A few answers for your frequently asked questions  Operating the ElliptiGO Getting Started Handling and Performance Transporting Servicing Other Purchasing and Warranty Information How Does it Compare to other exercises? Test Rides Technical Specifications Service and Maintenance

 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?
We’ve 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?
We’ve 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 very similar to riding a bicycle in high-traffic areas.  The advantage that the ElliptiGO has over a tradititional 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 very 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 bike 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 bike?
One of the nice features that the elliptical bike 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 bike.

Maximum Weight: 250 lbs.
Suitable Height Range: 5'0" to 6'8"

What’s 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 posture.  If he is too hunched over, raise the handlebars.  If he is reaching too far forward, rotate the handlebars back.  If the stride length is too long, shorten it. What you’ll 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.

Click below to see a video of how to adjust the ElliptiGO for your first ride.
Adjusting the handlebars
Changing the stride length

 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 be "out of the saddle" and use his weight to power every stride.  In fact, climbing is probably the best thing an elliptical bike 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 it’s 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 very steep, hilly area, 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 rider on a traditional bicycle.  This becomes advantageous during descents where the elliptical cyclist 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 traditional bicycle.

 Transporting

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: $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 the 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 the 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 bike accessories?
Yes, the ElliptiGO has been created with many industry standard components for bicycles, making it possible for you to attach water bottle holders, bike locks, a bike computer 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?
Our bike 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 bicycle 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. 

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 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.  A limited number of pink 3C and 8C models are also available with 5% of the MSRP of these pink bikes going to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  

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. Click here to read the product warranty.

What is the return policy?

We guarantee that you will love your ElliptiGO bike. 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.  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.

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 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?
Compared to cycling
Compared to running
Compared to the elliptical trainer

Is the Elliptigo similar to a recumbent bicycle?
No, the ElliptiGO is actually very different from a recumbent bicycle.  In fact, it’s 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 bikes are designed so that the rider is standing the whole time.  The recumbent rider’s 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 cyclist'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.

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 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.

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Technical Specifications

How can I get the ElliptiGO Serviced?

The ElliptiGO uses industry-standard bicycle components that can be repaired or serviced by a technician who is trained to service bicycles.  The only 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 rider’s 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.

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