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A few answers for your
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Operating the ElliptiGO
Getting started
How easy is it to get on?
We've found that very few people are unable to ride the ElliptiGO the
first time they get on it. Like anything new and different, it takes some
getting used to, but it's easy to ride and more stable than it looks.
Click here
to hear what customers like you think about riding the ElliptiGO.
How easy is it to balance?
Weve found that the ElliptiGO requires about the same amount of balance
as is required when riding a bicycle or scooter.
Click here
to watch a video of customers talking about what it's like to ride the
ElliptiGO.
How long does it take to get comfortable on it?
Weve found that most people get comfortable on the ElliptiGO within 5
minutes of riding it and many within 30 seconds.
Click here
to watch a video of customers talking about what it's like to ride the
ElliptiGO.
Is it easy to ride in urban or high-traffic areas?
Riding an ElliptiGO is similar to riding a bicycle in high-traffic areas.
The advantage that the ElliptiGO has over a traditional bicycle is that
the rider has an elevated line of sight and his whole body is visible,
making him easier to see for pedestrians, drivers and other cyclists.
How does the braking system work?
The braking system consists of hand levers that actuate rim brakes on
the front and rear wheels. These operate similar to standard brakes on
a mountain bike.
How many speeds are there?
The 11R model has eleven speeds, the 8C model has 8 speeds, and the 3C
model has 3 speeds, all contained in the rear hub. The rider can change
gears by using a trigger shifter located on the handlebars. The ElliptiGO
does not need to be in motion to change gears.
What type of footwear is recommended when riding the ElliptiGO?
The ElliptiGO can be ridden using almost any closed-toed shoe that does
not have a high-heel. We recommend running shoes for workout rides, mostly
because they are comfortable and tend to breathe well.
Can multiple people use the same ElliptiGO?
One of the nice features that the ElliptiGO retains from the indoor elliptical
trainer is that people of different sizes can use the same machine with
little or no adjustment. Unlike bicycles, where the seat and frame have
to be set differently for riders of different body configurations, most
people will be able to ride the ElliptiGO comfortably for a test ride without
any adjustment at all. For longer rides, the ElliptiGO can be quickly adjusted
to provide an optimal experience for the rider. The height of the handlebars
and their distance away from the rider can be adjusted, as can the stride
length and foot position. However, the frame itself remains the same, enabling
riders of drastically different sizes to share the same ElliptiGO.
Maximum Weight: 250 lbs.
Suitable Height Range: 5'0" to 6'8"
Whats the best way to adjust it to fit me?
Probably the best way to adjust it for a particular person is to get the
person on the ElliptiGO and look at his/her posture. If they are too hunched
over, raise the handlebars. If they are reaching too far forward, rotate
the handlebars back. If the stride length is too long, shorten it. What
youll find is that there is a wide range of potentially comfortable configurations
for any one rider and finding the optimal riding configuration can be done
pretty quickly.
Using the Kickstand
The ElliptiGO is equipped with a very stable, double-leg kickstand. Although
it may be tempting, it is important that you do not stand on the ElliptiGO
while it is on the kickstand. The kickstand is not designed to support
the weight of a rider. Standing on the ElliptiGO with the kickstand down
can damage both the frame and kickstand, thus voiding your warranty.
The ElliptiGO is equipped with a very stable, double-leg kickstand. Although it may be tempting, it is important that you do not stand on the ElliptiGO while it is on the kickstand. The kickstand is not designed to support the weight of a rider. Standing on the ElliptiGO with the kickstand down can damage both the frame and kickstand, thus voiding your warranty.
Handling and performance
How does it do climbing hills?
The ElliptiGO is a great climbing machine, mostly because the whole system is designed for the rider to use his/her weight to power every stride. In fact, climbing is probably the best thing an ElliptiGO does. Because the ElliptiGO 11R has eleven speeds and the 8C has eight speeds, the rider can select from several gears on these models that will enable him or her to climb steep hills comfortably. We typically include a steep hill climb in any ride we do because its a great workout. The 3C model is designed to handle flats and climbs ranging about 5% in grade. The 3C can handle rolling hills, sloping climbs and freeway overpasses with ease, but if you live in a hilly area with some steep inclines, the 8C or 11R may be a better option. Click here to see a video of how well the ElliptiGO performs.
What is cruising speed and max speed?
Cruising speed on the ElliptiGO is about 15 miles per hour. On a flat road, a strong rider can comfortably reach 20 miles per hour and a really strong rider can exceed 25mph. The ElliptiGO rider has a higher drag coefficient (or higher air resistance) than a cyclist on a traditional bicycle. This becomes advantageous during descents where the elliptical rider will rarely break 30mph, facilitating speed control during descents. It also enables an ElliptGO rider to get their workout done in less time than it takes a cyclist.
How easy are turning and braking?
Turning and braking while riding the ElliptiGO are very similar to turning
and braking while riding a scooter or traditional bicycle.
Transporting the ElliptiGO
How do you transport it?
The ElliptiGO 11R comes with a foldable steering column that reduces its
height to 27. The 8C and 3C models have a telescoping steering column that
can be removed completely to reduce its height to 27" for storage and transport.
As a result it can fit standing up in the back of most SUVs and station
wagons and some hatchbacks. This feature allows two or three ElliptiGOs
to be transported side by side in these vehicles. The ElliptiGO will also
fit on several commercially available racks and mounts, including:
-
"Gordo Trunk Rack" by Hollywood Racks - Holds 1 ElliptiGO (MSRP: $119.99)
-
"Tierod Stretch Roof Rack" by RockyMounts - Holds 1 ElliptiGO per tray (MSRP: $139.95)
-
"Pitchfork Stretch Roof Rack" by RockyMounts - Holds 1 ElliptiGO per tray (MSRP: $109.95)
-
"Recumbent Sport Rider 2 Hitch Rack" with ElliptiGO modifications by Hollywood Racks - Holds 2 ElliptiGOs The only way to get this rack with the proper set-up is to purchase it directly through our online store. (MSRP: $299.99)
Will the ElliptiGO fit in a standard bike rack?
The ElliptiGO will fit many standard roof and trailer hitch racks; however,
it will not fit all of them. Here are some racks that have been tested
and found to work well with the ElliptiGO:
-
"Gordo Trunk Rack" by Hollywood Racks - Holds 1 ElliptiGO (MSRP: $109.99)
-
"Tierod Stretch Roof Rack" by RockyMounts - Holds 1 ElliptiGO per tray (MSRP: $139.95)
-
"Pitchfork Stretch Roof Rack" by RockyMounts - Holds 1 ElliptiGO per tray (MSRP: $109.95)
-
"Recumbent Sport Rider 2 Hitch Rack" with ElliptiGO modifications by Hollywood Racks - Holds 2 ElliptiGOs The only way to get this rack with the proper set-up is to purchase it directly through our online store. (MSRP: $299.99)
How much does the ElliptiGO weigh?
The 11R weighs 39.4 lbs. (17.9 kg.)
The 8C weighs 44 lbs. (20 kg.)
The 3C weighs 42 lbs. (19.1 kg.)
Other
Can I use my ElliptiGO with a stationary trainer?
Yes. The ElliptiGO works with a CycleOps indoor training system that includes
a riser for the front wheel and an adapter to fit the 20-inch rear wheel.
The "indoor training kit" (MSRP $394.99) is available for sale in the Accessories
section of our online store. To get a sense of how the ElliptiGO performs
when mounted on the stationary trainer,
click here.
Can the ElliptiGO be used with standard bicycle accessories?
Yes, the ElliptiGO is compatible with many industry-standard components
for bicycles, making it possible for you to attach water bottle holders,
locks, and many other accessories to your ElliptiGO. We actually sell many
of these accessories in our store.
Click here
to see the available accessories.
How do I inflate my tires?
The ElliptiGO comes equipped with tubes that have a long, skinny valve
called Presta. These valves are commonly found on high pressured inner
tubes and feature an outer valve stem and an inner valve body. A small
screw and captive nut on the top of the valve body permits the valve to
be screwed shut and ensure that it remains tightly closed. In other words,
in order to inflate your tires, you will first have to unscrew the captive
nut. Then, place your pump head over the valve to begin inflating. Please
note that older bicycle pumps only have the Schrader valve head (such as
the type found on you car) so you will need a Presta Valve Adaptor.
We recommend 85-90PSI on all our ElliptiGO models for tire pressure. The Kendra West Tires on the ElliptiGO are rated for 100PSI, however, we have found that 85PSI works the best and will wear less.
Purchasing and Warranty Information
How much does an ElliptiGO cost?
The MSRP for the ElliptiGO 11R in 2012 is $3,499 plus sales tax, where
required. The MSRP for the ElliptiGO 8C in 2012 is $2,499 plus sales tax,
where required. The ElliptiGO 3C retails for $1,799 plus sales tax, where
required. For those customers who cannot pick up their ElliptiGO at our
warehouse in San Diego or at one of our authorized dealers, there will
be an additional charge for shipping.
What colors/options are available?
The ElliptiGO 11R is available in matte black with white striping. The
ElliptiGO 8C and 3C models are available in orange, green, and black.
How can I buy one?
Go to ORDER NOW at the top of the page or click
here
.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes, we guarantee that the ElliptiGO will be free from manufacturer defects
for one year from the date of purchase.
What is the return policy?
We guarantee that you will love your ElliptiGO. If you purchased your
ElliptiGO directly from ElliptiGO you can return it for any reason within
30 days of purchase for a full refund, less return shipping charges, if
any. Any item that is damaged or is missing parts for reasons not due to
our error may receive a partial refund, which would be communicated upon
receipt of the return. If you are thinking of returning the ElliptiGO for
any reason, please keep the box and all original packing materials for
the return shipment. Just contact us at
service@elliptigo.com
to arrange the return and we will send you more details.
If you purchased from an authorized dealer, that dealer's Return Policy will apply instead.
Comparing the ElliptiGO to other devices
Are there other fitness devices out there like it?
We've never seen any. There are several different outdoor exercise vehicles
that are propelled by different methods, but we've never seen any two-wheeled
cycles designed to replicate outdoor running without the impact. There's
a three-wheeled elliptical tricycle on the market, but again, it's quite
different from the ElliptiGO.
How does the ElliptiGO compare to other forms of exercise?
EPARC at the University of San Diego conducted a metabolic study to determine
how riding the ElliptiGO compares to running and traditional cycling. They
determined that riding the ElliptiGO requires, on average, 33% more effort
than riding a conventional bike at the same speed. Riding the ElliptiGO
at 16.5mph was equivalent in effort to running 8 min./mile and riding at
18mph was equivalent to running 7 min./mile.
Read the study
and try out our
online calorie calculator
to compare all 3 modes of exercise.
Is the ElliptiGO similar to a recumbent bicycle?
No, the ElliptiGO is actually very different from a recumbent bicycle.
In fact, its sort of the opposite. Recumbent bikes usually have a pretty
big seat with a back rest; the ElliptiGO has no seat at all. The recumbent
rider usually pedals a recumbent bike with his legs parallel to the ground;
the ElliptiGO rider's legs are perpendicular to the ground. Standing up
and pedaling most recumbents seems out of the question, while elliptical
cycles are designed so that the rider is standing the whole time. The recumbent
riders visibility is usually limited because the recumbent rider is usually
lower to the ground, making it harder to see him and harder for him to
see around obstacles like cars, bushes, walls, etc. In contrast, the elliptical
rider's visibility is unusually good because his line of sight is elevated
and his whole body is visible, making him easier to spot for drivers, pedestrians,
and other cyclists. His high riding position enables him to see over cars,
trucks, and SUVs, reducing the likelihood that he will have his vision
blocked by obstacles. Finally, the recumbent rider pushes pedals in a circle
to propel his bike while the elliptical cyclist takes strides that are
similar to walking or running to propel an elliptical cycle.
Test Rides
How can I test an ElliptiGO?
We offer test rides through our retailers located across the U.S. Please
click here
to sign up.
Technical Specifications
How can I get the ElliptiGO Serviced?
The ElliptiGO uses industry-standard components that can be repaired or
serviced by a technician who is trained to service bicycles. The custom
parts are the frame, steering column, drive arms, and adjustable crank
assembly, which can also be repaired or replaced by a trained bicycle technician.
You can see a list of components on our
Specifications Page
. Depending on your region, there may be a designated service location
or we will work with you to find a resource in your area who is willing
to service or repair your ElliptiGO. Contact us first with any service
issue so we can work with you to get it resolved as quickly as possible.
You can reach our service department at service@elliptigo.com or by calling
(858) 876-8677.
How much does the ElliptiGO weigh?
The 11R weighs 39.4 lbs. (17.9 kg.)
The 8C weighs 44 lbs. (20 kg.)
The 3C weighs 42 lbs. (19.1 kg.)
Stride length
The stride length is the linear distance a point on a riders foot travels
during the power stroke of the pedaling motion. The ElliptiGO has a longer
stride length than typical indoor elliptical trainers. The ElliptiGO's
stride length is adjustable and can extend out to 25 or down to 16. Most
indoor ellipticals have a fixed stride length of around 19". We have found
that the longer stride length makes the riding experience feel more like
running.
Width of rider stance
One of the things we noticed when using an elliptical machine was that
the drive arms seemed to be spaced further apart than our feet would be
when running. We measured several elliptical trainers and they had widths
of up to 11" between the centerline of the drive arms. We designed the
ElliptiGO to provide the least amount of distance we could between the
foot platforms, so the distance between the centerline of each drive arm
is about 9-inches and the space between the inside edges of each foot platform
is about 3.5-inches. We believe this narrower design contributes to the
running-like experience.
Patent protection
The ElliptiGO and the Elliptidrive propulsion system are covered by U.S.
Patent No. 6,663,127, Taiwan Patent No. 564,233 and several other patents
pending in the U.S. and internationally.
