| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Stride | Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schwinn 430 Check Discounted Price | L:71.1" W:28.2" H:63.2" | 300 lbs | 20" | 22 | Frame: 10 years, Parts: 2 years, Electronics: 1 year, Labor 90 days |
When it comes to fitness equipment, Schwinn is one of the best brands that you can choose from. That’s because just about any of their exercising machines are pretty close in quality, sturdiness, and design, to the ones found in actual gyms. The Scwhinn 430 elliptical does not make an exception. Even though it does not offer the complete range of “belts and whistles”, it has a lot to offer in terms of fitness oriented options and features.
Therefore, if you’re on the lookout for a fitness machine that will help you engage multiple groups of muscles with every workout, and also alleviates the impact on your joints, here’s what you’ll get with the 430 elliptical from Schwinn.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 70.1L x 28.2W x 63.2H inches (178.1L x 71.5W x 160.5H cm)
- Product weight: 168.7 lbs (76.5 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Stride: 20 inches (51 cm)
- Incline: Manual, 6 positions, up to 10° incline
- Footplates: Articulating, with cushioning
- Handlebars: Both mobile and fixed (with pulse sensors)
- Resistance system: Eddy current, 20 levels
- Console: 22 workout programs
- Bottle/Accessory holder: Yes
- Media tray: Yes
- Fan: 3-speed, incorporated in the console
- Speakers: Incorporated in the console
- Warranty: Frame 10 years, Mechanical 2 years, Electronics 1 year, Labor 90 days.
Resistance system
The Schwinn 430 features one of the best resistance systems out there: eddy current resistance. This means the brake of the machine involves a magnetic brake pad and its pull is controlled via electric current. This also means the brake pad never comes in contact with the flywheel, which results in absolutely no wear and tear in the brake system. Evidently, in order to benefit from resistance, the machine needs to be connected to a 120V circuit. It does come with the required 9VDC 1500mA AC adapter. The adapter plugs into the machine near the front base.
This elliptical trainer offers 20 levels of resistance. And since it’s an eddy current brake machine, the resistance is controlled exclusively from the console. The lowest level of resistance is pretty decent actually, while the 20th resistance setting will provide quite a consistent workout.
Although the machine isn’t designed for reverse pedaling, it is possible to pedal in reverse. However, if you start pedaling in reverse during a selected program, the program will reset. If you want to use a specific program while pedaling in reverse, you should commence your workout in reverse, with the selected program. To put it differently, you cannot start your workout pedaling in one direction, and change direction during the program, without resetting your goals.
Incline system
As opposed to the Schwinn 470 elliptical, this model doesn’t have a motorized incline mechanism. It does however, feature a manual incline ramp, with 6 levels, from 0° to 10°. This is quite a plus as you will be able to diversify your workout spectrum, combining various resistance and incline settings.
Since the incline mechanism requires manual adjustment, you cannot adjust the machine’s incline while actively working out. You will have to interrupt your workout, pull the incline lever and lock it onto your desired incline setting, and then resume your workout.
On maximum incline setting, the highest footplate will give you an 21 – 22 inches (53 – 56 cm) from the floor. This being said, if you’re 6′ (183 cm) tall, you may not fit well in a room with an 8′ ceiling, while working out on this machine. So, before committing to purchasing this elliptical, 
you should make sure the room where it will be placed will fit you.
Drive system
This Schwinn elliptical trainer features a belt drive system, being very quiet, and the pedaling motion is really smooth. The flywheel is perimeter weighted which enhances the smoothness of the pedaling motion, with a weight of approximately 10 lbs (4.5 kg). It’s situated in the main frame case, in front of the pulley. The pulley of the machine is slightly bigger in diameter than the flywheel. It’s finished with two solid crank arms, which are also covered by a plastic sheet, for a more appealing design.
The footplates (or pedals) are articulating, which means they move with each step, slightly adjusting to your stride and posture, to eliminate any stress that may occur in your ankles and knees. That’s why this elliptical machine is a great choice for users who must undergo a recovery training program. Their size is pretty generous, accommodating feet of all sizes. Also, they have a ribbed finish, for maximum adherence to your footwear. The stride is not adjustable though. The machine has a medium stride length, of 20 inches (51 cm).
The mobile handlebars offer a multi-grip design, and ar slightly tilted towards the inner axis of the machine, resulting in an ergonomic workout posture. The fixed grips feature built-in pulse sensors. Both mobile and fixed grips are covered in rubber foam material, to prevent hand from blistering and supply a comfortable grip.
Frame
The main frame of the Schwinn 430 consists of two main pieces, which attach at the middle. There are three bases on which the machine rests on the floor. The middle and rear bases are finished with adjusting levelers. The front base features two plastic wheels which help with the relocation of the assembled machine. All tubing is steel-made and coated with anti-corrosive paint.
Overall, the machine is pretty bulky, and takes about 71 x 29 inches (180 x 74 cm) of floor space. It’s also rather heavy. Even though on a plane surface is can easily be rolled on its front wheels, if moved up on a set of stairs, it will require two people. Also, the maximum user weight supported by it is 300 lbs (136 kg).
Console and amenities
The console of this elliptical trainer is pretty versatile, even though it’s not as complete as one equipped on a gym level elliptical. It features a DualTrack monitor system, similar to the console 
of the Nautilus E614. It tracks time, RPM, speed, distance, pulse, and resistance level. It’s designed for goal tracking, displaying your % progress up to a setup goal. There are 22 programs on the console, including 9 profile, 8 heart rate, 1 quick start, 2 fitness test, and 2 custom.
The console offers direct keys for 10 resistance settings (1,3,5,7,9,12,14,16,18,20), for quick adjustment. However, resistance can also be adjusted from the arrow keys, from 1-20. There are also keys on the console for Quick Start, Pause/End program, Goal Tracking and Programs.
In terms of other accesories, the console incorporates a 3-speed fan, and a sound system with acoustic chamber speakers, which renders a sound of a pretty decent quality. It’s compatible with most tablets and smartphones, and features a USB charging port for your device. Also, there’s a tablet tray which can accommodate most tablets, allowing you to view your favorite shows while working out, or use any other workout apps on your tablet.
Finally, the console allows the export of your workout data on a USB stick, data which can be uploaded into Schwinn Connect or MyFitnessPal, for superior analysis, backup or to compare your progress with other users.
Assembly and Maintenance
Since most parts of the machine are pretty heavy, two people may be required. Other than that, the assembly isn’t too complicated. All you need to do is connect the two main base parts of the frame, add the front base, console post, pedals and mobile arms, and finally connect the wires and the console. The box includes the tools required for the assembly, except a cutter for unboxing. Also, a pretty comprehensive user’s manual should come with the box, which will guide you step-by-step through the assembly process. If you’re alone, the assembly may take up to two hours. But with someone’s help it shouldn’t take more than one hour.
For maintenance, the most important aspect is keeping the rails free of any debris as this can lead to damage either to the rails or two the gliding wheels. You should also grease the rails from time to time, and maybe the joints of the arms and pedals, in case it may begin to squeak. Other than this, just make sure you don’t spill any liquids on the console and the flywheel case.
Pluses
In case you’ve missed what this elliptical has to offer over other models, here’s a brief summary:
- Sturdy frame, with an appealing design.
- Bases with levelers.
- Articulating pedals, for minimum impact on your joints.
- 10 lbs flywheel, perimeter-weighted for smooth pedaling.
- Quiet machine, ideal for apartment use.
- 20 levels of eddy current resistance
- Basically no wear and tear on the brake pads (no replacement needed).
- 22 workout programs.
- 6 levels of incline.
- DualTrack monitor system that allows you to see your workout data even if you have a tablet on top of the console.
- Cooling fan.
- USB charging port.
- Schwinn Connect and MyFitness Pal compatibility.
- Sound system, in case you don’t want to workout with earplugs.
- Media tray for your tablet or book.
- Bottle / accesory holder.
- Low maintenance.
- Excellent warranty plan.
Minuses
For its price, the Schwinn 430 doesn’t lack much. We can mention though:
- No backlight on any of the two monitors.
- Lack of pulse sensors on the mobile grips.
- Console not telemetry enabled.
Final Word
The Schwinn 430 offers great value for the money as it comes with a wide array of features and training possibilities, pretty much similar to a commercial grade elliptical trainer. It’s an excellent fitness machine for all user levels, from beginner to pro, great to regain or maintain your cardiovascular and/or physical shape. It’s also great for muscle toning, recovery training and of course, weight loss. On a consistent training program setting, you can burn over 500 calorie per hour on this machine.