General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Buying a treadmill Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2014-12-15 10:24 AM

User image

Expert
1644
100050010025
Oklahoma
Subject: Buying a treadmill
Im looking to buy a used treadmill. My wife would mainly be using it for walking in the winter time because she doesn't like walking in the dark. I hate running on a TM but would run on it when it is raining, snow, ice, etc. Any suggestions on what I need to be looking for in a TM? I'm not familiar with any brands or models.


2014-12-15 11:29 AM
in reply to: 0

User image

Extreme Veteran
1018
1000
Subject: RE: Buying a treadmill
One that can hold at least 2 jackets, 4 button down shirts and some pants hanging from the arm bar. Maybe a few boxes of junk on the treadmill belt.

Kidding aside... i have one that has a good bounce to it. also get a floor mat for it.

Edited by GAUG3 2014-12-15 11:31 AM
2014-12-16 6:22 AM
in reply to: GAUG3

User image

Expert
1644
100050010025
Oklahoma
Subject: RE: Buying a treadmill
No recommendations on a good treadmill?
2014-12-16 7:41 AM
in reply to: GAUG3

User image

Pro
6582
50001000500252525
Melbourne FL
Gold member
Subject: RE: Buying a treadmill

Originally posted by GAUG3 One that can hold at least 2 jackets, 4 button down shirts and some pants hanging from the arm bar. Maybe a few boxes of junk on the treadmill belt. Kidding aside... i have one that has a good bounce to it. also get a floor mat for it.
LOL!

Likely a higher end model.  Can't help you with this one as I'm anti-dreadmill...

2014-12-16 7:57 AM
in reply to: Donto

User image


370
1001001002525
, North Carolina
Subject: RE: Buying a treadmill
The more you spend the better it will be.

Maybe look into a used commercial unit.
2014-12-16 8:57 AM
in reply to: Nick B

User image

Master
4117
20002000100
Toronto
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Buying a treadmill

My hubby works for a big retailer here in Canada that sells fitness equipment but when i got pregnant I decided i wanted a TM and i was certain I needed to spend big bucks - but I used the review pages to find some mid-range TMs that had good reviews from what i considered 'real runners' who seemed to be logging some mileage and speed.  At the time the Livestrong brand was not tarnished and we got one of those and it's been a good machine.  I don't use it a lot because like many people here I'd just rather run outside.  It is limited in terms of programming but does pretty much all i want it to - so for the price i am very happy with it. I did speed work on it these last couple of months, no issue.  

the one i have is great, the deck folds up, sort of, and the whole thing is very heavy and practically impossible to move - when folded you can lever it around on some wheels but to actually move it to the garage which we recently did was a big endeavour.

Anyway, i can't tell you what features or size of motor to look for because I can't remember but suggest that you take a look at some retailers websites and find some online reviews for reliable models and brands. 

 



2014-12-16 9:42 AM
in reply to: #5074684

User image

Expert
2555
20005002525
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Subject: RE: Buying a treadmill
It depends on how much you're looking to spend. A few years ago I got a Pacemaster Pro for about $1200 off EBay. It was almost new, only 40 miles on it. At the time it retailed new for about $2700. While my family doesn't use it a lot, we've probably put more than 1000 miles on it in the last 5 years.
2014-12-16 10:25 AM
in reply to: 0

User image

Expert
2098
2000252525
Ontario Canada
Subject: RE: Buying a treadmill
I won't recommend any particular brand over another, but you will want to look for one with at least a 2.5hp motor 3 is better for serious long running, fold ability is pretty much a must have , at least a 1" thick solid deck, longer and wider deck is better 20X40 or bigger, urethane bushings are a plus( and an upgrade) as is an orthopedic belt which is 4 to 6 mm thick as opposed to the regular 2 MM. at least a 350lb weight limit or greater.

I use an AFG 5.0 AT modified as above with urethane bushings & ortho belt, have been very happy with it over 5 years.

Edited by RRH_88 2014-12-16 10:28 AM
2014-12-16 10:46 AM
in reply to: RRH_88

User image

Expert
4597
20002000500252525
Middle River, Maryland
Silver member
Subject: RE: Buying a treadmill

Like others said above, you get what you pay for more-or-less.  For just walking you can get away with a mid-range unit, but if you're going to be logging any kind of mileage you'll need  the features described above (though I have no idea what the urethane bushings do... ).

I bought a ProForm Trailrunner 2.0 for about $1500 almost four years ago.  My wife walks and runs on it 2-3 days a week and i've probably logged another 200-300 or so running miles on it.  It's still working great, though the belt could probably use tightening.

 

2014-12-16 10:55 AM
in reply to: EKH

User image

Expert
2355
20001001001002525
Madison, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Buying a treadmill
Originally posted by EKH

Im looking to buy a used treadmill. My wife would mainly be using it for walking in the winter time because she doesn't like walking in the dark. I hate running on a TM but would run on it when it is raining, snow, ice, etc. Any suggestions on what I need to be looking for in a TM? I'm not familiar with any brands or models.


Woodway is the best as it is the most replicable to actual running. Very inexpensive, but if you have the budget and are type-a like that its the way to go. Otherwise I would imagine any other treadmill should fit the needs you explained.
2014-12-21 5:26 PM
in reply to: #5074684

Member
110
100
Subject: RE: Buying a treadmill
On many recommendations from another tri forum, I bought a Sole F80. I had a really hard time finding any bad reviews and the price was "reasonable." (What is "reasonable" in this sport anymore). Anyway, you may want to look into one.


2014-12-21 8:56 PM
in reply to: 0

User image

Master
3205
20001000100100
ann arbor, michigan
Subject: RE: Buying a treadmill
Originally posted by EKH

No recommendations on a good treadmill?


I researched a ton of treadmills several years ago. I even went to several health clubs that had different treadmills to run on various brands.

I ended up buying a Landice L7.

It just felt the best to me and I really liked running on it. Landice has a lifetime guarantee to the original purchaser which was a nice selling point. Finally, while not cheap, I felt that it was really very reasonably priced.

Last time I looked I had logged over 1400 miles. My wife uses it as well (but has her own profile so I don't know how many miles she has on it). Both of the kids use it occasionally. We have had no problems so far.

Edited by wannabefaster 2014-12-21 8:57 PM
2014-12-21 9:59 PM
in reply to: ballisticmonkey3

User image

New user
80
252525
Howell, Michigan
Subject: RE: Buying a treadmill
"On many recommendations from another tri forum, I bought a Sole F80. I had a really hard time finding any bad reviews and the price was "reasonable." (What is "reasonable" in this sport anymore). Anyway, you may want to look into one."

I have used the same treadmill for the last couple of years and have been very happy with the unit.
2014-12-21 10:22 PM
in reply to: EKH


1660
10005001002525
Subject: RE: Buying a treadmill

Sole F80 is a generic but solid recommendation that you can't go wrong with. Reliable, proven customer service in case anything goes wrong, and excellent, durable hardware. 

 

Honestly, there's hugely diminshing returns once you're over the midrange ($1400-$2000) treadmill price point. The core function, which is moving the belt at an accurate speed, is accomplished extremely well in that price point. Anything over that is more for details that probably won't affect the quality of your training when compared to something solid midrange like the Sole F80.

 

The Woodway is the most expensive treadmill out there, and I still don't understand why people bring it up as a recommendation for anyone except those specifically looking for one. It costs over $10k new, often requires a special power plug (not the regular wall socket), and can be hard to find one to try out before you buy.Plus, you won't go any faster training with it than if you had just HTFU'd up on a midrange treadmill. 

 

The cheaper (<$1000) TMs often aren't built for running,and are aimed more at walkers. (Smaller HP engines, theoretically will wear out faster.

2014-12-22 2:54 AM
in reply to: EKH

Subject: RE: Buying a treadmill
Well I have a Pacemaster Platium Pro that is several years old. It has around 5,000 miles on it. The motor is starting to get louder, but it has alot of usage. The kid is on it everyday, me not so much anymore. They did go under and it's now a Canadian owned product, but a very well made durable product.
2014-12-22 6:27 PM
in reply to: Puppetmaster

User image


928
50010010010010025
Subject: RE: Buying a treadmill
I was reading up on Woodways and I still don't understand why people think they are so much better than regular belt-driven treadmills.


New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Buying a treadmill Rss Feed