Schwinn 431

Bottom Line

Despite some negative expert critiques, the Schwinn 431 has an overwhelmingly positive consumer following. Users have minor issues with the elliptical, primarily during assembly, but are very happy with their purchase overall.

Performance

Smooth but squeaky. Consumers are more than happy with the cost-effective performance of the Schwinn 431. It's a favorite on Amazon.com, where it gets 4 out of 5 stars after more than 200 reviews, and is commonly described as smooth and a good deal. One user says, "It has a very smooth ride and feels very sturdy even when I ride it at a quick rate."

The 431 has a 25-pound flywheel and can accommodate users of up to 300 pounds. Its stride length is a fixed 18 inches, however, which may prove too short for taller users. Some reviews say the handlebar stride is uncomfortably short, as well.

Ease of Use

Small issues with assembly. Many owners complain that several parts didn't line up correctly during assembly or the product was missing parts. Building the elliptical proved impossible for a few, who had to return the whole machine. Aside from that, most reports agree that assembly isn't too challenging.

Once it's together, the elliptical is easy to use with a backlit LCD on the center console that displays time, calories, heart rate, distance and more. The 19 available programs -- a lot for a machine of this price -- includes a manual mode, custom mode and three heart-rate programs. Heart rate is measured on two stationary handgrips.

Owners say the fan is loud and useless. The Schwinn 431 has no MP3 input plugs, but does provide a space to hold a player.

Durability

Varied opinions. Despite its price, the 431 is impressively solid, reviewers say. A few owners report a "squeaky" noise coming from the pedal after a few weeks, which one fixed by slightly loosening a bolt within the pedal assembly.

Consumers say they're content with the stability of the elliptical despite its 59-by-26-inch footprint. However, experts at TreadmillDoctor.com are unimpressed, calling the machine a "stain on Schwinn's reputation."

Customer Service

Lower price, shorter warranty. Schwinn offers a warranty of 15 years on the frame, two years for parts, one year for electronics and 90 days for labor, but this is still below industry average. Some reviewers say that any piece of $700 fitness equipment should have better coverage.

Few owners comment on customer service, but those who do have positive things to say. One EllipticalTrainerInc.com user states, "my dashboard was not functioning for (the) fan. I called up Schwinn and the replacement was promptly mailed." No reviews address service after the warranty expires.