The Schwinn 840 Treadmill – There are Better Choices

The Machine

The Schwinn 840 treadmill has a multi-color backlit LCD dual window display that shows speed, distance, workout time, incline level, and burned calories. The 16 programs include 6 course profiles, calorie goal, custom workouts, and QuickStart. The distance readout can be switched from miles to kilometers.

The specs on the Schwinn 840 include:

• 2.5 HP Motor
• 0-10 mph Speed
• 0 – 10% Incline
• 20" x 55" Walking Area
• 16 Workout Programs
• Grip heart rate sensor
• Softrak™ suspension deck
• Folding SoftDrop™ System
• Transport Wheels
• Reading rack and water bottle holder
• 300-lb. User Capacity
• Warranty: 5 yrs frame, 10 yrs motor, 1-yr parts, 90 days on wear parts & labor

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The Buzz

Though improved over the 820 treadmill model, the $799 Schwinn 840 still suffers from an overwhelming display of plastic everywhere and cheap looks overall. Its features are the minimum standard for an $800 machine: 10 mph speed, 10% incline, 2.5 hp, a 300-lb user capacity, heart rate sensors, and an average size walking area for this price range.

If you can get past the ugly console display, the Schwinn 840 is actually decent as a walking machine – not great, nothing spectacular, no “wow” factor, but decent. High points: treadmill reviews report it is easy to assemble, runs quiet, has a nice variety of programs, and the frame is heavy (285 pounds!) providing a stable platform. Low points: short warranty, average quality, and the Nautilus buzz.

What We Say

Since its parent company, Nautilus, is in dire straights financially, you have to take it on faith that there will be a company there to honor your limited warranty should anything go wrong. Schwinn makes great indoor cycles and ellipticals, so perhaps Nautilus will focus on supporting the Schwinn brand, but there are too “ifs” involved to even consider buying a Schwinn 840 treadmill right now. Check our comparison chart where you will find a number of better choices between $700 and $1000.

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