Elliptical Cross Trainer - Stamina Conversion II

An inexpensive, quality elliptical cross trainer with very basic, features (back and forward motion, and a smooth experience.

Hammacher Schlemmer sells this same machine under their name – which means it should be pretty good quality, as are their other products.

Best Recommendation

Cost - Under $USD300

Best Features

Quality - very good quality for the price

Ride Performance - smaller stride best suited to those under 5'8"

Compact size – great for small exercise spaces & apartments

Computer Programs - limited

Customisation - no customisation apart from handle adjustments

Assembly – a few assembly issues - see user tips below.

Worst Features

Size - May be too small for a tall person

Motion - Has more of a forward and back motion, rather than elliptical stride.

Features

• Sold as a combination stepper and elliptical strider, but users report there is very little step component, so prefer to leave in the basic elliptical strider mode.
• No moving handles
• Adjustable handle bars
• Assembly - all the necessary tools are included in the box. [Phillips screwdriver/mini-wrench, an allen wrench and a special wrench for installing the pedals to the crankshaft].
  
  

Limits Of Use

Not ideal for a taller person - the stride is not as long as some models and that the handlebars could be too low for a taller person.

Weight - at only 85lbs so may bounce more if used by anyone over 250lb

User Experiences

" I tried both modes, elliptical and stepper-the switch is as simple as turning a knob and moving the footrest".

"I found the stride a little low for me [5’10”] - there wasn’t much vertical component. Better suited to those under 5’6” who have a shorter natural stride".

User Tips

Manufacture – reviewer reported a slight defect on the main upright where the handlebar bracket was welded on slightly off center. A call to the manufacturer proved an efficient customer response team with a replacement part despatched immediately.

Tension Control Assembly –I found installing the tension control device a little tricky. You have to pull on the cable and snap it in place and then push a rectangular plastic piece into the round upright bar.

Handle Bars Assembly – Use cornstarch baby power to help get the foam on the handlebar. It may be a little messy, but it work

Pedal Assembly - being very careful about how you put the pedals on (instructions aren't very good)

NB: Any elliptical trainer issue represented here is only that experienced by an individual users and as such does not necessarily indicate poor quality on all units. They are included here purely as a guide as to likely problems with tips on how to remedy.

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