Quick Summary
The Schwinn 870 with Bluetooth has an impressive noggin for a treadmill around $1,000. It’s compatible with a wireless pulse transmitter (included), and it shows data not only about your current workout, but also your earlier efforts. The treadmill calculates a fitness score after each session and can send your workout data to mobile apps. For exercise guidance 25 programs are built-in, plus the new Schwinn 870 is ready for the RunSocial mobile app. Read on for an in-depth review.
Specifications
| Model | Schwinn 870 |
| Rating |  84.2% |
| List Price | $1,099 |
| Best Price | $1,099 |
| Speed | 12 mph |
| Incline | 0-15% |
| Motor | 3.0 CHP |
| Deck | 20" x 60" |
| Belt | 2-ply |
| Folding? |  |
| Programs | 26 |
| Max. Weight | 300 lbs |
| Heart Rate | Pulse Grips, Wireless Receiver |
| Dimensions | 77.2"x 35.2"x 57.6" |
| Display | Backlit LCD |
| Cooling Fans | |
| Accessory Tray | |
| Speakers | |
| Quick Controls | |
| Warranty | 10 years frame and motor 2 years mechanical parts 2 years electrical 1 year labor |
Rating:
Our Rating
Rating: 84.2/100. Recently updated, the Schwinn 870 Treadmill is a $1,099 fitness machine with modern tech to optimize your workouts. One highlight is Bluetooth, which lets you store heart rate, calorie burn and other treadmill workout data in a mobile app. Another highlight is readiness for RunSocial, a popular app that lets you virtually experience beautiful outdoor paths as you walk, jog or run in your home gym.
Additionally 25 treadmill workout programs are preset, and of course the machine can be used in manual mode. We especially like the heart rate controlled programs, which work with a wireless chest strap (included).
Despite its almost-budget price, the new Schwinn 870 has basic specs in common with mid-priced home treadmills. You can set a maximum speed of 12 mph and a max incline of 15 percent. The belt is powered by a 3.0 CHP motor, so you get the standard horsepower of a good all-purpose treadmill. The belt is the standard size for runners (60” long, 20” wide) and it’s high quality for the price at 2 mm thick. Also included are amenities such as MP3 speakers, drink holders and a three-speed fan.
The 870 Treadmill is foldable for storage, but it’s sturdy at around 200 pounds. Below are pros and cons to consider.
Pros:
- Stores up to four user profiles
- 3.0 CHP drive motor
- Top speed 12 mph
- Power incline to 15 percent
- 25 on-board programs plus manual mode
- Heart rate controlled workout programs
- Compatible with RunSocial virtual outdoor paths
- Detailed workout statistics and goal tracking
- Bluetooth for data sharing
- Wireless heart rate chest strap included
- Contact heart rate sensors
- Tablet holder and MP3 speakers
- Charging USB port
- Three-speed workout fan
- Two water bottle holders
- Safety key
- 300-pound user weight capacity
- Folding frame
- Transport wheels
Cons:
- Warranty is a bit stingy for the price class
- Belt requires light DIY maintenance (silicone lubricant every 25 miles or every three months, whichever comes first)
- Sometimes delivery isn’t free, so the 870 becomes an $1,199 treadmill
Introduction
The Schwinn 870 Treadmill is priced below average, but it competes well with trainers that cost a bit more. It supplies lots of exercise programs for free, and it gives the option of upgrading with full RunSocial benefits. The console supports up to four user profiles, and the hardware can handle a busy household. Below are details about the workout programs, parts, free warranty and guarantee.
Workout Programs
For easy viewing, Schwinn Fitness treadmills show preset workout on backlit screens. The Schwinn 870 Treadmill gives a choice of 25 pro-designed exercise programs that control the speed and incline of your challenge. Besides that, up to four users can each save four customized routines to the console.
The preset options include:
- 5 Heart Rate Control
- 4 Heart Health
- 6 Train
- 5 Weight Control
- 3 Interval
- 3 Quick Goal
- 4 Custom
You can also train in manual mode with convenient power controls.
An above-average amount of data is shown. You’ll not only get the usual feedback for your session, but also a fitness score, a review of your previous workouts, and a display of your all-time best performances.
RunSocial can be added if you connect an Android or Apple device, and RunSocial views can be sent to a big screen too. With RunSocial you can experience footage of 19 trails in HD and optionally train with other app users. Trail lengths range from 5K to 26.2 miles.
Schwinn 870 Features
This treadmill makes it easy to store your fitness data in the Schwinn trainer 2 mobile app, or export workout statistics to other trackers such as MapMyRun.
The new Schwinn 870 has a 3.0 CHP drive motor to smoothly serve all but the heaviest runners. It’s also equipped with a power incline motor, letting you incline train with up to 15 percent slope.
Sized for all but the tallest runners, the workout area measures 60” long and 20” wide.
For quiet operation and to minimize belt stretching, the tread belt is made from two-ply material. Recommended do-it-yourself maintenance involves applying lubricant to the belt every three months or every 25 miles, whichever comes first.
A chest strap is included for wireless heart rate monitoring. Touch sensors are also built into the machine for pulse readouts.
The console can hold your mobile device securely, letting you get a view of RunSocial or another app as you exercise. You can connect your device to the 870’s sound system and USB charging port.
To help you keep cool, each Schwinn treadmill has a three-speed fan and two large bottle holders.
A magnetic safety key can help prevent children from using the machine. The key also protects the user during exercise, stopping the belt if they slip.
The Schwinn 870 is a folding treadmill. With hydraulics it can essentially fold itself; no heavy lifting is required.
Caster wheels are attached. The machine weighs 215 pounds. Unfolded it has a footprint 77.2” long x 35.2” wide.
Warranty & Guarantee
The new Schwinn 870 Treadmill warranty includes:
- 10 year motor
- 2 years other mechanical parts
- 2 years electrical parts
- 1 year labor
The manufacturer also provides a six-week money-back guarantee. If you return the treadmill, be sure to follow their policies in order to get your biggest possible refund. For example, return the machine in its original packaging. Details are at the Schwinn Fitness website.
Conclusion
The Schwinn 870 is among the best-equipped treadmills for its price. For just $1,099 we wouldn’t expect all the special features: wireless heart rate monitoring, four user profiles, a two-ply belt, RunSocial readiness and more. The warranty could be improved, but for two years the parts and electronics are protected… so all in all, the 870 Treadmill could be a good deal.
If you’re open to spending more, see the Bowflex BXT116 ($1,499) for comparison. It’s built by the same manufacturer and is similar to the 870. Upgrades include a stronger motor, a color screen and more emphasis on training with interactive mobile apps.
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