Treadclimber TC5000 has many common features with TC3000. The most important details that matter are the same: components quality, dimensions, motor power, speed, cylinders and workouts.

For the price difference, $400, (TC5000 costs $2,500 while TC3000 costs $2,100) Bowflex added a few extra optional details (but not mandatory for a successful workout) like Heart Rate reading, a better Console display and a stronger warranty.

From our point of view, this is definitely a price worth paying, especially because you get a better warranty which will save you additional costs for parts replacements during the machine’s life.

See more about our experience in the Conclusions.

Bowflex Treadclimber TC5000 Specifications

Speed: 0.7 to 4.0 MPH (1.1 to 6.4 KPH)

Speed is controlled through 2 buttons (faster or slower).

Treadmill Incline: 0%

Motor: 0.5 CHP

Supported user weight: 0-300 lbs (0-136 kg)

Technical Dimensions:

Length 46 inches (117 cm)

Width 28.5 inches (72.5 cm)

Height 55.25 inches (140.5 cm)

Assembled weight 185 pounds (84 kg)

Frame: Steel

Belt:
7.75 in x 38.5 in (19.5 cm x 98 cm)

Warranty:

You receive a 5 year motor warranty, 3 years for parts and electronics, 2 years for the hydraulics.

The warranty is backed by Bowflex 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Bowflex Treadclimber TC5000 Special Features

Display:

Display offers the following feedback during exercise:

- Time (minutes:seconds)

- Distance Display (miles, km, or total steps)

- Approximate number of Calories (total and calories/minute)

- Heart Rate (beats per minute)

- Speed (km, miles or steps per minute)

- Climb indicator (total height in feet, maximum 1000 feet). 200 steps equal 100 feet or 30 km

When you decide to stop the workout, this info will be displayed on the console: heart rate, time total calories burned, total steps and total distance. This info will not be saved.

Remote Heart Monitor (Heart Rate Chest Transmitter included):

This is a very cool feature, especially if you enjoy working out without using the handles, but still be able to use the target heart rate control for weight loss exercises.

Workout Setting Cylinders:

As we mentioned in another review, all Bowflex Treadclimbers use Hydraulic Resistance Cylinders, with 12 levels of intensity.

Before starting your workout, these cylinders must be correctly set. To know what level you must start with and when you should change the levels on the cylinders, read the User Manual.

You must pay attention and avoid the ‘bottom out’ effect. This happens when you don’t set the right level to match your weight.

The Cylinders are always changed when you are off the treadmill. Move the knobs only clockwise to level 12 and counterclockwise to level 1.

Workouts:

!Before setting up the Cylinders and other workouts info requested, you must test your fitness level. Follow the instructions in the manual. They are very useful.

At the beginning of any workout, you will insert your weight and choose the Workout Level setting, from the 12 options available (12 is the hardest).

Treadmill workout: lock the treadles and start using the treadmill workout. You have no incline value. Always set the Workout Level to 0 in this mode.

Stair Stepper Workout: for this workout you use the Workout Level feature presented above. After you made your selection, start using the treadles and don’t use the speed buttons at all.

Treadclimber Workout: (combination between stair stepping and moving belts)
For this workout you confirm your weight value and Workout Level in the console. Don’t forget to set-up the Cylinders too (see previous feature). You can use the speed control.

You can buy this treadmill:

At Bowflex: Bowflex TreadClimber TC5000 for 2499 $

At Amazon: Bowflex TC5000 Treadclimber for 2499 $

Bowflex Treadclimber TC3000 and TC5000 have many common features.

If you want to buy one of these machines, you definitely need to check the other one as well so you can make a fair opinion on your options and needs.

The 2 models were launched a couple of years ago. They don’t have obsolete features as the first model in this series, TC1000, but they are not the latest models in this Series either (Mobia and TC5500 are).

A TC3000 costs $2,100 and it’s the closest model to Nautilus Mobia version ($2,000). Both models are built by same manufacturer, but have a different approach in design and components’ quality.

This is a very popular model, same as Mobia. We will dedicate a new article to comparing the 2 models.

Read this review to find out what you receive with TC3000 and see the conclusions section for more details about our experience.

Bowflex Treadclimber TC3000 Specifications

Speed: 0.7 to 4.0 MPH (1.1 to 6.4 KPH)

The console has 2 controls for speed: faster or slower.

Treadmill Incline: 0%

Motor: 0.5 CHP

Supported user weight: 0-300 lbs (0-136 kg)

Technical Dimensions:

Length 46 inches (117 cm)

Width 28.5 inches (72.5 cm)

Height 55.25 inches (140.5 cm)

Assembled weight 185 pounds (84 kg)

Frame: Steel

Belt:

7.75 in x 38.5 in (19.5 cm x 98 cm)

Warranty:

You receive a 3 year motor warranty, 2 years for parts and electronics, 1 year for the hydraulics.

The warranty is backed by a Bowflex 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Bowflex Treadclimber TC3000 Special Features

Display

On the 6 Led Display you can follow the workout progress:

- Time (minutes:seconds)

- Distance Display (miles, km)

- Approximate number of Calories (total and calories/minute)

- Heart Rate (beats per minute)

- Speed (miles per hour or km per hour)

- Climb (total steps)

The display is very similar to Bowflex Treadclimber TC5000.

At the end of the workout, the following info will be displayed on the console: time total calories burned, total steps and total distance.

But all workout info will be deleted when you press Stop.

Workout Setting Cylinders:

The Cylinders have 12 levels of intensity.

Before beginning exercising, you must set the cylinders level that corresponds to your weight and fitness level manually. Read the Manual for detailed info.

This treadclimber version has included the Workout Levels Select option in the console. It matches the Cylinders difficulty level you set up and it helps calculating the number of calories burned with higher approximation.

Workouts:

Before you begin you set the cylinders levels, manually, as detailed above.

Next, at the beginning of any workout, you will insert your weight and choose the Workout Level. 12 is the hardest and 1 is the easiest. Weight value will be remembered for new exercises. You change it just if necessary.

You can do 3 types of exercises, but the Treadclimber workout is the most efficient

Treadmill workout: lock the treadles and start using the treadmill workout. Always set Workout Level to 0 in this mode.

Stair Stepper Workout: for this workout you select the Workout Level feature presented above. Then just start using the treadles. You don’t control speed in any way.

Treadclimber Workout: (combination between stair stepping and moving belts)
For this workout you confirm weight value and Workout Level in the console. Use the speed control if you feel the need to.

Remote Heart Monitor: is NOT included

The only treadclimbers which have this feature are TC5000 and TC5500.

You can buy this treadmill:

At Bowflex: Bowflex TreadClimber TC3000 for 2099 $

At Amazon: Bowflex TC3000 Treadclimber for 2099 $

TreadClimber TC1000 is one of the first products Bowflex released in the Treadclimbers Series. It has a few years on the market so you can imagine that it’s already obsolete equipment in comparison with its competition.

Since it was first launched on the market (4-5 years ago), the price decreased a lot. This is because meanwhile new versions have been released on the market (like TC3000, TC5000, Nautilus Mobia, TC5500).

Now you can buy it at $1,200 from Bowflex. But from our point of view it’s still a high price for what it offers.

See our conclusions for more details.

Bowflex Treadclimber TC1000 Specifications

Speed: 0.5 to 3.8 MPH (0.8 to 6.1 KPH)

Speed is controlled with the Faster or Slower buttons available on the console.

Treadmill Incline: 0%

Motor: 0.5 CHP

Supported user weight: 0-300 lbs (0-136 kg)

Technical Dimensions:

Length 46 inches (117 cm)

Width 28.5 inches (72.5 cm)

Height 55.25 inches (140.5 cm)

Assembled weight 185 pounds (84 kg)

Frame: Steel

Belt:7.75 in x 38.5 in (19.5 cm x 98 cm)

Warranty:

You receive a 1 year warranty for motor, parts, electronics and hydraulics.

This is the poorest warranty any treadclimber has included.

Bowflex Treadclimber TC1000 Special Features

Display:

On the display you see the following exercise feedback, while you’re working out:

- Time (minutes:seconds)

- Distance Display (miles)

- Speed (miles per hour)

Workout Setting Cylinders:

All Bowflex Treadclimbers use Hydraulic Resistance Cylinders, with 12 levels of intensity.

The efficiency secret for each workout is to choose the firmness level that suits you, your weight, fitness level, belt speed and how deep you want to step.

These parameters are not listed in the console. You have to look for this info in the User Manual.
For example, at 143 pounds I weigh I chose Level 11 to workout, and 2 mph speed. But I have a 3 year running experience behind me.

Be aware of the ‘bottom out’ effect which happens when the treadles bump against the base because you use too much force.

The Cylinders are changed when you are off the treadmill. Move the knobs only clockwise to level 12 and counterclockwise to level 1.

Workouts:

You have no weight input setting, and no Workout Level on the console. The only control you have during workout is the Cylinders levels (read the previous feature).

Treadmill workout: lock the treadles and start working out. During exercise you can control only speed values.

Stair Stepper Workout: Don’t push Start button. Just climb. No info will be displayed during workout.

Treadclimber Workout: Push Start and control Speed level settings.

Other features:

- Safety Key Port
- Side Foot Support Platform
- Belt Adjustment Bolts
- Transport Wheels
- Rear Step
- Transport Handle
- Treadle Locking Lever

Remote Heart Monitor: NOT available

If you want this feature, only TC5000 and TC5500 have it. Read these reviews to find out more details about these versions.

You can buy this treadmill:

At Bowflex: Bowflex TreadClimber TC1000 for 1499 $

For some time now our readers have asked us a simple question: Which is best, Mobia or a Bowflex Treadclimber?

This is because the features Mobia has resemble to the Bowflex Treadclimber features a lot. And it’s normal this happens taken the fact that Mobia and Bowflex are developed manufactured and marketed by the same company, Nautilus Inc.

As a parenthesis, Nautilus Inc. owns many brands, not just Mobia and Bowflex. They own also PEARL iZUMi, Schwinn Fitness, StairMaster, Trimline and Universal brands. The company was created in 1986 and since then they have dedicated their activity to creating and selling fitness equipment. At this moment they represent a strong name in the fitness equipment market.

This article is based on our experience so far and it’s about a comparison between Mobia vs Treadclimber vs Incliner, more specific between Mobia vs Bowflex TC 5500 Treadcliber vs NordicTrack X7 Incline Trainer Treadmill.

All the details this review includes are based on our personal experience with each of the 3 machines we tested, their training purpose and most important their price!

Nautilius Mobia

Resembling Features Between Mobia, Treadclimber TC 5500 and NordicTrack X7 Incline Trainer:

1. Incline:
All tree machines use the Incline feature as the main tool to work your muscles really hard during exercise.

Mobia, Bowflex Treadclimber and Incline Trainer have the same purpose: burn calories fast. They just propose 2 different ways to do it (Mobia and Treadclimber rely on their combination between treadmill and stair climber while Incline Trainer relies on its treadmill’s features and high incline).

2. Dimensions:

Belt Dimensions of the NordicTrack Incline Trainer X7 are: Width 22” (55.88 cm) x Length 55” (139.7 cm).

Technical Dimensions of 5500 TC Bowflex are: Length 55” (139.7 cm), Width 31.5” (80 cm), Height 55.25” (140.3 cm), assembled weight 218 lbs (98.9 kg)

Technical dimensions of Mobia are: : Length 52” (132 cm), Width 28” (71 cm), Height 51” (130.3 cm), assembled weight 200 lbs. (90.7 kg)

As you can see, the differences are very small. For tall people, these small differences matter. For the others, they don’t count. Bowflex has larger dimensions than Mobia, but they are insignificant from our point of view. The most important dimension is the length which, as you can see, it’s almost the same on all 3 machines.

Bowflex Treadclimber TC5500

Resembling Features Between Mobia Nautilus and Treadclimber TC 5500:

1. Speed:

Both Mobia and Bowflex have the a maximum speed level at around 4mph ( 7km/h)

2. Supported User Weight: 0-300 lbs (0-136 kg)

Both machines have the same limitations for the User Weight.

3. Workout Setting Cylinders:

Both machines use the same workout setting cylinders that you have to set manually before each workout. If you want to change the steps resistance during the exercise you must stop, get off the machine, change both cylinders settings, get back on the machine and start the workout.
4. Service/Set-up Mode on Mobia is the same with Configuration mode on Bowflex.

Different Features Between Mobia, Treadclimber TC 5500 and NordicTrack X7 Incline Trainer:

1. Supported User Weight:

While Mobia and Bowflex TC 5500 have only 300lbs maximum supported user weight, NordicTrack X7 Incline Trainer can support as much as 350lbs.

2. Warranty:

Bowflex has a slightly improved warranty than Mobia but is still too little for the price paid. You get 5 year motor warranty, 3 years for parts and electronics, 2 years for the hydraulics for Bowflex TC 5500. For Mobia you receive 2 years for the motor, 2 years for the parts, 2 years for electronics and 2 years for the Hydraulics.

For the NordicTrack X7 Incliner you get a Lifetime Frame Warranty, a Lifetime Motor Warranty and 1-Year Parts & Labor warranty.

If you’re looking for the Mobia vs. Treadclimber comparison (Part 1), you can find it HERE.

Part 2 will be published in one week. Stand by.

We searched for a few weeks a way to test a Bowflex Treadclimber so we can do a true comparison with the Mobia Nautilus. Finally a good friend gave us a hand and we could test this Treadclimber features.

Our fortune was to have the opportunity to test the highest priced Bowflex Treadclimber version, the TC5500. This machine costs around $3,300, not a price many can afford.

What does a $3,300 training machine offer?

Bowflex Treadclimber TC5500 Specifications

1. Speed: The machine can go as fast as 4.5 miles.

2. Treadmill Incline: 0%

3. Motor: 0.5 CHP

4. Supported user weight: 0-300 lbs (0-136 kg)

5. Technical Dimensions:

Length 55” (139.7 cm)

Width 31.5” (80 cm)

Height 55.25” (140.3 cm)

Assembled weight 218 lbs (98.9 kg)

Frame: Steel

6. Warranty:

You receive a 5 year motor warranty, 3 years for parts and electronics, 2 years for the hydraulics.

The warranty is backed by a Bowflex 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Bowflex Treadclimber TC5500 Special Features

1. G.O. Coach Console Includes:

- Up, Right, Left and Down Arrow button

- Start/Enter button

- Stop Button

- Add and Edit User info like: Name, Age, Weight,

- Set weekly goals for each individual user

- Time Display

- Distance Display

- Calories Display

- Heart Rate Display

- Speed Display

- Based on progress level, the console unlocks rewards and new landmarks for the individual user

- Enter 4 user levels info

2. Other important features to mention:

- Safety Key Port

- Side Foot Support Platform

- Workout Setting Cylinders

- Belt Adjustment Bolts

- Transport Wheels

- Rear Step

- Transport Handle

- Treadle Locking Lever

3. Treadmill Workout

You can lock the Treadles and use the machine as a treadmill. Move the treadle locking lever with your foot to unlock the 2 treadles (but always when the machine is off and unplugged)!

4. Quick Start with 3 Landmarks:

If you select the Quick Start workout, you have access to 3 landmarks of the total 9 available: Lady Liberty, the Space Needle and the Transamerica Pyramid. With this workout you can manually control the speed.

You can buy this treadmill:

At Bowflex: Bowflex TreadClimber TC5500 for 3299 $

The Bowflex 5 Series Treadmill is the improved version of the successful Bowflex 3 Series. The treadmill is very sturdy, has a pleasant design and it comes with a wide belt backed by a powerful 2.5 CHP motor.

The Bowflex 5 Series treadmills include 12 built-in workouts adding enough variety to your training sessions. Don’t need to worry about the effort invested during workouts as the built in fan can cool you down fast! The console includes the QuickIncline and the QuickSpeed systems to change incline & speed rapidly.

This model is one of the most successful treadmills for this price range and that is why you may find it in numerous gyms or health clubs.

Bowflex 5 Series Treadmill Specifications

1. Speed: 0 to 11 mph
This treadmill reaches a maximum speed of 11 mph, more than enough for a home trainer or a serious runner.

2. Inclination 0-12 %
You can make your training sessions harder by adjusting the treadmill’s incline. On the Bowflex 5 Series you can do this by one touch and you have options in the 0-12% range.

3. Motor
The Bowflex 5 Series is powered by a 2.5 CHP motor.

4. The Belt
This treadmill comes with a spacious running zone: 20’’ x 60’’. The belt can accommodate all heights and weights and includes the Strike Zone cushioning system.

5. Warranty
Bowflex gives a 15 years warranty for frames, 10 years for motor, 2 years for parts and electronics and 1 year for in house labor.

Bowflex 5 Series Treadmill Dimensions:
Unfolded – 83″ x 35″ x 55.25
Folded – 40.87″ x 35″ x 65.5″

Bowflex 5 Series Treadmill Special Features

12 Built-In Workouts
The Bowflex 5 Series treadmills come with 12 workouts like distance goal, calorie goal, speed intervals or hill intervals. You have also included 2 custom programs.

Comfortable Running Surface
This treadmill has a spacious running surface that comes with the StrikeZone cushioning system installed. The StrikeZone system provides a firm lift off and soft landing.

SoftDrop technology
The 5 series is easy to store thanks to SoftDrop Technology. The machine folds up nicely and has 41″ x 35″ x 66” after folding. The wheels endure the treadmill portability.

The Bowflex 5 Series Treadmill can handle a user weight up to 300 lbs.

The following features are also included: Grip Heart Rate Monitoring, 3-speed fan and a 4-windows LED display.

Conclusions For Bowflex 5 Series Treadmill Review

The Bowflex Series 5 Treadmill is the mid range treadmill from Bowflex between the Bowflex 3 Series models and Bowflex 7 Series treadmill. The machine is sturdy, powerful and quiet. But at the same time is very heavy and it’s not easy to move around.

The belt can accommodate even tall persons because it is very generous in size. More than this, the Strike Zone cushioning system does a great job being highly recommended for those with feet problems.

The Bowflex 5 series treadmills have the QuickIncline and QuickSpeed systems included. This means that you can set a new speed or incline with a single touch.

Remember also the12 workout programs that offer enough variety to the training program. We also noted the built in fan with 3 adjustable speeds which we like very much.

The Bowflex 5 Series treadmill is a strong machine designed for home users. It can be used by those who walk, jog but also by runners. Overall this is a qualitative treadmill that may be the solution to your training problems.

You can buy this treadmill:

At Amazon: Bowflex Series 5 Treadmill for 1200 $

Bowflex 3 Series Treadmill Specifications

1. Speed: 0 to 10 mph
The Bowflex 3 Series reaches a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour which is standard value for an economy treadmill and enough for a home user.

2. Inclination 0-12 %
The 3 Series model reaches a top incline of 12% and you can easily adjust it through the side buttons.

3. Motor
This Bowflex model is powered by a 1.75 HP CHP motor.

4. The Belt
The tread belt’s dimensions are: 20’’x 54’’. The belt comes with a Strike Zone cushioning system.

5. Warranty
The 3 Series have a 15 years warranty for frame, 10 years for motor, 2 years for parts & electronics and 1 year for labor.

Bowflex 3 Series Treadmill Dimensions:
Unfolded – 77″L x 35″W x 55.25″H
Folded – 39″L x 35W” x 60″H

Bowflex 3 Series Treadmill Special Features:

6 preset workouts
This Bowflex model comes with 6 built in workouts that cover cardio, fat burning, intervals and running trainings. There is also a manual workout included.

SoftDrop Technology
The 3 Series treadmill is easy to store and move because of the SoftDrop tech. This model folds up really nice and has built in wheels for portability.

Led Display
The console features a 4 window Led Display with a 10×21 Dot Matrix.

The treadmill can support a maximum user weight of 275 lbs.

The following are also included: Bottle/Cup Holders and Heart Rate Monitoring.

Conclusions:

The Bowflex 3 Series is part of a folding treadmills line created by the same company. There are the 3 Series, the 5 Series and the 7 Series. As you might have realized from its name this model is the low end version.

The assembling process for this model is very straightforward because parts are labeled and assembly pictures are really self explanatory. This is a heavy machine and it’s almost impossible to be moved by a one person only. Make sure you have someone to help you when the treadmill is delivered.

This machine is part of a success series and you will see this as soon as you start using it. Even if the motor is not a very powerful one it will easily do the job. The machine is a solid one and in spite of not having the spark of a Bowflex 7 Series it will win your heart very fast.

Overall the Bowflex 3 Series treadmill is a highly recommended machine for those who have only $1000 to spend. If you are a heavy trainer/runner and still want a Bowflex, you can look for the 5 or 7 Series.

First of all the Bowflex 7 Series Treadmill stands up as a very quiet machine compared to most treadmills, especially those usually found in Health Clubs. Secondly this machine comes with a wide belt that can easily accommodate tall persons backed by a powerful motor.

Being a very solid treadmill the Bowflex 7 is perfect for home training. Its control panel may not have a cool design and no entertainment features are included but who cares when you have a machine that can keep up even with serious runners.

Overall this is an impressive machine that offers high quality for the price paid.

Bowflex 7 Series Treadmill Specifications

1. Speed: 0 to 11 mph
The 7 Series models reaches a top speed of 11 mph adjustable via the quick speed keys.

2. Inclination 0-12 %
The Bowflex 7 Series has a maximum incline of 12% that can be easily adjusted via the quick incline buttons.

3. Motor
The 7 Series treadmills are equipped with a 3.0 CHP horsepower motor.

4. The Belt
The belt is 20 inches wide by 60 inches long and it comes with a Strike Zone deck cushioning system which provides soft landing and firm lift off.

5. Warranty
Bowflex offers a 15 years warranty for frame, 10 years for the motor, 2 years for parts and electronics and 1 year for labor.

Dimensions
Unfolded – 83″ Long x 35″ Wide x 55″ High
Folded – 40″ Long x 35″ Wide x 65″ High

Bowflex 7 Series Treadmill Special Features

The Bowflex 7 Series Treadmill can support a maximum user weight of 300 lbs.

15 built in workouts
The Bowflex 7 Series comes with 15 built in workouts including two user defined programs, two heart rate programs and a body mass index program.

Backlite Skylight LCD
This LCD computer display allows you to track workouts information provided by the heart rate monitoring system.

Compact design
This treadmill folds up nicely and has a compact size after this operation is done (41’’x 35’’ x 66’’).

The following functions and features are also included: Grip and telemetric heart rate monitors, Built-in three-speed fan and two bottle/cup holders.

Bowflex 7 Series Treadmill Bowflex 7 Series Treadmill

Conclusions:

This treadmill is easy to assemble and you need around 1 h to install it. The package includes all the tools required to assemble the machine by yourself.

The Bowflex 7 Series treadmill runs and feels like a solid and qualitative training machine. The belt runs smoothly, the motor is fairly quiet and you can easily adjust speed or inline/decline.

Everything feels solid on this machine from the moment you start working out.

What we don’t like is that action messages are present in a hard to read format. The message is scrolling horizontally but you can only read 2 letters at one time which is very difficult to do. Also we expected more power from the built in fan.

Another small problem is that the grip heart-rate monitor takes a very long time to provide data.

Overall the Bowflex 7 Series is a qualitative treadmill that will satisfy all home users. We highly recommend this machine and we think it’s the best buy for the $1500 price range.

You can buy this treadmill:

At Amazon: Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill for 1299 $

At Bowflex: Bowflex 7 Series Treadmill for 1499 $

At Sears: Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill for 1499 $