30 treadmills. Each is rated using a variety of criteria, including ease of use and construction quality. TreadmillDoctor.com reviews the 2011 version dubbed the TR200i, and editors provide some analysis to accompany their ratings. Amazon.com is a good source for user reviews.
| LifeSpan Fitness TR200 Fold-N-Stor Compact Treadmill (2011 Model) | |
(48 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
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Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
The LifeSpan TR200 is included in both the 2010 and 2011 ConsumerReports.org treadmill tests. Each machine is assigned ratings based on ease of use, exercise range, ergonomics, safety and construction; however, the TR200 receives markedly lower ratings in 2011 compared to 2010.
Review: Treadmills, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Feb. 2011
Although TreadmillDoctor.com praises the LifeSpan TR200i as an "innovative new treadmill," it doesn't make the 2011 Best Buy list. Editors acknowledge that it's suitable only for walkers.
Review: LifeSpan TR200, Editors of TreadmillDoctor.com, Not Dated
3. Amazon.com
The LifeSpan TR200 earns 4.1-star rating based on more than 45 Amazon.com user reviews. Most owners are pleased with the treadmill, and they especially love its compact size and the fact that it comes fully assembled. However, many complain that the belt stops suddenly during use; others say the unit produces smoke, and in one case a burning smell along with short-circuits, after a half-hour of use.
Review: LifeSpan Fitness TR200 Fold-N-Stor Compact Treadmill, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of Dec. 2011
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