Choosing a model from the crowded field of elliptical trainers can be a real challenge, especially at the low end of the budget range. Inexpensive elliptical trainers are typically stripped-down versions with relatively few frills. The ProForm 20.0, however, stands out from the crowd in the under-$1,000 price range. You'll either love the features that make this machine unique, or hate them. Either way, it remains a decent entry in the competitive market.
Resistance
The ProForm 20.0 CrossTrainer provides 12 levels of push-button adjustable Silent Magnetic Resistance. "Silent Magnetic Resistance" is the trademarked name for this resistance mechanism, not a promise that it really will be silent. There might be brief motor noise as you adjust the resistance levels, and you might also hear the elliptical trainer's flywheel moving as you pedal. Twelve resistance levels is enough to challenge most exercisers, but if you plan to use the elliptical regularly, consider investing in a higher-end machine with more resistance levels to choose from. As you get stronger and build endurance from the regular workouts, you'll need the higher resistance levels for a varied, intense workout.
Stride Length
The ProForm 20.0 offers a fixed, 18-inch stride length. This is remarkable only because many budget-model elliptical trainers skimp on stride length; the ProForm 20.0 comes in at the lower level of desirable stride ranges, as recommended in the Exercise Equipment Expert's elliptical buying guide. The rule for elliptical trainers is to always try before you buy; if you have a long stride and don't have the option of trying this machine in person before purchase, consider upgrading to a longer stride length. If your workout feels short and choppy due to a too-short stride length, you won't be enthused about getting on this machine.
Features
The elliptical trainer market is crowded and competitive at all budget levels. As a result, many elliptical trainers offer a similar range of proven, desirable features. You'll find many of these on the ProForm 20.0 CrossTrainer, including a handgrip heart rate monitor, built-in speakers with an iPod-compatible music port, preprogrammed personal trainer workouts and a built-in cooling fan. The ProForm 20.0's two heart rate control workouts are a rare find in such a low-priced model.
Unusual Features
ProForm releases a number of elliptical trainer models, and the other companies beneath the ICON Health & Fitness umbrella, including NordicTrack, Weslo and Schwinn, offer even more models to choose from, all with similar features. So it's a pleasant surprise to find several uncommon features on the 20.0. This includes the trademarked Interactive Audio CrossTrainer, which provides audio and visual prompts for strength-training exercises, interspersed throughout your cardio workout. The 20.0 also offers two GameFit games to play as you work out. The harder you pedal, the easier it is to win.
Price and Warranty
As of October 2010, the 20.0 CrossTrainer has an MSRP of $999, direct from the manufacturer. A Treadmill Doctor review cites the warranty as a weakness for this machine, with good reason. The 90-day warranty is a worrisome statement about the manufacturer's confidence, or lack thereof, in this piece of equipment.
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