XTERRA Fitness FS1.5 Elliptical Machine Trainer, Black, 17.6-Pound

The first thing two things that caught my attention were the price and reviews. The machine was delivered fast and while the box was delivered by FedEx with a few tears and holes everything was intact and unharmed. Assembly took me about two hours and assembly was easy and smooth. Just make sure to tighten everything to have a silent running machine. The tools that came with it worked fine. This does not take up too much space and it looks like an expensive machine. Tested it and the stride was perfect and I'm 5'10". The modes it provides are a little confusing at first but after playing around with it I had no problems. Don't let the manual terrify you with their diagrams because a lot of the screws, washers, and nuts already come assembled on the larger parts for easier organization. I'm very happy with this purchase.

**update** don't waste your money, it is cheaply made and designed to break with just a few uses. It started making a loud clunking noise and it felt like something broke off inside when you try to use it. I had only warranty on parts left, they would cover the part. The problem was that the person to come out would cost almost what I paid for the machine. For that amount of money, I should have bought something more reliable and that would not broken down with lite use. Now it's an eyesore collecting dust in my basement. What a waste of moneyThis elliptical trainer is great, don't be fooled by its simple design it is of good material and sturdy. I love the fact that its compact compared to some of the other options available in this price range, and the fact that I have not encountered any problems with the product. The price is fantastic, it would be what I would pay to be in a gym for a year. Though going to the gym would allow me to use many other devices, I personally like the elliptical the most, I feel I get the best experience for my work out. So far I like my little elliptical, its practical, sturdy, and very reliable. My only complaint is the instruction booklet left much to be said, it could have been done in bigger font and been more clear in its instructions. Like another reviewer said no where does it state where to plug in the power adapter, thank goodness that reviewer posted where to place it I honestly would have never figured it out because of how and where it was placed. Other then this detail you can't go wrong with this elliptical it has nothing to envy from others in its catagory. I will update in a month how it continues to operate.

I was very unsure whether it was a realistic dream to have an elliptical in small apartment. This does not take up much space, even in use. It is sleek and nice looking in my living room and I am so impressed with how nicely it looks. It was delivered two days before the estimated time, and it took my boyfriend an hour by himself assembling. We each used it once, and it works smoothly and quietly. It is a comfortable workout for a women of 5'3" and my boyfriend of 5'9" felt comfortable on it as well. What a great price and I am so pleased with my purchase!

I spent the last 2 months comparing elipticals. I finally decided on the Xterra for 3 reasons: 1, The price was good and included shipping, which for a piece of exercise equiment over 100 pounds could have been substantial. 2, I liked the way resistance was controlled, by the program you select on the console, & that it can be manually controlled if desired. I did not want a twist the knob to make it harder, loosen the knob to make it easier machine. 3, The warranty & small footprint 2ft X 4.5ft.It arrived 8 days after I ordered it by motor freight, not UPS or FEDEX, box was large but not huge. Be prepared: have a box cutter, you will need it, as well as other tools I'll describe. The main flywheel comes intact, all the assembly you do is the handles, the foot-boards, & the console. They do include a small 19mm wrench and small allen-head-phillips head tool, (like the other reviewer found, these are barely useful) if you have or can borrow, a 19mm end wrench or socket, a 5mm allen-wrench & a #2 phillips screwdriver, assembly will go much faster, and easier. Suggestion: a small can of silicone spray with a nozzle. When I saw heavy nylon bearings at the connection points I was tempted to go for grease but decided on silicone spray instead. I was concerned a petroleum product might effect the nylon. Another suggestion: assemble it where you will use it if possible, saves trying to get it through doors or up/down stairs. Assembly took me 2hrs. Pay attemtion to "R" on parts, as right & left look the same. Have someone with strong hands tighten the nuts down or squeaks will happen. The instruction manual is accurate but crowded with part numbers - better to match parts laid out to the picture.I found it to be sturdy, and easy to level front/back - left/right and there are wheels on the rear feet but they only work on hard floors, not so well on carpet. The console does require 110V A/C outlet, and the manual did not say where the power plug went into the unit, its on the front at the bottom. No drink cup. Wear good workout shoes, no flip-flops.I have used it for 2 workouts and have had no problems so far, I will update if something occurs. It is a substantial machine and will hold large people, I am over 6ft & 240lbs, and it feels solid when I use it, no wobble, or loose feel. The reason for 4 stars? The console that controls the resistance is needlessly complicated. I read it 3 times and can now select a pre set work-out & the time of that workout which is fine but the complicated programs seem more trouble than they are worth, at least to me, admittedly someone unfamiliar with gym exercise equipment. The console works as promised but I just want to do some cardio, not program a moon landing. Finally, the console does not light up, its LCD not LED, use it in a well lit location or its hard to see.Assemble it correctly & tighten everything down and you will have a solid piece of equipment that will get your heart going and leave behind sore muscles the next day.Update: 7 work-outs so-far. I did go back and retighten the main connection points, no issues, just something I do with any new heavy mechanical device as it wears in. Still solid and working fine.Update 5/30/13 Minor "clunk" sound at right pivot point on right arm. Removed plastic cover and looked at bolt & plastic bearing, the plastic bearing had a split. Not a major issue but annoying none the less. Went online to the XTERRA web-site, and sent an email asking for a bearing. Next day at 8:30 am my phone rang. Service tech from XTERRA asking for the serial number of my elliptical, and said a new bearing was in the mail to me, no charge. I was impressed. 3 days later, I got a padded envelope with 2 new bearings and a rubber column gasket, that I did not need. Apparently these 3 parts are packaged together and if you order one you get them all.Bearing installed easily, and clunk gone. My own weight may have split it.