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Thread: Elliptical Machines

  1. #1
    Featured Member R-209's Avatar
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    Default Elliptical Machines

    What is your opinion on ellipticals? I've had an absolute shit time getting one that doesn't break within a week. Trying to have it repaired has been an epic nightmare.
    This is a mid-range machine from Sole. They've sent FOUR machines that have been defective, and sent the same two creepy repairmen TEN TIMES to "fix" them instead of exchanging them. This has gone on for two years. BUT! In the brief windows when it's working, I love it. It's as effective as any of my medications in calming my anxiety.
    On the other hand, Sole has caused tremendous anxiety.
    Don't have a lot of options that aren't too expensive. I looked at many different models, and they're too cheap or too expensive. Can't run/use a treadmill because of a bad knee.


    Should I keep fighting the company or give up and find an alternative? My exceedingly long Amazon review covers most of the details, and actually got Sole's attention. I didn't include stuff about the bizarre way the repairmen acted for legal reasons.

    If anyone could just scroll to the bottom and mark it as helpful, I would really appreciate it.

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    Veteran Member Jalena's Avatar
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    Default Re: Elliptical Machines

    Why not just look at different manufacturers? That sounds like a sign.

    My joints are shit and I have always had trouble keeping pace on a treadmill, but throw me on an elliptical and I can just go and go and go. I say, ellipticals FTW.

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    Featured Member R-209's Avatar
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    Default Re: Elliptical Machines

    Quote Originally Posted by Jalena View Post
    Why not just look at different manufacturers? That sounds like a sign.

    My joints are shit and I have always had trouble keeping pace on a treadmill, but throw me on an elliptical and I can just go and go and go. I say, ellipticals FTW.
    This is hard, as you've really got to test a machine in person. Each one has a different feel. When Sears was around, they had about twenty ellipticals, and they all felt so cheap. Instead of a gliding motion, most of them felt like stomping through thick mud. At least my Sears (RIP) had decent customers service.

    There's a Precor store in my state, which I found out after I got the Sole, but it's far. Plus they're more expensive. Had I known what I'd go through with Sole, I might have just gone for it. But their machine that's roughly the price of the Sole looks so rinky-dink. Even the $13,000 model looks like they took a machine from Big 5 and stuck a fancy monitor on top. They may feel like a dream in person, though.

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    God/dess miss.a.p1600's Avatar
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    Default Re: Elliptical Machines

    You may have to just end up going with a Precor

    Getting the more expensive model may save you from frequent multiple repairs with lower to mid range models

    Those companies are looking out for their bottom line. Yeah they’ll probably send a replacement ONCE but if a buyer keeps complaining they will assume a) the user is intentionally/unintentionally causing the damage b) the user is trying to freeload the system by faking defects to get upgraded machines

    Either way it’s just cheaper for a company to fix what’s already there than to constantly ship replacement machines out

    Exercise is a great natural remedy for improving symptoms of anxiety and depression

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    Featured Member R-209's Avatar
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    Default Re: Elliptical Machines

    Quote Originally Posted by miss.a.p1600 View Post
    You may have to just end up going with a Precor
    Maybe. Cost is a big concern there. I've been thinking about alternatives. I've been doing brisk walks lately which don't bother my knee. If I stepped that up, I wonder how it would compare to an elliptical workout. Weather and traffic would be a problem, but I get to see my neighbor's dogs.

    Those companies are looking out for their bottom line. Yeah they’ll probably send a replacement ONCE but if a buyer keeps complaining they will assume a) the user is intentionally/unintentionally causing the damage b) the user is trying to freeload the system by faking defects to get upgraded machines
    I've considered their POV and how strange it must seem for four machines to fail. But shouldn't they wonder why their techs aren't fixing the problem? Or maybe if they have a QC problem? I keep telling them that I don't want a refund/upgrade/anything else; I just want my machine to work. I thought it may be a problem with my electricity, and four people told me no. I got a multimeter to check it anyway, and it was fine. Still, before the replacement arrived, I asked if they were absolutely sure. I said time was critical and I needed to know. I was ignored. I asked again, using more urgent language. Ignored. I asked the installer if we should wait to plug it in. He confidently said that it was safe. Of course the machine failed in three days.

    After an hour-long phone call with support yesterday, guess what they think the problem is?

    Exercise is a great natural remedy for improving symptoms of anxiety and depression
    YES. I had a major breakdown a few years ago that left me nearly bedridden for a year and a half and truthfully almost killed me. Once I started to come out of it, I got on my elliptical- a Nordictrack back then- and pedaled for 30 seconds, all I could do. I made myself increase by 30 seconds every day, which was grueling. One day, I reached the half-hour mark and felt good. This is why I am so attached to ellipticals.

    I have to talk about who Sole sent to my home. The first guy was always an hour late and acted like he didn't want to be there. No ID of any kind. He was out three times and basically gave up. I found out later he told Sole that he made a huge effort to fix the machine, but I kept breaking it by "going too fast." He said he'd given me a "lesson" on how to use it. I watched him almost pass out after using it for thirty seconds.

    Second guy was a horror show. First time he showed (no ID), he wouldn't touch the sent parts and said I needed to hang my heels over the back of the pedals, He left after five minutes. I called Sole and demanded someone else, but he was all they had.
    Then things got WEIRD. By his fourth (of six) visit, he was loudly talking to himself, singing nonsense, and making a giant racket with the machine. I considered faking an emergency to get rid of him. When he left, the machine wasn't fixed and I locked the door behind him. I begged Sole not to send him again, but they did. He was even worse, the chanting and signing were louder and more bizarre. I had my phone out ready to dial 911. This went on for FOUR HOURS. He said he was going to stay even longer, but I finally said "enough."

    Oh, and he insisted on calling me "bud." I fucking hated that.

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    Veteran Member Jalena's Avatar
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    Default Re: Elliptical Machines

    ^^^^ Jesus Christ on sale, those 'repair' guys!

    The second one in particular sounds like he was fucking high, not just trying to be a dick.

    Yeah, fuck that company and their 'repair' guys with a cactus and a white hot poker. I wouldn't trust anyone in my home who showed up with no ID, for one thing. If that was just the guys being careless that's bad enough, but if the company is unaware or worse, allowing that, I hope to hell you mentioned that little fact when you gave them a piece of your mind.

    Is there a gym near you with different machines that you could try out to get a better feel? You might try that next. If they have one that you like, you can just take the manufacturing info home and look for it online.

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    Featured Member R-209's Avatar
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    Default Re: Elliptical Machines

    Quote Originally Posted by Jalena View Post
    ^^^^ Jesus Christ on sale, those 'repair' guys!
    Repair guys just show up, slap the randomly selected parts in, and leave. They don't make sure the problem's fixed. One time, the weirdo took off without tightening the main bolt that connects the arm to the body. When I stepped on the pedal, the whole right side fell off. He also left an elastic cord wrapped so tightly around the handlebars that they could have snapped back and injured someone. I wonder how a more vulnerable person- like a young mother with a couple of kids- would have felt listening to that guy carry on like that. There were times when I was afraid that he might have a gun or knife.

    Still, I didn't want to complain because they kept telling me he was the only guy and I was afraid he would find out what I said. All he had to do was deny it and they'd believe him. I have trouble being assertive. I'd like to say "After the way this asshole acted in my home, I'll call the police if you send him out again."

    When the refrigerator guys came out, I got info and photo e-mailed to me ahead of time. I actually liked them quite a bit.

    I just remembered that the ridiculous lies the first guy told were from my complaint to the state Attorney General's Office. I wonder if that's perjury...

    Is there a gym near you with different machines that you could try out to get a better feel? You might try that next. If they have one that you like, you can just take the manufacturing info home and look for it online.
    I peeked in the window once and saw Precors, but I think a gym-quality Precor costs as much as a new car.

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    God/dess whirlerz's Avatar
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    Default Re: Elliptical Machines

    Did you ever get this sorted out??


    MANY MEN WANTED TO LAY ME DOWN, BUT FEW WANTED TO LIFT ME UP

    -Eartha Kitt

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