NOTE: This product works exactly as described. th-cam.com/users/postUgkxguEIMc_Qwab-3QMTpF6jaRL80hiOOsIN It originally earned a four-star review due to a minor defect (see below). However, the manufacturer's customer service rep (Lita) went above and beyond the call of duty and deserves five stars now. I wish I could give even more!I purchased this item which arrived quickly. Assembly instructions were easy to follow. There was only one problem: One bolt did not screw into the hole properly. I called the company. Their customer service rep (Lita) was terrific! She took all my information and submitted a request to replace the defective part. I'm hoping to finish assembly and start using this treadmill soon. (Fingers crossed...)FOLLOW UP: Lita called back to inform me that the company will send a replacement part AND a technician(!!) to install it properly. AMAZING CUSTOMER SERVICE!! Thank you!!
I LOVED this review, best one I've seen on ellipticals! I wish this machine had the solid handles like she mentioned as well as the Bluetooth connected to your phone/Table o you can watch videos while you workout and listen through the speakers. I LOVE the fact this elliptical has a tablet holder which even is adjustable I also like the fact it has a cup/bottle holder, which is one of the main things I look for on a machine.Another feature I LOVE again about this machine is that you can see a video of terrain you can imagine you're running through. I used one that had this feature in a gym once and I thought it was gimmicky but once I started running on it, I fell in love with it, it totally changed the way I saw exercising.
It is a great treadmill alternative for anyone that wants to exercise without putting too much stress on their knees or other joints. These are multi-purpose machines that allows to try a variety of workout styles while the Mediatek chipset at core ensures top notch performance. While it is the perfect machine for those who wants to enjoy different styles of workouts.
These reviews are very helpful. I have an original Ellipse e9 from back in 1998 that just crapped out...not bad. But I have to say that was when NordicTrack was a different company. My elliptical has innovative features surprisingly not found on any of today's models. For example the arms can be in the same motion as the feet or the arms can be locked so that if a person wants to do just legs there isn't arms flying back and forth ready to whack you on every stride. I have heard such awful news about their FS10i and FS14i that is making me very leery of purchasing one. You make some very good points about missing features...guess they don't listen to customer feedback.
Glad they finally realized they needed a pivot screen. I have an older Nord treadmill with the color touchscreen, and the viewing angle was ALL wrong, and with no adjustment. You had to be as tall as Shaq to see it at the proper angle, otherwise the screen was faded and bland. I remember thinking, why didn't someone actually try using this before putting it to market.I modified mine by detaching the whole console and placing a big wedge of wood behind it, making it adjustable by moving the wedge up or down. You had to tilt it towards you probably some 30° to see it correctly.
Like many others I have been facing right from the start an instability on incline. Nordictrack sent a technician. As he could not improve the situation, Nordictrack then replaced my Fs7i with a new one and again, I immediately faced the same issue. This is a design flaw and it seems, looking at the Fs9i and Fs10i comments on TH-cam that Nordictrack is not addressing the issue in their new products. Given my experiences with 2 brain new Fs7i, I am wondering how come you did not report this instability (on incline) in your video.
It probably didn't break while they were reviewing it. Just because something is a widespread problem doesn't mean everybody experiences it and I presume this review was only done over a short amount of time, not a 6mo ownership review or something.
I have one of these and honestly, if you go full resistance and full incline, you barely break a sweat and to get your breathing going, you will have to hold you breath. I am 5'8 and 245, almost 60 and this just doesn't do much for me at all. This might be a good piece of equipment for someone who has never worked out and is just starting. The only way to test yourself is to go completely as fast as you possibly can....at which point, you are literally risking falling off. For me, this was a mistake.
Thank you for the great video, we just purchased a FS14i but had questions on proper use. This video provides a good introduction on how to use and limits of the Freestride Elliptical. One thing we have noticed is a small clunk due to movement in the incline mechanism. I suspect that is just a little movement in the gears or linkage. We listened closely and it seemed the unit being demonstrated had the same thing. Is this normal? It’s not a big deal just noticeable in the otherwise silent operation.
Yes, we noticed that at first as well. It sounds like a slight shifting in the gears as you incline and decline the elliptical. Ours seemed to become less noticeable over time (or maybe we just notice it less now).
Thank you for your well done reviews. I noticed that on some ellipticals the heels almost always come off the pedals . And others not so much if at all. I seem to get Achilles pain if the heel comes off the pedals. Are there other Nordic track models that are different this way I should consider?
Many ellipticals have adjustable pedal height, so you can angle the back end of the pedal upwards to reduce ankle flexion. This way your foot stays connected to the pedal throughout the pedal stroke. The Sole E25 and E35 both have this feature as does the Nordictrack SE9i and SE7i.
Thanks for the review. When you stated the machine extends out 40 inches in front and 27 inches in back, does that mean it need 67 inch space for length or 67 plus it’s original length of 59 inches, thereby needing 126 inches in length?? Please let me know so I can see if it will fit in my room. Thanks 😊
I measured today and you need about 7 feet of front to back clearance or 84" for a full stride on the FS7i. The pedals extend backward 27" from the rear upright and 40" from the main upright, but the frame itself is about 18" deep. With 84" inches front to back you should have enough room.
Hoping you can help? Having a terrible time getting an answer. I can’t access the onboard programs on my Freestride FS9i. It just gives me one plain program. There are no visuals on screen to access other free programs
How does this compare to the nordic track Space Saver Se7i or 9i? Does the stride seem really short on the space saver? I'm torn between this one or one of the space saver units, stride being a big concern plus incline options. Plus all the reviews about customer service sound like a nightmare. This review was great. I don't have alot of space and like the idea of the other one folding up, but this looks nicer for stride length.
Allison, the FS7i offers extended stride length, but it also requires more room. The pedals move forward and back quite a bit so you need a dedicated space for this machine. The SE7i and 9i are very similar to each other. They both fold down so you could tuck the machine behind a couch or something. The stride length is a few inches shorter on the SE7i or 9i, but the stride is completely contained within the footprint of the machine, so it doesn't jut forward. The stride does not seem short on those machines. For me it is plenty long.
@@TreadmillReviewGuru Does the SE9i give a good workout intensity level? I'm right on the cusp of buying the SE9i but I can't seem to find good reviews from people that actually have ever been physically fit before. My gym is too far away and they decided to close early from now on so I can't go anymore. I need to recreate a gym experience in my house but limited space. If I can't get a solid workout I don't want to have buyers remorse. I like your review of the FS model but I am pretty sure I don't have the space for it unfortunately. Maybe I need to bite the bullet and spend more money on gym level equipment, but I am trying to avoid that if I can get a decent workout on the SE9i. If you have any additional thoughts on the SE9i please let me know.
My wife wants to use it like a treadmill, not a stepper or elliptical movement up and down. What do you do to make the pedals go front to back, rather than up and down.
There's no way to lock the pedals, you just have to move the elliptical in a forward/back motion with your feet to simulate a treadmill. This is more challenging but provides a great, low-impact workout
Great review, thanks! How is the interface to use without the iFit subscription? Obviously you don't get the curated workouts, world view workouts, etc., but presumably it has 10 or so built-in workouts (with or without the screen) for fat burn, cardio, etc. and curious how those are.
Yes, it has free built in workouts. These aren't the same as the video workouts filmed outdoors, but you have the option of graph based workouts for hill climb, HIIT intervals, fat burn, etc.
An elliptical will give you more upper body engagement and requires more core stabilization while you use it. Ellipticals like the FS7i also have an incline feature to vary which leg muscles are engaged. However, ellipticals are larger and take up more space. The s22i bike is compact, quiet, provides excellent cardiovascular training, and is easy to use. It also includes 3lb weights. With iFit, you can do off-bike classes like strength training, etc., so you're not stuck with a predominantly lower body workout. They both have advantages and benefits.
Hello! Just wondering why there were bad reviews on Amazon for this product and why amazon discontinued selling these? Which elliptical would you recommend that has good smooth long movements? Thanks for your input!
We don't know the status of Nordictrack's relationship with Amazon. However, if you are looking for an alternative, we'd recommend the Nordictrack SE7i or SE9i or the Sole E35 or E95. The Sole machines are very sturdy and quiet and have a full lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. The Nordictrack ellipticals (SE9i & SE7i) will both fold down when you are done using it so you can tuck it behind a couch and it won't show when it's folded. We have written reviews here: www.treadmillreviewguru.com/sole-e35-elliptical-review/ www.treadmillreviewguru.com/sole-e95-elliptical-review/ www.treadmillreviewguru.com/nordictrack-se9i-elliptical-review/ www.treadmillreviewguru.com/nordictrack-se7i-elliptical-review/
The Bowflex Max Trainer takes up less space. The FS7i has a relatively compact footprint, but because the pedals swing out so far, you have to have a lot of clearance both in front of and behind this elliptical. Also - we didn't experience a ton of rocking on this machine, but higher weight users have complained about rocking issues on the FS7i (as mentioned in comments). Both are good, low-impact machines, but we'd opt for the Bowflex if you are tight on space.
Worst piece of equipment I have ever purchased. Feet keep sliding off the outside of the foot pads. And that was for the five times it worked before it broke down and cost me another $180.00 for a technician to come and repair it. Totally overpriced dung heap.
I love NordicTracks. I could watch people use them for hours.
HAHAHHA
😆
NOTE: This product works exactly as described. th-cam.com/users/postUgkxguEIMc_Qwab-3QMTpF6jaRL80hiOOsIN It originally earned a four-star review due to a minor defect (see below). However, the manufacturer's customer service rep (Lita) went above and beyond the call of duty and deserves five stars now. I wish I could give even more!I purchased this item which arrived quickly. Assembly instructions were easy to follow. There was only one problem: One bolt did not screw into the hole properly. I called the company. Their customer service rep (Lita) was terrific! She took all my information and submitted a request to replace the defective part. I'm hoping to finish assembly and start using this treadmill soon. (Fingers crossed...)FOLLOW UP: Lita called back to inform me that the company will send a replacement part AND a technician(!!) to install it properly. AMAZING CUSTOMER SERVICE!! Thank you!!
This was an excellent review. Absolutely excellent
Everything one would need to know + real time use
Keep up the good work
I LOVED this review, best one I've seen on ellipticals! I wish this machine had the solid handles like she mentioned as well as the Bluetooth connected to your phone/Table o you can watch videos while you workout and listen through the speakers. I LOVE the fact this elliptical has a tablet holder which even is adjustable I also like the fact it has a cup/bottle holder, which is one of the main things I look for on a machine.Another feature I LOVE again about this machine is that you can see a video of terrain you can imagine you're running through. I used one that had this feature in a gym once and I thought it was gimmicky but once I started running on it, I fell in love with it, it totally changed the way I saw exercising.
It is a great treadmill alternative for anyone that wants to exercise without putting too much stress on their knees or other joints. These are multi-purpose machines that allows to try a variety of workout styles while the Mediatek chipset at core ensures top notch performance. While it is the perfect machine for those who wants to enjoy different styles of workouts.
These reviews are very helpful. I have an original Ellipse e9 from back in 1998 that just crapped out...not bad. But I have to say that was when NordicTrack was a different company. My elliptical has innovative features surprisingly not found on any of today's models. For example the arms can be in the same motion as the feet or the arms can be locked so that if a person wants to do just legs there isn't arms flying back and forth ready to whack you on every stride. I have heard such awful news about their FS10i and FS14i that is making me very leery of purchasing one. You make some very good points about missing features...guess they don't listen to customer feedback.
Have you had any success accessing the onboard programs? I can’t access mine on my FS9i
It's nice that you could adjust the stride and also use it as a stepper.
Glad they finally realized they needed a pivot screen. I have an older Nord treadmill with the color touchscreen, and the viewing angle was ALL wrong, and with no adjustment. You had to be as tall as Shaq to see it at the proper angle, otherwise the screen was faded and bland. I remember thinking, why didn't someone actually try using this before putting it to market.I modified mine by detaching the whole console and placing a big wedge of wood behind it, making it adjustable by moving the wedge up or down. You had to tilt it towards you probably some 30° to see it correctly.
great review... this totally sold my husband and I
Did you end up buying one? If so, what do you think?
Extremely helpful - best review I found. Thanks.
Wish you would post a review for FS10i….the current model for sale other than the FS14i
Like many others I have been facing right from the start an instability on incline. Nordictrack sent a technician. As he could not improve the situation, Nordictrack then replaced my Fs7i with a new one and again, I immediately faced the same issue. This is a design flaw and it seems, looking at the Fs9i and Fs10i comments on TH-cam that Nordictrack is not addressing the issue in their new products. Given my experiences with 2 brain new Fs7i, I am wondering how come you did not report this instability (on incline) in your video.
It probably didn't break while they were reviewing it. Just because something is a widespread problem doesn't mean everybody experiences it and I presume this review was only done over a short amount of time, not a 6mo ownership review or something.
What size tablet will fit? I'd like a large screen. What tablet works with this machine and IFit? Great video btw. Ty 😊
I have one of these and honestly, if you go full resistance and full incline, you barely break a sweat and to get your breathing going, you will have to hold you breath. I am 5'8 and 245, almost 60 and this just doesn't do much for me at all. This might be a good piece of equipment for someone who has never worked out and is just starting. The only way to test yourself is to go completely as fast as you possibly can....at which point, you are literally risking falling off. For me, this was a mistake.
amazing review! thank you for all the details! so helpful.
Thank you for the great video, we just purchased a FS14i but had questions on proper use. This video provides a good introduction on how to use and limits of the Freestride Elliptical. One thing we have noticed is a small clunk due to movement in the incline mechanism. I suspect that is just a little movement in the gears or linkage. We listened closely and it seemed the unit being demonstrated had the same thing. Is this normal? It’s not a big deal just noticeable in the otherwise silent operation.
Yes, we noticed that at first as well. It sounds like a slight shifting in the gears as you incline and decline the elliptical. Ours seemed to become less noticeable over time (or maybe we just notice it less now).
Thank you for your well done reviews. I noticed that on some ellipticals the heels almost always come off the pedals . And others not so much if at all. I seem to get Achilles pain if the heel comes off the pedals. Are there other Nordic track models that are different this way I should consider?
Many ellipticals have adjustable pedal height, so you can angle the back end of the pedal upwards to reduce ankle flexion. This way your foot stays connected to the pedal throughout the pedal stroke. The Sole E25 and E35 both have this feature as does the Nordictrack SE9i and SE7i.
Excellent review.
Thanks for the review. When you stated the machine extends out 40 inches in front and 27 inches in back, does that mean it need 67 inch space for length or 67 plus it’s original length of 59 inches, thereby needing 126 inches in length?? Please let me know so I can see if it will fit in my room. Thanks 😊
I measured today and you need about 7 feet of front to back clearance or 84" for a full stride on the FS7i. The pedals extend backward 27" from the rear upright and 40" from the main upright, but the frame itself is about 18" deep. With 84" inches front to back you should have enough room.
TreadmillReviewGuru thanks for that info! Planning on buying this soon. Love how it has long strides. 😀
Hoping you can help? Having a terrible time getting an answer. I can’t access the onboard programs on my Freestride FS9i. It just gives me one plain program. There are no visuals on screen to access other free programs
Is your machine connected to the internet?
How does this incline percentage compare to sole’s incline 20 levels. Are they about the same or is one better than the other?
What treadmill is used in CrossFit Games?
How does this compare to the nordic track Space Saver Se7i or 9i? Does the stride seem really short on the space saver? I'm torn between this one or one of the space saver units, stride being a big concern plus incline options. Plus all the reviews about customer service sound like a nightmare. This review was great. I don't have alot of space and like the idea of the other one folding up, but this looks nicer for stride length.
Allison, the FS7i offers extended stride length, but it also requires more room. The pedals move forward and back quite a bit so you need a dedicated space for this machine. The SE7i and 9i are very similar to each other. They both fold down so you could tuck the machine behind a couch or something. The stride length is a few inches shorter on the SE7i or 9i, but the stride is completely contained within the footprint of the machine, so it doesn't jut forward. The stride does not seem short on those machines. For me it is plenty long.
@@TreadmillReviewGuru Does the SE9i give a good workout intensity level? I'm right on the cusp of buying the SE9i but I can't seem to find good reviews from people that actually have ever been physically fit before. My gym is too far away and they decided to close early from now on so I can't go anymore. I need to recreate a gym experience in my house but limited space. If I can't get a solid workout I don't want to have buyers remorse. I like your review of the FS model but I am pretty sure I don't have the space for it unfortunately. Maybe I need to bite the bullet and spend more money on gym level equipment, but I am trying to avoid that if I can get a decent workout on the SE9i. If you have any additional thoughts on the SE9i please let me know.
My wife wants to use it like a treadmill, not a stepper or elliptical movement up and down. What do you do to make the pedals go front to back, rather than up and down.
There's no way to lock the pedals, you just have to move the elliptical in a forward/back motion with your feet to simulate a treadmill. This is more challenging but provides a great, low-impact workout
Great review, thanks! How is the interface to use without the iFit subscription? Obviously you don't get the curated workouts, world view workouts, etc., but presumably it has 10 or so built-in workouts (with or without the screen) for fat burn, cardio, etc. and curious how those are.
Yes, it has free built in workouts. These aren't the same as the video workouts filmed outdoors, but you have the option of graph based workouts for hill climb, HIIT intervals, fat burn, etc.
Good review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Can you compare the exercise benefits of the studio bike like the s22i Nordic Track vs a Nordic Track elliptical?
An elliptical will give you more upper body engagement and requires more core stabilization while you use it. Ellipticals like the FS7i also have an incline feature to vary which leg muscles are engaged. However, ellipticals are larger and take up more space. The s22i bike is compact, quiet, provides excellent cardiovascular training, and is easy to use. It also includes 3lb weights. With iFit, you can do off-bike classes like strength training, etc., so you're not stuck with a predominantly lower body workout. They both have advantages and benefits.
Avoid this product customer service at its worst you been worn
Does anyone know how much height this adds? Just wondering because my basement is low.
The FS7i adds about 18" of height when you are on the pedals.
Hello! Just wondering why there were bad reviews on Amazon for this product and why amazon discontinued selling these? Which elliptical would you recommend that has good smooth long movements? Thanks for your input!
We don't know the status of Nordictrack's relationship with Amazon. However, if you are looking for an alternative, we'd recommend the Nordictrack SE7i or SE9i or the Sole E35 or E95. The Sole machines are very sturdy and quiet and have a full lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. The Nordictrack ellipticals (SE9i & SE7i) will both fold down when you are done using it so you can tuck it behind a couch and it won't show when it's folded.
We have written reviews here:
www.treadmillreviewguru.com/sole-e35-elliptical-review/
www.treadmillreviewguru.com/sole-e95-elliptical-review/
www.treadmillreviewguru.com/nordictrack-se9i-elliptical-review/
www.treadmillreviewguru.com/nordictrack-se7i-elliptical-review/
Thanks for the info 😊
How does this compare to Bowflex max trainer.. trying to decided between the two.
The Bowflex Max Trainer takes up less space. The FS7i has a relatively compact footprint, but because the pedals swing out so far, you have to have a lot of clearance both in front of and behind this elliptical. Also - we didn't experience a ton of rocking on this machine, but higher weight users have complained about rocking issues on the FS7i (as mentioned in comments). Both are good, low-impact machines, but we'd opt for the Bowflex if you are tight on space.
Now review the reliability, customer service, issues etc…….then you may change your mind. I was going to buy one, not now.
This machine is wobbly!!! Nordic track wont fo anythinf
DO NOT BUY THIS PIECE OF GARBAGE! Please be
Worst piece of equipment I have ever purchased. Feet keep sliding off
the outside of the foot pads. And that was for the five times it worked
before it broke down and cost me another $180.00 for a technician to
come and repair it. Totally overpriced dung heap.