Rear-Drive vs. Front Drive Ellipticals – Differences & Recommendations

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Basically, the elliptical machine comes in two types, the rear-drive elliptical machine and the front-drive elliptical machine, classified by the flywheel location. The flywheel is the main component of any elliptical machine since it creates resistance for you to work against.

Knowing this, if you are looking to buy an elliptical machine for your home gym, you should know about the differences between the front-drive and rear-drive elliptical.

In this article, we will discuss the differences between ellipticals in each category and their advantage and disadvantage.

What Are the Differences Between Rear Drive and Front Drive Ellipticals?

Most gym machine experts agree that an elliptical with a rear flywheel is preferable to a front one. First, the rear steering wheel helps provide true elliptical movement, with a more natural ellipse pattern. Additionally, rear-drive elliptical trainers have pedals that closely match the user’s stride length.

Secondly, rear-wheel ellipticals help maintain a more centered position on top of the machine, while front-wheel ellipticals lean forward.

However, thanks to technological advances and improvements in biomechanics, you can find ellipticals with a front wheel that allows you to perform the exercise in an optimal position and without discomfort.

If you are used to using the elliptical at the gym and suddenly try an elliptical with a front flywheel, you may experience an uncomfortable sensation due to lack of habit and the type of non-articulated pedals they have.

Although there are indeed ellipticals with much more comfortable front steering wheels that trace the same movement as those with a rear inertia steering wheel, it is less frequent to find them.

And it is more difficult to perform a high-intensity workout with front-wheel ellipticals than those with rear wheels.

But despite these details, many manufacturers have chosen to present models with flywheels located at the different ends of the machine.

Also, rear-drive elliptical trainers have fewer moving mechanical parts, which means fewer parts will require regular maintenance and overhaul than front wheels.

Another aspect that must be taken into account is that the price of rear-drive ellipticals is much higher. However, they are more robust and quieter than those with front flywheels and provides a more fluent workout experience.

On the other hand, front-drive ellipticals also have advantages such as, for example, providing safety, stability, and all functionality without taking up a lot of space. And many front-drive ellipticals are even foldable to take up even less space.

However, for some tall users, these front-drive models are a bit uncomfortable as it is not possible to adjust the height of the pedals or the length of the stride.

Another detail that you have to consider is that many front-drive elliptical machines will begin to make annoying noises that interfere with your training over time.

Do These Types of Elliptical Matter?

Now that you know the functional differences between elliptical machines with front and rear flywheels, it will be up to you which one to choose.

Mainly, you need to assess its inclination. As we mentioned earlier, ellipticals with front flywheels tend to be a bit steeper. But if you prefer a more natural pedaling, with smooth movements and flatter, then the elliptical with the rear flywheel is for you.

Still, there are other more important details to keep in mind, such as stride length. You should know that ellipticals with a short stride are not comfortable at all, and generally, ellipticals with front flywheels are usually the least chosen by tall users.

Another important data of information to evaluate is the flywheel’s weight. The heavier it is, the more fluent the movement will be and, therefore, the better the machine’s performance. To make it an optimal elliptical, your flywheel should weigh at least 20 lbs.

Also, always keep in mind the guarantees that brands offer and the user’s weight capacity limit since the machine’s quality is usually related to such details.

Last but not least, there is the console. This is also very personal since it will depend on you if you prefer a simple console although with the common functions included or if you prefer it with more advanced technology.

The truth is that today, brands have come a long way in creating elliptical machines and are offering both front and rear flywheel machines with high-end features.

Everything will depend on what you are looking for.

Best Front-Drive Elliptical

Front-wheel drive ellipticals are similar to climbing stairs due to a greater lean angle. If you are looking for options to buy an elliptical machine with a front flywheel, here we show you the best on the market.

#1. Sole New E35 Elliptical

SOLE Fitness E35 2020 Model Indoor Elliptical, Home and Gym

This power incline elliptical machine offers challenging cardio exercises for the ultimate training experience. Its innovative design, exceptional features, and unbeatable warranty make it one of the best front-driven elliptical machines under $1500.

The pedals have been designed so that the foot’s continuous movement almost perfectly simulates the sensation of walking or running. At the same time, they can be adjusted for greater comfort.

One of Sole Fitness’s innovations is the two-degree inward sloop to keep the body in neutral alignment and reduce pain from the back, knees, ankles, and hips during workouts.

Besides, the option to regulate the angle allows you to work specific muscle areas. For example, a lower angle works the hamstrings more, while a higher angle focuses on training the quadriceps.

The adjustable console comes with a 7.5-inch LCD that provides all the necessary functions to control your training and shows all the workout data clearly.

It also comes with a tablet holder, a built-in fan, a Bluetooth audio speaker, wireless chest strap compatibility, and a USB charging port.

There are 10 built-in training programs to encourage various workouts and challenges (5 classic elliptical training programs, two heart rate programs, two user-designed models, and one manual mode).

The handlebar bars incorporate pulse sensors to monitor your heart rate, as well as a telemetric chest strap and a wireless heart rate monitor for more precise and comfortable heart rate monitoring.

With the handlebar, you can train your upper body, controlling resistance and incline easily, without having to break your stride to change settings, moving closer to the console.

The Sole E35 offers 20 resistance levels and a 20% adjustable power incline. The silent drive system provides smooth, natural forward and backward movement.

In terms of its stride, this model has a 20-inch stride. This is great for most people because the longer stride length creates a more fluent movement.

Pros

  • 25 lbs flywheel ensure a smooth workout experience
  • 20 levels of resistance
  • 10 built-in workout programs
  • 20% power incline option
  • High user weight capacity of 375 lbs
  • Lifetime warranty for the frame, 5 years warranty for the parts, and 2 years labor warranty

Cons

  • It does not have wheels for transport.
  • The stride is not adjustable.

#2. Schwinn 470 Elliptical

Schwinn Fitness 470 Elliptical

The Schwinn 470 Elliptical is a premium-quality elliptical machine, as in addition to its materials, it provides fluent movement and offers innovative features.

Among its differentiating qualities is the ability to synchronize with the Schwinn Trainer 2 application. You can also create 4 different training profiles, making it an ideal machine if several people at home use it.

It also has a manually adjustable ramp that will allow you to control its inclination.

With this machine, you can enjoy fun and challenging workouts thanks to its 29 built-in programs—one Quick-start program, four user-defined programs, three fitness tests (beginner, advanced, and recovery), 12 profile programs, and nine heart rate control programs.

Tall users will be able to train with this machine without problems as it offers a stride length of 20” and choose between its 25 levels of resistance.

Its console is compatible with the RunSocial app, which allows you to enjoy a real-world running experience.

Pros

  • 29 workout programs.
  • 20’’ stride length.
  • 25 resistance levels.
  • Resistance is electronically adjusted.
  • User capacity weight of 300 lbs
  • Power incline to 10 percent
  • Warranty: 10 years for frame, 2 years for its parts, and 90 days labor warranty.

Cons

  • You can’t adjust the angle pedals.

#3. Nautilus E618 Elliptical

Nautilus E618 Elliptical Black, One Size

This affordable elliptical machine was launched on the market in 2016, and to this day, it is one of the most chosen models because it takes up little space and provides an ideal 22” stride length.

The E618 elliptical allows you to create up to 4 different user profiles and sync your workout data to Apple Health and MyFitnessPal via Bluetooth.

This elliptical also stands out for its 30 lbs flywheel, its padded and non-slip pedals, ensuring users a smooth exercise experience without hurting their joints.

Feel free to use one of its 29 training programs or to use its 25 resistance levels for a complete workout. By simply pushing the button, you can change the degree of incline to up to 15% for a more challenging workout.

For entertainment, this front-drive elliptical machine has integrated high-performance speakers, and you can train with music by connecting your mobile either with a Bluetooth connection or by USB cable.

Pros

  • 29 training programs.
  • 22 ” stride length.
  • Flywheel weight of 300 lbs.
  • 25 levels of resistance.
  • Bluetooth connection.
  • User weight of 350 lbs.
  • Warranty: 15 years for its frame, 3 years for its mechanical parts, and 1 year of labor.

Cons

  • Stride length can be very long for some users.

Best Rear-Drive Elliptical Trainers

#1. NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i

NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE7i Rear Drive Smart Elliptical with Folding SpaceSaver

The NordicTrack SE7i is an entry-level rear-drive elliptical machine that will fit well in your home. It is a compact elliptical machine, and it is foldable, so you can store it easily every time you finish training.

Highlights include its 10% power-adjustable incline and 24 built-in workout programs, which provide a wide variety of exercises to perform and make you never get bored with it.

It should also be noted that each of the programs has been carried out in detail by a certified personal trainer, which means that both speeds, time, and distance are adjusted to perfection.

To achieve an ideal stride for your leg, you can adjust the pedals to suit you. Another aspect to highlight is its 5 ” backlit screen in which you can monitor all the data such as calories burned, speed, or time travel, among others.

Also, this machine has the iFit Live module installed. This module downloads the training sessions through the Wifi to choose between the following objectives: Weight Loss, Performance, and Well-being.

It also adds exercises performed with Google Maps that integrate automatic speed and incline control and vocal coaching.

Pros

  • It is foldable and can be stored easily
  • User weight capacity of up to 325 lbs
  • 24 built-in workouts
  • 22 levels of resistance
  • Warranty: 10 years for its frame, 2 years for its parts, and 1 year of labor

Cons

  • The stride is only 18 inches, not suitable for people over 6′
  • 18 lb flywheel is lighter than other models

#2. ProForm 895 CSE Smart Elliptical

ProForm 895 Cse Smart Strider Elliptical

Speed up your metabolism by training on this elliptical. Proform 895 CSE smart elliptical is an entry-level elliptical trainer for beginning and intermediate training. This foldable rear-drive elliptical machine is pre-assembled, and you can put it together within 15 minutes by one person.

It offers 24 magnetic resistance levels, 0-10% incline option, 24 built-in personal workout programs that emphasize weight loss performance.

This is a foldable home elliptical and takes less space, So you can fold it and store it in any corner of your room at the end of your training.

Besides, the 895 CSE elliptical machine comes with an iPod-compatible speaker and an integrated tablet holder to place your device easily. Other accessories include a cooling fan, cushioned pedals and handgrips, and a drink holder.

Pros

  • The stride length is 18 inches.
  • The weight of its flywheel is 18 lbs.
  • User weight capacity up to 325 lbs.
  • 24 training programs.
  • 24 levels of magnetic resistance.
  • 7 ” console with iFit Coach program.
  • Warranty: Lifetime for its frame, 3 years for its parts, and 1 year of labor.

Cons

  • The pedals are a bit long.

#3. Precor EFX 222

Precor EFX 222 Energy Series Elliptical Crosstrainer

If you want a gym-like experience in the comfort of your home, this model is what you need. With this rear-drive elliptical machine, you will get a very stable and effective workout with the results you want.

The Precor EFX 222 elliptical trainer is a high-end full-body exercise machine. It offers three different incline levels (15°, 20°, and 25°) to train all parts of your body while challenging yourself.

Besides, Precor EFX 222 comes with moving arm bars that can be moved stationary and tone your upper body muscles.

The touch screen included in the console will help you better control your routines and check the progress.

Regulate its quiet magnetic resistance and choose one of its 16 levels to burn more calories. Also, you will find 10 preset programs in this elliptical and the possibility of creating up to 2 different user profiles.

Other small touches that help promote comfort for successful training include tablet computer holder, accessory holder, water bottle holder.

Pros

  • 10 levels of training.
  • 16 magnetic resistance levels.
  • 3 incline options (15°, 20°, and 25°)
  • Adjustable stride length
  • Warrant: lifetime for its frame, 5 years for its parts, 3 years for console, and 1 year of labor.

Cons

  • You can’t fold it.
  • You need to adjust the incline manually.

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