| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Motor | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Horizon Adventure 5 Check Discounted Price | L:74" W:34" H:54" | 325 lbs | 2.50 CHP, 0.5-12 MPH | 35 programs ViaFit Passport ready | Frame: Lifetime Motor: Lifetime Parts: 3 years Labor: 1 year |
The Horizon Fitness Adventure 5 is a mid-range treadmill, offering most of the features that anyone would want from a home-use running machine. It’s a well-built model, similar to the AFG 5.5AT, but as opposed to this model, it offers several extra speed settings, a slightly higher incline, and more workout programs.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 74L x 34W x 54H inches (188L x 86W x 137H cm)
- Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 20W inches (152.4L x 50.8W cm)
- Assembled weight: 188 lbs (85.2 kg)
- Max. weight capacity: 325 lbs (147.4 kg)
- Deck cushioning: Variable Response™
- Motor: 2.5 CHP
- Speed range: 0.5 – 12 MPH
- Incline: 0% – 12%
- Console: 35 workouts, ViaFit online connectivity
- Amenities: Sound system, tablet holder, accessory holders
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor Lifetime / Parts 3 years / Labor 1 year
Frame and deck
Most treadmills have a frame made of steel tubing, and the Adventure 5 doesn’t make an 
exception. All the steel parts in its construction are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant and scratch resistant paint. The front base bars are equipped with adjustable stabilizers and transport wheels, while the rear feet also integrate wheels for improved mobility.
The machine’s stability is also enhanced by its overall weight. When fully assembled, it weighs approx. 188 lbs (85.2 kg), which pretty much means that the box transport and assembly requires two people. However, once it is assembled, its relocation isn’t too difficult. By using the integrated transport wheels you will only have to handle half of its total weight.
Like many other treadmills made for home use, the Horizon Fitness Adventure 5 model has a foldable deck. The deck folds up and there’s a hydraulic element which helps lock it in an upright position to save space. This hydraulic cylinder also assists you with the lowering of the deck, softening its descension.
With the deck folded up, the machine’s length is reduced by approx. 26″ (66 cm); its dimensions become 50″L x 34″W x 64″H (127 x 86 x 163 cm). With the deck lowered down and ready to use, the machine’s length is 74″ (188 cm), while its height remains at 54″ (137 cm). On top of these dimensions, it also requires at least two feet of clearance on each side, and at least three feet of clearance at the rear, for safe usage.
The Adventure 5 treadmill features a 0.7″ (1.77 cm) phenolic deck, equipped with the Variable 
Response™ Cushioning technology, just as the Horizon T101-04 model. This cushioning system consists of three separate zones that give you the right support throughout your stride. The front area, or the Impact Zone, has more cushioning and is designed to absorb some of the shock generated when your foot lands. The middle area is the Transition Zone and has neutral cushioning, designed to provide stability and support. The rear part of the deck, or the Push-Off Zone, is meant to offer the required support when you push forward.
The running area uses a heavy-duty belt, resistant to stretching. It’s a standard 60″L x 20″W (152.4 x 50.8 cm) tread belt, designed to provide superior traction. Due to its dimensions, the machine can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (195 cm). The belt rolls over a set of fairly large rollers. The front roller is 2.25″ (5.7 cm) in diameter, while the rear one is 1.75″ (4.4 cm). They both integrate industrial quality, sealed ball bearings which can last a lifetime; they’re also crowned, an aspect that leads to a longer lifespan of the running belt.
One last aspect to mention here regards the machine’s load capacity. The deck is sturdy enough to support runners up to 325 lbs (147.4 kg), which is pretty impressive for a home-use treadmill.
Incline & step-up height
The Horizon Fitness Adventure 5 treadmill features an automatic incline system, which consists of a small motor and a lift that elevates the front of the deck. Since the incline is automatic, it
can only be adjusted when the treadmill is connected to a power circuit. The incline adjustment can only be done from the console. Also, in case you will be using one of the treadmill’s preset programs, it will adjust the incline automatically.
The treadmill incline range is 0% – 12%. The incline adjustment increments are 1%. The console features keys for gradual incline adjustment but also has quick incline keys, which allow you to select any of the 0-12 levels whenever you want.
The step-up height of this Horizon Fitness treadmill is approx. 9″ (24 cm). Also, by setting the incline to its maximum 12% setting, the front of the deck will rise by several inches. Therefore, in order to avoid any ceiling height issues, make sure that the ceiling height in the room where you’ll be using the machine is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.
Motor
This treadmill is equipped with a mid-range, 2.5 CHP motor which can support prolonged workouts at full speed, without overheating and without losing power. The motor is also 
enhanced by a small flywheel which adds steadiness to the motion of the belt.
This motor offers a speed range between 0.5 MPH and 12 MPH. The starting speed is 0.5 MPH by default, but up from that point, the speed of the tread belt can be adjusted in increments of 0.1 MPH. This helps you a great deal to find the most appropriate pace for your workout.
Just as the incline, speed can be adjusted gradually from the up/down arrow keys on the right of the control board, but there also are quick keys which allow you to quickly select a speed level between 1-12 MPH. Evidently, the speed of the belt won’t abruptly adjust, in order to prevent accidents.
Since it’s a motorized treadmill, it requires being connected to a power circuit of 110-120V. A power cord with a plug (not an adapter) is included, the plug being the U.S. standard 3-prong type.
Last but not least, the motor doesn’t generate a lot of noise even when running at maximum power. However, the thumping of your cadence will generate some noise. Thus, the machine may not be the best choice for an apartment building.
Control unit
The Horizon Fitness Adventure 5 treadmill is equipped with a mid-range console featuring a 7.5″ LCD display. The workout feedback covers time, distance, calories, speed, incline, and heart rate. There is also a track function which shows the distance traveled as a race track, divided 
into segments of 50 m each, one lap being 400m. This gives you the possibility to count how many laps you have completed and train as an Olympic runner. Speed and distance can be set to be shown in metric or imperial units.
The console is not telemetric. It doesn’t have a Bluetooth function and therefore it cannot read pulse via a wireless HR chest strap. In order to benefit from a pulse reading, you have to hold on to the sensors integrated into the front handlebars.
This Horizon Fitness treadmill has 35 onboard workout programs, divided into several categories.
1. Manual mode. This is the “start-and-go” program, which allows you to control the speed and incline freely, as you exercise, without any settings.
2. Calories. This category allows you to select up to 9 workouts, with targets between 100 and 900 calories. For each calorie workout selected you will also have to select an incline and speed, and the machine will calculate a number of calories that you will burn, based on the weight input of the user profile.
3. Distance. There are 10 distance workouts including 1 mile, 2 miles, 5k, 5 miles, 10k, 8 miles, 15k, 10 miles, 20k, and half marathon goals;
4. Steps. This program category features 10 step-based workouts, using an average stride length. It includes workouts of 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, and 10,000 steps.
5. Intervals. This category includes three interval workouts great for improving your fitness level and stamina. These workouts are Speed Intervals, Peak Intervals, and Endurance Intervals.
6. Custom. The Horizon Adventure 5 lets you create and reuse your own workouts. It has two custom user profiles giving you the possibility to create and save two distinctive workouts using both speed and incline.
The console of this treadmill has ViaFit just as the Elite 7 model. This means that you can connect it to your laptop, tablet or smartphone via Wi-Fi. ViaFit allows you to directly save your workout data online and can make the connection between various workout apps, or save it into your social media profile, in order to help you keep an eye on your progress and make sure you continuously improve.
Passport connectivity is also included. “Passport” is a Virtual Active technology which can make your workout more enjoyable, providing high-definition footage from various places around the world, with coordinated ambient sounds. But since the console doesn’t have an advanced monitor, in order to use Passport with this treadmill, you will need a Passport player to connect to your TV. This accessory is not included.
Last but not least, the machine’s console features several extras. To begin with, it has a set of speakers which give you the possibility to listen to your music while you exercise. This sound system is compatible with most smartphones and MP3 players. There’s also a tablet shelf and two bottle holders, one on each side of the unit.
Assembly and Maintenance
Like most treadmills, the Horizon Adventure 5 requires some assembly. The deck comes ready-assembled, though, with the motors, the rollers and the belt already in place. Therefore, the assembly requires you to add the console masts, and then the console. This shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. The manual provides all the necessary assembly instructions. Two wrenches are included, but you will also need a Phillips screwdriver which is not included.
When it comes to maintenance, the deck requires lubrication. It’s also recommended to periodically clean the belt, in order to prevent any objects to be dragged into the motor or damage the rollers.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction with a deck that can hold runners up to 325 lbs, even for running sessions;
- Folding deck design, with soft-drop mechanism;
- Deck cushioning, consisting of 3 suspension points for each side of the deck;
- Heavy-duty tread belt, highly resistant to wear and tear;
- 2.5 CHP motor, for prolonged workouts;
- Speed control in increments of 0.1 MPH, offering the possibility to find the pace that fits perfectly to you;
- Automatic incline, 0% – 12%;
- 35 workout programs;
- Wi-Fi enabled, and ViaFit capable;
- Passport Virtual Active technology capabilities;
- Various amenities, such as sound system, reading rack, bottle/accessory holders;
- Easy to assemble;
- Smooth and considerably quiet operation;
- Very little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No USB port for data import/export;
- Cannot read pulse wirelessly;
- No cooling fan.
Summary
The Horizon Fitness Adventure 5 is a mid-range treadmill equipped with a 2.5 CHP motor with a 0-12 MPH speed range, automatic incline and 35 workouts on the console. It has a durable deck able to support runners up to 325 lbs. The console also has ViaFit and is Passport ready. It’s an excellent machine for light to intense running workouts, stamina development, leg muscle strength and endurance development, and a perfect fitness machine if you need to lose weight. It’s not one of the most affordable treadmills within this feature range, but its durability and overall quality of the components definitely stand up to the price.