| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Motor | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schwinn MY17 870 Check Discounted Price | L:77.2" W:35.2" H:57.6" | 300 lbs | 3.0 CHP, 0-12 MPH | 26 programs, Bluetooth | Motor: 10 years Frame: 10 years Mechanical: 2 years Electrical: 2 years Labor: 1 year |
The Schwinn 870 MY17 is the 2017 version of the Schwinn 870. Although it basically has the same construction and motor, the newer model is equipped with a better console which offers several extra features, including Bluetooth connectivity. This allows the machine to sync with several online fitness apps in order to provide a better progress tracking and a superior overall fitness experience.
The older Schwinn 870 is still available, though, and still is an excellent fitness machine. You may even find it at a better price since there’s a new model available. You can read more about it, here.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 77.2L x 35.2W x 57.6H inches (196L x 89.4W x 146.3H cm)
- Running surface: 60L x 20W inches (152.4L x 50.8W cm)
- Assembled weight: 215 lbs (98 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Deck cushioning: SofTrak, 6-cell
- Motor: 3.0 CHP
- Speed levels: 0-12 MPH
- Incline: Automatic, 0%-15%
- Console: 26 workout programs, Bluetooth, USB port
- Extras: Chest strap, sound system, cooling fan, bottle holders, tablet holder
- Warranty: Frame 10 years / Motor 10 years / Mechanical 2 years / Electrical 2 years / Labor 1 year
Frame and deck
The Schwinn 870 MY17 features a heavy-duty steel frame. Although it’s not sold as a commercial grade machine (only comes with an in-home warranty), it does have a very sturdy
construction, similar to a light-commercial treadmill.
The fully assembled machine weighs approx. 215 lbs (98 kg), and this weight plays quite an important role in its stability. You can be sure that it won’t rock or wobble when running on it. Plus, the front metallic base is equipped with adjustable stabilizers.
This Schwinn MY17 870 is a fairly large fitness machine. With the frame and deck fully assembled, is approx. 77″ (196 cm) long, and 35″ (89 cm) wide. Schwinn also recommends leaving at least two feet of clearance on each side and at least three feet of clearance at the rear for safe operation.
On the other hand, the treadmill’s deck has a folding mechanism. It uses a hydraulic cylinder which assists you with unfolding it, preventing you from dropping it by mistake. It also has transport wheels which facilitate its relocation if necessary.
The deck is designed to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). Its side metallic rails have durable ABS covers which provide superior adherence. It integrates the SoftTrak cushioning system which for this particular model consists of a shock absorption element made of 6 cells (on each side of the deck). This shock absorption system reduces up to 30% of the running impact on 
your joints, which results in a safe ride.
As opposed to the Schwinn 830 MY16, this unit uses a 2-ply, 2mm thick running belt. It provides a running surface of 60″L x 20″W (152.4 x 50.8 cm). This means that the treadmill can accommodate users over 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem, delivering a complete and healthy stride. The belt is set into motion by two 2.5″ crowned rollers with sealed bearings, which are basically made to last a lifetime. These rollers supply an excellent grip on the belt and also prolong the lifespan of the belt.
One last aspect to mention here regards the machine’s paint finish. All its steel parts have an extremely durable, dark gray powder coating, resistant to abrasion and rust. However, keep in mind that this is a machine for indoor use only. Even though the frame’s coating is corrosion-resistant, by storing and using the unit outside, water condensation or rain will damage the console and the motor.
Incline and step-up height
The Schwinn 870 MY17 integrates an automatic incline system. It consists of a small motor and a lift situated at the front of the deck. In order to be operated, the unit must be connected to a power circuit. Also, the incline can only be operated from the console.
The machine’s incline system offers an incline range between 0% and 15%. The console has buttons for gradual incline adjustment but there also are keys for quick incline adjustment, for the settings 0, 2, 5, 8, 10, 13 and 15. Also, some of the onboard programs involve incline, so if you’re going to use them, the machine will adjust the ramp of the deck automatically.
At 0% incline, the running belt of the machine stands approx. 10″ (25 cm) above the floor level. At maximum incline, the front of the deck will be elevated by a few inches. Therefore, in order to make sure that the room where the treadmill will be used has the right ceiling height for you, add at least 20″ (51 cm) to your own height.
Motor
The Schwinn 870 (2017) treadmill uses a 3.0 CHP, industrial-quality motor. This motor is designed to withstand prolonged running sessions, even at full speed, without overheating.
The machine’s speed range is 0.5 – 12 MPH. Its starting point is 0.5 MPH, and above that speed can be adjusted in increments of 0.1 or 0.5 MPH. Due to this fact, you can easily find the pace that fits best to your stride and workout.
Needless to say, speed is controlled from the machine’s console. Just as for the incline, there are keys for gradual and quick speed adjustment. The quick keys will set up the machine for 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 MPH. The passing from a speed setting to another takes quite a few seconds, and you actually have the time to adjust your pace.
The motor itself is pretty quiet. However, just as for any treadmill, running on this Schwinn model will generate some noise, especially due to your own cadence. The cadence sound generated by a running workout shouldn’t cover a moderate volume on your TV, though.
One last aspect to mention here regards the machine’s required power supply. The machine must be connected to a nominal 120V AC, 15 A power source. It comes with a standard U.S. plug. The cable connects to the machine at the front, and you’ll also find a power switch near the cable connection point.
Control unit
As we’ve mentioned above, the Schwinn 870 MY17 is equipped with a newer console which offers extra features. To begin with, this one has touch control buttons rather than regular buttons, the pacer icon is more suggestive, and also has Bluetooth connectivity. 
The console features two main LCD displays with blue LED backlight which provides excellent readability. The top display shows your workout goals, fitness score, and user placement. The bottom, larger display time, distance, heart rate, calories burned, speed and incline. It also shows the segments of the workout. You can choose between metric or imperial units for the speed and distance readings. There’s also a race track feature which shows distance in laps of 400m (1/4 miles), and counts the laps that you have completed.
For the heart rate reading, you can use the EKG sensors integrated into the machine’s front handlebars. However, the console is also telemetric; it can read your pulse via the included wireless HR chest strap.
When it comes to fitness programs, this treadmill offers 26 preset workouts on the console, programs that will automatically control incline and speed. These programs include 1 Manual, 3 Quick Goal, 6 Train, 5 Weight Loss, 4 Heart Health, 3 Interval and 4 Custom. The 4 Custom workouts give you the possibility to craft your segment-based, workout programs, according to your training requirements, programs that you can save and re-use any time you want.
The unit also offers 4 user profiles. For each user profile, it will prompt you to input personal data such as weight, height, or gender, in order to provide a more accurate calorie reading or energy output. This is also a great feature to have if several persons use the machine and they all want to thoroughly track their progress.
The Bluetooth connectivity offers the possibility to sync the machine with a laptop or smart device which has the Schwinn Trainer™ Fitness App installed. This way, you can directly stream your workout data into your online account, storing every workout for later reference. Plus, it automatically syncs your workout data to Schwinn Connect™, MyFitnessPal® and Under Armour® Connected Fitness allowing you to track your progress with ease. However, if you don’t want to use the Bluetooth connection, you can still transfer your workout data online via a USB flash drive. The unit’s USB port also serves as a charging port for your phone or tablet.
The machine’s console and its dashboard integrate several extras. Among them, we can count a sound system, a cooling fan, a tablet holder, and two bottle holders.
The sound system consists of two acoustic chambered speakers, and it is compatible with most tablets, smartphones or MP3 players. Evidently, it works for iOS and Android devices. The sound rendered by it is not bad at all, much better than the sound produced by any tablet or phone speakers.
The media or tablet holder is placed on the console displays, so any tablet placed on it won’t obstruct the view of the console displays.
The cooling fan is situated under the console display. It’s a fan with three speed settings, not the most powerful, but still, it can offer enough cooling during a more intense workout. And finally, the bottle/accessory trays are situated one on each side of the dashboard; they’re large enough to accommodate most water bottles or small accessories such as earplugs, TV remote etc.
Assembly and Maintenance
The Schwinn MY17 870 comes partially assembled. In other words, the deck with the motors, rollers, belt, and covers is already in one piece. All you have to do is add the console masts and the console. This shouldn’t take more than 30 min. All the tools for it are included, and the manual provides clear assembly tips and schematics.
For maintenance, there are two important aspects. One, you should periodically vacuum under the deck and wipe the belt with a damp cloth to prevent any dirt or fibers to be dragged into the motor, or clog the air vents. And two, the belt requires lubrication after every 25 hours of use. Silicone lubricant is recommended for it.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can hold users up to 300 lbs;
- Professional-looking design;
- Folding frame with a hydraulic, soft-drop system;
- SoftTrak 6-cell deck cushioning which absorbs up to 30% of the workout impact on your joints;
- Automatic incline, 0% – 15%;
- 3.0 CHP motor, for prolonged workouts;
- Speed control in increments of 0.1 MPH, offering the possibility to find the pace that fits perfectly to you;
- 26 built-in training programs;
- USB data port, which doubles as a device charging port;
- Bluetooth connectivity for direct workout data streaming to your Schwinn Connect™, MyFitnessPal® or Under Armour® Connected Fitness account.
- Sound system included;
- 3-speed cooling fan included;
- Media shelf included;
- Bottle/accessory holders included;
- Pulse sensors and telemetry enabled console;
- Heart rate chest strap transmitter included;
- Smooth operation;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Consistent warranty plan.
The Cons
- The cooling fan isn’t too powerful.
Summary
The Schwinn 870 MY17 is a mid-range treadmill equipped with a 3.0 CHP motor, automatic incline (15%), and a Bluetooth console with 26 onboard workouts. It features a solid deck able to support users up to 300 lbs; it offers a running surface of 60 x 20 inches, and a folding deck. It’s an excellent machine for users of all levels, perfect for light to intense cardio workouts, interval training, race track training, stamina development, and weight loss. And finally, it’s not one of the most affordable machines, but it offers an excellent value and quality for the price.