| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schwinn 411 Check Discounted Price | L:53.8" W:24" H:62.5" | 300 lbs | Eddy current, 16 levels | 13 programs, Bluetooth, RunSocial capable | Frame: 10 years Parts: 2 years Electrical: 1 year Labor: 90 days |
The Schwinn 411 is an elliptical trainer offering a range of features between the Scwhinn 430 and Schwinn A40 models. It’s a machine designed for home use, featuring a space-saving design with a vertical setup for the internal elements. Also, despite its small footprint, it still offers a fairly decent stride for an optimal range of motion.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 53.8L x 24W x 62.5H inches (137L x 61W x 159H cm)
- Assembled weight: 100 lbs (45.4 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Stride: 18 inches (46 cm)
- Incline: No
- Resistance: Eddy current, 16 levels
- Drive: Belt
- Console: 13 programs, Bluetooth, RunSocial compatible
- Extras: Tablet holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame 10 years / Parts 2 years / Electronics 1 year / Labor 90 days
Frame construction
The Schwinn 411 features a very compact design with a small footprint compared to other front drive elliptical trainers. 
With the frame fully assembled, it is only approx. 54″ (137 cm) long, and 24″ (61 cm) wide. However, Schwinn does recommend to assign a usage area with a clearance of at least 24″ (61 cm) all around the unit.
Needless to say, the structural frame of this Schwinn elliptical trainer is made of steel tubing. It is durable enough to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg) which is not bad for a machine designed for home use. All the steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish; the color used is black, with the exception of the crank arms which are painted red. These are the only colors available for this machine.
The Schwinn 411 elliptical is not an extremely heavy unit but does weigh approx. 100 lbs (45.4 kg). This is more than enough to ensure excellent stability. Plus, both the front and the rear base bars are equipped with large adjustable stabilizers.
The unit does not have a folding design. It does have, though, a set of transport wheels attached to the front base bar which ease its relocation.
This Schwinn elliptical features two sets of handlebars, one mobile, one fixed. The mobile handlebars have long, upward grips with rounded grips at the top. They connect to the console mast and the pedals, and therefore, they continue to move for as long as you are pedaling. They cannot move independently from the pedals.
The fixed handlebars are directly welded to the front mast of the unit. They are curved up, towards the user. They feature rubberized grips just like the mobile bars but also have integrated pulse sensors.
Elliptical path, stride, and step-up height
To begin with, the Schwinn 411 features a set of large pedals made of durable ABS material and attached to heavy-duty
steel bars. They do not have additional articulation or adjustable elements but do have non-slip rubberized inserts which add more cushioning. The pedal bars are equipped with industrial-grade rollers with integrated sealed ball bearings for a smooth travel over the rails.
The unit’s elliptical path is horizontal. It provides a natural motion without the feeling of going up or downhill. Also, an important aspect that we have to mention here, is that the machine does not have an incline system. Therefore, the angle of the elliptical path cannot be changed.
Despite its compact construction, the Schwinn 411 offers a pretty long stride. It measures 18 inches which is quite impressive for a unit of this size. Other similar machines only offer a stride of 13-16 inches. This being said, the unit should provide a satisfying range of motion for users up to 6’0″ (183 cm). Of course, taller users can still use this machine but they may find this stride length a bit restrictive.
The pedal step-up height for this trainer is approx. 9″ (23 cm). Also, at their highest position, the pedals reach approx. 17″ (43 cm) above floor level. Therefore, it is recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) higher than your own height.
Resistance and drive
The Schwinn 411 elliptical trainer is equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system. This means the resistance 
can only be adjusted from the console, and the machine must be connected to a power source. A power adapter with cable is included with the unit.
The resistance system consists of a magnetic brake and a servo motor. As you select a certain level of resistance from the console, the servo motor will adjust the position of the brake in relation to the internal flywheel, which results in more or less pedaling difficulty.
This elliptical trainer makes available 16 levels of resistance. The first few levels deliver a light pedaling tension, great for users who have suffered from injuries, or for anyone who wants to perform a light workout. Conversely, the 16th level allows you to put more focus on your leg muscles and achieve a high cardiovascular rate in a very short time.
The weight of the internal flywheel is not specified. It is, however, perimeter-weighted. This adds stability to the pedaling motion and a more consistent momentum.
Like most other fitness machines with an eddy current resistance system, the Schwinn 411 has a belt drivetrain. It uses a heavy-duty, polygroove belt which delivers a very quiet, vibration-free motion. As opposed to a chain drive, it does not require lubrication. It also permits reverse pedaling. Therefore, you can alternate normal with reverse sessions in order to diversify your workouts.
Console
This Schwinn elliptical machine includes a mid-range console featuring a 5.5″ LCD display divided into multiple 
subsections in order to show all the workout metrics at once. It tracks time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, and pulse. It offers both imperial and metric units for the display of speed and distance. It is also telemetric; this means it can track your pulse rate through a Bluetooth HR chest strap transmitter. This accessory is not included, but if you don’t opt for one, you can still track your pulse via the sensors integrated into the unit’s handlebars.
The console makes available 13 workout programs. The Manual and Interval programs have their own buttons on the keypad; the rest of the programs are preset and available under the Challenge button.
The Manual program gives you the possibility to exercise freely, adjusting the resistance as you like during your workout.
The Interval program is preset at 30/90. The “Sprint” interval is 30 sec, while the “Rest” interval is 90 sec. Its default duration is set at 12 min. and can be increased in increments of 12 minutes.
The Challenge Programs are 11 in number, 10 preset and 1 is for Heart Rate Control. The 10 preset programs are Rolling Hills, Ride in the Park, Easy Tour, Pike’s Peak, Pyramids, Summit Pass, Stream Crossing, and Mount Hood. For each one of them, you can select a goal for time, distance, and calories.
The Heart Rate program is designed to help you keep your heart rate at a certain level. The preset level is 125 BPM, but this value can be adjusted. For the duration of this program, the machine will auto-adjust the resistance to always keep your heart rate near the selected base value.
The console has Bluetooth connectivity. Therefore, it can communicate with various fitness apps. You can also sync it with RunSocial which is a mixed-reality app that offers virtual trails based on various locations in the worlds. It gives you the possibility to run through 19 locations with 27 available routes. This can definitely make your training experience much more enjoyable. Of course, RunSocial and other apps may require a separate paid subscription which is not included with the elliptical.
Last but not least, the console unit is equipped with a tablet holder. This accessory is placed under the main display; it’s large enough to accommodate any tablet.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main vertical body of the machine comes pre-assembled, while the base frame is already in one piece as well. Thus, for the assembly, you have to attach the adjustable stabilizers on the base frame, connect the main body to the base frame, add the console mast, the moving arms, the pedals, and the console. This may take more than an hour. However, the manual provides very clear schematics and assembly instructions, so the process should be far from difficult. Also, all the necessary tools for assembly are included.
For maintenance, it is recommended to lubricate the rails of the base frame to ensure a smooth and quiet travel for the pedal rollers. Other than this, you should keep the unit clean and periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Solid construction, great stability;
- Compact, space-saving design;
- Adjustable stabilizers;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Fixed and mobile handlebars;
- Ovalized grips on top of the moving arms;
- EKG pulse sensors built-in the fixed handlebars;
- Extra large pedals with rubberized inserts for extra cushioning;
- 16 levels of eddy current resistance;
- Multi-window 5.5″ LCD display;
- 13 workout programs;
- Goal settings;
- Bluetooth connectivity;
- Compatible with RunSocial and other fitness apps;
- Tablet holder integrated into the console;
- Bottle holder included;
- Quiet operation;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No backlight on the console;
- A tablet placed on the tablet holder will cover the console display;
- A chest strap for pulse monitoring is not included.
Summary
The Schwinn 411 is a compact elliptical trainer made for home use. It features a motorized magnetic resistance system with 16 levels. Its console makes available 13 programs, Bluetooth connectivity, and RunSocial compatibility. It features durable construction and an impressive weight capacity of 300 lbs. It’s an excellent machine for light to intense cardio workouts, interval training, stamina development, and weight loss. It’s not exactly the most affordable unit for home use but does offer outstanding quality for the price.