Bowflex TreadClimber TC5500
Overview
UPDATE: This model was discontinued by Bowflex in 2011. Check out the latest Bowflex TreadCimber reviews here.
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We searched for a few weeks a way to test a Bowflex TreadClimber TC5500 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 luck was to have the opportunity to test the highest priced version, the Bowflex TC5500. This machine costs around $3,300, not a price many can afford.
What does a $3,300 training machine offer?
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Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Speed | The machine can go as fast as 4.5 miles. |
| Treadmill Incline | 0% |
| Motor | 0.5 CHP |
| Supported user weight | 0-300 lbs (0-136 kg) |
| 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 |
| 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. |
Features
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 level info
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
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)!
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.
Custom Workout with total 9 Landmarks
To use the custom workout, you must first create your custom user with your name, birthday and weight.
Once you have the user created, you set your weekly goals. Goals are set for each individual depending on your training level. On the way, as you improve yourself you can edit your goals and increase the values.
You can set:
* Time Goals (minimum 45 minutes/week)
* Distance Goals (minimum 1.5 miles/week)
* Calorie Goals (minimum 200 calories/week)
The fun is that when you achieve your goal, you earn trophies which get you to the next landmark.
So, once you set your goals enter in your profile and choose the option: Workout (which actually means Custom Workouts). These will be your options:
– 9 TC Challenge landmark workouts
– Time workout
– Distance workout
– Calorie Count workout
– Custom workout
– Heart Rate workout
At the end of each workout you can compare your results to your goals.
You receive trophies when you exceed your goals. Trophies earned will unlock new landmarks (3 are free but 6 other must be earned and unlocked).
Configuration mode
These are the options included in this feature:
* Units (Metric or English Imperial)
* Control the brightness level of the console
* Set the Time (Hour and Minutes)
* Set the date
To access and edit the above info just choose the TC5500 Setup option from the Welcome screen, when you start the machine.
Remote Heart Monitor (Heart Rate Chest Transmitter included)
The Console displays your Heart Rate in Beats Per Minute (BPM).
Some tips for how to use the chest transmitter:
– Moisten the two Grooved Electrode Areas on the back before starting to use the chest transmitter
– Don’t forget to remove the transmitter before you clean the chest strap.
Workout Setting Cylinders
Bowflex TreadClimber uses Hydraulic Resistance Cylinders to absorb the pressure of your steps and to reduce joint pains. 12 is the most intense level, 1 is the less intense. Both Cylinders must have the same value.
Conclusions
The Bowflex TreadClimber TC5500 is a complex machine. The assembly process is difficult so from the start we recommend you to choose In-Home Assembly services.
We admit we were taken by surprise by the high price of this machine, $3,300!! This is the value you usually pay for Gym Equipment.
After testing it, we honestly don’t understand why it costs so much. You can use it as a treadmill (but at a very limited level as the speed is too small to compare it to a real treadmill).
The stair climber and elliptical modes are the most efficient as you definitely use more muscles during your workouts.
In the end, Bowflex TC5500 comes in front with the G.O. console which is pretty interesting, but not that interesting. To explain: the GO console allows setting individual weekly time, distance and calorie goals. If you reach your goals set during your workouts, you receive trophies. Trophies enable new Landmarks when you play with the TC Challenges.
This is a feature designed to reduce the boredom feeling same workout routine induces. The idea rocks, but the price you have to pay for it not that much.
The good thing is that you have the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If you buy the machine and you decide it’s not what you have been looking for, you can ask Bowflex to return you the money. Sure, there are a few conditions and we don’t know how the process goes, but we certainly like the option.
As a final note we want to add there is a striking resemblance in features and functions with Mobia Nautilus.
when u do a comparison between the mobia and treadclimber can u tell us which treadclimber model most resemb les the mobia (the 3000? the 5000?) Do u know the main difference between the treadclimber 5000 and 5500? I heard the mobia has shorter treadles than the treadclimber… do these machines really work your leg muscles like a stair stepper does?
@Ryan – The comparison will be between Mobia and Treadclimber 5500 as for now it’s the only Bowflex machine we could test. These machines work the legs pretty hard. The secret is to choose the appropriate resistance cylinders intensity to match your body weight and training level.
Wondering if the workout is any different between the treadclimber and the incline trainer. Especially with respect to the “core” training so emphasized by the treadclimber materials.
@Alexa, there are several differences between workouts on a treadclimber and the incline trainer. I’ll mention just those which for me are the most important. On the Bowflex Treadclimber 5500 version you have ‘climbing’ exercises and treadmill exercises (but in the limit of 4mph). This means you workout at a slow pace. On the Incline Trainer you can do same exercises, but you can also run at high speed. Not to mention the price difference which is very large for the features each manufacturer sells. Read the comparison review (/nordictrack-treadmills/mobia-vs-treadclimber-vs-incline-trainer/). You’ll find useful details there as well.
Im wondering what parts of the body this machine works. Obviously the legs yes, but what else? And how is it an eliptical, treadmill, and treadclimber in one?
@ ashley – The treadclimbers work the legs, the buttocks, the abs and the back muscles. The treadles are the trick. The treadmill works only at 0% incline if you unify the treadles. The treadclimber is similar to when you climb the stairs: you go up and you move forward at the same time. The motor keeps the treadles belt moving while you exercise. The elliptical move is standard. The treadclimber mode is what makes this model interesting. We hope this info helps!