| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gold's Gym 350i Check Discounted Price | L:54" W:26" H:63" | 250 lbs | Motor assisted, Magnetic, 12 levels | 8 pre-set programs, iFit ready | Parts: 90 days Labor: 90 days |
The Gold’s Gym Stride Trainer 350i is a similar elliptical trainer model to the ProForm 7.0RE. It’s an elliptical with rear drive, with a medium range of features. It’s not a commercial grade model, but it does have a sturdy construction.
Before we proceed with the presentation of its features and functions, there’s one aspect to be clarified though. This is the Gold’s Gym 350i, the newer model, the one that comes with an iFit compatible console. The older 350 model does not have this feature.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 54L x 26W x 63H inches (137L x 66W x 160H cm)
- Assembled weight: 116 lbs (52.6 kg)
- Weight limit: 250 lbs (113.3 kg)
- Stride: 14 inches (35.5 cm)
- Incline: No
- Handlebars: Both mobile and fixed (with pulse sensors)
- Resistance system: Magnetic, motor assisted, 12 levels
- Console: 8 workout programs
- Warranty: Parts 90 days / Labor 90 days
Frame and parts
The frame of the Gold’s Gym 350i elliptical trainer is made of steel. When fully assembled, the machine is rather heavy, with a total weight higher than 110 lbs. Thus, transport and assembly may require two people. However, moving it while its already assembled shouldn’t
be too difficult, as the front base features a set or rollers. The rear base integrates a set of adjustable stabilizers, with rubber caps, which offer a good grip onto the floor, increasing the machine’s overall stability.
Compared with other elliptical trainer models, such as the SOLE E55 or Livestrong LS13.0E-2, this particular model is fairly smaller. It has a footprint of 54″L x 26″W (137 x 66 cm) and should make a better choice for a smaller room or apartment.
Needless to say, most parts within the construction of the machine’s frame are made of steel. The only non-metallic parts are the flywheel and pulley guards, the pedals, and the console. Steel parts are powder coated with corrosion resistant paint, black for the arms and pedal bars, and silver for the console post.
The pedals of the elliptical trainer are simple, and non-adjustable. They also don’t have any articulation for extra impact diminishing for the ankles. However, the pedaling motion still is pretty smooth and with a very low impact on the joints. The pedals are made of durable, heavy-duty nylon material, and large enough to accommodate feet of all sizes. The pedal bars are, of course, steel-made, and integrate sealed ball bearings for prolonged use.
This Gold’s Gym elliptical trainer features two sets of handlebars: mobile and stationary. The stationary bars integrate stainless steel pulse sensors, so by holding onto them the console can monitor your heart rate. The mobile handlebars feature a multi-grip design, offering the possibility to assume various workout postures.
Stride and step-up height
The Gold’s Gym 350i is an elliptical machine with a rather short, 14″ (35.5 cm) stride. This means it’s not exactly the best choice for a taller user. Differently put, if you’re over 6′ tall, you may need a machine which offers an 18″ (45.7 cm) or longer stride, in order to benefit from an adequate range of motion. But nonetheless, this elliptical is still usable by taller users. However, in case you’re taller than 6′, your workouts on this machine will have more focus on your glutes and extensor muscles.
The height of the pedals in their closest position to the floor is 8″ (20.3 cm). In other words, the machine’s step-up height is 8″. However, at their highest point from the floor, the pedals stand at approx. 20″ (51 cm). Thus, in order to avoid any ceiling height related issues, make sure that the ceiling in the room where you’ll be using the machine is higher than your height, plus 22-23 inches.
One last aspect to mention here is that this elliptical trainer does not have an incline mechanism. So, if you’re looking for one with incline, one of the most affordable that you should have a look at, is the Schwinn 430.
Resistance and drive
This Gold’s Gym elliptical features a magnetic, motor assisted resistance system. In other words, its resistance system consists of a magnetic flywheel and a small servo motor, which controls the magnets’ pull for the flywheel. The resistance is adjusted exclusively from the console, and there are 12 levels available. The first 6 levels don’t offer too much resistance. 
However, resistance begins to be noticeable above the 7th level. Also, with the 12th resistance setting, even a user with level of fitness higher than average, should feel the burn within thighs, glutes and hamstrings.
Even though the machine integrates a motor, it’s not AC powered. The console and the motor are powered by 4x AA-type batteries. The consumption is low however. A set of 4 batteries should last for at least several months.
When it comes to its drive system, this Gold’s Gym elliptical trainer features a rear drive, belt-powered, using a heavy-duty v-belt. The pulley is wider in diameter than the flywheel, and it’s not metallic, being made of a rather strong polymer. The crank arms are made of solid steel though, and the machine can easily support users up to 250 lbs (113 kg).
The pedaling motion supplied by this elliptical trainer is really smooth and quiet. Thus, it’s a perfect machine for apartment use.
In case you’re wondering, pedaling in reverse is possible for this stride trainer. And when when pedaling in reverse it maintains the current resistance setting. Also, the console continues to track distance, time spent working out and the other values, just as you would pedal normally.
Console
The console unit supplied with the Gold’s Gym Stride Trainer 350i, has much more to offer than a basic one. To begin with, it offer 8 pre-set workout programs, which automatically adjust the resistance on the pedals. Each program has its own quick-key on the console.
The display is a 5″ LCD type, with large digits. It tracks time, speed, distance, heart rate, watts, calories burned. Distance can be tracked in miles or km, while speed is available in MPH or km/h. The current resistance level is also displayed on screen.
But maybe one of the best features that this fitness computer can offer is its iFit compatibility. It has a built-in iFit module and you can connect it via Bluetooth with your iOS or Android device, in order record and track your workout data. However, you’ll need an iFit subscription for this.
Also, since it’s Bluetooth capable, the console can also use Bluetooth heart rate transmitters for pulse reading, in case you don’t want to use the sensors on the stationary bars.
In terms of amenities, the console integrates a tablet holder, which is attached to its top. It can accommodate any tablets or magazines. The console does not have its own sound system or cooling fan. However, its post is equipped with bottle holder.
Assembly and Maintenance
Although assembly is not difficult to carry out, it may take up to an hour. The flywheel, pulley and motor come fully assembled, attached to the frame and enclosed by the plastic guards. Thus for assembly you will need to attach the machine’s base bars, the console post, connect the wires, attach the fixed handlebars, then the console, attach the pedal bars with the pedals, and finally the mobile handlebars. An assembly manual that will guide you step-by-step through the process is included. An Allen wrench is also included, but you’ll also need an adjustable wrench and a Phillips screwdriver which are not supplied.
Maintenance may require to lubricate the joints of the machine’s arms, in case they develop squeaking noises. The internal parts come lubricated from the factory and they don’t require any further lubrication.
The Pros
- Solid frame, study overall construction with a user capacity of 250 lbs;
- Narrow Q-factor, eliminating any lateral stress on the knees;
- Fixed arms incorporating pulse sensors;
- Mobile arms with an ergonomic, multi-grip design;
- Balanced flywheel for a smooth pedaling motion;
- 8 levels of resistance;
- 12 preset workouts;
- iFit compatible;
- Bluetooth HR transmitter compatible;
- Tablet holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Extremely quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- Rather short stride, only 14″.
Summary
The Gold’s Gym Stride Trainer 350i is a mid range elliptical machine, designed for home use. It offers 12 levels of quiet, motor-assisted, magnetic resistance, and 8 on-board programs, along with iFit compatibility. Its frame is steel-made, sturdy enough to support users up to 250 lbs. It’s an excellent machine for cardio training, building stamina, and losing weight. It can actually help you burn up to 5-600 calories per hour, if using a resistance setting over 6-7. Finally, this model costs less than $350, which is quite a fair price for a machine with automatic resistance and iFit connectivity.