| Ideal for the home gym for fitness enthusiasts of any skill level, the Schwinn 420 provides an effective cardiovascular workout by combining upper and lower body flexibility and coordination into one impact-free motion. Elliptical trainers emulate the natural motion of your foot while supporting your heel throughout the stride, making them much easier on your knees and joints. In addition to feeling more natural while working out, regular use on elliptical trainers will increase heart and lung capacity while improving your health (and burning calories at the same time). The Schwinn 420 offers 16 computer-controlled resistance levels and 12 programs for workout variety, including six user-profile programs, one fitness test, and one custom workout. Its quick start functions allows you to easily change your resistance level while exercising to challenge yourself to the next level. It offers a natural-feeling 18-inch stride while the trainer's BioFit design will provide a comfortable feel on the footpads and handlebars. The handlebars also feature grip heart rate monitoring, which allows you to track your heart rate while you're exercising. Features and Specifications: - Biomechanically designed linkages means a comfortable and natural elliptical path
- Ergonomic handles for multiple workout positions; fixed and moving handlebars
- Perimeter weighted flywheel with high inertia for smooth, consistent workouts
- Oversized stabilizers and levelers that are built-in for a solid workout platform
- 12 workout programs, including 6 course profiles, fitness test and custom workout
- Integrated grip heart rate system for easy fitness monitoring
- Water bottle holder
- Magazine rack
- Transport wheels
- 16 resistance levels
- Eddy Current Brake (ECB) resistance system
- 18-inch stride length
- Switchable from miles to kilometers (KM)
- Maximum user weight: 300 pounds
Manufacturer's Warranty
5 years on the frame, 1 year on parts and electronics, 3 months on wear parts, 3 months on labor 
The Schwinn 420 offers biomechanically designed linkages for a comfortable and natural feel. | 
See a larger version of the console. |
| Compare These Elliptical Trainers |
| Schwinn 430 | Schwinn 420 | Schwinn 431 | Nautilus E514 | Schwinn 460 | | Style | Front Drive Dual Action | Front Drive Dual Action | Front Drive Dual Action | Front Drive Dual Action | Variable Stride Dual Action | | Stride Length | 18 inches | 18 inches | 18 inches | 18 inches | 2 to 26 inches | | Motion | Forward/
Reverse | Forward/
Reverse | Forward/
Reverse | Forward/
Reverse | Forward/
Reverse | | Resistance | Magnetic ECB | Magnetic ECB | Magnetic ECB | Magnetic ECB | Magnetic ECB | | Resistance Levels | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | | Dimensions (L x W x H) | 59" x 26" x 68" | 62" x 26" x 71" | 59" x 26" x 68" | 62" x 26" x 71" | 54" x 34" x 73" | | Product Weight | 152 pounds | 154 pounds | 172 pounds | 165 pounds | 221 pounds | | Maximum User Weight | 275 pounds | 300 | 300 pounds | 300 | 300 pounds | | Display | LCD | LCD | Backlit LCD | Backlit LCD | Touch screen, backlit LCD | | Display Features | Speed, time, distance, RPM, watts, pulse, calories, interval time, resistance | Speed, time, distance, RPM, watts, pulse, calories, interval time, resistance, course profile | Speed, time, distance, RPM, watts, pulse, calories, interval, time, resistance | Speed, time, distance, RPM, watts, pulse, calories, interval time, resistance, course profile | Speed, time, distance, RPM, watts, pulse, calories, interval time, resistance, course profile | | Heart Rate | Grip | Grip | Grip | Chest strap with telemetry; grip on handlebars | Chest strap with telemetry; grip on handlebars | | Programs | 1 manual, 6 profile, 1 calorie goal, results mode, BMI test | 1 manual, 8 profile | 1 manual, 10 profile, 2 heart rate control, 2 custom, time trial, calorie goal, fitness test, BMI test, recovery mode, results, mode | 1 manual, 11 profile, 2 custom for two users | 1 manual, 11 profile, 2 custom for two users | | Warranty | Frame--15 years, parts--2 years, electronics--1 year, labor--90 days | Frame--5 years, parts--1 year, electronics--1 year, labor--90 days | Frame--15 years, parts--2 years, electronics--1 year, labor--90 days | Frame--10 years, parts--2 years, electronics--1 year, wear parts--90 days | Frame--10 years, parts--2 years, electronics--1 year, wear parts--90 days | | Other Features | Transport wheels, water bottle holder | Transport wheels, water bottle holder, magazine rack | Transport wheels, water bottle holder, 3-speed fan, MP3/iPod holder | Transport wheels, oversized deluxe footpads, water bottle holder, magazine rack | Transport wheels, fixed and moving handlebars, articulating foot plates, cooling fan, water bottle holder | |
About Elliptical Trainers
Elliptical trainers represent the next wave of advancement in low-impact cardiovascular exercise machines and continue to grow in popularity. By simulating motions experienced through walking, stepping, cycling, and skiing, elliptical machines allow for a smooth and fluid motion while building strength in the arms and legs. Similar to the exercise position for treadmills, elliptical trainers are used by standing in an upright position while holding the handrails of the machine. With elliptical trainers, however, your feet remain in the foot pedals throughout the exercise regimen and circulate in a smooth and seamless motion, resulting in little to no impact on the knees, back, and hips. Elliptical trainers are compatible for all ages and fitness levels and allow you to select the difficulty level through the incline and intensity settings. Additionally, elliptical trainers allow you to determine the complexity of your workout based on your needs, all while listening to music, watching television, or reading a magazine while exercising in the comfort and safety of your own home. Although different types of elliptical trainers offer an assortment of features, many of them include an array of challenging programs, forward and reverse directional movement, EKG grip pulse handles, a lightweight portable design with easy fold-up capability, and a monitor displaying calories burned, distance, speed, time, and heart rate. Other types of exercise machines, namely treadmills and bikes, offer excellent cardiovascular exercise and muscular training for the legs in a forward-motion exercise. Elliptical trainers take this to the next level by offering an upper and lower body workout with dual motion, challenging and diverse programs, and a low-impact exercise machine that won't strain sensitive joints. |
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 Good deal! |
| Review Date: September 30, 2009 |
| Reviewer: C. Craig, Bakersfield, Ca |
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. |
So far so good
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| Review Date: September 26, 2009 |
| Reviewer: S. Hinitz, Redmond, WA |
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. |
Schwinn 420-very nice!
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| Review Date: November 11, 2009 |
| Reviewer: F. Webb, Stanton, Mi. United States |
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. |
norlinw
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| Review Date: December 19, 2009 |
| Reviewer: VW Bill, |
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 :) |
Solid machine
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| Review Date: January 31, 2010 |
| Reviewer: G. Markin, |
Delivery: I ordered this a few weeks ago, was shipped via CEVA. The tracking estimate listed on my order from Amazon was off by a day, but a CEVA rep called me the two business days prior to schedule a delivery time. The delivery guys gave me a call one hour before delivery, everything went well. Everything in the box was well protected, nothing damaged. Very well packaged.
Assembly: I put this together by myself in roughly 2 hours. Assuming the delivery company gets the box into your house the only part I can see requiring two people is working with the giant wheel part due to the weight (~40lbs?). My recommendation is to go through all the steps in the manual and lay out the parts to match each step so you can grab and go. The assembly manual was fairly clear, I had no issues with the directions. As others have said the tools that come with it are sufficient but made much easier with your own tools as some steps are awkward to use the included tools (tight spaces). I didn't add any additional lubricant to any moving parts (bad idea).
Use: This is my first time using an elliptical, so I don't have anything to compare to. I'm a big guy (295lbs) and this thing feels extremely solid. My wife commented that it feels more solid than the equipment she uses at the gym. Steve's instructions on setting up a user are spot on, I didn't even bother opening the user's manual. Once you get a user setup the computer is easy enough to use. This gives me a great workout, the different pre-programmed workouts give a bit of a different workout each time. I'm very out of shape and even the first level is too easy. The moving bars are positioned well for me. Using the hand grips for the pulse monitor are a little awkward as the moving bars come close to my arms.
Notes: I consciously set this up in my basement that only has 7' ceilings. I'm 6'1" and have to sort of lean over slightly so I don't whack my head. It's not uncomfortable to use in this situation, just have to be mindful. If you're looking at measurements I would say this adds about 14" to your height. Also as others have stated definitely use extra lubricant on moving parts. Out of the box I've got about 3 joints that are squeaky, but not a big deal to fix. |
First exercise machine and extemely pleased
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| Review Date: January 31, 2010 |
| Reviewer: B. Boore, USA |
I've had the Schwinn 420 elliptical for two weeks and I've used it every day. The machine took approx. 3 hours to put together, but I had to assemble it by myself. The instructions were relatively easy enough to follow, but I do wish they had labeled the parts better. The parts themselves aren't labeled at all except for a sticker that denotes left or right, but the instruction manual gives each part, including the nuts and bolts, their own label. That aside it was still simple to assemble. I was careful to not over-tighten any bolts that connected to a moving part as I read through the reviews on the Schwinn 430 model and this had been reported to cause squeaking.
The machine itself is extremely smooth and almost completely silent while in use. When I work out I usually watch a movie or a tv show and I can't hear the machine at all. For my height (5'10") the stride length and handle grip distance is perfect. The elliptical is also very stable. I'm a pretty hefty guy at 230 lbs (hope to be much lighter soon!) and this thing is rock solid. Even getting on and off it never sways or tilts, and I was very careful to make sure the machine was level when I put it together. I do wish the display panel was backlit, as I work out in the early morning and don't always want the overhead light in the room on, but it only took a day of using it to know how to easily get my workout started, after that I could forget about the display.
Delivery was impressive. The delivery company called my house on a Thursday to make sure if someone would be home on the following Monday to receive the box. They gave me and estimated time of delivery and were 15 minutes earlier than what they quoted. My house has 2 steps leading into the main entrance and the man delivering the machine brought it inside to my living room with some lifting help from myself.
I'm very impressed over all with the quality and construction of this machine, and it simply can't be beat for the price. Highly recommended for anyone looking to get an elliptical. |
Excellent Elliptical for the Price
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| Review Date: December 19, 2009 |
| Reviewer: jxb935, San Diego, CA |
Like previous reviewers, I was wary of this model because it lacks reviews and I almost went with the older 430 model. However, after using it for a couple weeks, I can say that it was definitely a good choice and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an elliptical in this price range.
I assembled the machine by myself because no one else was around at the time. I was able to do it in about 2.5 hours but it was difficult at times trying to line up parts and it required a bit of heavy lifting. I would definitely recommend you enlist the help of another person if you can and don't even try doing it yourself if heavy lifting might be a problem. Otherwise, I had no major problems during assembly and the instructions were pretty straightforward.
The unit is sturdy and it delivers a smooth, quiet and effective workout. I've had no trouble manually programming the console but trying to create a custom program was confusing enough that I didn't bother after trying once. Also, I have found that the heart rate monitor takes a while to give you an accurate reading, so I don't bother with it much anymore.
Overall, you won't find anything super fancy in this model but it's solid, effective and great for the price.
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Great Elliptical For the Price!!!!
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| Review Date: March 10, 2010 |
| Reviewer: S. Williamson, Iowa |
We have owned this for 3 days and have used it 6 or 7 times. Personally I have never been on an elliptical but my review is 5 stars and I'm sure my wife would say the same.
The shipping took 10 business days from AZ to Iowa, nothing unexpected and definately can't complain with FREE shipping!
It took us about an 1 1/2 hrs to put together. Directions were good except for 1 set of washers (black) being mislabled.
I'm 6' and my wife is 5'5" we both have no problems with the machine in terms of reach.
In my opinion if your 5'3" or below you may want to find something else.
Overall it's great value for the $, very solid, much better looking than the Schwinn 430 that has so many reviews, most from 2007. Not exactly understanding why the console is plugged into the wall instead of batteries or why it's not backlit but really not a dealbreaker or a hassle. Don't hesitate to buy this over the 430 or any other elliptical in the same price range, you won't be disappointed! |
Great Machine
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| Review Date: March 10, 2010 |
| Reviewer: RGB, RENO, NV, US |
| My girl friend and I have tried every machine we've seen for the last two years looking for one that is smooth and small enough for the house. If we went into a store, and we went to a lot, and they had an elliptical we were on it We both go to a gym and use the professional ellipticals there so we have been disappointed by the clunky jarring that every machine we've tried has exhibited, except one we found at Scheeles, but it was somewhat big and $300.00 more than the 420. This is the only machine we found that is reasonably priced and small enough for the house. It has a nice fit for both of us with easy to reach handles and grips. It is smoooth, there isn't the slightest clunk in the rotation which was our primary criteria for an elliptical. This unit is very well priced and of very high quality. As far as assembly from the time I opened the box it took me about two hours to put it together though I am somewhat mechanically inclined. I thought the instructions were complete and easy to understand. I did grease the moving parts as some of the other reviewers suggested, and that seems to be a good idea. The trainer is very quiet. We are avid users, and are very pleased with this elliptical. Kudos to Schwinn for building a well thought out machine. If you are looking for a great elliptical this is it. |
Ratings Change please read!!!!- Especially Short folks!!
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| Review Date: February 18, 2010 |
| Reviewer: bunnyrabbit4, New Orleans, LA USA |
I bought one of these, was quite pleased with the quality and have not encountered any "squeaking". I was also able to assemble the unit alone. The only problem I had was that one of the parts did not appear on the cardboard sheet holding the nuts, bolts and washers with the correct letter. Letter F refers to two phillips head screws. If you look in the manual on page 6 , F is shown as a washer, but appears much larger in the picture than it really is. That part (there are 4 of them) is a small black washer.
I'm changing my recommendation on this machine to five stars. I recently discovered that the bottom part of the uprights that connects to the peddles were mislabeled, in other words the L sticker was on the R, causing me to switch them. This makes a HUGE difference and I am now quite satisfied with the unit. There is still some lean forward but it is not a deal breaker and no worse than I encountered on my old Nordic Trac. Even if your parts are labeled correctly make sure you the finished product matches the picture in terms of the way the bottom sections of the upright curve, as well as the top. It is also not clear what they mean by L and R since this changes depending on whether you are facing the machine in riding position or standing in front of it where you do most of the assembly.
If you are short and having trouble using this unit check for this issue.
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Hasn't disappointed so far.
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| Review Date: January 18, 2010 |
| Reviewer: internetgirl6191, Houston, Texas United States |
Spent a lot of time in stores and online trying to figure out which elliptical to purchase. Narrowed down the selection to Schwinn, but had a hard time deciding between the 420 and the 430 since both were the same price. Finally decided on the newer 420. Made my 1st purchase through Amazon and was pleasantly surprised, if not shocked. Purchase and delivery were perfection. Free shipping and no sales tax made waiting a few shipping days worth the wait. I did not know that SuperSaverShipping was not just curbside delivery that would require a "helper" to unload the 160 lb. box so I was again pleasantly surprised when it was scheduled with liftgate delivery. Liftgate generally has a surcharge. My garage is actually further from the street than the room where it was being setup so the delivery guy put it in my house for me which was just awesome.
As far as the machine itself, no problems, it did take two of us a couple of hours to assemble. The whole family has been enjoying it from age 12 to 46. It's been easy for the whole family to use although we're all on level 1. Just no complaints, so far! |
Great elliptical
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| Review Date: January 31, 2010 |
| Reviewer: LiLi, Florida, MO USA |
This is my first elliptical purchase and I am happy! It feels sturdy, and has a smooth stride. My boyfriend and I put it together in a couple hours. It is heavy! I wish it came with the water bottle holder but I will purchase it separately.
I've been using it for 2 weeks and no issues. It is a fun workout which makes it easier to stay motivated. |
Terrific machine for the money
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| Review Date: February 23, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Elizabeth K. Mcdonald, South Kingstown, RI |
When my new job made it too difficult to get to the gym on a daily basis I decided to invest in my own equipment. This is an excellent machine--sturdy, quiet, dependable and challenging. I had read that the set-up could be difficult and was dreading it until I learned that a local Sears franchise would accept the delivery from Amazon, then deliver it to my house and set it up for $100!
I did get a little confused about how to access the custom programs that are preloaded on the machine but I muddled through and have been fine with them ever since. The direction manual is hopeless as has already been stated in other reviews, and the intervals are a little longer (40 seconds) than I am used to, but for the money, I give this product top marks. |
Schwinn 420
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| Review Date: March 31, 2010 |
| Reviewer: D. Farquharson, California |
We just got this yesterday and I assembled it in about 2 hours. There are a couple places in the assembly where a second person is required though (mostly to do with connecting the electronics through various pieces while someone else holds parts in position).
So far, 5 stars. The thing feels like it could withstand an elephant using it (very heavy duty, which is great), but I will revisit the review if durability proves a problem later on.
I wrote this review mostly to mention one thing: it is big. By big I mean tall - it is listed at 71" or something but that's just to the tip of the handlebars. With me on the thing (I am about 6'3") headroom is nearly a problem. We have what I assume to be standard ceilings - 7 foot 6" maybe - and with that there is a few inches of spare space, but if our ceiling was any shorter I would not be able to use this machine indoors. Just an FYI. |
Very dependable and high quality product
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| Review Date: April 28, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Gamal M. Aly II, Clifton Park, NY |
I didn't buy this elliptical from Amazon but regardless, I got most of my information from these reviews so I will share mine.
I received the elliptical yesterday and I put it together myself, it took me about 4 hours (I was being obsessive with the details though).
I would recommend to anyone that buy this elliptical that they do purchase a rubber mallet (there are a total of 4 black bolt covers that hook together the arms and moving parts that need to be covered and there is a thin cylindrical bar that moves through the top of the frame to connect the tops of the moving arms to the track connectors and it is tough to push it in by hand, just get the mallet).
Also, as others have recommended, purchase some WD40 or silicone lubricant to spray on all the moving joints because the lubricant that is globbed on the moving parts isn't long lasting.
Take the box apart, lay out ALL of the parts and make sure you have everything as described in the manual because for me, 75% of the time it took for me to assemble it was due to looking for the parts in the pile I made :)
A coupl eof others mentioned it and I have confirmed that there are a set of 4 black washers that are mislabelled "O" instead of "F" like they should be. These go on toward the end but it isn't confusing at all, you'll know what parts they are when you see them.
The most challenging part of putting the elliptical together is making sure the screw stays at the bottom are aligned appropriately before screwing everything together. I used a level and a protractor to make sure the levels were dead on so the machine wouldn't wobble and it worked. It's not a huge deal if the levels are a bit off accidentally, you can always put the machine on its side and adjust the screw heights if needed.
This machine is solid for a little under $600! I did my research and everyone loves this machine so I figured that I'd try it out. With all the joints lubricated appropriately there is NO squeaking at all and it works great. The resistance levels are challenging too, level 10 on this elliptical feels like a level 15 on the $6000 precor one I use at the gym I go to.
The only issue I noticed with everyone that bought this machine was that the custom users were so difficult to program. With me, that wasn't the case at all, all I needed to reference in the book to program a custom user was what button I needed to press to move from column to column, it was extremely easy to make a custom user for me.
All in all, I give this machine a ten out of ten, it's been very good so far. I will update this review after a month for some quick status on it.
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Very happy with our decision!
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| Review Date: July 11, 2010 |
| Reviewer: El Walto, San Francisco, CA United States |
My wife and I were feeling depressingly out of shape from our very busy lives and really wanted to do something about it. Gyms were too expensive and time consuming, plus we knew we'd end up not going after a while if we ever did join. Money being an issue, we were still determined to do *something* and figured that investing in our health would be money well spent. So we decided on a low impact aerobic home machine in the form of an elliptical.
We began our research by visiting my brother's home where he had just purchased a Lifecore LC-985VG Elliptical Trainer. The machine was beautiful, small, quiet, and worked really well. I was like, "this is it!" because then we'd be done and on our way. But at a thousand dollars (at the time), we decided that we really needed to do more research to see if there was something equivalent or better for less money.
After reading hundreds of reviews online for basic all the way to super fancy models and visiting 4-5 stores to actually try out whatever we could find, we decided on the 420 and haven't looked back. It was only slightly bigger than that Lifecore, a bit less beautiful (which we decided we could live with), and was quiet. What sold us completely was the smoothness of motion due to the articulating foot pedals. I cannot tell you what a differentiator that one feature is. If you think about a natural walking motion, not only do your legs move in an elliptical pattern, but your feet flip up and down at your ankle. A majority of elliptical machines have flat foot surfaces which feel fine at first, but after you get on a machine with articulation, you wonder why all machines aren't built the same way.
The delivery guys were great and between the two of us, we carefully put it together in about 2 hours. Another great feature of the 420 is that is has wheels, so even though it's heavy, you can assemble it a bigger room and then roll it to where you're going to use it.
We've had the 420 for about a year now, and it went from being almost completely silent to having a slight squeak every now and again. We read reviews that recommended to not over tighten during assembly and I think it was good advice. The only maintenance I've had to perform besides dusting it and vacuuming detritus from the wheel tracks was to retighten the connection to the arms which had come a bit loose from usage.
Overall, the Schwinn 420 is a fantastic value, and in my opinion, the best elliptical I've ever been on (including what I used to use at 24 fitness).
Oh yeah, one more thing... some folks seemed *really* upset that this machine has a spot for a water bottle holder, but it doesn't actually come with one. It looks like it would easily accept the kind of water bottle holders that you'd screw onto a bike, but that was not a feature we cared about, so it wasn't a big deal. |
Great machine!
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| Review Date: December 19, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Kerry Roeder, Iowa, USA |
| i was a bit reluctant to buy this online seeing there were not many reviews, but i am glad i did. the machine is very quite... doesn't squeak. it is smooth and easy to use. The assembly was a pain because some of the parts were labeled differently than the booklet... but i figured it out. getting it out of the box was the hardest part. took me about and hour and a half to put it all together. it's a good size and doesn't take up too much room. delivery was good- about 1 week. i would recommend this product for sure. |
Great product, best one we found
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| Review Date: January 16, 2010 |
| Reviewer: D. Townley, Little Rock, AR |
I just finished putting this together, 2 hrs, 1 person, somewhat handyman. There is no water bottle holder and there is a misslabeled part. It has four black washers misslabeled but you will figure it out when you get to that step.
VERY smooth operation and stride length. I am 5'11'' and 190 lbs. We looked at Sears, Academy, Sport Authority (they had this one at the store), and a local gym equipment store. It is the perfect one for us. I mean you could spend 300-400 dollars but you will not be happy with the lack of stability. The higher priced models (>$1,000) had some nice bells and whistles, like fans, speakers for mp3 players and backlit displays but were really had no better movement than this one. Buy it, you will like it. |
Love It!!
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| Review Date: February 18, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Sadie Ann Nelson, Sartell, MN |
| I bought a Nordic Trak E7 in December and it was AWFUL!! It made a horrible banging noise and squeaked like no other! The calorie and distance counters were also WAY off. I got go frustrated that we took it back to Sears with no problems. After doing more research - I decided to go with the Schwinn 420 and LOVE IT!!! It is super smooth and quiet and gives me a great work out! I do with it had a water bottle holder and a place for my ipod but that is minor to me because of the great work out I get! Definately no complaints from me! TOTALLY worth the money!! |
Great Elliptical, very quiet
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| Review Date: May 11, 2010 |
| Reviewer: D. Braker, Bartlett, IL, US |
| The 420 is even better than I thought it would be. For $600 I wasn't expecting a great elliptical. I always use the Precor at the gym, I really couldn't tell the difference other than in my checking account. Maybe the Schwinn isn't built as solid, I'm not sure how well it would hold up in commercial use, it would probably wear out faster than the Precor but for at home use it's great. It was pretty easy to put together. It's very quiet, I can use it in the same room as my sleeping baby. I'm 6'3" 200 lbs. and it feels very solid and sturdy on a hard floor, I had it on the carpet at first and it didn't balance as well. Some reviews said this isn't for short people, I don't agree. My wife is 5'2", she has no problem. |
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