Nordic Track Elliptical Flywheel Information

NordicTrack is a popular fitness equipment company that makes several elliptical machine models. The models differ in design and features, but they all have a flywheel. The flywheel is the mechanism that allows for the elliptical movement of the pedals. The flywheel is also responsible for the resistance mechanism on an elliptical.

Rear Drive Design

Many of NordicTrack's ellipticals have a rear drive design. This means the flywheel is behind the user. Rear drive ellipticals were the first on the market. They have more inertia than a front drive machine, providing a smooth pedal motion that isn't jerky or hesitant.

Center Drive Design

NordicTrack offers a few elliptical models that sport a center drive design. Without the flywheel on the front or the back of the machine, the NordicTrack center drive ellipticals are short and compact. The NordicTrack A.C.T. elliptical is only 47 inches in length, versus 65 to 70 inches for the rear drive machines. Center drive machines place the user's weight in the middle of the machine, making the machine feel sturdier and less wobbly than other elliptical models.

Features

For the 2010 model line, NordicTrack has introduced a heavyweight flywheel for some of its elliptical machines. These heavier, bigger flywheels weigh down the machine, making the elliptical feel more solid and sturdy. NordicTrack claims this flywheel design is also more durable.

Magnetic Resistance

NordicTrack elliptical machines feature SMR silent magnetic resistance. You can adjust the pedal resistance with the touch of a button on the console. Magnets are located near the flywheel. The magnets move closer to the flywheel to increase the resistance and farther away to decrease the resistance. Since the magnets never come into contact with the flywheel, this system is virtually noiseless.

Function

The flywheel is what produces the elliptical movement pattern of the pedals. The rear and center drive design of NordicTrack ellipticals emphasizes this oval-shaped motion. Front drive ellipticals produce a flatter motion, which may feel less natural. NordicTrack's flywheel designs emphasize a natural, smooth stride.