The Schwinn 470 is the top-tier elliptical in the brand’s lineup. Our team has done a few workouts on the 470, evaluating its durability, programming options, and overall performance. In our Schwinn 470 Elliptical review, we’ll dissect whether or not this machine is worth its just-over $1,000 price tag.
Expert Product Testers Who Know Ellipticals
Our team of experts at Garage Gym Reviews has tested dozens of ellipticals to help you find the best elliptical machine for your home gym. Our team of personal trainers, CrossFit L-1 trainers and fitness enthusiasts have all your elliptical questions covered.
RELATED: Elliptical Buying Guide
Schwinn 470 Elliptical
Schwinn 470 Elliptical
Product Highlights
- Elliptical trainer
- Easy-to-use console
- Features a media shelf
- 25 levels of resistance
- 10 levels of incline
- 20-inch stride length
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
A Quick Look at the Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine
You may know Schwinn Fitness as a bicycle brand, but they have been building indoor cardio equipment since 1965. Currently, they sell three elliptical machines: the 470, the 430, and the 411.
The 470 is the most expensive and best elliptical machine in the lineup, touting all the features of the 430 and 411 plus some upgrades; most notably the motorized adjustable incline. Each of these elliptical trainers has a high-speed weighted flywheel, a large number of pre-programmed workouts, grip contact heart rate monitoring, and various levels of resistance. The 470 comes with a luxurious 20-inch stride length, magnetic resistance, DualTrack LCD screens, and, like you’ll see on many ellipticals, a large footprint.
What differentiates the 470 from others in the Schwinn lineup (and other ellipticals around this price point) is that it has 25 levels of resistance, 10 degrees of motorized incline, four user profiles, almost 30 preset workout programs, and blue backlit LCD screens. The 470 is also compatible with the Explore the World app.
Pros:
- 25 magnetic resistance levels
- 29 preset workouts
- 20” stride length
- Front transport wheels
- 100% satisfaction guarantee with 6-week return period
- Motorized 10-degree incline ability
Cons:
- Large footprint
- Needs two people for assembly
- Limited Bluetooth connectivity
- Schwinn recommends you unplug device between uses
- $199 shipping fee
- 300-lbs user weight capacity is slightly lower than many similarly priced competitors
Is the Schwinn 470 Elliptical Worth It?
The Schwinn 470 is priced at around $1,100 dollars on the Schwinn website, but you’ll have to pay an additional $199 for shipping. The elliptical is also available to purchase with financing; paying $62 per month over the course of 18 months. You can also check for any Schwinn coupon codes to see how else to save on this bike.
When you look at the best ellipticals under $1,000, you’ll start seeing some sacrifices. Priced just over that threshold, we’re happy to say that Schwinn doesn’t forgo much of what we like to find on these machines. But is it worth the price? Let’s take a closer look at the Schwinn 470 elliptical trainer to see who it’s good for:
Great for:
- People looking for adjustable resistance and incline
- Taller people who need an elliptical with longer stride length
- Users looking for a quiet machine
Not recommended for:
- People with a smaller home gym space
- Users looking for advanced technology and interactive workout programs
- People searching for a device with a screen
Schwinn 470 Elliptical Specs
| Footprint | 70.1″ (L) x 28.2″ (W) x 63.2″ (H) |
| Weight | 164 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Resistance Levels | 25 levels of magnetic current resistance |
| Incline Levels | 0-10 degrees of motorized in-work out adjustable incline |
| Flywheel | High speed, high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel |
| Preset Workouts | 29: Heart rate control, Custom, Fitness test, Quick Start, Recovery Test, Profile |
| Screens | 2 DualTrack blue blacklit LCD screens |
| User Profiles | 4 |
| Pedal Length | “Large” size not specified |
| Minimum Ceiling Height Clearance | Tallest user height + 26” |
| Stride Length | 20” with Precision Path foot motion technology |
| Transport Wheels | Yes, front-mounted |
| Bluetooth-Enabled | Yes, only for exporting workout data to apps NOT for playing audio or connecting to heart rate chest strap |
| Built-in Fans | 3-Speed fan |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Uncoded heart rate strap from Polar Electro or uncoded POLAR compatible model NOT Bluetooth enable device |
| Warranty | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year electronics, 90-day labor |
| Return Policy | 6 weeks return period if you are not 100% satisfied. You need to call customer service at (800) 605-3369 for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Refund is less all shipping and handling. |
Our Take on Working Out With the Schwinn 470 Elliptical
Our testing team found the elliptical to provide a smooth and quiet elliptical workout. With fixed and moving handlebars, the 470 provides a full-body workout. Plus, we love that Schwinn put motorized incline on this model (the other two in the lineup have manual incline, which means you have to get off the machine to adjust it).
RELATED: Elliptical Workouts for Beginners
However, we did find there to be some side to side movement on the moving handles when working out. While this is far from a dealbreaker, it may be worth noting for people who have significant balance issues.
We also found the baseline level of resistance to be stronger than many competitors. Typically, the lowest level of resistance on a machine is relatively easy. The 470 has 25 levels of resistance, so we were surprised that the very first level wasn’t as effortless as we expected.
It’s also worth noting that the 470 comes with 29 preset workouts. That’s a lot, as far as built-in workouts go. Exercise equipment that syncs with apps like Peloton or iFIT unlock thousands of workouts, but the machines themselves typically only have about a dozen or so options, at best.
Also, you can use Schwinn’s “Explore the World” app with the 470. Our testers were easily able to install the app on their own smart devices and sync it with the machine, though they aren’t sure that’s really the selling point to this home elliptical.
RELATED: Elliptical Workouts for Weight Loss
Footprint, Portability, and Durability
The 470 has a large footprint at almost 6 feet long and more than 2 feet wide. It features front-mounted transport wheels to help move the elliptical around, but ideally you’d have a dedicated space in your home gym for this machine. It is fairly large and at 164 pounds, it’s heavy to be regularly moving it around the room.
There are some customer reviews noting that the elliptical was not durable. They had to make multiple calls to customer service for maintenance for a variety of issues including pedals coming loose or breaking, handles breaking, and the machine pausing mid-workout.
The Ergonomics
The 470 has a 20-inch stride with what Schwinn calls Precision Path foot motion technology, which the brand states simulates your natural running motion. There are also large cushioned footplates for increased comfort.
Schwinn claims that the moving handlebars are ergonomically placed; however, some shorter users found the handlebars difficult to use in online reviews. The elliptical also has a three-speed fan and oversized water bottle holder for comfort while working out.
Technology
Most Bowflex, Schwinn, and Nautilus cardio machines have the ability to use the Explore the World App, and our testers found it easy to sync with the app during testing. Explore the World allows you to virtually travel the globe for exercise classes. There are three free courses available and more available via a subscription.
We don’t think this app is strong enough to be a selling point for the elliptical, the way that iFIT is on ProForm and NordicTrack ellipticals. Customers were also disappointed in the Explore the World app, noting it had trouble exporting workout data to partner apps and had limited workout options.
This machine has limited Bluetooth capabilities but can export workout data to a variety of fitness apps such as MyFitnessPal, Google Fit and Apple Health. The machine also has a USB charging port to keep your device charged while you work out.
For machines in this price range, we aren’t surprised that there is no fancy touchscreen like you’ll find on high-end ellipticals. The LCD screens on the 470 have blue backlighting to make it easier to see the metrics, which is an upgrade from the 430 model.
Additionally, our testers noted that the speakers on this device are small and tinny. They have very little bass as they are small tweeters.
Customer Reviews
On Schwinn’s website, the 470 gets 4.6 out of 5 stars from 51 reviews.
Many users loved that the elliptical felt sturdy and was easy to set up and use. Unlike our product testers who found the handles to shake, customer reviews noted that the elliptical did not shake at all during use.
There were mixed reviews on the noise level of the elliptical. Many people noted that the machine was extremely quiet. However, some people experienced a squeaky noise when in use, resulting from the wheels traveling over the rails. This was often resolved with silicone lubricant (which is basic cardio machine maintenance, anyway).
People who disliked the elliptical found the distance tracking to be inaccurate. They also found the lowest level of resistance to be surprisingly difficult. Users were also frustrated that the Bluetooth was just for connecting to workout apps and not for music playback. They also found the fan to be weak.
Brand Policies
The warranties on the Schwinn 470 are: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year electronics, and 90-day labor.
Schwinn has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not 100% satisfied with your product, contact customer service within six weeks of delivery in order to receive a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. You will be refunded your money less the shipping and handling. In order to get your refund, the elliptical will have to be in the original condition and be postmarked within two weeks of receiving your RMA number.
Ordering and Assembling the Schwinn 470 Elliptical
As our testers found, you definitely want to have two people assemble this machine. The elliptical is fairly large and heavy to lift by yourself. We found that with two people, the process is smooth. Also, the directions are straightforward and easy to follow.
It is not impossible to assemble the elliptical alone; there are few reviewers who assembled the machine solo. They did have to open the box and move the elliptical piece by piece to where they would assemble and use the elliptical.
Unfortunately, multiple reviewers did find they were missing pieces, such as screws and washers, while assembling their elliptical. They were able to get Schwinn to deliver the missing pieces to them.
Final Verdict of Our Schwinn 470 Elliptical Review
The Schwinn 470 elliptical has a lot of great features: 25 levels of resistance, motorized incline adjustments, backlit LCD displays and it provides a quiet smooth ride. At just over $1,000, this is a fairly priced machine.
If you’re willing to sacrifice a little to save some cash, you can find more budget elliptical options. And if you’re willing to spend just a little more, you can find ellipticals with touchscreens and interactive programming. But if you’re satisfied with fitness equipment that is right in the middle, then this could be a good option.
Schwinn 470 Elliptical Rating
Schwinn 470 Elliptical
In our Schwinn 470 Elliptical review, we take a look at the brand’s top-of-the-line machine.
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 1099
Product In-Stock: InStock
2.9
Schwinn 470 Elliptical Review FAQs
Is the Schwinn 470 a good elliptical?
The Schwinn 470 is a solid elliptical with many great features: 25 levels of resistance, motorized incline, backlit LCD displays. However, similar ellipticals can be found at lower prices.
How heavy is the Schwinn 470 Elliptical?
The Schwinn 470 weighs 164 pounds when assembled.
Does Schwinn make good ellipticals?
Schwinn aims to make solid, affordable indoor cardio equipment.
