A few answers for your frequently asked questionsOperating the ElliptiGO 8SGetting StartedHandling and PerformanceTransportingServicingOtherPurchasing and Warranty InformationHow Does it Compare to other exercises?Test RidesTechnical Specifications |
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Operating the Elliptigo 8S
Getting started
How easy is it to get on?
We’ve found that very few people are unable to ride the ElliptiGO 8S 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 8S 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 8S.
How long does it take to get comfortable on it?
We’ve found that most people get comfortable on the ElliptiGO 8S 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 8S.
Is it easy to ride in urban or high-traffic areas?
Riding an ElliptiGO 8S is very similar to riding a bicycle in high-traffic areas. The advantage that the ElliptiGO 8S 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 8S has 8 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 8S?
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 6'6"
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 8S 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 8S 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 the with every stride. In fact, climbing is probably the best thing an elliptical bike does. Because the ElliptiGO 8S has eight speeds, the rider can select a gear that enables him or her to climb hills comfortably. We typically include a steep hill climb in any ride we do. Climbing’s tough - but it’s a great workout. Click here to see a video of how well the ElliptiGO performs.
What is cruising speed and max speed?
Cruising speed on the 8S 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.
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 8S comes with a foldable steering column that reduces its height to 27”. 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 55" Roof Rack" by RockyMounts - Holds 1 ElliptiGO per tray (MSRP: $129.95)
- "Pitchfork 55" Roof Rack" by RockyMounts - Holds 1 ElliptiGO per tray (MSRP: $99.95)
- "Sportrider 2 Hitch Rack" by Hollywood Racks - Holds 2 ElliptiGOs (MSRP: $299.99
Will the ElliptiGO 8S fit in a standard bike rack?
The 8S will fit many standard roof and trailer hitch racks; however, it will not fit all of them. Here are some racks that work well with the ElliptiGO:
- "Gordo Trunk Rack" by Hollywood Racks - Holds 1 ElliptiGO (MSRP: $109.99)
- "Tierod 55" Roof Rack" by RockyMounts - Holds 1 ElliptiGO per tray (MSRP: $129.95)
- "Pitchfork 55" Roof Rack" by RockyMounts - Holds 1 ElliptiGO per tray (MSRP: $99.95)
- "Sportrider 2 Hitch Rack" by Hollywood Racks - Holds 2 ElliptiGOs (MSRP: $299.99
How much does the ElliptiGO 8S weigh?
The 8S weighs 40 lbs.
Other
Can I use my ElliptiGO with a stationary trainer?
Yes. The ElliptiGO 8S 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. We will be adding this "indoor training kit" (MSRP $394.99) to the Accessories section of our online store on September 10, 2010. To get a sense of what the 8S looks like when mounted on the indoor system, please see the photo below.
Can the ElliptiGO 8S 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 8S. We actually sell many of these accessories in our store. Click here to see the available accessories.
Purchasing and Warranty Information
How much does an ElliptiGO 8S cost?
The MSRP for the ElliptiGO 8S is $2,199 plus sales tax where required. For those customers who cannot pick up their 8S at our warehouse in San Diego or at one of our authorized dealers, there will be an additional charge for shipping.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes, we guarantee that the 8S 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 offer a 60-day money back guarantee. Any customer can return the 8S for any reason within the first 60 days after delivery and receive a full refund of their purchase price, inlcuding tax and initial shipping charges, if any. It is the customer's responsibiilty to return the 8S to our facility in Solana Beach, California. Click here to read about our return policy.
What colors/options are available?
The 8S is available in blue, green and black. See our product overview page for color samples.
How can I buy one?
Go to ORDER NOW at the top of the page or click here.
Comparing the ElliptiGO 8S 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 8S compare to other forms of exercise?
Compared to cycling
Compared to running
Compared to the elliptical trainer
Is the Elliptigo 8S similar to a recumbent bicycle?
No, the ElliptiGO 8S 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 8S 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.
Test Rides
How can I test an ElliptiGO 8S?
We offer a demo program as well as public test rides in a number of regions in the US and Canada. Please click here for an explanation of each program and to sign up.
Product Specific - Technical
How can I get the ElliptiGO 8S Serviced?
The 8S 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 8S weigh?
The 8S weighs 40 pounds.
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 8S has a longer stride length than typical indoor elliptical trainers. The 8S's stride length is adjustable and can extend out to 25” or down to 17”. 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 8S to provide the least amount of distance we could between the foot platforms, so the distance between the centerline of each drive arm on the 8S 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 8S 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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