Elliptical machines became popular in the late 1990s. They offer a low-impact cardiovascular alternative to treadmills and steppers. Elliptical machines are available with either front or rear drives. Some users will absolutely swear by one style over the other. Each type of drive has its benefits and disadvantages, but ultimately, personal preference will dictate which you should use.
History
Precor was the first company to produce elliptical machines in the 1990s. These machines had a rear drive which was patented by Precor. In order to compete in the market, other companies had to find another way to design an elliptical machine. The result was front drive machines.
Mechanics
Rear drive ellipticals have fewer components than their front drive counterparts, requiring less maintenance. Most front drive machines have tracks at the base. Rubber wheels roll back and forth across the track, wearing out the rollers and the track. The track and wheels also tend to collect dirt and dust and can be difficult to clean.
Motion
Front drive ellipticals have a flat, oval motion as opposed to the taller, oval path of a rear drive elliptical. The taller path feels more natural and comfortable to many users. According to EllipticalTrainers.com, a longer stride length is required on a front drive elliptical to achieve a comfortable, effective workout. The website states that a 20-inch stride length on a front drive machine is comparable to an 18-inch stride length on a rear drive machine.
Benefits
The mechanics and styling of front drive ellipticals place the user in a forward leaning position, causing him to possibly lean on the handlebars. Some lighter front drive machines may wobble slightly in this situation. Rear drive ellipticals are more stable and have a smoother pedal movement. EllipticalTrainers.com notes that the smoother feel on a rear drive machine is due to the increased inertia inherent in this design. Even at high resistances, rear drive machines don't jerk or wobble.
Cost
Historically, rear drive machines were the more expensive type of elliptical trainer. However, with new innovations in design, several fitness brands now sell low-priced and mid-priced rear drive machines. In 2010, you can readily find an in-home rear drive elliptical for under $1,000.
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