| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Incline | Motor | Console programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Echelon Stride Check Discounted Price | L:69.3" W:31" H:49.2" | 300 lbs | Motorized, 12 levels | 3.0 HP, 0.5-12 MPH | 8 preset programs, 3 user programs, 1 BMI program, Bluetooth |
The Echelon Stride is one of the treadmills released in 2021. It is a smart treadmill, similar to the RHYTHM Fun model. However, it has a motorized incline system, a longer running surface, and a superior weight capacity. For reference, this is the Echelon treadmill part number ECH-STRIDE-ST1.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 69.3L x 31W x 49.2H inches (176L x 79W x 125H cm)
- Tread belt dimensions: 55L x 20W inches (140L x 51W cm)
- Assembled weight: 156 lbs (70.7 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Motor: 3.0 HP, 0.5 – 12 MPH
- Incline: Motorized, 12 levels (0% – 10%)
- Console: 8 pre-set programs, 3 user programs, 1 BMI program, Bluetooth
- Extras: Bottle holders, device holder, USB charging port
- Warranty: 1 year
Frame construction
Like most other treadmills, the Echelon Stride is constructed on a steel frame. Its base frame and the two 
upright bars are made of rectangular tubing while the bar that supports the console is oval. All the steel tubes are coated with a rust-resistant paint finish, black in color, this being the only color available for this machine. The side rail covers are made of extruded aluminum, while the motor cover and several other small covers are made of ABS plastic material. Overall, the machine has a pretty sturdy construction.
The Echelon Stride is a medium-sized one. In its usage position, it is approx. 69.3″ long (176 cm) and 31″ (79 cm) wide, while its highest point is given by the top of the console which reaches approx. 49.2″ (125 cm) above the floor level. It is also recommended to leave at least three feet of clearance at the rear of the deck, and at least two feet of clearance on each side of the machine, for easy access and unhindered usage.
The treadmill is foldable. The console with the handrails and the two supporting bars can fold all the way down over the deck. This being said, the machine becomes really compact, with a total height of approx. 10″ (25 cm). So, if you have at least that much clearance under a bed or couch, you should be able to store it underneath it. However, the unit can also be stored vertically against a wall.
The folding mechanism is automatic. Once initiated, the console and its supporting bars slowly fold down over the deck.
The treadmill is fairly heavy. Its net weight is 156 lbs (70.7 kg), so the transport of the packaged unit requires two people. However, once it is unboxed, it can easily be moved and handled by only one person. Its rear base integrates a bar for easy lifting, and its front base is equipped with transport wheels.
Deck construction
First of all, the Echelon Stride treadmill offers a 55″ (140 cm) long and 20″ (51 cm) running surface which is 
pretty decent for a home-use machine. This active area should be able to accommodate users up to 6’3″ (190 cm) for running workouts with no problem, allowing a complete range of motion.
The deck has a solid construction, as well. It is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg), which is great, considering that the machine also has an incline system that can support all that weight with no problem.
The machine’s deck is equipped with several shock absorption elements. All of them are concealed by the side rail covers. The internal deckboard itself has a bit of a flex as well, which adds to the overall shock absorption system. These being said, the treadmill offers a less impactful ride for your joints and lower back.
The tread belt has a multi-layered construction. The top layer has a textured surface for an improved grip. Conversely, the bottom layer is designed to stick better to the rollers. The intermediary layer adds to the overall shock absorption of the base.
Incline system
The Echelon Stride treadmill is equipped with a motorized incline system. This means that you can adjust
the incline of the running platform without the need to pause your workout as is the case for treadmills with a manual incline, like the RUNOW 3305EB. The console also has several workout programs that automatically adjust the incline depending on the current segment.
The machine’s incline system consists of two lifting arms placed under the front section of the deck, and an incline motor (which is different from the machine’s drive motor). Thus, when you adjust the incline, or when the console automatically adjusts the incline, the motor controls the two arms which slowly elevate or lower the front section of the deck.
The machine offers 12 levels of incline, with an incline range between 0% and 10%. You can adjust the incline gradually from the keys integrated into the left handlebar of the machine. Also, the console has digital controls for quick incline adjustment, for 3%, 6%, and 9%.
Drive motor
The Echelon Stride is a motorized treadmill. This being said, you will have to connect it to an external 
power source. A power cord with a standard US plug is included with it and requires a 110V standard voltage. The cable connector is at the front of the deck. Also, the machine has an ON/OFF switch next to the cable connector.
The treadmill is equipped with a 1.75 continuous power (CHP) motor, which offers a 3.0 HP peak power. This is actually quite decent for a home-use machine. The motor can run for several hours without overheating or losing performance, even if you use the highest speed settings. It also integrates a small flywheel for improved motion stability.
The motor offers a speed range of 0.5 MPH – 12 MPH. The speed adjustment increments are 0.1 MPH, which is great, as it gives you the possibility to adjust your pace with ease. The right handrail integrates controls for a gradual speed adjustment system. However, there also are quick speed selection controls on the console, for 3, 6, and 9 MPH.
Last but not least, the unit’s motor is not very loud. It generates a pretty low level of noise even if the treadmill is set to the highest speed level. However, your cadence may generate more or less noise depending on your weight, running technique, running shoes, etc. So, people may still hear you when you run.
Console
The Echelon Stride treadmill is equipped with a smart console featuring a LED display. It indicates, time, speed,
distance, incline, pace, calories, and pulse. It also has a step count function. Speed and distance are by default set to British Imperial units, but they can also be set to metric units. The pulse reading function is grip only. In order for the console to track your pulse, you will have to hold on to the sensors integrated into the machine’s handrails.
The console is pretty easy to use. As we’ve mentioned above, speed and incline can be adjusted either from the controls integrated into the handrails or from the quick settings on the display. There are four buttons at the base of the display for Program selection, Start, Pause, and Mode.
The console offers several workout programs. Eight of them are pre-set. These have the segmented grid marked on the console. They control both the speed and the incline automatically. Next, there are three user-defined programs; each one offers the possibility to set your own speed and incline variation, as well as the duration of the program. A BMI program is also available; for this, you will have to input data such as gender, age, height, and weight. You can also set workout targets for time, distance, and calories from the Mode button. If a target is set for one of these metrics, the console will count down from the selected value. And finally, there is the Quick Start mode, which basically offers the possibility to work out freely while the console just monitors your data.
With regards to the “smart” feature, the console has Bluetooth connectivity, and it is compatible with the Echelon Fit app. This app is available for both Android and iOS devices. It can be downloaded from the App Store, or from Google Play. It offers a wide array of live and on-demand fitness classes, online data tracking, and more. Of course, the app is not free, but you should get three months free trial with the purchase of the treadmill.
Last but not least, the console also has a tablet holder and a USB charging port. Two bottle/accessory holders are also included.
Assembly and Maintenance
This Echelon treadmill comes completely assembled. You only have to remove it from the box, unfold it, attach the cable and plug it in. All the necessary instructions are provided in the manual.
For maintenance, you only have to keep the machine clean, especially the belt, to prevent any dirt or textile fibers from being caught into the motor, or into the rollers. The belt comes pre-lubricated with a high-grade lubricant, so it shouldn’t need any further lubrication for a long time.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 300 lbs;
- Folding deck, space-saving design, low profile;
- Transport wheels on the front base frame;
- Lifting bar on the rear base;
- Pulse sensors and controls integrated into the handrails;
- Shock absorption elements integrated into the deck;
- Power incline with 12 levels of adjustment (from 0% to 10%).
- Fairly decent, 3.0 HP drive motor;
- Speed range between 0.5 and 12 MPH;
- Speed adjustment increments of 0.1 MPH;
- Quick selection speed controls for 3%, 6%, 9%, and 3, 6, 9 MPH;
- 8 pre-set workout programs, 3 user-defined programs, and 1 BMI program;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with the Echelon Fit app;
- 3 months free trial for the app;
- USB charging port;
- Device holder integrated into the console;
- Two bottle holders;
- Little assembly required;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- The app requires paid subscription once the free trial expires.
Summary
The Echelon Stride is a treadmill made for home use. It is equipped with a 3.0 HP motor with a 0.5 – 12 speed range, and a 12 level motorized incline system. It features a console with multiple workout programs and Bluetooth connectivity for the Echelon Fit app. It also offers a pretty decent running surface of 55″L x 20″W and a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs. It’s a great cardio training machine, for low to high-intensity workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. It’s not exactly the most affordable in this feature range but definitely offers excellent value for the price.