At around $1200, it's affordable and gives you some strong basics that even runners will like.
You get a strong 3.0 HP motor, longer 58" belt to really pick up your pace, stable 300 lb user weight capacity and a workout fan to keep you cool.
Is the 860 treadmill right for you? Here's a review to help you decide.
Quick Stats:
Price: $1199.99
Motor: 3.0 HP Motor
Speed: 0.5 -12 MPH
Incline: 0-12%
Treadbelt: 20 x 58"
Folding: Yes
300 lb Weight Capacity Deck
Console Fan
Built-in Workouts: 20
Warranty: 10 years on the motor, 10 years on the frame, 1 year on electronics, 1 year on parts, 3 months on wear parts, 3 months on labor
Strengths:
1) Quiet Operation
One thing we really liked about the Schwinn 860 is that it runs very quiet. This is great if you have other people in the family (like younger children who take naps) or if you want to run in front of your TV. You don't have to crank up the volume just to hear it.
2) Stable Feel
The Schwinn 860 is built with solid design and construction. It's a heavy machine - which contributes to a solid feel when you're running on it. Plus it has a decent 300 lb user weight capacity which tells you it can take some beating and still keep going.
3) 20 Built In Workouts
If you like a challenge when you workout, you can choose from 20 built-in workouts including 9 course profiles, 4 heart rate controlled programs, 5k and 10k courses, and 2 custom workouts. There's an integrated heart rate monitor that helps to adjust treadmill based on your heart rate for the heart rate control programs.
4) 58" Long Deck
While it's not the longest deck out there, the 58" deck is still quite good - and will give you enough room to pick up your pace if you want to run.
5) Workout Fan
While it's a little thing, it's still a nice thing. The workout fan built into the console is quite powerful and enough to keep you cool while you run.
Weaknesses:
The warranty on the Schwinn 860 treadmill is not great. You get 10 years on the motor, 10 years on the frame, 1 year on electronics, 1 year on parts, 3 months on wear parts and 3 months on labor.
At this price point you would expect a lot more - especially considering this is a new treadmill on the market and hasn't had time to prove itself yet. (For a better warranty alternative, check out the Sole Treadmills brand)
Also note that these treadmills don't carry a lot of the little extras that other treadmill brands have (iPod docks, Wifi connectivity, personal-trainer coaching etc.)
Overall Conclusion:
The Schwinn name is known for making high quality fitness equipment for affordable prices. Their new treadmills including the Schwinn 860 show a lot of promise and give you some great basics of a quality treadmill. You also get a stable feel and very quiet operation.
However on the downside, the warranties are not great and the treadmills are still fairly new. Plus they don't have the extra luxuries (iPod docks, wifi connections) that other brands have - which may or may not matter to you.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
While we found the 860 cost a bit more in stores ($1500), you can get the Schwinn 860 for about $1200 direct from Amazon Fitness. They're also throwing in Free Shipping which will save you about $150 also.
