When it comes to elliptical trainers, there are many machines available for under $1,000.  Admittedly, that's not cheap, but unless you are willing to spend up to three times that amount for a heavy duty, professional quality machine, you'd probably do well to compare the 431 to some of the other trainers that meet your needs in the $500 - $1,000 price range.

Although the Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer carries the popular Schwinn nameplate, it is actually made by fitness equipment giant Nautilus. That's good, but keep in mind that the 431 is still considered to be a low-end model. If you're thinking about using ellipticals designed strictly for home use, and if more than one or two people will be using the machine on a daily basis, you might want to consider a slightly more expensive model.

You'll do better if you find the model you're looking at online already assembled and ready to use in a store. There is no substitute for actually trying out the machine out before you buy it. There are considerable differences between the front wheel and rear wheel flywheel drives. If you've never had an elliptical trainer, you'll need to try  out several to see what feels best. Your weight and the length of your stride will figure in prominently.

The Schwinn 431 Elliptical is a handsome machine. It comes with more than 19 fitness programs. That's better than many more expensive models can manage. Operation is relatively silent and the flywheel feels very smooth. Unlike the pricier machines, the 431 has an 18 inch range of motion. That generally is fine for most people, but if you think of yourself as being outside of the normal range, be sure and try it out and see if you may need the 20 inch stride provided by more expensive ellipticals.

For the money, the 431 feels solid even on carpet. Once you've had your elliptical, you'll want to increase the resistance levels as you ratchet up your training levels, and the Schwinn 431 is very accomodating in that respect. Unless you weigh more than 225 pounds or so, you should find the machine will remain fairly steady even under a prolonged workout.

The heavy 25 pound flywheel provides a very smooth ride for all but the heaviest users. The Schwinn 431 is rated for users up to 300 pounds, but anything over 250 pounds will probably eventually show up in repair costs if the machine gets more than just an average amount of daily use.

The 431 does come with a 15 year warranty on the frame and two years on the parts. The LCD console is easy to read and such expected amenities as water bottle and IPod holders are also included.

As good as the mechanicals are on the 431; this is still a relatively inexpensive machine.  Clearly the 431 is an improvement over the earlier 430 models, but it still does have its limitations. Labor and repair costs on almost any of the models meant for home use can run a couple of hundred dollars or more when something goes wrong.

Schwinn doesn't inspire much confidence in the workmanship of their equipment with the warranty offered. Many similar models offer a year on labor, but the Schwinn 431 comes with only a six month warranty. It can take a few months of use for defects to reveal themselves.  Unfortunately, that's often just long enough to go past the six month warranty.

Keep in mind that in spite of spending $700 - $800 on the Schwinn 431, it is still considered an economy model. If several people intend to give the machine heavy daily usage, it's not likely to hold up that well.

The Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer is a good machine, but you'll have to weigh the pros and cons and see what they mean to you personally before you decide on an elliptical in this price range. There are many choices and options available. Make sure you do your homework and that you are being honest with yourself when it comes to your expectations.