GoElliptical V-200 Cross Trainer

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Resistance	Console	Warranty
GoElliptical V-200 Check Discounted Price	L:47" W:29" H:68"	297 lbs	Eddy current, 24 levels	22 programs, Recovery	Frame: Lifetime Parts: 3 years Labor: 1 year

The GoEllitptical V-200 is one of the cross trainers from the “Vena” series. In terms of resistance and programs, it’s similar to the V-600 model that we’ve already reviewed, however, it’s slightly smaller and does not have the adjustable pedals. It’s a machine made for home use but does offer a durable construction and a pretty consistent range of features.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 47L x 29W x 68H inches (119L x 74W x 173H cm)
• Assembled weight: 119 lbs (54 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 13.2 lbs (6 kg)
• Weight capacity: 297 lbs (135 kg)
• Stride: 17 inches (43 cm)
• Incline: No
• Resistance: Eddy current, 24 levels
• Console: 22 programs
• Extras: Sound system, bottle holder
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 3 years / Labor 1 year

Frame and parts

The Go Elliptical V-200 cross trainer features a solid frame made of high-quality tubular steel with precision-welded joints. Even though it’s not a very large machine compared to other trainers, such as the Tunturi C55-F for example, it still is pretty heavy, weighing approx. 119 lbs (54 kg). This weight, plus the low center of gravity, delivers excellent stability. Plus, both base bars of the machine have adjustable levelers, while the front base has a set of wheels which facilitate the unit’s relocation if needed.

Although the unit does not have a folding frame, it has a pretty small footprint. It is approx. 47″ (119 cm) long, and 29″ (74 cm) wide, while its highest point reaches approx. 68″ (173 cm) above floor level. It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side of the machine, and at least one foot of clearance at the front and at the rear.

Like most other similar trainers, the V-200 model features two sets of handlebars. One is fixed, the other is mobile and attached to the pedal bars. Both types of handlebars feature long rubberized grips for extra comfort. The fixed handlebars have integrated sensors so the console can monitor your pulse. The mobile handlebars feature top ovalized grips as well. Also, in case you’re wondering, they cannot be locked in a stationary position; they will move for as long as the pedals are moving.

The machine’s pedals have a simple, yet very sturdy design. They are attached to a set of solid steel bars and can support users up to 297 lbs (135 kg). The pedal trays are made of heavy-duty ABS material. They have a ribbed surface for extra foot adherence, and feature front and inner guard to provide extra stability for your feet. They do not have any articulation or additional cushioning. However, just like any other elliptical trainer, the impact on the joints during exercising on this machine is almost inexistent. They also don’t have an automatic adjustment system, but the metal plates to which they attach have multiple attachment holes. Therefore, you can attach the trays closer to the front, or closer to the rear of the unit.

All the steel components in the frame construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is silver, this being the only color available for this machine. Of course, the covers of the flywheel and pulley are ABS-made, featuring the same color as the rest of the frame, with the exception of the pulley main cover which is black, with the “Vena” logo on them.

Elliptical path, stride, and step-up height

The first aspect that we must mention here is that the GoElliptical V-200 does not have an incline system. Therefore, if you’re looking for a machine that has an incline system, the Schwinn 430 is one that you can put on your list.

The unit’s elliptical path is slightly inclined forward, not completely horizontal. Thus, when pedaling on this machine it feels like descending on a soft ramp. This can be a plus because the workout puts more focus on your glutes.

The V-200 elliptical trainer has a mid-range stride which measures 17″ (43 cm). This being said, it’s a machine for users between 5’0″ and 6’0″ (153 – 183 cm). Taller users can still benefit from a consistent workout on it, but they won’t benefit from a full range of motion. As a general idea, a shorter stride is great for thighs and calves, while a longer stride puts more focus on the hamstrings and glutes.

The pedal step-up height is approx. 6″ (15 cm). However, the pedals stand at approx. 16″ (40 cm) above floor level at their highest point. Therefore, it is recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.

Resistance and drive

The Go Elliptical Vena V-200 trainer features a motorized magnetic resistance system. This means the resistance can only be adjusted from the console, the machine needs an external power source (a power adapter is included), and some of the programs built-in the console automatically adjust the machine’s resistance.

The unit’s resistance system consists of an internal servo motor and a magnetic brake integrated into the flywheel. As you select a resistance level from the console, the motor changes the magnetic pull, which results in a higher or lower pedaling difficulty.

The V-200 elliptical makes available 24 distinct resistance levels. The first few levels deliver a light pedaling tension, great for users who need recovery training. Conversely, the top tension levels allow you to put more focus on your leg muscles and achieve a high cardiovascular rate in a very short time.

The unit’s internal flywheel is not extremely heavy. It only weighs 13.2 lbs (6 kg). However, this shouldn’t be an issue for the overall resistance, since the machine has an electromagnetic mechanism. But as a general idea, the lowest level of resistance is very light, due to the lighter flywheel.

The flywheel allows reverse pedaling. Therefore, you can diversify your workouts if you want by alternating forward pedaling sessions with reverse pedaling sessions. Also, when pedaling in reverse, the machine continues to monitor your workout data.

The internal drivetrain is belt-based. It uses a heavy-duty belt, resistant to stretching. The pulley is also fairly large in diameter, with durable cranks. A belt drive system in an exercise bike or elliptical comes with several advantages. For example, you don’t need to ever lubricate the transmission, the belt generates less vibration than a chain, and the pedaling motion is whisper-quiet.

Console

The GoElliptical Vena V-200 cross trainer is equipped with a mid-range console. To begin with, it has a multi-color LCD display with LED backlight. It monitors the main workout metrics, including time, distance, calories, speed, RPM, pulse, also showing the selected resistance level.

For speed and distance, you can select both metric and imperial units. The console offers the possibility to input personal data such as age, weight, height, and gender, in order to determine better your calorie consumption. Also, for the pulse reading function, you can only use the integrated sensors; the console is not telemetric and cannot read your pulse through a wireless HR chest strap.

The machine’s console does not have Bluetooth or online connectivity, but it makes available 22 workout programs. The first workout program is the Manual Program which allows you to exercise freely, adjusting the resistance as you like during your sessions. If you choose this program, you can also select goals for time, distance, and calories burned.

The next 12 programs (P1-P12) are preset programs. Each one has its own design; some are interval-based, others progressively increase the resistance up to a certain level, then progressively decrease it until their end, etc.

There also are a Personal Program, a Target Heart Rate Program, and a Random Program. For the Personal Program, you can create your own segments and set up its duration. You can save up to 4 different custom programs. The Target Heart Rate program has three settings, for 55%, 75%, and 90%. If the HR program is selected, the machine auto-adjusts the resistance depending on your heart rate, in an attempt to keep you within the selected HR range. And finally, the Random Program generates a random segment setup in case you want a new challenge.

The console also offers a Recovery function (or a Recovery program). This can be used at the end of your workout. When the Recovery function is initiated, the console measures how long it takes your pulse to return to normal, and based on the collected data it will give you a fitness rating between F1 (excellent) and F6 (very poor).

One last notable feature with regards to the console of the V-200 that we must mention here is the sound system. The unit has two small speakers, one on each side of the main button, and an AUX port on the back. Therefore, you can connect your iPod, MP3 player, or smartphone to it via cable, in order to listen to your music through the integrated speakers.

Assembly and Maintenance

The main body of the machine comes fully assembled. Therefore, you only need to add the two base bars, the front mast with the two moving arms, the top of the moving arms, attach the pedal trays to the pedal bars, attach the pedal bars to the cranks and the moving arms, connect the console, the fixed handlebars, and the bottle holder. This may take more than an hour. However, the manual provides very clear, step-by-step assembly instructions, schematics, and pictures. A set of basic tools for assembly is also included.

Once the machine is fully assembled, its maintenance does not require much. Its joints may need lubrication from time to time, but other than this, you only have to check for loose parts periodically. The internal parts should not need lubrication or any maintenance for a very long period of time.

The Pros

• Sturdy construction – can support users up to 297 lbs (135 kg);
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Adjustable stabilizers;
• Fixed and mobile handlebars;
• Ovalized grips on top of the moving arms;
• EKG pulse sensors integrated into the fixed handlebars;
• Extra large, adjustable pedals with multiple attachment points to their bars;
• 24 levels of eddy current resistance;
• LCD display console with LED backlight;
• 22 workout programs;
• Recovery function;
• Bottle holder included;
• Sound system included;
• Quiet operation;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Decent warranty.

The Cons

• No tablet holder;
• The console is not telemetric (cannot read pulse from a wireless transmitter).

Summary

The GoElliptical V-200 is a mid-range elliptical trainer made for home use. It features a rear drive system, an eddy current resistance system with 24 settings, and a console with multiple built-in programs. It’s great for recovery training, light to medium cardio training, muscle toning, and weight loss. And finally, it’s not an expensive unit, considerably more affordable than a gym-grade machine.