Bowflex TreadClimber

Overview

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC5000 is a top of the line version of the TreadClimber series. The speed range is 0.7 to 4.0 mph.  The resistance range is from 0-12.  8 electronic tracking features include speed, distance, total steps, time, calories per minute, total calories, climb indicator, and heart rate.  It has a wireless heart rate monitor (the machine includes a wireless chest strap).  It also has consoles for water and a magazine holder.  The handy Quick Start feature remembers your last resistance and weight settings.  The Climb Indicator tells you how many floors you’ve climbed (similar to what you’d fine on a stair stepper).  The TC5000 weighs 185 pounds and has a maximum capacity of 300 pounds.  It comes with a 5 year warranty on the motor, 3 years on the parts, 3 years on the electronics, and 2 year on the hydraulics.  The Bowflex TreadClimber TC5000 costs $2,499.  It can be found used or refurbished for $1,699.

Pros

The added features such as the Quick Start and Climb Indicator are very convenient.

Cons

The machine must be stopped to change resistance.

Customer Reviews

Customers definitely enjoy the TC5000 and see significant weight loss along with improved health after using the machine after just a few weeks.  However, noisiness seems to be an issue with many customers who own any of the TreadClimber series machines.  A few customers have complained of motor issues.  And, it seems to go without saying that Bowflex customer service is mediocre at best.  Be sure to keep your receipt forever in case you run into a problem, as you will have to fax it in for any warranty claims.

Conclusion

Customers seem to be happy with the workout the TC5000 provides and definitely experience positive health benefits.  The $2199 makes it expensive, but the quality and ease of assembly seems to be improved over the TC3000 and TC1000 series.