A little help please. Geezer is trying to figure out if the ElliptiGO “low impact running device” is very cool or very lame. He’s also trying to figure out if it’s a running machine on wheels or a bike with a running machine where the seat should be. What if it didn’t cost $1,800 to $3,500? Would it be cool then? Or just affordable? Roy Wallack, the L.A. Times gear guy, seems to like it. Wallack says the machine is addictively fun and as fast as a bike, and there’s no real learning curve if you’ve been on an elliptical machine. What didn’t he like? The ElliptiGO is heavy–39 pounds, and it’s over six feet long. Coach Jenny Hadfield, writing on Active.com, says she likes the ability to train harder without increased risk of injury. Hadfield says using an ElliptiGO is a great way to “strengthen your core and legs, mainly because unlike running which requires a toe push off, efficient ElliptiGO riding involves a flat foot on the drive arm and an emphasis on pushing through the midfoot and heel. Doing so activates the gluteal muscles, strengthening with every stride.” So yes, it’s good for your butt, but is it cool or lame?
You decide and let us know in the comment box below.
This is my first visit to SportsGeezer. I like the concept. I’ve been riding the ElliptiGO since 2009 and can tell you it is awesome! Yes you get strange looks from people when you ride, especially in biking events, but you also get a lot of shout outs that are positive. The workout is great. More efficient than biking with good core work. I read the LA Times story and I disagree with the author on a few points. There is a learning curve to get the right stroke and it’s not exactly the same motion as an indoor elliptical. Also, it is not as fast as a bike. The more expensive model has 11 speeds and has a top of about 35mph. The less expensive models, which most people own, will top out in the mid 20s. The bottom line is that while it may be perceived as lame by people looking at it, riding it and getting the no impact workout is as far from lame as you can get. I guess you could say it’s cool to be uncool.
I think it’s cool!I have a Ross Stepper it’s called the hammer I got it 2nd hand from someone on craigs list It’s a very good work out. I did not pay much was in good condition paid one third of msrp at the time. The motion is more like a stepper up and down type, this eliptigo seems to be more of an actual running motion which I am sure is a better workout. I can no longer run due to back injury from car accident but would love to feel like I was this seems to fit the bill, The asking Price is steep though probably would not buy unless I found used and greatly reduced price. WAY COOL for older still active folks!
Cool!No uncomfortable seat!
I agree with Ken. You get some weird looks, but I dismiss them as from people who really wouldn’t know a good workout if it hit them in the face. The motion is very similar to the Precor ellipticals in the gym, with the pedal traveling up and down a ramp in an elliptical pattern. Do elliptical machines look “weird” in the gym? Why should they be weird on wheels? I call it progress. I personally think the ElliptiGo is one of the greatest cardio “machines” ever made. The fact it can be used indoors on a trainer and outdoors on the road (like a bike) is awesome. It’s like two machines in one. It’s primary purpose was to offer “banged-up” runners a way to get back outside doing what they love. However, I hate running. I simply enjoy the intense workout the ElliptiGo gives me. I think it’s cool!
I was very excited when I saw this elliptigo. I was so excited that I sent the article on to a friend. She noticed that in all the video’s there were men with really strong legs and no uphill shots. Could you realistically put a 135 pound, 5 foot 3 inch runner on an ellitpigo? It would seem to me that a six foot elliptigo on wheels would be very difficult to control on an uphill or downhill slope. I agree with the no seat feature.
I’m Roy, the L.A. Times reviewer (didn’t realize you had a comments section, Geezer). In response to Ken Hanes, I stand by my review on the two points he raised:
1. There is virtually no learning curve (even my 50-year-old neighbors, male and female, who don’t exercise and had never been on an elliptical machine, hopped right on and began circling the block)
2. It is as fast as a bike. If there is any speed loss, I think, it would be due to the increased wind resistance of the standing position. I’m a serious cyclist, mountain and road. On the Elliptigo 11-speed, my times on my favorite strenuous one-hour bike route with several steep climbs were within 2 or 3 minutes of my bike time — a statistical dead heat. Also, I feel that the stand-up position keeps you fresher as the ride gets longer. I rode the Elliptigo from Santa Barbara to Santa Monica one day a couple years ago and did not feel as beat-up as I typically do cycling that distance.
Finally, I completely disagree with the so-called the “lameness” issue. Yes, you get stares. But they are stares of fascination, typically accompanied by smiles and thumbs-up and “wow, that’s cool” comments from all ages.
I would love to own one of these (if it didn’t cost so much and I had room in my garage for any pice of fitness equipment). I would replace a lot of my road cycling with it.
I have severe arthritis in my hands. Do you think the Elliptigo will hurt my hands? I have decreased grip strength and all the fingers are hypermobile especially the thumbs. If anyone who has any of these issues has tested the Elliptigo I would be eternally grateful for a reply!
I’ve been riding one for two years now. No hand issues. It does not require additional hand strength, but does require you to hold the grips, particularly on rough parts of the road. I’m ride distance, and mountains, so I’ve seen all the city streets in addition to the mountain roads.
My husband bought one of these things. While I’m the “exerciser” in the house and can do cardio at the gym, biking and yoga (contorted one-legged poses for indefinite periods of time), I cannot get on this thing much less “ride” it. And that really pisses me off. I see it as a trip to Urgent Care waiting to happen. Any suggestions for how to get on and go? I’d like to conquer this machine.
Also it is a little pricy but today I crunched the numbers..I’m a cardio tennis freak..if there isn’t a convent class I would take a private..it will take three months to break even..I’ve been doing that for about 10 years and was still into it but not the way I used to be..plus I noticed the younger one were much faster..I was becoming the slow older woman..I guess I had peaked..now I have a whole new activity to,learn..and it seems fun,..plus I LOVE to eat and have not had to work at dieting in years..and if for no other reason..this is the most important..calories in/calories out..in 30-40 minutes..
I’ve been riding my Elliptigo 8C for almost a year and I really love it. I enjoy running, build up some decent distance, but then get hurt and then derailed. Cycling is ok, but I agree with an earlier commenter that I seem to stay more refreshed on the Elliptigo, even though the workout is more strenuous- I think it has to do with the upright body position. Money was what kept me from buying one earlier, but I can now say it’s worth every penny. I routinely do rides of 20 to 40 miles, get a great cardio workout and most importantly, no injuries.
I average approx. 14.5 mph on rides between 13 to 20 miles consistently- I don’t consider it as fast a bike with a decent rider aboard, but it’s not about fast, it’s about the awesome, sustainable workout- outdoors.
There is no dork factor at all- If I, Vinny Bobarino ride one,then it’s cool! Seriously- I get lots of compliments on it- It’s a quality,well-engineered machine, the equal of anything you’ll encounter on the trail in that regard.
I and my wife purchased Elliptico 8Cs in March of this year (2013). I have logged 2000 miles and my wife has logged 1600 miles since then. I am 64 and my wife is 62. I have had one knee replacement and thirty years ago was severely burned (3rd degree) over 40% of my body and consequently have problems cooling properly. My wife has had both knees replaced and had her back fused twice. Also, I am 6’6″ tall and weight 235, my wife is 5’5″ and weights 140.
These machines are incrediable. because of the upright position, I am able to cool much better and my wife’s back does not bother her. When I ran, rode a bike or played basketball, I would have to quit after about 45 minutes because of overheating issues. Now I am able to ride for 2-3 hours (30-45 miles) with out a problem. My wife because of issues with her knees and back was forced to give up most of her exercise programs with the exception of walking, which did not give her the level of intensity she desired.
I need to mention that we do have a high quality precor ellipical, and a big fan, which we use extensively in the winter. However, getting the same exercise outside is head and shoulders better, and much more fun.
Eliptigos are beyond cool, well built and worth every penny.
Get ready there is a new real competitor that is coming to market.
Got any info on the Competitor — a name? a website? Other?
Anyone have experience with ElliptoGo (8c) on fairly well maintained rail trails/multiuse trails? I run long on these near home and wonder if I could use it there. Some very small rocks, short grass, leaves, and occasional soft stuff…..not mud, but not dry dirt either
Anything that gets you moving and off the couch is ok by me.
For us with lumbar disc hernia or other back problems that prevent us from riding a bike, I could definitely see this as a viable option.
I used to love bicycling. Because of a removed clavicle, injured spine and upper extremity problems as well as lower back, sitting is difficult and the strain/pressure of leaning on handle bars is painful so I had to quit riding a few years back and have gained considerable weight. I test drove an elliptigo and found the upright position comfortable and with absolutely no pressure on my clavicle and neck. I think I am going to purchase a 11R (lots of hills here) and I will update you all in about 6 months. Wish me luck!
I’d like more comments/reviews on the 8C. I am a mid-level fmr runner with injuries now desiring to do about 1- 2 hr workouts routinely. I_m a single mom juggling band and ROTC expenses for a teenager who doesn t mind paying for quality, but at the same time needs bang for my buck! Suggestions on the 8C.
I love my elliptigo. I ride it all the time. My rides are usually 25-35 miles. I don’t regret spending the money at all. I love being able to do long workouts outside.
Oh, definitely get at least the 8c. The more gears the better
I’d like more comments/reviews on the 8C. I am a mid-level fmr runner with injuries now desiring to do about 1- 2 hr workouts routinely. I’m a single mom juggling band and ROTC expenses for a teenager who does NOT mind paying for quality, but at the same time needs bang for the buck!
Paved community bike trail with few subtle hills.
Suggestions on the 8C. Thanks.