Horizon Fitness T101 (Old Model)

This treadmill was super easy to set up, albeit difficult to lift...what can I say, I'm a runner, not a lifter. :) If I was to be nit-picky, I would say the screws that connect the the screen and such to the treadmill are a bit difficult to reach, but it didn't keep me from setting it up in less than thirty minutes. Once it was set up, I lubricated the belt as instructed, and was off and running. My first run was a bit of a trial and error to see how it'd handle the faster speeds (I normally run 8-9 mph) and the incline, especially in regards to the noise. Perhaps I'll update it a bit more after it's broken in, but it does seem a bit louder than I expected...but for $700, I didn't exactly expect whisper quiet, either. When I pushed the speed to 10 mph, it was a bit wobbly, but not enough to cause concern. It took a few runs to get the belt just right and I'd recommend keeping the tool they give to adjust it handy, especially on the first few runs. The cups to hold whatever you want to put in them are really convenient...plenty of room for a couple water bottles in each, a remote control, a bag of potato chips, or whatever you'd normally have while running. I am able to place my iPad on the console to read or check email on lighter workouts...the wobbliness of the faster runs probably wouldn't make that a good idea. There's also a small section under the main screen that is big enough to fit your phone or perhaps a Snickers bar if that's your thing. Oh, and the sound is pretty dadgum good for two small speakers. Great price-point, easy set-up, and a fantastic machine...great customer service, too.

1/26/14 Update. I have downgraded the review to 4 stars. I've put 185 miles on the machine (I keep track by miles instead of hours) and it doesnt seem as quiet as when it was first assembled. This doesnt really bother me as I keep it and run on it in the garage but it's not "whisper" quiet as advertised. I've performed basic maintenance per the manual but it did not affect the noise. Also, about a month ago I had some problems with the "on" button on the terminal. It would require a much more forceful press than the other buttons. Strangely this problem went away after about a week. I did contact Horizon and they also provided some troubleshooting tips. But I would still buy the treadmill instead of a $999 one. Original review. Probably like many of you I was very concerned with purchasing a new treadmill. There are negative reviews for every brand and model at each price point. I didnt want to spend more than was necessary but also didnt want to purchase a product that would not last. I just received and set up the treadmill so I'm not able to judge the reliability but will revisit the review if necessary. I'm 5'11" 165lb male. My previous treadmill only had a 55" running surface and I think that is enough for almost anyone. If it's not maybe you're overstriding but that's a different issue. I generally run about 25-30 miles a week, about 10 miles on the treadmill. I did not want to pay for a treadmill that could go to 12% incline or 12 mph because I run around 6.5 mph at .5 or 1% incline. Above this price point you get a bigger motor, which may help durability, a larger running deck (which I didnt need), and then additional electronic features that I wasnt interested in. Delivery went very well. The shipping company called me a week after I placed the order and we set up a date with a four hour window for the actual delivery. The driver called about 30 minutes prior to arriving. He had the treadmill on a pallet and wheeled it to my garage. I did not pay for assembly or extra delivery so I dont think he would have brought it inside the house. Assembly was very easy. The treadmill comes in four pieces. The deck, two arms, and control panel. If you've every put together boxed furniture you can assembly this. I think it does require two people for some sections to help keep it aligned while you screw it together. It probably took 40 minutes. I did need to adjust and tighten the belt but this is very easy to do. My first run was fine. The treadmill is quiet, and everything worked without any setup on the panel. My ipod played directly through the speakers with the included cord. I'm very pleased with this treadmill. I think it matches up well with the $999 treadmills.

Update #3- 1/20/23- so much for a lifetime warranty on the motor. Been trying to get ahold of them for a month and zero replies to numerous emails regarding a dying motor. Granted the machine has been going strong for 9 years but a warranty is a warranty. Will be replacing the treadmill with another brand shortly. I’ll assume their customer service is bad whether it’s a new treadmill or an old one. Update #2- 1/9/18- Just a quick note about longevity. I brought this in '13 and in '18 it's still going strong. I average 60 minutes 4 times a week and it's still going strong (fast walking, slow running - No all-out running). Got my monies worth out of this unit. I did disable the annoying alarm by disconnecting the speakers, and after that I've got no complaints. Needed a treadmill to complete my home gym set up. Was impressed with the Horizon Elliptical Trainer I bought the month before so I stuck with the brand. Both appear to be a good quality vs price value. The build seems solid and assembly was as simple as it can get- took about 30 minutes after I wrestled it into place. It's heavy. I've put on about 60 miles so far and don't have anything negative to say about the quality of the unit. Since I'm just getting back into working out and currently out of shape again, I haven't pushed the unit very hard. I consistently walk at the 3 to 3.5 mph speed and have only occasionally been above 4 mph for short periods. The 10 mph top speed is something I will never require and the 10% incline is something I will use very sparingly, the 3 to 6% range is sufficient for my needs . For serious runners I'm sure they would want to invest more $$$ for something that will handle more punishment, but for entry level or medium duty use I feel this unit is worth a look. The speakers and fan are a nice touch but don't expect rich sound and wind blown hair while you run...... Update 7/11/14- unit is still working fine but the idiot who decided to make the "on" alarm and the "belt starting" alarm should be fired. I understand the needing to warn people that the belt is starting, at 1/2 mph.... but to make the alarm louder then a jet engine and absolutely no control over the volume other then cutting the internal wiring seems to just be completely absurd. It may save a lawsuit from someone slipping and falling at start up but someone is going to sue for ear damage.....

The huge pallet and shipping box arrived broken and had several holes, probably from forklifts. The ABF driver was great and helped me get the box inside, without me asking....gave him $20. The treadmill was not damaged except for scuff marks on the front of the motor cover near a box hole (no biggie). Assembly was simple, though it would have been easier on the electrical wiring R/H side if I had help to hold the parts. Everything worked fine and is very quiet during operation. The deck lifts up easily (for storage) and locks automatically. It is easy to unlock with a foot tap and then I stand back and enjoy watching the deck lower slowly to the floor ;). Using the supplied cable I hooked up my iPod and listened to some music....nice that this machine is so quiet. I do wish the beeping could be set PERMANENTLY to a low level....it can drive one nuts until you can push the 'lower sound key'. It is supposed to be a safety warning but one can break a neck trying to quickly get that dumb sound level down, each and every time you turn it on! I almost didn't purchase this brand because it is made in mainland China, but I must say that this is the first thing I've bought from there that I thought was well built and worth the money. Now to see how fast I can wear this sucker out......

This treadmill arrived in a badly damaged shipping box, but after checking it out, I found it wasn't damaged all that much inside. It had somehow had the bottle of silicone that ships with it (to lube the walking belt) damaged. The silicone had leaked out around one half of the bottle. Needless to say, it made some areas pretty nasty. After a cleanup and check-over, I found the only real damage to the unit itself was a plastic stub used to mount the control panel drink holder had been broken off. It mounted up solid enough without it however, so that wasn't a problem. Amazon and Horizon were quick to make sure I was satisfied and reimbursed me an amount to cover the cost of any damage. I am extremely pleased with the customer service I receive with Amazon and that's why the first place I check when I need to make a purchase is with them. Great customer service is very hard to find these days, so I figure I had better be loyal to a company trying this hard to please their customers. Back to the treadmill, I am delighted to say that it has had daily use for a few weeks now, and has performed flawlessly. The last treadmill I owned was a new one from another company, and it started giving me problems within a short time. Now it's just set it and forget it! I do however make sure I keep the walking belt lubed and do the easy maintenance tips recommended with the treadmill. I was pleasantly surprised to find a nice comfortable walking surface on the treadmill, and with the addition of the fan to keep you cool while you walk and ample room for reading material, my phone, water bottle, and towel, I am almost happy to spend time walking on it every day, and the wife spends as much or more time on it then I do. So if you're thinking about getting a treadmill, I have to say, this is one very good one for the price and believe me I shopped all over before I bought this one. Don't wait for the imagined better deal on the next site, as you won't find one cheaper with the customer service and support you will receive with this one. Go for it, you'll be glad you did!

Pros: The motor is very quiet; I can run in the lower level while my boyfriend sleeps upstairs. Assembly was very easy, as long as you have a second person to help (I initially tried setting it up alone, and almost broke my finger). Very easy to fold up and to let down. Cons: When you turn it on, the beeping is SO LOUD. There is a volume button, but it also beeps loudly. The speakers and beeping are set to the same volume level, so if you want to hear music via speaker, you have to deal with deafening beeps. The speaker system isn't great, either- the sound is better playing straight from my phone. The exercise programs also leave something to be desired. They aren't bad, but I've used other treadmills that have more interesting and varying exercise programs. Overall, a good purchase for the lower cost.

OK. So people said this treadmill is great...just about every fitness website also condones this treadmill as the best all around bang-for-the-buck treadmill. So, we tried it out. We purchased this on 1-14-14, it was delivered 1-22-14, and it has now sat in our living room for several weeks; now 2-19-14 as of writing this and still DOA. Numerous parts were damaged, but the box that it came in was in almost perfect condition. We contacted Horizon to see if they would make things right, as other reviewers mentioned- various plastic pieces were broken, replaced no problem. OK, that's great. So, it turns out we needed 11-parts and various fasteners just from what I could detect was damaged. I asked them, at what point do you guys replace the whole unit, they said we generally don't. They assured me though, that they would send all the parts necessary and send out a technician to put it together and test it. Half the parts were back-ordered and took additional time to get here, thus the one-month time of no treadmill. They did send me a mat for all the pain and suffering thus far- decent response and accounts for the one star, but at this point I am still feeling uncompensated. The technician just left. He started to remove the damaged plastic covers and notices something and says "uh oh"...he found a loose plastic cover, which revealed that the frame was damaged on top of one of the feet, or stabilizers as he called it. I asked him, have you ever seen a brand new treadmill in such a state, he glared and said never. He said that after seeing the bent frame in congress with the damaged pieces, that he would suggest a replacement unit. Luckily, I still have the box, and he was amazed that the box looked great. He believes that the damage to the frame was probably done by a forklift-fork, and was probably done before it was packaged and shipped. This tells me that Horizon is perhaps not as great on quality control as people may believe...then again, perhaps this is a one in 10,000 mistake. Pictures have been sent to Horizon, and I still have not heard back from them in any way, shape, or form...you think they would at least contact me and apologize or console. Now I am out of my return window from Amazon and feeling pretty upset by all of this. I have no idea what Horizon plans to do, but I hope it is phenomenal, as right now I am pretty upset and the company name is leaving a bad taste in my mouth. I may edit this if they fix everything in some super way, but at this point, I just want to strongly encourage everyone, that if you receive one of these, make sure you check EVERYTHING. Get out a bright flashlight and your camera, and look this thing over from stem to stern. If the frame is damaged at all, it could cause the balancing aspect of the treadmill to weaken quicker than it would normally, thus lowering the life of the treadmill. So, good luck to anyone purchasing this, hopefully you get a gem. I hope this helps. Update 1= 2-19-14 Not sure if they saw the review or not, but I was just contacted by Horizon. They said, yes that they would OK a replacement unit, but it is back-ordered and would not get to their warehouse until mid-March. I said that is ridiculous. Can you do anything to compensate me for all this time of it sitting dead in our living room and all the time I will have to wait for a new one? She replied that they could not offer me any money...I said I did not want money, but something to show that Horizon cares. She said she could send me three bottles of lubrication and a mat. I said I already have a mat, is that it? She said yes. I asked to speak to a supervisor, she repeated herself, I asked again, she repeated herself and added he will say the same thing. I stated that I was getting upset, and that I wanted a supervisor, she said what is the nature of your question, I said I am getting upset and you are repeating yourself, I want to make sure this is how Horizon does business. She puts me on hold, comes back and says, well, we can send you out the next model up-I cannot remember her exact wording, but something along those lines. I asked her to hold on while I looked at it. It appears to be the same thing and size, just a few more options, so it would fit our space. I asked her if it was in stock, and she said yes. So, she placed the order and said she would also send me those three bottles of lubrication too. I thanked her and asked her pardon if I sounded upset, but that this whole ordeal is frustrating to go through, she said it's OK and understandable. I have not received any emails confirming this order yet, so we will see. I will update if and when Horizon makes things right. Update 2=3-17-14 Ok, I have probably been using the new treadmill for a week or so as of this post, and it is great...now that it is as it should be. Making a long story short, Horizon did in fact send me the next model up, the T202, which is great, but also arrived damaged. However, only minor damages- the top motor cover and left-side deck rail. At this point, Horizon did not need pictures, as I guess they assumed I was becoming an expert at their devices and just sent me the parts and associated decals. I received them about a week after I received my treadmill. Today, the treadmill looks great and operates great. Even though it was a bit of work on my part in working with Horizon, they did come through in the end. If you get the T101 or T202 and they come with only minor damage, just go through warranty services and you will be OK. If more than two parts are damaged, send it back to Amazon and save the hassle. I would give this unit five stars easily if my original arrived without damage or only minor damage, as the device is phenomenal and warranty service is decent to good. However, with everything I have gone through, I can only give it four stars, as your device may arrive with damage. That said, no matter what is damaged warranty service will fix it, but be prepared for long wait times for new parts, as the T101 is extremely popular and they are back ordered on almost every part. Good luck, and if you get one with no damage, consider yourself a winner and enjoy a great treadmill!

It's now almost a month since I received this treadmill and must in all honesty say that it is pretty much an excellent one for it's price! The unit was well packed and received without any damages. Horizon seems to have taken action, after receiving many complaints, regarding broken parts, due to poor packaging and handling. I would still recommend every one thinking of buying this treadmill, to get them from Amazon. I personally think that the true worth of any company selling a product, is how they react and help, when a need arises to return the product. And in this respect, Amazon's return service can't be beat! The delivery driver unloaded the consignment and positioned it neatly inside our garage. There was a tiny tear in the outer carton that I made note of on the delivery receipt before signing it and handing back to the driver. This was just in case I find there were damages to the unit after opening the carton and having to claim compensation. Thankfully, inspecting all the parts, after opening the carton, I found no damages. With help from my son, we assembled the unit in about 40 minutes. In this regard, I would very strongly advise against fully tightening any bolt, until after all a part is in place. With the base of the treadmill on a flat surface (in my case the bare garage floor), start by placing one arm against the base, insert the bolts in place and 'hand tighten' each bolt. Once all the bolts are 'hand tightened' then tighten them. Then go fix the next arm, hand tightening all the bolts and then fully tighten them like in the previous instance. Tightening the bolts should follow a pattern. If there are four bolts to be tightened on an arm to the base of the unit, partially tighten the first bolt, then partially tighten the bolt that is diagonally across it and then partially tighten the other two bolts. Then, fully tighten all the four bolts following the same pattern. Follow this procedure for the entire assembly and you should have no problem at all. Next, connect the unit to the electric outlet in your wall. A word of caution here. Please ensure that the wall plug is a dedicated line for 15 amp or more. Anything less and you may blow the circuit and cause an electrical outage for a part of your of your house, if not for the whole house. We learnt this the hard way!! There should be no other appliances connected to this wall plug. The unit comes lubricated and so there is no need to use the full bottle of silicone lube that comes with the treadmill like a few reviewers here mention. We used just half the bottle and have no squeaking or any kind of noise when using the treadmill. The belt was loosened by evenly adjusting the bolts at the end of the belt to facilitate lubricating. Highly recommend searching the internet to learn how to lubricate a treadmill. It does make a loud beep when starting the unit but this is a small annoyance that one gets used to. It does not bother us as our unit is in the garage. Adjustments to the speed and incline is pretty easy. The unit is pretty stable when being used (I weigh 150 lbs and my son is 175 lbs). The fan is pretty nice, as are the speakers. I attach my iphone to it. I also use my 10" tablet, resting it against the console and well supported by the fan vent projection. The unit can be easily folded up if needed, though there is no need in our case to do so as we have plenty of space in our garage. I have also ordered extra lubricant from Amazon. The prices for this silicone lubricant at other places, are insane! My son and I have been using this treadmill (for walking - 3 mph at 2% incline) for the last one month and we are really happy campers!

I've had this treadmill for around a year now and it still works really well! One of the best purchases I've ever made. The treadmill is great, not too large or too small, sturdy, and a very good deal for such a low price. I use it quite often (1-5 times per week) and it's held up nicely. I'm not a very fast runner, the fastest setting I use is 8mph but it does go all the way up to 10mph. Most of the time I use it at between 5 and 6 mph for running and 3 mph for walking. I think assembly was not difficult but it was a year ago that we put it together so I don't remember the details. It's pretty quiet too compared to the treadmills I've used in gyms. I have a small light laptop that fits well on the display panel so I can watch videos while I run, which is a great set up. I attached a picture of the setup with the laptop to this post. My one complaint is that the sound for the speakers is set to the loudest option by default when you turn the treadmill on. It beeps a bunch of times when you turn it on and it got really annoying (I have very sensitive hearing). I took apart the speaker cover and stuffed some cloth in there to muffle the sound so it is no longer a problem. I don't use the speakers to play music, I use headphones that are plugged directly into my computer or ipod instead. This is a great product for people who are just starting to get into running. I would definitely recommend it for anyone who has the money for it.

Terrible build quality. In less than one year the treadmill motor failed and there is no way to replace individual parts yourself (Horizon does not ship parts to Canada). DO NOT BUY (particularly if you are a Canadian customer).

Works fairly well, was quiet for the first 3 weeks, currently has an annoying tick at lower speeds. Upon turning on the treadmill it loudly beeps multiple times, no way to turn that off so if you plan on using anywhere near your sleeping family forget it. For the cost it’s not bad in terms of functionality but the noises are frustrating. It NOT whisper quiet as advertised.

Very good quality. Well built. The only thing I don't like are the pre-programmed settings. The speeds are too variable going from 1.5-4.0 mph. The cool downs at 1.5 mph are painfully slow.

I can't comment on longevity as I have only had the treadmill for a couple of weeks but it was shipped quickly, was extremely easy to set up (needed 2 people - 1 just to hold parts while the other person did the screws). It is very heavy but we were able to carry it down stairs with 2 people. I love that I can just plug my tablet in to the speakers and watch a show. The treadmill is quiet enough that I can easily hear my show and even can hear my kids calling from upstairs. It seems very sturdy - doesn't shake even when I run though I am not a very heavy person. I think it is a great buy for the price.