Elliptic Trainer Advice

[FredAt]

Hello All,

I hope that someone here will be able to give me a spot of useful advice. I am shopping around for an elliptic trainer. I have to admit that I have been pleasantly surprised to find that they cost a whole lot less than I expected to pay. On the face of it it sounds like I can get a decent trainer for under 300 Euros (I live in Luxembourg and am planning to buy online from Germany).

I have used cross trainers in gyms and know that there are ones that I have loved and others that I have positively detested. I gather that this is part related to the weight of the flywheel - the heavier the better? Or is it related to body weight? I weigh around 75Kg but the machine will also be used by wife who weighs under 60 Kg.

I have come across reviews that criticize trainers for having too short a stride and/or not being height adjustable. Do these things matter or is it just moaning?

I have drawn up a shortlist of possible candidates but have been unable to find any specific reviews for them. If anyone reading this post knows anything about them I would much appreciate any tips

Hammer 4180 - 16 Kg flywheel, 8 resistance levels. Height adjustment/tread length not specified.
Kettler Verso 109 - 12 Kg flywheel, 8 resistance levels. Ditto
Schmidt A 300 - 10 kg flywheel, 8 resistance levels, height adjustable
Schmidt FIT 7000 - 12 kg flywheel, 8 resistance levels, height adjustable

The only other feature I have noted is the weight of the units - it varies from as low as 36 Kg to 52 kg. While heavy units could be a pain I am concerned that there might be an issue with stability with the lighter ones.

Like I said - any advice would be most welcome

[PandorasVise]

I don't know one from the other, but I can give you advise on how to get one. Get one used. Every January people go out in droves buying up equipment that turns into coat racks by March. Right now people need room in their houses for christmas decorations and guests. If you have a freecycle board or craigs list in your country, you can probably get a elliptical for next to nothing. I got a very expensive treadmill on freecycle once. It listed for over $1000 US and I got it for free. Found elliptical on someones front yard with a free sign on it. Got gold's gym weight bench with weight plates for $40 on craig's list.

~Patty