Bowflex TreadClimber Review

Are the Bowflex TreadClimbers any goods?

Overall Rating:
Key Features:	* Treadmill, Stair Stepper and Elliptical Trainer * Low impact workouts
Compared To:
Pricing:	$1,499 (prices vary depending on model)

Product description

The Bowflex TreadClimber has a unique and innovative design leaving no surprises for the attention it has received. On paper it is the perfect triple threat, a hybrid machine acting as a treadmill, stair climber and elliptical trainer. The TreadClimber is produced by Nautilus and at one time was sold under their corporate name. It has sense been renamed and is now advertised under their Bowflex brand.

The TreadClimber comes in four different models which consist of the TC1000, TC3000, TC5000 and the TC5300. The size, weight and frame are consistent between the TC1000 – TC5000 models with the warranty and features making the biggest distinctions. The only exception is the TC5300 which has a larger walking surface.

Listed below is a brief summary for what each model offers. We have included a description of some of the key features along with the all important warranty information.

Bowflex TC1000 - $1,499.00

The TC1000 is the entry level TreadClimber that Bowflex offers. The TC1000 comes with only three programming options which are for the speed, distance and time. The maximum speed tops out at 3.8 MPH which isn’t far off from the more expensive models (topping out at 4.5 MPH). The size, frame and weight appear to be the same as the TC3000 and TC5000 models. The warranty however is not as good offering only 1-year for the motor and parts

Bowflex TC3000 - $2,099.00

Next in line is the TC3000. The TC3000 offers three additional features over the entry model by adding output for the calories per minute, total calories burned and the total steps taken. The warranty is also much better with a 3-year warranty on the motor, 2-year on the electronics and a 1-yr on the hydraulics.

Bowflex TC5000 - $2,499.00

The Bowflex TC5000 offers two more functions over the TC3000 bringing the total to eight. The additional features included are the Climb Indicator, to visually track your elevation gain, and a wireless heart rate monitor. The warranty on the T5000 is the best of the entry three with a 5-year motor, 3-year parts and 2-year hydraulics

Bowflex TC5300 - $2,849.00

The Bowflex TC5300 is the top model offering a larger walking surface for taller users. It has the same warranty as the TC5000.

Model	Motor	Features	MSRP	Warranty
TC1000	Speeds 0.5 - 3.8 mph	Speed Distance Time	$1,499	Motor – 1 Year
TC3000	Speeds 0.7 - 4.0 mph	Speed Distance Time Calories per Minute Total Calories Total Steps	$2,099.00	Motor – 3 Years
TC5000	Speeds 0.7 - 4.0 mph	Speed Distance Time Calories per Minute Total Calories Total Steps Heart Rate Climb Indicator	$2,499.00	Motor - 5 Years
TC5300	Speeds 0.7 - 4.5 mph	Speed Distance Time Calories per Minute Total Calories Total Steps Heart Rate Climb Indicator	$2,849	Motor - 5 Years

TreadClimber Review

At first glance the TreadClimber looks like a novel idea, an impressive exerciser that combines three of the staple cardio machines into one. Instead of having to settle for just one machine, or purchasing several different ones, the TreadClimber can be used as a treadmill, elliptical or stair stepper. But the honeymoon stops at the first glance and when you take a closer look you start to see the limitations this exerciser has to offer.

The TreadClimber does work as a treadmill but it isn’t necessarily the best or even right treadmill for everyone. If you only intend to use a treadmill for walking then the TreadClimber should meet your needs. Anyone else will quickly find that the TreadClimber’s walking deck was not designed for running.

The reviews on the web are pretty mixed for this exerciser and one of the biggest concerns from many of the negative reviews we have seen is regarding the machines durability. The TreadClimber has a lot of moving parts and many reviewers have questioned how long this machine is really going to last. Some reviewers have had quality issues from the start although not everyone has had this problem.

Another problem is the warranty. If you look at some of the comparable priced treadmills out there, you will see that the warranty for the TreadClimber really is pretty poor. Even the most expensive model, the TC5300, only comes with a 5-year warranty on the motor. Their best warranty for the electronics and hydraulics also only comes in at three (for the electronics) and two years (hydraulics). There warranty is important because there are a lot of different moving parts which increases the chances of having issues down the road.

Conclusion

Our recommendation for those that are in the market for a TreadClimber is to try and pick up a good used one at a discount price. The modest warranty and high price are the main reason why we do not recommend these machines. The TreadClimber will give you a great workout but in all reality you can also get a great workout with a comparable priced elliptical trainer or treadmill. Most elliptical trainers and treadmills at that price range will come with a much better warranty keeping your wallet at peace.

Don't forget to also check out eBay for great bargains when looking for new and used fitness equipment for Bowflex TreadClimber. You can access eBay now by clicking on the banner below.

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	Best in its class

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