Schwinn A40 Elliptical Trainer

This is the new and improved version of A40 that came in 2013. Previous version of Schwinn a40 (2011) was very popular as home gym equipment. At a first glance, you will notice they have changed this trainer’s colour (from silver to black), changed the display console and slightly increased the stride (from 17” to 17.5”). Other than this everything else is same. You will need 4 D Batteries (LR20) that will not come with the box. Optionally you can buy AC power adapter for $15.

Features

Build Quality

Build Quality of this trainer is better than most of the budget ellipticals. It comes with 6 levellers; that makes this extremely steady. We found the A40’s ergonomic handles are very comfortable. This is a heavy machine that can easily take the stated user capacity (275 lbs). We don’t encounter any issue with the previous model and we are sure this 2013 version will run smoothly for a long time. As all other budget elliptical, you might need to put some extra effort for maintainace if you need noise less smooth workout. All you need to do is, lubricate the joints every few months (or whenever you feel discomfort). Please note, there will be some level of noise; but it’s bearable.

Assembly

Putting together this trainer is very easy. We tested with 5 individuals and assembly time varied from 35 minutes (2 people at once) to 2 hours. If you follow all the instruction properly and sort the parts accordingly after unboxing it; on average you can assemble it in 1 hour. Make sure to assemble arm and foot before attaching to the main section; it is easier to align them that way. Though the manual says, assembly require 2 people you can put it together all by yourself. Cutter, scissor, soft hammer, batteries and additional lubricant are not included but If you can pre-arrangement, it will make your life easier. (Just remember: DO NOT USE PETROLEUM BASED PRODUCTS)
Download the user manual here.

Heart Rate Monitor

This elliptical only has Contact Heart Rate (CHR) sensors that send your heart rate signals to the Console. And as all other contact heart rate monitor, they give inaccurate rating. We have compared it with Polar chest strip HRM and found there is  around 10 point discrepancy with the reading on this A40. The CHR sensors are the stainless steel parts of the Handlebars. To use, put your hands comfortably around the sensors. Be sure that your hands touch both the top and the bottom of the sensors.

Display and console

This trainer comes with an easy to read large (5.0″ X 3.0″) LCD display. Display shows: time, Distance-speed (both are shown in same area: speed is shown for 6 seconds and than distance is shown for 6 seconds), calorie burned-RPM (both are shown in same area: RPM is shown for 6 seconds and than KCAL is shown for 6 seconds), heart rate and current program. The RESULTS indicator comes on when the Console shows the workout data results.

Buttons in console are very straight forward. There are 3 separate buttons for 3 types of workout: Fun rides. Mountains, and challenges. Here is a 3mm port for your audio input, but quality of these speakers is below average.

Only complain about the display is: this is not backlit. We are not complaining on the speaker, because we never expect high quality sound system or any fan in a budget elliptical.

Programs

These are the 6 programs that are pre-set in this trainer.

Push the button for the desired Profile Program type: Fun Rides, Mountains or Challenges. The display shows the first option for that type—for example, the Pyramids program for the Mountains type. Push the button again to toggle between option 1 and option 2. You can adjust the time, push enter button. Default time is 15 minute; use up and down button to change that. You can also change resistance using up and button. Push start or stop button to start your profile workout.

Warranty

This elliptical comes with 2 years warranty on frame and 6 months on mechanical and electronics. For wear parts, warranty is only 30 days. Previous version of this model is known for good Build Quality (for budget trainers). But just 2 years warranty makes us question on schwinn’s commitment on this A40.

Technical Specifications

Comparison of Related Ellipticals

Features	ProForm Hybrid Trainer	Schwinn A40	Body Champ BRM3671	Xterra FS 3.0
Price	$377	$399	$240	$320
Type	Rear Drive	Front Drive	Rear Drive	Rear Drive
Sit	Available	N/A	Available	N/A
Upper Body Workout	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Resistance Level	14	8	Auto	8
Resistance Type	Magnetic	Magnetic	Magnetic	Magnetic
Console
Incline	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Stride Lenght	15″	17″	14″
Programs	14	7	10+	14
Cooling Fan	N/A	YES	N/A	N/A
Folding	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
User Capasity	350 lbs	275 lbs	275 lbs	275 lbs
Heart Rate Monitors	Yes Contact HR sensor	Yes Contact HR sensor	Yes Contact HR sensor	Yes Contact HR sensor
Display Type and Features	Large, LCD window to monitor your workout. The console is adjustable, so whether you’re sitting or standing, you can easily view and adjust all workout parameters.	LCD console. Display readout: Speed, rpm, time, distance, calories, pulse, resistance level, and course profile	LCD console features preset workout programs, heart-rate-driven and user-customizable programs	LED console provides time, distance, calories, and pulse + body fat percentage, BMI and BMR
Additional Features	An exercise bike and an elliptical trainer, with a comfortable, chair-like seat this hybrid trainer offers total-body elliptical training. Adjustable pedals to accommodate an elliptical or bike position.	High inertia flywheel provide a smooth and natural feel Compact footprint Reading rack Water bottle holder	Both an elliptical trainer and a stationary bike Oversized steel construction 2-way adjustable seat	Transport wheels Synchronized arms for upper/lower body workout
Dimensions	44 x 24 x 18 inches (W x H x D)	59 x 23 x 64 inches (L x W x H)	39 x 24 x 12.5 inches (W x H x D)	45 x 26 x 66 inches (L x W x H)
Unit Weight	149 lbs	100 lbs	90 lbs	106 lbs
Warranty	5 years on frame 90 days on parts & labor	Lifetime on frame 1-year parts and labor	1- year for the frame 90 days on all parts	5 years frame 1 year parts and electronics 3 months wear and labor

Schwinn A40 Elliptical Machine, Nautilus, Inc.

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