Description

The Proform 20.0 CrossTrainer Elliptical Trainer has tried something new. Now, when you're working out, not only can you work on your stride, but you can play two video games as well. Yes, they're built right into the system.

Pros

· The two interactive games are designed so that the harder you work out, the greater advantage you have in the game.

If this is a motivation for you, it might make you work out harder.

· Comes with a "personal trainer" feature to keep you motivated and on track.

· Nine separate workouts target specific areas you may want to focus on

· Easy-to-read LCD display

· Cooling fans

· Three "personal trainer"-directed complete workouts

· Heart rate monitor

Cons

Although the interactive games and other gimmicks boost the price to $799, in fact, this elliptical trainer has had corners cut in other areas to compensate.

· Front end drive

· Rear end drive is preferable in terms of overall feel and range of motion. In addition, articulating pedals are required with front-end drive for an optimal elliptical workout.

· Less comfortable ride compared to other comparably priced models

The $699 900 CardioCross, which is also made by Proform, is a better deal with a better stride and overall comfort. In addition, it's even cheaper if you can find it on sale for $499. A much better deal for the money. It's better quality and is two thirds to about half price compared to the Proform CrossTrainer 20.0, depending on whether or not you can find on sale.

· Brake system

Instead of the preferable smooth eddy current brake system found on other high end ellipticals, this comes with silent magnetic resistance, cheaper and not as good as the ECB system. Again, another example that the Proform 20.0 makers put the money into the interactive game systems (which are nice, but totally unnecessary for an elliptical trainer) instead of into real features that a good-quality elliptical trainer would have.

· Warranty

Warranty for this is just 90 days, which although standard for some ellipticals (including all those made by Proform), is woefully inadequate.

Final notes:

Save your money on this system and play your interactive video games at another time. For the $799 price tag, it's just not worth it for what you get. It's clear that manufacturers have put their money into gimmicks instead of good solid quality as far as your workout goes. A better bet for your money is the CardioCross 600, also made by Proform, which has much better features for a solid workout, and a price tag that can't be beat. The CardioCross retails at just $699, a full $100 under the 20.0 CrossTrainer. Better yet, on sale, it comes in at a modest $499, meaning that you can buy your game system separately and still save money.