Unit | Size | Supported weight | Motor | Console | Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Horizon T101-04 Check Discounted Price | L:70" W:33.5" H:55" | 300 lbs | 2.25 CHP, 0.5-10 MPH | 30 programs | Frame: Lifetime Motor: Lifetime Parts: 1 year Labor: 1 year |
Even though the Horizon T101-04 treadmill has been around for over four years, it continues to receive 5-star reviews to this day from users all over the world, simply because it is a well designed and engineered running machine. It’s definitely not a commercial treadmill, but it does integrate top-quality components, being a model built to last. Also, even though it’s not iFit capable, and does not have any online connectivity features, it’s quite a versatile machine, offering a decent array of onboard programs.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 70L x 33.5W x 55H inches (178L x 85W x 140H cm)
- Assembled weight: 165 lbs (74.8 kg)
- Tread belt dimensions: 55L x 20W inches (140L x 51W cm)
- Maximum user weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Motor: 2.25 CHP
- Incline: Automatic, 0%-10%
- Deck cushioning: Yes
- Speed levels: 0.5-10 MPH
- Console: 30 workouts
- Amenities: Sound system, cooling fan, accessory trays, tablet tray
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Parts 2 years / Labor 1 year
Frame and deck
The Horizon T101-04 is a treadmill rated for a maximum user capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg). So, needless to say, it’s built on a solid, steel frame. All the steel parts in its construction feature a high-grade powder coating finish, resistant to scratching and corrosion. The finish of the base frame is black, while the finish on the upright console masts is gray. The side rail covers, the motor casing, and the console support are made of heavy-duty PVC material.
Like most treadmills in this feature range, the Horizon T101-04 is fairly heavy; it weighs approx. 165 lbs (75 kg) when fully assembled, its deck carrying most of the weight. Therefore, it’s recommended to be transported, unboxed and assembled by at least two people. On the other hand, its bases integrate wheels, both at the rear and at the front. So, its transport and relocation once it is assembled, shouldn’t be a problem.
The base of the machine is fairly large; it takes 70″L x 33.5″W (178 x 85 cm). On top of that, just as any other treadmill, it requires at least two feet of clearance on each side, and at least three feet of clearance at the rear, for safe operation. So, these being said, it may not be the best choice for a cardio training machine, if space is an issue. In this case, you might want to consider an indoor cycling bike, such as the Sunny ASUNA 5100 or IRONMAN H-Class 520.
On the other hand, this Horizon treadmill features a folding frame. The deck folds up, its folding being assisted by two hydraulic shocks when lowering it or raising it. With the deck folded up, the machine’s length is reduced to 45.5″ (116 cm), while its height becomes approx. 61″ (155 cm).
This treadmill can deliver speeds up to 10 MPH, while its deck can support running workouts with no problem. However, the running surface is designed for walking and jogging workouts, as it’s only 55″L x 20″W (140 x 51 cm). Therefore, taller users, over 6’2″ – 6’3″ may feel their movement a bit restricted if they undertake a running workout.
Nonetheless, the deck integrates a 6-cell cushioning system (3 on each side), being more flexible at the front where your foot lands, and firmer at the rear where you push off. This results in a workout with up to 30% less impact on your joints, reducing workout related paint, and leading to longer and safer workouts. Differently put, a run or jog on the running surface supplied by this Horizon treadmill is considerably more forgiving than a run on asphalt or concrete.
The running surface integrates a 2-ply, 1.4mm rubber belt, resistant to stretching, a belt which delivers an excellent adherence to just about any type of running shoes. The belt runs over two medium-sized rollers, 1.8″ at the front, and 1.66″ at the rear. The rollers are crowned and integrated high-grade, stainless steel, sealed ball bearings for smooth operation and a lifetime long lifespan.
Step-up height & incline
The step-up height of the Horizon T101 is approx. 9″ (24 cm). Also, by setting the incline to its maximum 10% setting, the front of the deck will raise 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.
This treadmill is equipped with a motorized incline system, consisting of a small motor and lift, situated at the front of the deck. It offers 10 levels of incline from 1% to 10%, the incline increments being 1%. The incline function of the machine adds a lot of diversity to the workout spectrum. Even though 10% incline isn’t that much, it can still considerably boost the intensity of your workout, providing a much higher burn.
Evidently, since the machine’s incline is motorized, it can only be adjusted from the console. There are quick keys for incline adjustment on the left side of the control panel, but the incline can also be adjusted gradually, from the Up/Down arrow keys near safety key.
Motor
The Horizon T101-04 is equipped with a 2.25 CHP. In other words, it’s a motor designed to support walking and jogging workouts. However, since the speed range provided by it is 0.5 to 10 MPH, it can definitely deliver running workouts.
This particular motor is designed for prolonged use, with a superlative continuous duty power, able to last without heating or slowing down even through the toughest workouts. It has a dynamically spin-balanced assembly, built with top-quality components, a motor to last a lifetime. That’s exactly why the warranty for this particular part of this treadmill is supplied for a lifetime.
As we’ve mentioned above, the speed range provided by this motor is 0.5 to 10 MPH. Differently put, its starting speed is 0.5 MPH. However, from there and up, the speed can be adjusted in increments of 0.1 MPH. The console features keys for gradual adjustment (near the safety key), and keys for quick adjustment, for the all the speed levels between 1 and 10.
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.
The motor itself does not generate a lot of noise. But just as for other treadmills, the cadence sound generated during a running session on it is not to be neglected. Although it may not cover the sound of your TV, it may still be heard by the other members of the household, or the neighbors, if you live in an apartment building.
Console
The console unit supplied with the Horizon T101 is similar in terms of built-in workouts with the one of the AFG 2.7AT. It basically has the same 30 workouts, divided into 5 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. Steps. This workout category includes 10 step-based workouts, calculated using the average stride length. The category includes 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, and 10,000 step workouts.
3. Calories. This category features 6 workouts focused on calories burning. It includes workouts that will help you burn 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 calories.
4. Distance. This workout category includes 10 workouts with 1 mile, 2 miles, 5k, 5 miles, 10k, 8 miles, 15k, 10 miles, 20k, and half marathon goals;
5. Intervals. This program category features three types of interval workouts, including Speed Intervals, Peak Intervals, and Endurance Intervals.
The console is equipped with a 4.5″ LCD display, with yellow-green backlight. It shows distance, time, calories, heart rate, speed, and incline. Distance is calculated only in miles, while speed is calculated only in MPH. The unit is not telemetric; therefore, it can only track your pulse through the stainless steel sensors integrated into the transversal handle bars.
Apart from the fitness-oriented features, the console of the Horizon Fitness T101-04 integrates several other features. Among these, we can mention a sound system, a cooling fan, two accessory pockets and reading rack.
The sound system consists of two large speakers, one on each side of the unit’s LCD. It’s compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones or tablets. The sound rendered by it is definitely superior to the sound generated by most tablet or phone integrated speakers. The two accessory trays are situated under the speakers; they’re large and deep enough to serve as bottle holders as well.
The workout fan, although not a powerful one, does offer some cooling during a more intense workout. It only has an On/Off setting, and not multiple speed settings. And finally, the tablet tray is placed right above the fan casing, being large enough to accommodate any tablet.
The console unit of this Horizon Fitness treadmill is really easy to use. Each program category has its own key; if you want to use an onboard program, you simply press the category and scroll through the programs available into that category via the Up/Down keys. There are quick keys for incline adjustment on the left of the unit, and for speed on the right. Speed and incline can also be adjusted from the lower arrow keys, next to the safety key. The cooling fan has its On/Off key, while the sound system features volume controls. The console also has a Start/Pause key, function great to have if you alternate treadmill sessions with other types of workouts.
Finally, the machine’s control unit draws power from the power source; it does not require any batteries.
Assembly and Maintenance
The deck with the rollers, motors, and belt comes fully assembled. You only have to add the lateral console masts, the handlebars, and the console, operation which shouldn’t take more than 45 min – 1 hour. The tools required for assembly are included, while the manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions.
Maintenance requires the lubrication of the belt; for this, the manual provides the necessary instructions, while a bottle of silicone lubricant is included. Apart from that, it’s recommended to periodically vacuum under the deck and wipe the tread belt in order to prevent any textile fibers or small objects to be dragged into the motor and cause damage to it. Other than that, the periodic inspection for loose bolts and parts is recommended.
The Pros
- Steel frame, sturdy construction, with a max. weight capacity of 300 lbs;
- Folding frame, space-saving design;
- Transport wheels on the machine’s bases;
- 3-Zone, variable response, deck cushioning;
- Motorized incline, 0% – 10%;
- 2.25 CHP motor, offering speed levels up to 10 MPH;
- Speed can be adjusted increments of 0.1 MPH, allowing you to find the perfect pace for your workout;
- Quick keys for speed and incline;
- EGK pulse sensors integrated into handlebars;
- 30 workouts, focusing on Steps, Calories, Intervals and Distance;
- Various amenities such as cooling fan, speakers, tablet holder and accessory trays;
- Quiet operation;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No trail function on the console;
- No RPM reading on the console;
- A tablet placed on the tablet tray will cover some of the unit’s controls;
- Cooling fan not too powerful.
Summary
The Horizon Fitness T101-04 is a treadmill made for walking and jogging but can support running workouts as well. Its 2.25 CHP motor delivers speeds up to 10 MPH. The machine has a foldable deck, motorized incline, and a console with 30 workout programs. It’s perfect for beginners and intermediate users, offering the possibility to undertake interval or weight loss workouts, and excellent machine to perform a consistent daily cardio routine. And finally, it’s an affordable treadmill with an excellent price/quality/value ratio.