Bowflex TreadClimber TC20

I've been on my treadclimber nearly everyday since it's arrival. Yes, it arrived on the exact date projected. It took it a little bit of time to assemble it, but then I was off and walking. I was pleasently surprised by the extent of the workout, and then a tad sore the next day, because I woke up some muscles that have been slacking. Now, I'm not unfit, if that's the thought. I'm active in martial arts, swimming, and trail biking...the treadclimber, however - keeps you at a constant pace, climbing. If I turn on an NFL game, I've lost track of time, and spent over an hour and a half walking while engrossed in the game. I didn't get it for weightloss, but for variety in addition to what I normally do, and during the cold/rainy season. Love it. I've got friends that have offered to pay me to come over and use it. It's getting it's workout between my son, myself, and a friend or two.

OK, so I waited for 2 years to write my review if the TC20 but here it is.....In a nutshell, I absolutely love it!Pros: I am 6'3" and have a 36" inseam and the TC20 has long enough treadles for me to maintain a comfortable stride without having to chop my steps. The top speed is 4.5mph and I can honestly say I have never reached top speed in the 2 years I have used it. The unit is very well built and sturdy. i weighed 311 lbs when i purchased the TreadClimber and it has held up to my abuse with no complaints. This machine makes me sweat more than any other piece of workout equipment period! I am now up to 1000 calories per session and I can accomplish this in right around 55 minutes......I quit using my Pro-Form recumbent bike because in 30 minutes on the bike I only burned 185 calories and my legs were killing me....I can use the TreadClimber every day and never feel sore after a work out. My wife has had 4 knee surgeries so she is limited to what she can do with regards to working out. She can use the TreadClimber for 30 minutes and come away with nothing more than a slight ache in her bad knee whereas the bike or treadmill irritates her knee so bad she can't work out for days following.Cons: Being that I am 6'3' the handlebars are about 1-2" too low for me. (Adjustable height bars would have bee na great feature) I had the workout cylinders replaced under warranty about 6 months after purchasing it because one of the me was weaker than the other so it felt like walking on a sidehill. Bowflex did replace them without hassle. My replacement set is now giving me some issues after 1 1/2 years of use. Hard to explain but when you first hop on the machine, the first 1-2 inches of travel is very light and then they clunk and then the remainder of the travel is normal. After about a minute of use, the clunk slowly fades and they begin to operate normally. I may eventually replace them depending on replacement cost but the issue is tolerable for now since it quickly goes away. The unit has completely shut off on me about 6 times over the course of 2 years. The power switch remains illuminated but i have to turn it off and back on to get it to restart. When this occurs, I lose all of my Go Coach data for the week and it starts over. I thought it may be due to static or that the treadles needed lubricated so I would lubricate them and use a anti static spray but I can't say for sure if this was the cure or not because it was so random. If you are over 250lbs and have the speed set below 2.5mph or so, even with the cylinders set all the way to "Min" you are likely going bottom out the treadles. The only solution is to speed up the machine or shorten your stride and not step so far forward. It would be nice if Bowflex offered higher resistance cylinders for heavier folks. I am now down to 240lbs and don't have the issue anymore but I also use it at higher speeds since I am in better condition now. The Go Coach progress display is less than exciting for a piece of equipment in this price point. I would have hoped for something a bit more intuitive or integrated such as the higher end treadmills and bikes on the market. The handle bars get slippery when you start to sweat...and yes, you will sweat A LOT if you push yourself.Improvement suggestions: adjustable handlebar height for the various sizes of users. Pads or no slip grips on the handlebars. Better technology on the Go Coach....optional book shelf or IPad holder to watch TV, movies, or work out videos/read while working out. Electronic treadle adjustment that can be adjusted via the touchscreen while working out. Ability to select workout programs to challenge you. Audio input (or Bluetooth) with but-in speakers to listen to music while working out....So even though I was very critical about the TC20 in my review, the fact remains that I am still using it over 2 years later....I can't say the same for my other pieces of home equipment. It has also been a big part in helping me lose over 70lbs and keeping the weight off. The unit was expensive but it does what it claims and I would recommend this to anyone who is seriously looking to lose some weight and get into shape.

I have used my $3,500 Bowflex faithfully for a hair over two years, first 20 minutes a day and then 30. I didn't lose weight but my legs definitely became more toned. The downside to this is the machine recently broke down and, for the price, I feel that that's unacceptable. I weigh about 128 pounds and break up my sessions into 15 minutes each so the treadmill doesn't get abused. Now it grinds loudly and stops in the middle of using it with no warning. As a result, I have to find something else for my daily routine. I expected more from a company that is supposedly top of the line.As an additional warning, the gap between the treads on the Bowflex must be straddled carefully while exercising. More than once I tripped by landing on the space, and once I caught my foot between the two treads while walking. It didn't break my bones but the damage necessitated a visit to Urgent Care. After the doctor sent me home on crutches, I was unexpectedly cured when my large Labrador Retriever jumped on my injured foot, popping my bones back into alignment. Love my Lab results:-)a bone back into alignment:-) Those were Lab results for sure!

This was a waste of time , having a hard time getting all the parts. Then after 2 months decided to return and still having an impossible task of getting FedEx to pick it up. I am lost for words you would think that $1900 you would get great service! Not so much

the lack of versatility drastically reduces it's use in our household.

Fantastic workout. I walk 5-6 miles a day but needed to be challenged and the TC20 did the trick. Only 2 minutes the first time on and I was breathless. Slow steady progression is the key. Fully plan on working up to the full recommended time and see what happens weight wise.