Tunturi C55-F Performance Crosstrainer

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Resistance	Console	Warranty
Tunturi C55-F Check Discounted Price	L:76.8" W:29.1" H:63.8"	297 lbs	Eddy current, 32 levels	20 programs, Bluetooth	Frame: 15 yr Parts: 3 yr

The Tunturi C55-F elliptical trainer is the front drive version of the Tunturi C50 that we have already reviewed here. It’s also part of the “Performance” series, along with the E50 and E60 exercise bikes. It’s a machine designed for home use but does offer quite an impressive range of features, including online connectivity.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 76.8L x 29.1W x 63.8H inches (195L x 74W x 162H cm)
• Assembled weight: 162 lbs (73.6 kg)
• Weight capacity: 297 lbs (135 kg)
• Stride: 19 inches (50 cm)
• Incline: No
• Resistance: Eddy current, 32 levels
• Console: 20 programs, Bluetooth, Recovery, BMI
• Warranty: Frame 15 years / Parts 3 years

Frame construction

The Tunturi C55-F features a heavy-duty steel frame combining ovalized and cylindrical bars. The only non-steel parts in its construction are the pedal trays, the covers of the drive system, and several other small covers. Most of the frame’s steel bars are coated with a rust-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish; the main color is black, this being the only color available for this trainer (at least for the moment). The only exception is the rail bar on which the pedal wheels slide. This element is chrome-plated.

Although it’s not a crosstrainer designed for club usage, it has a considerably heavy construction. It weighs approx. 162 lbs (73.6 kg). This being said, its transport requires at least two persons. However, once the machine is completely assembled, its relocation can be done with ease by only one person as its front base has a set of transport wheels. So, by lifting the unit from its rear base and using the transport wheels, you won’t have to handle more than approx. 1/3 of its total weight.

All this weight can be considered a plus as it provides extra stability to the unit. Plus, its base bars are equipped with adjustable levelers. These are six in number, two at the rear, two at the middle, and two at the front. They’re also rubberized in order to prevent slippage and floor damage.

The Tunturi C55-F Performance Crosstrainer is a fairly large machine as well. With the frame fully set up, it is approx. 76.8″ (195 cm) long, and 29.1″ (74 cm) wide. It is also recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it, for safe operation. This being said, it may not fit too well in a small room.

The pedals of this crosstrainer are attached to a set of durable steel bars. Their bases consist of two metallic plates while the pedal trays are made of heavy-duty ABS material. They are designed to support users up to 297 lbs (135 kg). Their surface is rubberized and textured in order to provide superior adherence. The pedals are equipped with industrial grade wheels which integrate sealed ball bearings and are covered by a rubber layer to minimize noise.

The machine is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one mobile, one fixed. The mobile handlebars have long rubberized grips They are connected to the console mast at their middle and to the pedal bars at their lower part. The connection points integrate small ball bearings in order to provide a smoother motion.

The fixed handlebars are directly welded to the console mast. They have shorter grips than the mobile arms. However, they are equipped with pulse sensors and the console has a pulse reading function.

Elliptical path, stride & step-up height

The first important aspect to mention here is that the Tunturi C55-F Performance Crosstrainer does not have an incline system. Therefore, you cannot adjust the position of the elliptical path, nor you can adjust the length of the stride. So, if you’re looking for a similar machine with an incline system, you may as well check out the Schwinn 430.

Many front drive crosstrainers have a slightly elevated elliptical path at the front. Therefore, the pedaling motion would seem like climbing on a very soft ramp. This is not the case for the Tunturi C55-F. It has a completely horizontal path and offers a very natural pedaling motion.

The unit provides a 19″ (~50 cm) stride, which is non-adjustable. This being said, it should accommodate comfortably users up to 6’0″ – 6’2″ (183-188 cm). Of course, taller users should still be able to use this trainer, but they won’t be able to exercise at their full range of motion. It is also important to mention that the distance between the pedals is approx. 5.1″ (13 cm). This is a pretty narrow Q-Factor which results in a natural placement and alignment of the feet, eliminating any unnecessary lateral stress on the knees and ankles.

At their highest point, the pedals add an elevation approx. 16″ (40 cm) above floor level. This being said, it is recommended to use this crosstrainer in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″-25″ (51-63 cm) higher than your own height.

Drive and resistance

The Tunturi C55-F crosstrainer is equipped with an eddy current resistance system. This being said, the resistance adjustment can only be done from the console. It’s also automatic; if you use one of the onboard programs, it will adjust the pedal tension automatically, depending on the current segment of the program. Evidently, the machine needs to be connected to an external power source. The box includes a 9V/1A adapter for the machine which may have an EU setup since the Tunturi machines are manufactured in The Netherlands. Therefore, you may need a US adapter.

The main resistance elements are a magnetic brake and a servo motor. As you adjust the resistance from the console, the servo motor will change the magnetic pull which results in more or less pedaling difficulty. Also, since the brake is magnetic, the resistance elements do not touch, so the rotation of the flywheel is very smooth and quiet.

The machine makes available 32 levels of resistance. The first levels provide light workouts. However, the internal flywheel is fairly heavy, so even on the very first tension level, the pedaling motion is quite consistent. Conversely, the 32nd level of resistance provides considerably more pedal tension, great for anyone who wants to improve strength, stamina, or reach a high cardio rate much faster.

The internal flywheel is considerably heavy and perimeter-weighted. This being said, it delivers a very consistent momentum. It also improves the stability of the pedaling motion. It is bi-directional; thus, you can pedal in reverse if you want, with the same resistance as when pedaling forward.

Most elliptical trainers or exercise bikes that have an eddy current resistance mechanism are equipped with a belt transmission as a chain may interfere with the internal magnetic field. The C55-F crosstrainer does not make an exception. It integrates a large pulley and a belt drivetrain, using a durable, stretch-resistant, v-belt. Like any belt drive system, it does not require lubrication. It also generates less vibration than a chain drive.

Console unit

This elliptical crosstrainer basically includes the same console as the C50 model. It provides a pretty decent range of features. To begin with, it is angle adjustable and integrates a device holder, so you can place your phone or tablet on it. It has a 5.5″ LCD display with LED backlight and large digits. The display is split into multiple windows in order to show all the workout metrics at once, so you won’t have to use a scan function to alternate them. It shows all the important workout metrics, including time, speed, watts, RPM, pulse, distance, and calories burned.

The console have a built-in telemetric HR receiver. Therefore, it can read your pulse from a 5 – 5.4 kHz chest strap. This accessory is not included, though, but if you don’t opt for it, you can still benefit from a pulse reading by holding on the sensors integrated into the fixed handlebars. Also, speed can be set to MPH or km/h, while distance can be set to miles or kilometers.

Goal settings are also available. Therefore, you can select a target for time, distance and calories. Once a target is selected, the unit will display the remaining value until you reach your selected goal.

The console unit has Bluetooth connectivity. Therefore, you can sync it with your tablet or smartphone in order to track your progress online via several fitness apps. It is compatible with i-Console+, Fit Hi Way, and Kinomap. These apps also offer various other workout programs, as well as the possibility to travel on a route based on Google Maps. The machine will auto-adjust the resistance based on the ups and downs of the selected virtual trail.

Along with the online applications, the console also has 20 built-in workout programs. Among them, we can count 1 Manual, 4 Starter, 4 Advanced, 4 Sporty, 4 Heart Rate, and 1 Watt. There is also a Recovery Program and a BMI Program. The Recovery program monitors how long it takes for your pulse to return to normal after workout, and gives you a rating between F1 (Best) and F6 (Worst) depending on the result. This function is great for measuring your fitness level. The BMI function is actually a body fat calculator. Based on your weight, height, age, and gender, it can calculate your body fat percentage.

The console unit has a very easy to use interface. It features five buttons. The top left button initiates the BMI function, the top right button launches the Recovery function, the bottom left button clears all the values to zero, while the bottom right button fulfills the Start/Stop functions. The MODE button in the center has multiple functions. You can rotate to scroll through programs or adjust resistance, and you can also press it to select values.

Assembly and Maintenance

Although the drive and resistance elements of the machine are already assembled, attached to the front part of the frame, and concealed by the ABS covers, the rest of the machine pretty much requires full assembly. In other words, you will have to connect the rear rail bar to the front section of the frame, add the front stabilizer, the console mast, the moving arms, the pedal bars, the pedals, the console, and several other parts. This may take up to two hours. However, the manual provides very clear assembly instructions, and all the tools required for it are included.

For maintenance, it is important to keep the rail bar of the machine clean, to prevent any damage to the wheels. Its joints may require lubrication from time to time. Plus, it is recommended to periodically check for loose bolts and parts. Internal lubrication or any other maintenance should not be necessary for a very long period of time; all the internal parts are pre-lubricated from the factory.

The Pros

• Durable construction – can support users up to 297 lbs (135 kg);
• Adjustable stabilizers on all three base points;
• Transport wheels;
• Heavy-duty, non-slip pedals;
• Fixed and mobile handlebars;
• Eddy current, automatic resistance – 32 levels;
• Console that can track time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, watts, and pulse;
• Pulse sensors and pulse reading function;
• Telemetric receiver built-in the console;
• Bluetooth connectivity;
• Compatible with i-Console+, Fit Hi Way, and Kinomap;
• Angle-adjustable mount for the console;
• 20 built-in programs;
• Tablet holder included;
• Bottle holder included;
• Quiet operation;
• Farily easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required.

The Cons

• No incline;
• No USB port for data transfer;
• A tablet placed on the device holder will cover the console display;

Summary

The Tunturi C55-F Performance is a heavy-duty crosstrainer designed for home use. It offers 32 levels of eddy current resistance, an extra-heavy internal flywheel, and makes available 20 workout programs. Its console is Bluetooth capable and compatible with the i-Console+, Fit Hi Way, and Kinomap fitness apps. It’s an excellent machine for light to mid-range cardio training, muscle toning, boosting stamina, weight loss, and interval training.