Bowflex TC5500 TreadClimber –
Merging 3 Cardio Styles
For consumers wanting something different, the Bowflex
TC5500 TreadClimber seems to offer a leap up and away from the traditional
(and well-designed) treadmill, and into a space age gadget that offers more than
it can deliver. You would be better off with an elliptical trainer.
The Bowflex TC5500 TreadClimber is the top-of-the-line of the TreadClimber line,
which ranges from $1,300 to $3,300. This high-end model is similar to specs on
the TC5000 model, and it also features the “G.O. Coach” technology (Goal
Oriented programming), plus nine “Landmark” Challenge workouts that takes you
past places such as Lady Liberty or the Space Needle. It also has an interactive
console to promote enjoyment of your daily workouts.
Other features of the Bowflex TC5500 include a wireless transmitter chest strap,
personalized profiles, a Climb Indicator to track your distance progress in
miles, and a hefty 217-lb footprint for solid, stable performance. While the
cushioning on the pedals is exceptional and the display console is nice, the
TreadClimber makes more noise than most treadmills and its reliability is
suspect.
Limited Life Expectancy
Many reviews on the Bowflex TreadClimbers try to give potential buyers a good
dose of caution and warning: the TC5500 is one innovative fitness machine to
stay away from. If you’ve ever fretted over the maintenance of one treadmill
belt, then imagine the hassle of two belts! This is a complex mechanical design
with hydraulics and all the rest that will wear down and need repairs
eventually. Bet the farm on it.
Bowflex® TreadClimber® Factory Direct
With regular use, you can expect the Bowflex
TreadClimber TC5500 to last about two years before you will need to repair a
worn part. Compare that short life expectancy to a treadmill that sells for the
same $3,299; for that money, you can get a quality home treadmill, an absolute
tank that will last for years and
thousands of miles.
More Stepper Than Treadmill
There are performance issues as well due to the 3-in-1 cardio machine’s design
limitations. For example, the range of dynamic motion is limited (you would get
a better workout on an elliptical or a dynamic motion trainer). The new version
of the Bowflex TC5500 has longer treadle belts but they still feel too short for
some users. The TreadClimber has no upper body workout such as moving
handlebars. Lastly – and most important - you cannot build up any speed while
working out as the top speed is only 4.5 mph.
That’s not to say that the Bowflex TreadClimber doesn’t work as a cardio
machine; it does. The TC5500 will indeed burn a ton of calories and give you a
tough workout – but so can the hundred other treadmills we review on this site.
Any workout result is a matter of how much effort you put into it.
However, if you are looking at the Bowflex TC5500 TreadClimber because you
really don’t want a traditional treadmill or elliptical machine per se, then
consider buying an incline treadmill or perhaps the explosive Cybex Arc Trainer.
You’ll get fantastic cardio and fat-blasting workouts and own a more reliable
piece of equipment.
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Bowflex TreadClimbers
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