In terms of specifications, the Universal E40 elliptical trainer is nearly comparable to the Schwinn A40. It’s a piece of workout equipment geared for home use, but it’s built well. Its console is more advanced than a standard one, with six pre-programmed exercises and a built-in sound system.
A sturdy steel frame supports the Universal E40 elliptical machine. The pedals, consoles, and guards of the drive and resistance elements are the only parts of the machine that are not constructed of steel.
All of the steel pieces in the machine’s construction are double-coated with a high-grade, corrosion-resistant finish that is silver in color, and this is the only version available.
The E40 model has a smaller footprint than other elliptical trainers, such as the new Schwinn MY17 470 or the LifeSpan E2i, notably in terms of length. It has a 56″L x 24″W footprint (142 x 61 cm). However, the pedal bars will protrude slightly beyond the front base when in use.
As a result, some front clearance will be required. Universal recommends a clearance of at least 2″ (61 cm) around the machine for safe operation.
The Universal E40 is smaller than others, yet it is hefty enough to provide outstanding stability. When fully completed, it weighs around 94 lbs (42.6 kg). Its relocation is simple after it is constructed, as it comes with two little transfer wheels on the front base. By leaning the machine onto its wheels, you can only bear about 30 pounds of weight.
Three foundation bars are included in the machine’s frame, which greatly improves its stability. Furthermore, the back and center bars include adjustable stabilizers with rubber cushions. As a result, you should be able to level the machine exactly on any flooring.
Table of Contents
Stride and Drive System
The Universal E40 elliptical trainer has a heavy-duty rubber belt for a silent belt drive mechanism. It has a medium-sized flywheel that maintains constant momentum. Because the flywheel is perimeter weighted, the striding motion is more stable and smooth.
The machine has large enough pedals to fit any size of sports footwear. They’re composed of tough PVC, and they’re rated for a maximum weight capacity of 275 pounds when combined with the machine’s bars and cranks (125 kg). They’re also articulated, which means they bend a little while you use the machine, reducing the strain on your ankles.
The pedals’ bars are fitted with big rollers with sealed ball bearings. Nevertheless, their glide onto the rail bars is exceedingly smooth and silent.
The Universal elliptical machine provides a medium option for stride length. It has a stride length of 17.5″ (44.5 cm), allowing it to accommodate users between the ages of 5’0″ and 6’0″ (153 – 183 cm).
Taller users may find the machine’s range of motion to be a bit limited, but they should be able to operate it without difficulty. The horizontal elliptical route provides a natural motion.
The pedals’ Q-Factor (distance between the pedals) is also 4″, which means that your feet will be positioned naturally on them without causing unnecessary lateral stress on your knees or ankles.
The pedals are approximately 16″ (40.6 cm) above the floor level. To avoid ceiling concerns, add at least 20″ (51 cm) to your height and compare it to the ceiling height of the room where you will be operating the machine.
Last but not least, there are the machine’s arms and handlebars to consider. The moving arms of the machine have a multi-grip design with rubberized grips for maximum comfort.
Even tall users should benefit from a natural hold onto them since their tallest point is 64.5″ (164 cm). The console can monitor your heart rate by holding onto the fixed handlebars equipped with stainless steel pulse sensors.
A motor-assisted magnetic resistance system comes standard on the Universal E40 elliptical trainer. This implies that the only way to change its resistance is to use the console. Batteries or an AC adaptor can be used to power the console.
It needs 4 D-type batteries or a 120V 60Hz Input, 9VDC 0.5A Output converter, neither provided with the machine.
The elliptical’s resistance mechanism is a tiny servo motor and a magnetic brake pad. The servo motor will move the magnetic pad closer or farther about the flywheel when you pick a certain resistance level from the console, altering the machine’s resistance.
You may change the resistance while you bike, or the machine will adjust your resistance if you choose a programmed exercise.
There are eight degrees of resistance on this elliptical trainer. The first two levels provide gentle exercises ideal for warm-ups or recuperation.
The 7-8 exercises, on the other hand, provide a more steady workout with the potential for a significant burn, making them ideal for severe cardio and weight reduction.
Console
The Universal elliptical trainer comes with a console that is not complex, but it does give a lot more than a simple console. To begin with, it has an easy-to-read 4″ LCD with a backlight and big numerals.
Time, speed, distance, RPM, calories burned, and heart rate may all be tracked. It also shows the resistance level that has been chosen.
Distance and speed can be shown in either English Imperial or metric units on the console. It doesn’t have telemetry. Thus it can’t track your pulse using an HR chest strap transmitter.
If you hang on to the EKG pulse sensors incorporated into the stationary handlebars, it can only measure your heart rate.
The console device lacks Bluetooth capabilities and does not allow you to upload your exercise data to the internet. It does, however, feature six predefined programs in addition to the Manual Program.
The six programs are categorized into three groups. Fun Rides (Rolling Hills and Ride in the Park), Mountains (Pike’s Peak and Pyramids), and Challenges are among the options (Uphill Finish and Cross-Training).
Each program has a 15-minute default exercise period and is set to difficulty level 3. (the max. The level is 8). Each program’s difficulty level, as well as the training time, may be customized.
Of course, there are no predefined settings in the Manual Program. It allows you to work out at your own pace, increasing the machine’s resistance as needed during your pedaling program.
Even though the console lacks advanced functions, it includes two things worth mentioning. The sound system is one of them, and the tablet (or media) tray is the other.
The sound system consists of two speakers, one on each side of the console on the bottom. It works with the majority of MP3 players, cellphones, and tablets.
Although the sound produced by it is not of remarkable quality, it is far superior to that produced by the speakers of most phones or tablets. The tablet holder is located beneath the console display and can support tablets of various sizes.
Last but not least, the machine’s control device is really simple to use, with uncomplicated directions. The QuickStart button accesses the Manual Mode, and each application category has its key.
The Up/Down arrow keys on the right side control the resistance, while the Start/Stop key allows you to put your workout on pause and restart it without losing your workout data. The machine is turned on when it senses pedal action, and it includes a sleep mode that kicks in after 5 minutes of inactivity.
Assembly
The machine’s construction is not difficult, and the provided manual has clear and simple step-by-step assembly instructions.
The flywheel, belt, crank, motor, and magnetic brake for the machine are already constructed and fastened to the front half of the frame.
To put it another way, you’ll need to join the two main frame pieces, then add the rear and front base tubes, the console mast, the pedal bars and mobile arms, the fixed handlebars, and the console.
It might take up to two hours to complete this task. All of the necessary tools for assembly are provided.
To safeguard the pedal wheels, it is necessary to maintain the machine’s rails clean. The bar joints may need to be lubricated regularly. Aside from that, there isn’t much to be done in upkeep.
Summary
The Universal E40 is a durable, steel-framed elliptical trainer with a motor-assisted magnetic resistance system and a console with seven exercise routines.
It has eight varied resistance levels and is ideal for mild to medium cardio workouts, recovery, stamina building, intervals, and weight reduction. It is not one of the cheapest machines within this range of features in terms of price, but the quality more than makes up for it.
