5 feet tall... any advice from petite users? I am looking to get an elliptical, and I think it's between the Sole E35 and the Schwinn 431 at this point... any advice from people who are small like I am who have used the machine?
1544702
Hi Rebecca! I purchased the Schwinn Elliptical 431 and I am just 4'11" tall and found that this trainer is perfect for me. I cannot use most of the elliptical trainers at my club because of their long stride. This is a perfect fit for me. I grab the center part of the handlebars rather than the ends (though I am able to do both) and have found it to be quite comfortable. The stride is perfect for the petite person! This trainer would not be the best for a really tall person. My husband is 5'11" and finds the stride and handle bars to be terrific. Lee
2006658
According to Nanette Mc Rae, one of the buyers with 5 star rating "). Also, another tip - if you planning to register your product purchase with Proform, write down the model and serial number BEFORE assembly. The tag with this information is located on the bottom side of the frame (part that sits on the floor). I made this mistake and had to pick up the fully assembled elliptical and it was heavy!"I myself had not checked it myself. Hope this helps.
1838557
Your height is not a problem. There is no pedals, you are going to strap your feet into the straps so any person of any size will not have any problems. It is a great machine for the money!
1000487
Problem with this model schwinn & some of their other low-cost models like the volare is they do not give specific frame dimensions.. I have a 29" inseam, and when I stand with my feet on the ground above the frame on the volare, I just barely clear the top frame rail.. I have measured the seat post to crank pedal and it comes in at 18"..20" is approx. 51cm in bike talk,and a frame size considered small ok for someone my size,but probably not right for you..Schwinn offers similiar bikes based on the same design at walmart on-line( Varsity models)too bad about the bike sizing info,the volare has been a great value performing bike! Good Luck! Problem with this model schwinn & some of their other low-cost models like the volare is they do not give specific frame dimensions.. I have a 29" inseam, and when I stand with my feet on the ground above the frame on the volare, I just barely clear the top frame rail.. I have measured the seat post to crank pedal and it comes in at 18"..20" is approx. 51cm in bike talk,and a frame size considered small ok for someone my size,but probably not right for you..Schwinn offers similiar bikes based on the same design at walmart on-line( Varsity models)too bad about the bike sizing... » Read More Problem with this model schwinn & some of their other low-cost models like the volare is they do not give specific frame dimensions.. I have a 29" inseam, and when I stand with my feet on the ground above the frame on the volare, I just barely clear the top frame rail.. I have measured the seat post to crank pedal and it comes in at 18"..20" is approx. 51cm in bike talk,and a frame size considered small ok for someone my size,but probably not right for you..Schwinn offers similiar bikes based on the same design at walmart on-line( Varsity models)too bad about the bike sizing info,the volare has been a great value performing bike! Good Luck! « Show Less
855326
i got to try both of them out in a store they both feel really smooth but i went with the Nautilus e514 it just felt a bit more sturdy and has a nicer display the schwinn 420 display was kinda hard to read as the Nautilus was light up bright with big nurbers and imo is the better buy ...... i had my Nautilus e514 for 4 months now and i use every day and its still like the 1st day i brought it .... and im only 5"4 so we are pretty much the same hight ' good luck on your work outs and hope my review helps
131997
My wife is 5'3 and I adjusted the handle bars and the seat to fit to her requirements. I am 6'0; however, I have a long torso with short inseam and we both enjoy the ride, except for the uphill. I can easily say that a person with a 5'8 height should be able to make proper adjustments for this bike to reach the desired results. WARNING: This bike will give you a work-out! I should have purchased the 3 or higher speed bike, with no speed adjustment the hills are painful. If you don't mind looking like "The Incredible Hulk" from the waist down...well maybe that's a little exaggerated but this bike does require some downward effort to move. My wife is 5'3 and I adjusted the handle bars and the seat to fit to her requirements. I am 6'0; however, I have a long torso with short inseam and we both enjoy the ride, except for the uphill. I can easily say that a person with a 5'8 height should be able to make proper adjustments for this bike to reach the desired results. WARNING: This bike will give you a work-out! I should have purchased the 3 or higher speed bike, with no speed adjustment the hills are painful. If you don't mind looking like "The Incredible Hulk" from the waist down...well maybe that's a little... » Read More My wife is 5'3 and I adjusted the handle bars and the seat to fit to her requirements. I am 6'0; however, I have a long torso with short inseam and we both enjoy the ride, except for the uphill. I can easily say that a person with a 5'8 height should be able to make proper adjustments for this bike to reach the desired results. WARNING: This bike will give you a work-out! I should have purchased the 3 or higher speed bike, with no speed adjustment the hills are painful. If you don't mind looking like "The Incredible Hulk" from the waist down...well maybe that's a little exaggerated but this bike does require some downward effort to move. « Show Less
323675
I am only 5' tall and I could actually cycle comfortably on 1 setting above the lowest. I did lower it down to lowest setting and feels even better. Overall, it is hard to find a bike that fits a short person so I am extremely happy this one works for me.I just measured my inseam and it is 28" but remember shoes might add another inch or two if your inseam is lower.
1067465
This machine is actually pretty compact unlike the older elliptical machines were.... it also has wheels on the back for ease of movement. It really wouldn't be hard to move it .
1876360
haven't had that problem yet. i'm sure i will though. this thing has been a nightmare from the day i received it in that mangled box they delivered it in. definitely learned my lesson. don't be a cheap bastard when buying equipment that is normally expensive. a good reliable elliptical should cost around 3k or more. this thing is a joke. sorry i don't have a better answer regarding the display.
2022807
I am 5'2 and have one. It it a stretch to reach the pedals. I have to wear shoes with a thick sole in order for my feet to make the rotation. I find that my back hurts after riding mine because it stretches me to an unnatural position while riding. I have even ordered another seat, which was very expensive, thinking that it might help. So NO, they don't take short people into consideration when building their bikes. If you could lower the seat, it would be ideal.
1123157
I purchased one several years back and loved it. I am 5'8" about 175. You can use this to get cardio - I have done it easily. You can really push your workout and get cardio within 20 or so minutes or less. You can lean forward or back to increase the tension (your weight is the tension). You can push the handles faster, you can generate the widest range of motion - good for your joints. I recently have used rowers because they work in my space better, but I LOVE the Gazelle - great for the money. Good luck!
2281033
It is very easy to switch between elliptical and bike mode. I never have an issue with that. Personally, I would not move the machine around to much, however if you must then it is not to difficult to do.
122485
Hi Gary, I had a spare piece of 2x4 (about 22 inches long) so decided to test this. Initially, I heard some squeaking, but I adjusted the placement of the 2x4 more towards the front of the machine and that stopped. I noticed a very slight wobble side to side but it seems stable enough. I do just walk at the moment, so I'm not sure if the wobble would become more pronounced if you jog / run/ Even with just a 2x4, the incline is noticeable when compared to yesterday's 'workout. I'm loving the incline - thanks for the idea!
301198
I only 5'2", so can't speak for my experience. However, my room mate is 6'3" and uses it as a cycle sometimes. He doesn't seem to have any problems. I think the stride length would probably be an issue if you wanted to use it as an elliptical.
1565859
I have mine in the basement too. From the ground it's less than 11 inches. The step up height is very low for this elliptical.
1754689
I am considering a 231 model. I have had a 201 model for 2.5 years.... had to have a flywheel in it for this exact problem after one year. ... now the 201 model is doing it again, and it is out of warranty. .... is the 231 built with better components?? By this post it sounds like it is not.. I bike on this a ton... every day. up to 80-100 miles on a good day. Seems like a waste if it is not. I bought Schwinn because I though the components were the best. .. and not so concerned about the bells and whistles. Any help appreciated. Thanks.
1522342
19 to 20 which is fine as I am 5'2 and my husband is 5'9. This is a wonderful elliptical and is worth the money.