| Unit | Size | Max. user weight | Stride | Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schwinn 470 Check Discounted Price | L:71.1" W:28.2" H:63.2" | 300 lbs | 20" | 29 | Frame: 10 years, Parts: 2 years, Electronics: 1 year, Labor 90 days |
If you’re looking for quality fitness equipment at acceptable prices, Schwinn should always be a brand on your list. And when it comes to elliptical trainers, the Schwinn 470 offers a construction and selection of features pretty close to a commercial grade one. It’s actually a top-quality, mid tier elliptical machine.
There are several differences between the 470 and 430 model. For example, the Schwinn 430 doesn’t have a motorized incline, offering fewer preset workout programs and resistance levels. However, the price difference between the two is less than $100.
Since it’s a pretty inclusive fitness machine, there’s a lot to be said about it. But before we proceed with this review, there’s one more aspect to be clarified. Schwinn also offers an elliptical trainer under the name of “Journey 4.5”. This elliptical machine is the same with the 470 model. Both models have the same features, functions, dimensions and construction.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 70.1L x 28.2W x 63.2H inches (178.1L x 71.5W x 160.5H cm)
- Assembled weight: 164 lbs (74.5 kg)
- Max. user weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Stride: 20 inches (51 cm)
- Incline: 0° – 10°, motorized
- Footplates: Articulating, with cushioning
- Handlebars: Both mobile and fixed (with pulse sensors)
- Resistance system: Eddy current, 25 levels
- Console: 29 workout programs, SchwinnConnect and MyFitnessPal compatible
- Amenities: Speakers, cooling fan, media shelf, bottle holder, USB charging port
- Warranty: Frame 10 years, Mechanical 2 years, Electronics 1 year, Labor 90 days.
Frame
To begin with, the main frame of this elliptical trainer is made of steel tubing, featuring a scratch resistant and corrosion resistant finish. All steel parts are painted black, and no other colors are available. Several parts are made of material though, these being the flywheel 
casing, the shrouds of the crank arms, and pedals.
The frame of this machine is composed of two main pieces. The front part with the drive and resistance systems attaches to the rear part which incorporates the gliding rails of the pedals. The two parts are secured together via four screws, and the connection is pretty solid.
Overall, the machine is bulky, and has quite a sizeable footprint. It takes 70.1″L x 28.2″W (cca 178 x 72 cm) of floor space. This being said, it’s not exactly a machine fit for a small apartment. However, it still has a lower profile than the SOLE E35 for example, which has a length of 83″ (211 cm). It’s also heavy, with an assembled weight of 164 lbs (74.5 kg), which means it’s a good idea to be assembled on the spot where it’s supposed to be used. But on the other hand, this weight also plays an important role on the machine’s overall stability.
Once assembled, the transport of this elliptical shouldn’t be that difficult, as the front base features caster wheels. So, the machine can be tilted forward and rolled around. But in case you’ll have to move it around corners, or up/down a set of stairs, the help of a second person is required.
One last aspect to mention here regards the bases of the elliptical. It features three bases. The front base rests on the transport wheel caps, while the middle and rear base feature rubberized levelers. Thus, regardless of the type of pavement where it will be placed, you should be able to achieve maximum stability.
Drive and stride
First of all, the Schwinn 470 features a heavy flywheel for an elliptical trainer. This part weighs approx. 20 lbs (9 kg), being actually perimeter weighted, adding a lot of smoothness to the ride. Evidently, it’s a belt-driven machine, using a heavy-duty belt, industrially tested. The crank arms are made of solid steel, but they feature cosmetic, plastic covers.
The pedals are made of a tough polymer material, featuring a ribbed design to supply 
maximum adherence to your training shoes. They feature articulation and cushioning, in order to alleviate the impact on the ankles and foot tendons. Also, they feature a 2° outward tilt, in order to secure a more comfortable stepping motion.
The arms of the pedals use one set of rollers to glide on the rails of the elliptical. The rollers incorporate sealed bearings, for a prolonged life cycle.
The stride on this machine is non-adjustable. It offers a flat 20″ (51 cm) stride. Adjusting the incline however, will add around one inch to your stride. Also, considering the given 20-inch stride of this machine, we can safely say it can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (195 cm) with no problem.
Last but not least, in case you’re wondering, pedaling backwards is also possible on this elliptical machine. When pedaling in reverse you will benefit from the same resistance as you would by pedaling normally, in other words, the selected resistance setting. Plus, the console will continue to track speed, distance etc.
Incline
One of the best aspects regarding this fitness machine is the motorized incline system. This feature makes available the adjustment of the ramp during your workout. In other words, you don’t have to interrupt your workout to adjust the ramp, as for the Schwinn 430 which 
features a manual incline system. Incline adjustments are done exclusively via the machine’s console. There are keys for gradual adjustment, and keys for quick adjustment. Also, if you’re using one of the programs that involve incline, the machine will adjust it automatically.
The Schwinn 470 elliptical machine offers a ramp of up to 10°, with 10 positions, plus the 0° setting. Adjusting incline you can considerably diversify your workouts, and focus various groups of muscles.
At maximum incline, the top pedal stands at approx. 22″ (56 cm) above floor level. Therefore, the ceiling in the room where the machine will be used, should be higher than your own height, plus at least 22″ (56 cm).
Resistance
The Schwinn 470 features an eddy current brake system. This means it involves a magnetic brake mechanism, controlled by a servo motor. By adjusting resistance, you will adjust the magnets’ pull to the flywheel, adding or reducing tension to the elliptical motion.
Evidently, resistance can be controlled only via the console unit. The machine supplies 25 levels of resistance, the top resistance levels offering quite a challenge. Resistance can be adjusted gradually or via the quick keys. Also, just as for incline, in case you’re using one of the on-board fitness programs, the machine will adjust resistance automatically.
Since it uses a motorized incline and a motorized resistance system, this elliptical requires to be connected to a power source, in other words a nominal 120-volt circuit. It comes with a 120V 60Hz AC input; 2.0A output, U.S. standard adapter. There’s also a power switch.
Console
The console unit supplied with the Schwinn 470 is quite an inclusive one. To begin with, it integrates several amenities, such as sound system, cooling fan, and tablet tray. The cooling fan features three speed settings. With the first push of the button, it turns on at maximum 
speed, the second push will adjust it to medium speed, the third will set it to the lowest speed, while the fourth push will shut it down. The fan will also automatically start when you reach higher speeds on the machine.
The sound system is not a sophisticated one, but it can surely supply a better sound that the speakers of the average tablet or smartphone. It’s compatible with most MP3 devices, smartphones or tablets. The console doesn’t feature sound volume controls, you’ll have to adjust volume from your device. A connection cable with a 3.5 mm jack is supplied.
The tablet shelf is situated under the wider monitor of the console. It’s wide enough to accommodate most tablets.
The console unit features two monitors, one of 3.0″ x 5.0″, and one of 1.0″ x 5.0″. Both have blue LED backlight, for easy reading. The wider monitor focuses on the selected workout and your goal percentage, while the smaller monitor displays the main values, such as speed, time, distance, RPM, heart rate, and calories.
There are 29 workout programs built-in the console, including 12 profile programs (4 Fun Rides, 4 Mountains, 4 Challenges), 9 heart rate programs (4 beginner + 4 advanced + custom), 2 fitness tests, 1 recovery test, 4 custom user programs, and of course, the manual program mode. For this part, it’s important to mention that the 4 Custom User programs give you the possibility to craft your own 4 tracks, and re-use them as you like. They require you to insert age, weight, height, gender and the preferred workout values. Also, the console gives you the possibility to setup goals for your workouts.
One of the best aspects regarding the console is its compatibility with ScwhinnConnect and MyFitnessPal. It features a USB port, which allows you to transfer your workout data on either one of these online fitness environments, for superior analysis and tracking. The USB port also doubles as a charging port for your smartphone or tablet.
Last but not least, the console is telemetry enabled, which means it can track your pulse via a heart rate chest strap transmitter. A HR chest strap is not supplied with the machine, but it’s compatible with various devices of this sort, such as the Polar T31. The fixed handlebars also integrate pulse sensors. So, if you don’t have a chest HR transmitter, you can still track your heart rate, via these sensors.
Assembly and Maintenance
This fitness machine is quite heavy, and due to this fact, it’s best to be assembled in the spot (and/or room) where it will be in use. Assembly also may require the help of another person. The assembly process is not complicated, but it may take more than an hour, as there are quite many parts to put together. It requires to attach the main pieces of the frame together, add the front stabilizer with the wheels, console mast, lateral legs and pedals, mobile arms and finally the console, after you connect the wires. The tools required for the assembly are supplied. You’ll also receive a copy of the user’s manual which provides pretty clear instructions regarding the assembly.
The internal parts of the machine do not require maintenance. They are pre-lubricated with industrial grade lubricants, meant to last. However, if the joints of the machine develop squeaking, a little greasing will fix the problem. Also, to prevent any damage to the rails and rollers, it’s best to inspect them before any workout session, and remove any dirt, sand or other foreign objects that may be there.
One last aspect to mention here regards the warranty. In order to validate it, you will have to register your product with SchwinnFitness when you receive it.
The Pros
- Solid construction, elegant design lines;
- Articulating, cushioned pedals for improved comfort;
- 20″ stride, which makes it a viable choice even for taller users;
- Automatic incline, 0°-10°.
- 25 levels of eddy current, smooth resistance;
- 29 built-in workout programs;
- Goal tracking function;
- 4 custom user programs that allow you to create your own workouts;
- Schwinn Connect and MyFitnessPal compatible, data transfer via USB;
- USB charging port;
- Pulse sensors and telemetry enabled console;
- Various amenities incorporated in the console, including tablet tray, sound system, 3-speed fan;
- Bottle holder included;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Consistent warranty plan.
The Cons
- A tablet placed on the media tray will partially cover the wider monitor. However, you will still see all the main workout values on the smaller display;
- Heavy and bulky machine, rather difficult to move;
- Heart rate monitor not extremely accurate.
Summary
The Schwinn 470 is an elliptical trainer that offers great value for the money, and also an impressive array of features and functions for a mid range model. It’s an excellent machine for cardiovascular training, muscle toning and stamina building. Evidently, it can help you lose weight as well, helping you burn up to 5-600 calories per hour, depending on your workout regimen. Also, due to its high ergonomics and low impact on the joints, it’s an excellent choice for users who require recovery training.