So... after returning a p.o.s. V-Fit elliptical trainer (made in China) that was already a replacement for a defective one, I ordered a Reebok RE1. I tried one in a shop and it was great. comfortable, ergonomic etc... although the resistance setting did not seem to do much on the one in the shop (should have taken note of it at the time).

I ordered mine from the internet, got it promptly, assembled it easily, it feels quality... although I shuddered when I saw "Made in China" on the carton.

The resistance setting does nothing. There is no resistance.

The manual prescribes changing the batteries if there is no change in resistance when changing the setting on the "computer", and checking the connections if the resistance is always minimal or always maximal. I tried different batteries AND checked the connections.

Then I saw this (different machine but also Reebok):
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000ATCS3/102-3634880-3039327?v=glance

I am tempted to just return it to the store. Unfortunately, I do not have the carton anymore.

Seems to me that Reebok are now really a Chinese company, cutting costs by shipping jobs to that "great" country (you don't know where it's made when you place an order) and saving pennies on quality control by not having any, with the normal consequences.

Or perhaps I'm overreacting. Sorry, I am angry!!! :mad:

Has anyone else here had or heard about this problem on a Reebok elliptical or other Reebok equipment? If yes, what model?

Any feedback woud be much appreciated.

Vincent.

Update:

I emailed the retailer to check various things about the status of the 10-day return guarantee (such as what happens if I get it repaired or replaced and the same happens again after more than 10 days).

No reply yet (that's normal, it's still early here).

Then I phoned Reebok tech support and frankly I was blown away.

They accept that some of these machines have problems with their resistance setting. They used to send out engineers but don't do it anymore.

They explained how to access the inside mechanism to check more electrical connections, which I did. They also offered to exchange it if I did not want to open the machine but I went and opened it. Found nothing abnormal connection-wise.

Next phone call, they offered to not only exchange it, but also upgrade it to the RE2 model, one that they will assemble, test, then re-package and send out. The RE1 will be picked up at the same time and the fact that I threw away the carton is not a problem, the RE1 will be picked up as is.

Ok... the quality control is not what it should be and that's going to be another 10 days or thereabouts with no cardio so it's not ideal (I know... I could run outside, but when I did that I injured my knee - was limping badly over the Xmas holiday - that's why I bought an elliptical in the first place, to preserve my joints).

But based on today's communication with Reebok UK, the service could not have been better.

I gave them some stick in my first post, this being my third elliptical (first Reebok though), I am getting impatient. Sure, I'd rather have something made in Europe or the USA, I think the build quality would be better, not to mention the state of our economies... but it's only fair that I give credit when and where it's due.

I will update this topic whatever happens next, be it good news or bad news.

Vincent.

thnx for the updates... my girlfriend wants one of these machines for our small-but-growing home gym. we were actually looking at the Reebok ones too.

Back on topic.

The story continues.

I used the RE1 elliptical to do some "no resistance" training (since the machine had no resistance). Moved up to a 45mn session every week day morning. Good workouts, despite the lack of proper resistance.

The Reebok RE2 replacement/upgrade arrived today, much to my delight.

Delight, that is, until after getting the main unit upstairs and then removing the plastic around it.

The plastic cover around the wheel, between the pedals, has huge cracks. It is also dirty. Clearly, this is not a new machine. There is also no manual.

Followed a phone call to Reebok UK. It appears that they "should have sent out a tested machine, and somehow sent something else".

The courier will contact me to arrange delivery of another replacement...

In the meantime, with the machine dismantled, and considering that it's extremely impractical here to carry the bits up and down the stairs, I am going to have to stop cardio. Just when I so much looked forward to new progress.

I will continue posting about this story.

Whatever the final outcome, I am at this point, and as one can imagine, EXTREMELY disappointed in Reebok.

(Pictures below).

TP.

Ok... not many reactions to this topic. However, it was always the plan to give a fair view of the story and few replies do not mean that it has not been read (204 views!)

So here is the end of the story.

The third Reebok elliptical arrived yesterday, 8th July. That was a very long time to wait, so during the period I had contacted both Reebok (stock taking had delayed shipments they said) and the retailer, who were immediately on the case and extremely supportive, with several emails sent on the day I contacted them. ( www.sweatband.com ).

Anyway... the Reebok RE2 being here, I immediately proceeded to check out its external condition and assemble it.

I am pleased to report that it is in good condition. It also works exactly as it is supposed to work. I am happy with the upgrade, because the heart rate montor of the RE2, which uses a chest strap sensor, is definitely an improvement on the sensor pads of the RE1. The programs are useful too, and the resistance works. (It works kind of too well... it seems to find it difficult to raise my heart rate to target - indeed I have a slow heart - so the resistance mounts up to 13 out of 16 and stays there, and at that level of resistance a sustained effort is indeed harder than I was used to on my first (non-Reebok) machines. But well, that's what I need. :tu: )

So... things went badly in the beginning, but I have to give credit to Reebok in the UK for handling this properly. They always did what they said they would do, and in the processI got a better machine than the one I first purchased.

As for the machine itself, time will tell if it holds up to months of intense use. What I can say up to this point is that it is extremely comfortable in terms of ergonomy with its wide footplates that can be adjusted, rounded handles (for those who like to rest their hands at the top), well designed computer system and good heart rate monitor. It looks sturdy where it matters most (the metal parts). The smaller plastic parts on the other hand do not fit/snap perfectly into place and seem fragile but this has no bearing on using the machine. The big plastic cover that hides the mechanism in the center looks a bit fragile as well (I mean... I already asked my 5 year old kid not to sit on it). But it's perfectly adequate for normal use.

Would I buy a Reebok elliptical again?

On the merits of the machine/value for money, yes, definitely. I have tried more expensive machines that were not as pleasant to use (perhaps it's just my morphology, but I find the Reeboks very well designed).

Reebok have been good too in the end. However, I would be concerned: I am on a tight schedule, even though I am not a pro. I am determined to look great real soon. It's just ok in my case... but I have missed a lot of cardio hours because of this delay. If I was a pro with some competition deadlines, the waste of time would be a major deterrent.

But I haven't yet seen a better machine at this price level.

If you are considering a Reebok elliptical, I'd say go for it, they are good machines, just make sure you buy from a retailer that will take it back without difficulty if you encounter problems and time is critical.

Vincent.

I bought a Reebock elliptical from Costco.

Much cheaper there it cost me 599 and they charge 1000 for same machine on Reebok site.

Anyway, mine was a BITCH to put together but I got it working finally.

Then after it fired up the first time I was thrilled it worked until I got on it. I didnt have the resistance problem but I had a problem with the time not counting down. It seems the machine had no idea I was pedalling so it would just pause after 5 seconds. I had to call Reebok and open the circuit board inside. I had a loose wire than had to be reattached to the motherboard. I work on computers as a hobby so this was no big deal but I couldnt imagine your average soccer mom having to deal with this. Anyway, they helped me and now its working. In the future, if you have a costco in your area, buy stuff from them because if you are ever dissatisfied with anything you buy there(except computers) you can take it back for a full refund NO MATTER how long you've owned it.. even years later.

By the way, mine is an RL900. It looks like a $2000+ healthclub quality machine, and it was surely worth the 599 I paid for it. However, my main gripe is how the handles meet the pedal assembly. The handles just sort of go in a plastic/metal sleeve that then connects to the pedals. This cause a very slight "play" in the motion of the handles which was very annoying at first. True healthclub quality machines are bolted together in that area which gives a smoother motion. However, I'm used to it now and its all good.

hope everything gets sorted for you

Vincent,

I'm glad everything worked out for you. I am considering purchasing a Reebok Elliptical so I'm pleased to hear that you are (in the end) satisfied with the machine. I will defintely purchase one locally to avoid the hassles you experienced.

Thanks for the updates.

Vortex,

Thanks for the advice. I am in the UK though. I don't think we have Costco here.

Hey I checked your pictures, awesome transformation. No before body pic, but the portrait tells its own story. You look just great in a tee-shirt now. Nice arms too.

HobbesAB,

Cute kid you have. :)

Reminds me of when mine was small. He's 5 now and has urges to climb on things. I think he likes the elliptical a lot... it's like a big toy to him.

Vincent.