Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer

I have read some of the horror storries from other reviewers and had to write this to try to help get a more accurate picture. To me, the problems most people are describing are delivery and assembly related and not machine issues. I assembled my E95 properly, tightened the bolts and screws appropriately, and have taken simple cleaning / maintainance steps when needed and my machine runs smoothly, quietly, and effectively. A friend who uses a commercial elliptical at a health club on a daily basis tried it out and said it was just as solid and smooth as what he uses. Folks, if you take the time to assemble it properly you will have a great machine. If you are not patient enough or have the ability to do the assembly on your own get someone else who knows what they are doing. This may not be a Sears tech.

Got this a month ago when Sears had it on sale for the best price I've ever seen!!! (($1214.09 - $10 future purchase card - $121 Shop Discover Cashback = $1083, YES for the E95)). This is a great machine ! Picked it up at the store 3 days after placing the order and got a perfect box with one small crush at one corner.

Took it home, and unloaded by myself in the garage. Most people would need help but over the years I've developed quite a few tricks for unloading large heavy boxes on my own. The box is 35" tall x 23" wide x 66" long in case you are wondering if it will fit in your vehicle. Had to unpack everything in the garage and take it inside in pieces. All of the pieces are managable except the main fly-wheel assembly. I removed the peddle arms (one bolt each side) first and took them inside then moved the fly wheel by itself. This isn't to hard because it has wheels attached. There was a set of stairs involved but I did it myself. With a helper, this would have been a snap.

Assembly of the machine took about 30 - 45 min PLUS an additional 30- 45 min to put all the plastic caps, shields, and covers in place. I am an assembly wizzard and found the process very straight-forward but if you are not mechanically inclined this could be difficult and frustrating. The fit and finish are excellent. Everything fit together perfectly; very nice engineering and manufacturing on all of the parts.

When I fist got on this machine I felt a bit awkward; I had used stair climbers, bicycles,and tread mills before but never an elliptical. After a weeks use I became very comfortable and after 2 weeks I really began to enjoy and look forward to my session. I set up a tv and watch the network news followed by the Nightly Buisness Report. Poof, an hour has passed and I'me done. DEFINITELY find a distraction to focus on TV, movie, music, whatever ... If you focus on the machine and your workout you will get bored, quickly.

Machine has been working flawlessly for over a month now. I've been running it about 3 - 3.5  miles a day 5-6 times a week. Runs very smoothly and very quietly. I had to wipe the roller tracks and put a little lube on them ((as indicated in the instruction book)) to stop a soft squeek. I also had to re-tighten a bolt on the left arm that probably was not tightened properly when I put it together. The pedal angle adjusters are a bit stiff but you won't be re-adjusting these after the first week anyway.

Display has all the relevant info, is attractive, and is easy to see and understand. Fan is small but does provide a hint of fresh air near your face. It does make a difference but is absolutely NOT a body cooling fan if you are heavy sweater. Speakers are there but I may never use them in my set-up.

This is the most expensive gym product I have ever purchased. I AM extreamly happy with the purchase. My only regret is that I didn't get this years ago and stay in shape rather than needing to work to get back to where I had been.