| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tunturi C30 Check Discounted Price | L:49" W:24" H:64" | 242 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, ODO, Speed, Calories, Pulse, Goals, SCAN | 2 years |
The Tunturi C30 Cardio Fit cross-trainer is a fitness machine for home use. It offers quite a few more features than a completely basic model. It’s in the same range of features as the Marcy NS-40501E, but as opposed to the Marcy model, the Tunturi elliptical also has a pulse reading function.
Technical Details & Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 49L x 24W x 64H inches (125L x 61W x 162.5H cm)
- Assembled weight: 75 lbs (34 kg)
- Weight capacity: 242 lbs (110 kg)
- Stride: 16 inches (40 cm)
- Incline: No
- Pedals: Adjustable
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Exercise meter: Time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, pulse, goals, SCAN
- Extras: Tablet holder
- Warranty: Frame 2 years / Parts 2 years
Frame & parts
The Tunturi Cardio Fit C30 crosstrainer features a frame made of steel tubing. There are a few exceptions, though. The covers of the
drive mechanism, the pedals and several other small covers are made of durable ABS material. All the steel parts are coated with a rust-resistant paint finish; the color used is dark gray.
As we’ve mentioned above, the Tunturi C30 is a machine made for home use, so it does not provide the heavy-duty setup like a commercial unit. However, it’s still durable enough to support users up to 242 lbs (110 kg).
The fully assembled unit is not extremely heavy. It weighs approx. 75 lbs (34 kg), which means that it can be assembled by only one person. Its center of gravity is pretty close to the ground; therefore, the unit provides excellent stability. Also, its rear base has rotating polygonal stabilizers which allow you to level the unit on an uneven floor. It is recommended, though, to place and use it on a mat.
Compared to other elliptical trainers, such as the BodyCraft ECT400G for example, the Tunturi C30 is not a large unit. When fully set up, its footprint is approx. 49″L x 24″W (125 x 61 cm). However, you will have to consider the extension of the moving elements when the machine is in use. This being said, it’s recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the unit, for safe operation and access.
This Tunturi elliptical trainer is equipped with two sets of handlebars. One is mobile, one is fixed. The mobile handlebars feature a long rubberized area and ovalized grips at the top. The non-moving handlebars also have rubberized grips and they also integrate stainless steel pulse sensors.
The machine’s pedals are made of heavy-duty ABS material. They’re attached to steel bars and they should be able to support users up to 242 lbs (110 kg) with no problem. Each pedal has three connection positions on its bar. In other words, you can attach it to its bar closer to the front of the machine, or closer to the back. They’re also easy to attach/detach as they’re connected to their bars via two knobs each.
The pedals do not have any other shock absorption elements or cushioning, only a non-slip surface and a front/lateral border for extra foot stability. But nonetheless, just as for any elliptical machine, the ride eliminates most of the impact on the joints.
Stride, elliptical path & step-up height
As opposed to other similar rear drive elliptical trainers, such as the Exerpeutic 1000XL or the Sunny SF-E3607, the Tunturi C30 
Cardio Fit features a slightly longer stride. It measures 16″ (~40 cm), which means that it can provide an ampler range of motion for taller users. Differently put, it should accommodate comfortably, users up to 6’1″ – 6’2″ (185 – 188 cm).
Like most elliptical machines with a rear drive, the Tunturi C30 has a slightly inclined forward elliptical path. This being said, a ride on this machine feels like descending on a very soft ramp. This can be a plus, as it provides a better workout for the glutes.
The pedal step-up height of this elliptical trainer is approx. 10″ (25.4 cm). Also, the pedal highest point is approx. 14″ (35.5 cm). Therefore, it’s recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling of at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.
Drive & resistance
Although it’s a light-capacity elliptical trainer, the Tunturi C30 Cardio Fit
is equipped with a fairly heavy internal flywheel. It’s also perimeter-weighted which means it delivers more aggressive inertia and smooth rotating motion.
The flywheel is bi-directional; you can pedal in reverse if you want. Therefore, you can diversify your workouts. Also, when pedaling in reverse, the console continues to track your workout stats based on the rotations of the flywheel.
This Tunturi elliptical trainer features a manual magnetic resistance system. This means it integrates a magnetic brake which is attached to the tension knob on the console mast. By turning the knob clockwise, the brake moves closer to the flywheel which increases the intensity of the internal magnetic field. This leads to greater pedaling difficulty.
There are 8 tension levels specified on the resistance dial of the machine. The first one delivers little resistance. This basically involves only the mass of the flywheel. Conversely, the 8th tension level delivers quite a bit of pedaling difficulty, which is great if you want to achieve a higher heart rate in a shorter period of time, and a better overall cardio workout.
Like most other fitness machines that have a magnetic resistance system, this elliptical trainer features a belt drive system. It uses a heavy-duty rubber belt which provides a very smooth and quiet pedaling motion. As opposed to a chain drive, it does not require periodic lubrication. Also, it generates less vibration than a chain.
Console
This elliptical trainer is equipped with the same console as the Tunturi B35 Cardio Fit upright bike. It has an LCD display which
tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse. Unfortunately, for the speed and distance readings, there are only metric units available. Speed is set in km/h, while distance is shown in km. The unit cannot be set to miles and MPH.
For pulse reading, the machine is equipped with metallic sensors which are incorporated into the fixed handlebars. The console is not telemetric, and therefore, it does not read your pulse through an HR chest strap. Thus, in order to benefit from a pulse reading, you will have to use the sensors.
The unit is quite easy to operate. There are three main buttons: MODE, SET, and RESET. The MODE button allows you to toggle the unit’s SCAN function ON/OFF. When the SCAN function is ON, the display shows each workout metric for 4 seconds. The SET button allows you to set up goals for time, distance, and calories. And the RESET button clears all the values to zero.
The console has no other on-board programs, only the target settings for time, distance, and calories. It also does not connect online, nor it is compatible with any online fitness apps.
The unit uses two AA batteries which are not included. It starts up when you begin to pedal or press a button. It also has a sleep mode to which will enter if there is no activity on the bike for 4 minutes.
Last but not least, the machine’s console incorporates a tablet holder. This accessory is placed at the bottom of the unit; it’s large enough to accommodate any tablet.
Assembly & Maintenance
The base of the machine with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. The other parts require assembly, though. As a general idea, you will have to attach the base bars to the main frame, the console mast (and connect the tension cable), the pedals, the moving arms, the fixed handlebars, and finally the console. This may take more than an hour. However, the manual provides clear step-by-step assembly instructions, and the included schematics are quite helpful. Also, a basic toolkit for the assembly is included.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. You basically have to keep the unit clean, keep any liquids away from the console, and check for loose parts from time to time. The internal mechanism does not require any lubrication.
The Pros
- Fairly sturdy construction – can support users up to 242 lbs (110 kg)
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Fixed and mobile handlebars;
- Bi-directional flywheel providing a smooth and steady pedaling motion with a consistent momentum;
- Large, non-slip pedals;
- Three attachment positions for each pedal;
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance;
- Exercise meter that can track time, distance, total distance, speed, and calories burned;
- Pulse sensors and pulse reading function;
- Target settings for time, distance, and calories;
- Tablet holder included;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the console;
- If a tablet is placed on the tablet holder it will block the view of the console display.
Summary
The Tunturi Cardio Fit C30 is a light-capacity elliptical trainer made for home use. It’s equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system, adjustable pedals, and a console that tracks the most important workout metrics. It also has a pulse reading function. It’s an excellent machine for light to medium intensity cardio workouts, recovery training, stamina development, muscle toning and even weight loss. In all, it offers a fairly decent value for the price.