I didn't see many reviews on the 430, much less details regarding the differences between this stripper model and its big brother brethren. So here goes my first real Amazon review:
Why I chose the Schwinn 430
-Price (esp on Amazon w/ mat and shipping)
-Space saving
-ECB resistance
-Forward + Backward
-25 lb flywheel (per manual)
-18" stride
Why I'm happy after buying
-Feels solidly built, like it will last
-Relatively quiet
-Forward + Backward motion
-Bargain price, esp w/ Amazon mat + shipping
-I get a good workout
Why I'm not happy
-Manual subpar. Amazon acknowledges with email M8x25 error, but there are other (unrecognized by Amazon) mistakes.
-Fit is only 99% perfect. Some holes don't line up perfectly, but what can you expect at this price point?
-"Heel rising" during motion despite "articulating foot plate" was a little more than I expected, but not much more than other ellipticals
-I'm only 5'9", but I prefer a 20" stride (found on Sole Ellipticals), probly because I'm use to the gym but 18" is definitely ok
-Display is hard to read. Backlighting (on 418,438) would help.
-The "easiest" setting is a little hard for my wife, probly due to heavy flywheel
-My wife has tripped over the small power cord, so I can understand why battery power on the 418 is a nice option.
Differences between 430, 418, and 438
430
LCD display
AC Power
Grip HR Monitor
Preprogrammed Workouts 8
Max User Weight 275 lbs.
Warranty: Labor - 90 days
418
adds backlit LCD
adds Battery Power Option to AC
same Grip HR Monitor as 430
increases Preprogrammed Workouts 12
same Max User Weight as 430
increases Warranty: Labor - 6 Months; Wear Items - 6 Months
438
adds fan, multi grip handlebar to backlit LCD
deletes Battery Power Option of 418, only AC
adds Chest Strap HR Monitor to Grip Monitor
increases total Preprogrammed Workouts 21, 4 user settings
increases Max User Weight - 300 lbs.
same warranty as 418
Due to the price, I would buy the Schwinn 430 again in a heartbeat. Same award winning mechanics as the 418, 438 but a much cheaper price point. However, if you work out a lot at night and want a backlight, or don't want a power cord across the room, I would seriously consider spending the extra $200 for the 418 despite the problematic Amazon reviews.
UPDATE: Like others, I too had developed a small "squeaking noise" problem. However, my squeaking was located where the moving handlebars pivot, close to the flywheel. A quick call to Schwinn (hold time < 1 min) told me that I probably tightened the handlebars too much. I was told to back off by a quarter turn until the squeaking disappeared. Three quarter turns later, my squeaking is gone! Apparently my obsessive compulsiveness in tightening everything down was too aggressive. One month later, and I still love my Schwinn 430, and I was very happy with the customer service too.
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