Help buying a treadmill......

DETAILKING · 03-07-07, 10:02

Looking into adding a treadmill to my "basement gym." I don't know where to start though and the price difference is mind boggling.....300 - 3K. I don't want to spend more than a grand on this (more like 500-600, but besides features (speed, incline,etc) which brands are built the best that have motors that will actually last? Does anyone know of any sites that review these or have any recommendations? I intend to buy it local at a sports authority or sears unless I can find a better deal elsewhere. Thanks!

KevinA · 03-07-07, 10:49

You might try a used sports equipment store. They would be cheaper and probably not very "used". We have "Play It Again Sports" here in Georgia.

jsab9191 · 03-07-07, 11:01

Hi Detailking I own a Fitness Store in Maine so I'll Give you my opinion for what its worth.
Some things I should know are the users weights , number of users , and type of use.
This is just my professional opinion I know I won't sell you a treadmill, just trying to help out a fellow autopian. The lower price treadmills you are looking at in the department stores are possibly OK in a very limited use situation. You will get much more value from a Vision Treadmill Model 9200 and up starting at $1299.00 and up. I"m Sure there are several dealers in your area that stock the line. these machines get the consumer report best buy almost every year. Great value if your really going to use it for many years. I've sold hundreds of them and very rarely send my service guys out to repair them.
You can look on line for info and a dealer near you . Fitness Equipment Manufacturer of Treadmills, Fitness Bikes, and Elliptical Trainers
please contact me personally if you have any further questions.
Jim jsab9191@yahoo.com

Accumulator · 03-07-07, 11:22

DETAILKING- IMO this isn't one of those things where you can really save a lot of money without combacks down the road. We bought an seemingly expensive Precor treadmill about six years ago and it's held up well (one service call involving the incline mechanism) to near-daily use. FWIW, our friends/relatives who spent less no longer have/use the cheaper ones that they bought.

Besides taking jsab9191's input to heart, this might be one of those times when the dreaded Consumer's Reports has some worthwhile info.

And I'd be sure to try out whatever you want to buy, just to make sure it "fits" you and has an appealing feel to it.

Just recently, we trained our dog to jog on ours

sorta surprising how much she likes it.

Johnnie27 · 03-07-07, 01:47

I'd go with Horizon. They have a great warranty and they make quality products. I used to work in a sporting goods store and we never had anyone complain about them. I even have their eliptical trainer.
Horizon Fitness Equipment

Quickstrike · 03-07-07, 05:45

Pacemaster's are a great brand for the money.

My family has owned a Pacemaster Gold for several years now. Used everyday by all 5 of us.
So, I would say it gets around 2-3 hours of use each day. Never had a problem, runs flawlessly.

Did you want a firmer running surface? Pacemaster's are generally on the softer side (easier on the knees), while some other names such as Precor and especially Landice seem to have a harder running surface. Some ppl prefer this, as it compares more to the concrete/asphault they would be running on in a marathon.

Other things to look for is the amount of maintenance required. Some treadmills require periodic lubrication of the running board. Others do not.

Look at the programs included. Somedays running can be a chore. It is nice to have good programs to make things interesting. Different hill-climbs, speed intervals etc...

This is a site that really helped me out when I was searching for treadmills. The site looks at different reputable sources and basically does the research for you.

Nimble · 03-07-07, 05:50

Check your local Criagslist, because buying a new one in that price range won't last very long. My Dad has had about 4 of them over the past 10-15 years, and they all broke eventually. He said forget it and bought a Precor. You could get in good at your local Bally's, Xsport, or Lifetime and try to get a wholesale price on one....even then, you're looking at well over a thousand.they'll last forever though.

Nimble · 03-07-07, 05:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

DETAILKING- IMO this isn't one of those things where you can really save a lot of money without combacks down the road. We bought an seemingly expensive Precor treadmill about six years ago and it's held up well (one service call involving the incline mechanism) to near-daily use. FWIW, our friends/relatives who spent less no longer have/use the cheaper ones that they bought.

Besides taking jsab9191's input to heart, this might be one of those times when the dreaded Consumer's Reports has some worthwhile info.

And I'd be sure to try out whatever you want to buy, just to make sure it "fits" you and has an appealing feel to it.

Just recently, we trained our dog to jog on ours

sorta surprising how much she likes it.

Figures, YOU would have bought a Precor. Good man.

jasonmac · 03-08-07, 10:54

I would recommend Landice if your budget allows, it's what I got six years ago and use it almost every day. They have a lifetime warranty on parts and belt, and are really well built. It's really quiet as well, something you might want to consider.

The only other thing I would consider is a television if you don't have one down there already, it makes the workouts go a bit quicker

Nimble · 03-08-07, 11:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonmac

The only other thing I would consider is a television if you don't have one down there already, it makes the workouts go a bit quicker

Or some good tunes.

twopu · 04-29-07, 11:53

How are nordic track treadmills?