TreadClimber Buying Guide
Stuck on deciding between a treadmill and elliptical? Elliptical and Stairmaster?
The TreadClimber is the solution for the consumer who demands a little of everything with one of the most versatile pieces of exercise equipment on the market. Marketed as the 3 in 1 workout, the TreadClimber provides the forward walking motion of the treadmill, stepping effect of the Stairmaster and buttery smooth operation of the elliptical. It is, essentially, 3 in 1 workouts.
TreadClimbers provide a low impact workout and studies have actually proven that TreadClimbers burn twice the amount of calories when compared to exercising for the same time period on a standard treadmill. Thus, you could say that TreadClimbers are the future of the fitness market though they are still a relatively new, and undiscovered product. Sold? Before you decide on a TreadClimber make sure that you pay attention to our Buying Guide:
TreadClimber Buying Guide: The Market
Because TreadClimbers are still a pretty new invention, the only two manufactures that currently produce the trainer are Bowflex and Nautilus, both of which operate under the same company. Therefore, the competition is relatively nonexistent, but the good news is that Bowflex and Nautilus are both very good at what they do.
TreadClimber Buying Guide: Most Important Specs
If you are shopping for a treadmill you know that size of motor and deck size are vital. Ellipticals, meanwhile, are graded on how smooth they ride and the effectiveness of the flywheel (if present). The TreadClimber is a whole new animal and even though it provides both the experience of the treadmill and elliptical it does not necessary place the same precedence on specs.
TreadClimbers do have self-powered motors, however since you walk instead of jog/run (like most people do on a treadmill) the size of the motor is really not an issue. The few models on the market for 2011 do feature slight differences in speed, but the max 4.5mph speed on the Bowflex TC5500 is really not that different when compared to the Bowflex TC1000 with a max speed of 3.8mph.
Consequently, the performance of the trainer as well as durability of the frame holds the most importance. What you want to experience when you first test drive TreadClimbers is the operation of the machine as well as how well it “fits” to your natural stride. Do you feel comfortable while exercising? Is the TreadClimber noisy or quiet? How shaky is the frame?
It’s very important to feel like you are exercising on stable frame when it comes to any piece of exercise equipment and the TreadClimber is no exception. Always pay special attention to the max user weight. If you can test drive the TreadClimber before you purchase it’s a great chance to test out the durability of the frame.
Of course, space is always at a premium in the 21st century and unfortunately exercise equipment is traditionally bulky. The good news is that TreadClimbers are more compact compared to treadmills and most even provide transport wheels if you are going to move the trainer around a lot.
TreadClimber Buying Guide: Secondary Specs
The one knock on TreadClimbers is that they are not quite as sophisticated as treadmills. Yet. What we mean is many of the electronic advances now common on treadmills (iPod dock, built-in speakers, touch-screen display) are not evident on TreadClimbers.
While all of the TreadClimbers for 2011 provide handy LED readouts, we would like to see TreadClimbers eventually at least add an iPod dock since music is practically synonymous with exercise these days.
While electronics are not quite up to speed with treadmills and ellipticals, some of the higher priced models do provide outstanding workout features such as the wireless chest strap heart rate monitor of the Bowflex TC5500. The heart rate monitor allows you to remain in your target zone for the most productive workout possible.
All TreadClimbers are equipped with varied levels of resistance and workout functions. The levels of resistance are practically the same from the lower priced models and higher priced models. The workout functions, however, do really depend on price so you’re getting much more bang for the buck with the high-end products.
Lastly, some models also allow the user to switch over to Stairmaster Mode or Treadmill Mode. It’s a pretty unique feature if you’re looking to target a certain group of muscles.
Want to learn more about specific models? Check out our detailed TreadClimber reviews and compare them side-by-side.
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24 Comments
Kyle,
Thanks for your response yesterday. I did a little more research and I found a lot of complaints about the motor burning out on the Bow flex TC10 & 20. It sounds like they frequently need repairs. Since the TC5 doesn’t have a motor shouldn’t it in the long run be a better option? It’s too new to have enough reviews to form an opinion at this point. I realize it doesn’t have the bells & whistles. I’m OK w/ that. I just want it to work.
Thanks.
Pat
Hi Pat,
No problem! Glad to help. This is a very good point. Here are a couple things to consider:
1. Last year’s model had quite a few reports of these issues, but we haven’t seen any significant number of them with the newest TC10 model.
2. If you don’t care about the TC10′s added features, then investing that extra money might not be worth it.
3. The TC5 has also been improved, but it has a lower customer satisfaction rating and more issues.
4. The TC10′s full-coverage warranty lasts 2 years. The TC5′s warranty lasts 1 year.
I hope that helps make the decision easier for you. They’re both good choices, so the most important thing is that you get what’s best for you and the money you invest.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Have a great day Pat!
Kyle
I am interested in purchasing a TC10 and couldn’t find where to order. Do you just get back to me for me to order and where do I go to get the discount? Please let me know asap. My fitness center is in need of another treadclimber.
Hi Doreen,
To get the best price, you can use this TC10 discount link.
You’ll see a coupon code at the top of the page. After you add the TreadClimber to your cart, enter that code and click apply to get the best deal.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Have a great day,
Kyle
Is there a store that carries these products so I could try them out?
Hi Jeanne,
Bowflex only sells online, so there are no stores that carry the TreadClimbers.
They do have a 6-week trial period though, so if you don’t like it you can get your money back.
Have a great day!
Kyle
I like the thought of a six week trial, but if I decide not to keep the unit what is the cost to ship it back?
Hi Steve,
The shipping cost depends on your area, but from what I’ve seen it’s typically $199 for shipping to your home (though sometimes you can get free shipping here).
There have been very few returns from people I’ve talked to, so I haven’t heard how much it costs to ship it back, though I would assume it’s similar.
To get more info on this, Bowflex customer support might be able to look up your zip code to give you an estimate for this.
Have a good day Steve!
Kyle
Hello. I’m in my early 50s. I’ve been active in sports throughout my life, including martial arts. I am now paying for old sports injuries. I’ve had three knee surgeries due to torn miniscus. Anyway, I’m looking for an excercise equipment that is not hard on my knees, but that can give me the kind of work out I’m use to that will help tone,define, and strenghten my muscles. Most importantly, help keep my weight down. I’m 5′ 1 and 1/4 and I weight about 150. I want to lose about 10-15 pounds. I am a size 10 and don’t want to go up any higher in size. I want to remain between an 8-10 size.
Someone suggested a rowing machine versus the tread climber. Any suggestions
Hi Carmen,
Sorry to hear about your knee! I hope the surgeries went well (and that you won’t need anymore).
To continue strengthening your muscles and toning, without putting stress on your knee, a combination of weight lifting and low-impact cardio is probably your best bet.
A rowing machine would be good, though it probably wouldn’t get quite as much of the cardio effect as an elliptical or TreadClimber.
My personal favorite is to do mix lifting with adjustable dumbbells and cardio in every workout, and it sounds like that would work well for you too.
As for your knee, a TreadClimber is going to give you a great cardio workout with very low impact/pressure.
Hope that helps!
Kyle
Kyle,
I am thinking about purchasing a Treadclimber but read a review about your stance having to be wider than on a treadmill which can then result in stress to knees and hips. Have you heard any users having issues with their stance and problems associated with that? I am especially concerned about any impact to the hips because of hip surgery that I had a couple of years ago.
I used a treadmill regularly for several years but became bored and also had issues with the impact to my knees. Have been thinking about the Treadclimber for the lower impact and better workout.
Hi Brenda,
The treadles are really close together, and about a foot wide, so it feels like a comfortable walking stance.
Happy new year!
Kyle
I am considering the bowflex to loose weight and I am a big man. I see the weight limit is 300lbs. Can a man of 400lbs use the bowflex?
Hi JD,
They rigorously test the machines to determine the max weight, and while they might be a bit conservative with maximum to allow for a bit above, I wouldn’t recommend it.
Some customers have told me they started walking/jogging routines and diet plans to get to the 300 lb mark, then purchased the TreadClimber to really accelerate their weight loss and get past the plateau to reach their goal weight.
Have a great day JD!
Kyle
Hello,
I am really wanting to start to use this, but I am about 315 lbs. I know you said in a previous post that you would not recommend a 400 lb person to us it, but am I ok at 320. I cant seem to get to the 300 and am hoping this machine will help me break this weight. Ive been stuck here for over a year.
Hi LT,
I totally understand. You’re close to the limit, and could very well use it with no issues.
That said, just keep in mind that using it above the max weight breaches the terms of the warranty.
You might be able to get warranty coverage/support anyway, but if they find out it was used outside of the terms, they might be sticklers about it and not cover fixing any damage for free.
So to sum it up: using it above the limit is sort of a use at your own risk scenario, but if you’re willing to take the risk with the warranty, it could very likely help you lose the weight and get below the limit.
I hope that helps. Have a great day!
Kyle
I’m very interested in the treadclimber and I really like the idea of not having to use electricity, I don’t really care if I have a lit display or built-in programming (they’re on my treadmill and I very seldom use it) but I do care about quality and it sounds like the TC10 is the better quality one as compared to the TC5 so I’m wondering if the TC5 is the only motorless treadclimber out there? Maybe a stupid question but…Can the TC10 or 20 work like a motorless if it isn’t plugged in or will it just not run at all?
Hi Sarah,
As one of my favorite teachers always used to say: “The only stupid question is the one that goes unasked.”
The TC5 is the only motorless one, so the TC10 and TC20 do require power to operate.
If you don’t need the features of the higher-rated models, the only other advantages you’ll find by upgrading to the TC10 are:
1. More durable (longer life span)
2. Longer full-coverage warranty (twice as long)
3. Less likely to have shipping/assembly issues
With the coupon code they have right now, I would go with the TC10 since you get so much more for the added investment.
Hope that helps!
Kyle
Hi. I already have a very nice treadmill that I love. It has incline options etc. I don’t plan to get rid of it but I’m looking for something more. Rather than purchase a Treadclimber and spend thousands, would it be better to just add an elliptical to my exercise room?
Hi Arlene,
Sounds like you’re going to have an awesome home gym!
Price-wise, there aren’t many ellipticals I would recommend for under $1,500 to be honest.
The top rated elliptical is the Sole E95 ($1,499), so that’s one to consider if the TC10 is above your target price range.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Kyle
Does the Treadclimber 10 fold up for easy storage?
Hi Elaine,
The TreadClimbers do not fold up, but they are about the size of a folded treadmill.
The TC10′s footprint is about 4 ft long and 2.5 ft wide, so it can fit just about anywhere.
Also, they all have easy-transport wheels so you can move them if necessary.
Have a good day Elaine!
Kyle
I need my tread climber serviced. How do I scheduled that?
Hi Morayma,
The quickest way is to call Bowflex at (800) 605-3369.
If it’s still under warranty, they will asses the problem and help you get it fixed (either by sending replacement parts, scheduling a service appointment, or replacing the machine entirely).
Have a good day!
Kyle