 The
Reebok C5.1e is part of Reebok's performance range of fitness equipment.
This range represents a significant step-up from the I-Series and even the
newly launched Z-Series.
Reebok's designers have ensured that the
C5.1e is a an attractive machine. The built quality is also pretty decent
with hefty 10kg flywheel and a other heavy duty components making the total
rotational mass equal over 20kg. Why does this matter? Simple: the striding
action is silky smooth!
We can confrim that the C5.1e is a very
comfortable and sturdy machine to use and its 16" stride length makes for a
natural striding action for pretty much all users under 6 feet in height.
The smoothness and natural feel of the stride is enhanced by the design of
the uprights for the arms as well as the use of premium components such as a
poly-v belt drive and double jointed ball bearings.
"User friendly"
is the expression that springs to mind over and over again with with the
C5.1e. This elliptical trainer has a wealth of features, yet manages to to
remain one of the simplest machines on the market to actually use.
With the quick start mode, you simply vary the resistance using the console
buttons. But we'd recommend setting up a user profile which allows you to
enter your gender, age, weight and height. Doing this will enable the
machine to factor in your charateristics when calculating that all important
calorie consumption figure!
The C5.1e is actually an ergometer, which
is a machine that is calibrated to measure the amount of effort being
expedited as part of the training. This is calculated using a combination of
the computer controlled resistance level and the striding speed and is
measured in Watts (just like a light bulb). To maximise the usefulness of
this functionality, the C5.1e has a constant WATT programme, making it
perfect for rehab use.
In addition to the constant WATT programme,
the Reebok C5.1 elliptical trainer has 8 more programmes. Whilst this
doesn't sound like much in comparison to other cross trainers, the
programmes available on the machine are in fact extremely good. This is due
to fact that each programme is effectively a programme 'type' rather that a
specific programme.
The first three programmes are target ones
(target time, target distance, target calories) where the session goal is
set as a number which counts down while you exercise. There is an internal
training programme, for which the difficulty level can be set between 1 and
7 in addition to the planned exercise duration. The same logic goes for a
fat burn programme as well as an endurance programme. In order to guarantee
that boredom can never set in with the C5.1e, there is a 'random' programme!
Finally, there is a target heart rate programme that enables a target
heart rate to be entered and using the optional wireless chest belt, the
machine measures your heart rate every 15 seconds and adjusts the intensity
in order to keep you at your target. One thing to note here is that this
programme actually adjusts the resistance automatically, rather than just
having a display to tell you to go faster or slower to remain within the
target heart rate zone. This is a feature very rarely seen on a product at
this sort of price point. We're great fans of heart rate control training as
this method of exercise is known to deliver effective, goal orientated
results.
You should be aware that many other brands would have ended
up claiming that a machine like the C5.1e has some 30+ programmes by
counting the difficulty level of each programme type as a separate
programme!
When you put this all together with the design and quality of this
Reebok elliptical you'd expect it to be priced well above the
£399 price for which the machine is currently
available.
Console / Display Unit
The console features a very large, back-lit LCD screen which is
provides an amazing level of feedback in a very intuitive fashion. In
particular, we liked the odometer style display for the striding speed and
the clear display of the current resistance level.
In terms of
feedback, the C5.1e console display is large enough to show all the
important exercise data such as heart rate, distance, calories consumed and
watts simultaneously. The clear layout of this information is a great help
to keep you motivated when you're getting tired: Just seeing how many calories you've burnt can be the difference that keeps you going right the way through
to the end of a programme!
The buttons on the console are similarly simple and intuitive with the
main buttons being a start, stop and two resistance adjustment buttons! In
addition, there is an 'enter' button which is used for confirming data being
entered into the console and a 'mode' button which is used to toggle the
display on different information on the console.
The Practical Info
You get a huge amount of high quality kit for
the money with the Reebok C5.1e cross trainer. The attention to detail
continues into the practical features as well. This includes leg levers to
ensure that the cross trainer is nice and stable on slightly uneven floors,
transport wheels so that the machine can be moved relatively easily and a
water bottle holder so that you can keep hydrated while burning those
calories!
Dimensions (cm):
Machine weight:
Max. user weight:
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L136 x W80 x H146
55kg
150 kg or 23 Stone
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Pros: The build quality, superb smooth action, large and clear display,
intuitive programmes
Cons: Lack of fan in the console
Our score : 9.5 (out of 10), an excellent elliptical that's been well thought out for usability and comfort even when you have limited space to work with for just
£399
Best Price:
Currently available for £399 with free UK delivery from Sweatband.com
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Also see our Elliptical Trainer Comparison Table.
Whilst every effort is made to give you accurate information we cannot guarantee the technical specification. Models change on a regular basis and may differ slightly from the above review. We recommend you contact the retailer if you have a question regarding technical data. Please read our Legal Disclaimer
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