This is our review of the Best Elliptical with Adjustable Stride in .
The stride length of an elliptical is perhaps the most important factor to consider when you buy an elliptical. This is because an optimum stride length provides you with a comfortable and pain-free workout experience.
But what if you live with multiple family members gifted with different heights, looking to use the same elliptical? How would you fit multiple needs using the same machine? The answer – an elliptical with adjustable stride.
There are multiple ellipticals in the market claiming to have an adjustable stride. But most of them don’t. Many ellipticals consider providing an adjustable incline as an adjustable stride length. The truth is, while the stride length may change by a small margin, it still cannot be adapted by users of different heights.
We recommend you read this entire article to know the best ellipticals with truly adjustable stride lengths.
Our research found the Body Solid Endurance E400 to be the best elliptical with adjustable stride. With an impressive stride length ranging between 17 and 21 inches, it also offers over 20 levels of resistance for intensive and challenging workouts. Moreover, it has a smaller footprint vis-a-vis other ellipticals, enabling it to fit in smaller spaces and not take up much room.
Here’s a quick look at other impressive adjustable stride length ellipticals you can choose from.
| Best Elliptical with Adjustable Stride (Overall) | Body Solid Endurance E400 Elliptical |
| Best Elliptical with Adjustable Stride (Recumbent) | Spirit CRS800S Recumbent Stepper |
| Best Elliptical with Adjustable Stride (Weight capacity) | Sole Fitness E95S Elliptical |
| Best Elliptical with Adjustable Stride (Connected) | Diamondback Fitness 1280ef Elliptical |
| Best Elliptical with Adjustable Stride (Budget) | Diamondback Fitness 1060ef Elliptical |
We have also covered a detailed buying guide towards the end of this article. So, do check that out.
5 Best Ellipticals with Adjustable Stride Reviewed
Each of our recommended ellipticals is capable of meeting your fitness goals. However, we strongly advise you to consult a qualified physician, especially if you have any specific medical condition/s.
Body Solid Endurance E400 Elliptical – Best Elliptical with Adjustable Stride (Overall)
Stride length: 17 to 21 inches
User weight capacity: 300 lbs
Resistance: 20 levels
Warranty: Lifetime for frame, 5 years on parts, 2 years in electronics, 1 year for labor, and 6 months for wear items
The Body Solid Endurance E400 is the best elliptical with adjustable stride because it offers an adjustable stride length of 17 to 21 inches that can fit users of different heights ranging from about 5’4” to 6’2”.
The elliptical has a center drive design, which provides a compact and stable platform for the workout, making it ideal for home gyms and apartments. It can also withstand a maximum weight of 300 lbs, thus accommodating users of different sizes.
With around 20 levels of resistance, you can challenge your muscles by adjusting its intensity. Despite the resistance levels, the elliptical is quite smooth and silent in operation.
With intense workouts, you may want to keep a tab on your heart rate. The elliptical allows you to measure your heart rate using a heart rate control chest strap and/or sensor handlebars.
The console, in addition to the pulse rate, helps you track all your workout statistics like time, speed, distance, calories, etc.
The elliptical provides various workout modes, including 5 heart rate control (HRC) programs, 6 preset programs, 1 manual, and 2 user profiles. The best part about the HRC program is that it is an intuitive feature that automatically adjusts the elliptical’s resistance to help maintain a steady heart rate.
The other features of this elliptical include a bottle holder, cushioned pedals, and transportation wheels.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| Space-saving design | Heavy machine |
| 20 levels of resistance | |
| Heart rate chest strap and handlebars | |
| Good warranty |
Summary of customer reviews
Customers find Endurance E400 suitable for apartments and condos with limited space, as it has a small footprint. The machine is quite sturdy and offers a quiet and smooth workout. However, some customers faced issues with the stride locks as they started to loosen up while working out.
Spirit CRS800S Recumbent Stepper – Best Recumbent Elliptical with Adjustable Stride
Stride length: 1 to 12.5 inch linear step range
User weight capacity: 450 lbs
Resistance: 20 levels
Warranty: (Residential) Lifetime for frame, 10 years for brake and parts, and 2 years for labor
If a recumbent-styled elliptical is more up your comfort zone, the Spirit CRS800S would be an ideal fit. With a self-adjusting linear step range of 1 to 12.5 inches, the machine is among the best adjustable stride ellipticals in its category.
People generally go in for recumbent ellipticals if they grapple with a back or joint problem. This elliptical scores here as well. With the facility to adjust the seat and handlebars, workouts become more comfortable and joint-friendly.
The handlebars are large, soft-textured and ergonomically designed to give you a firm grip while training. The lower handlebars also have contact hand pulse sensors to ensure you work out within safe limits.
It is also effortless and convenient to get on and off the machine thanks to the step-through design and 360-degree swivel seat, making it a great choice especially for older people.
Oversized pedals with dual straps ensure secure and firm foot positioning, preventing slippage and injuries.
All your meaningful workout stats are displayed on the LED console, which includes calories, distance, time, speed, pulse, etc.
The elliptical also has other value-added features like a cooling fan, USB charging port, and Bluetooth connectivity to keep you entertained while working out.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| 360 degree swivel seat for easy get-on, get-off | Wireless heart rate receiver needs to be bought separately |
| Adjustable seat & handlebars | |
| Good warranty | |
| Cooling fan |
We have also written an in-depth review on the best-seated ellipticals for seniors which might come in handy.
Sole Fitness E95S Elliptical – Best Elliptical with Adjustable Stride (Weight capacity)
Stride length: 18 to 24 inches
User weight capacity: 400 lbs
Resistance: ECB resistance
Warranty: Lifetime for frame, 5 years for electronics and parts, and 2 years for labor
Finding an elliptical that has an adjustable stride length AND is built for heavy people is a challenge. However, we dug deep and came up with the extremely sturdy Sole Fitness E95S.
It has a very impressive maximum weight capacity of 400 lbs with a power-adjustable stride of 18 to 24 inches. This means that it can comfortably accommodate both tall and heavy-weight users. The heavy-duty, sturdy frame and whisper-quiet drive system provide a smooth and seamless workout experience.
Large, oversized cushioned pedals add to the comfort quotient, as they are friendlier to joints and prevent slippage.
What we also like about the E95S elliptical is that it allows you to push yourself daily. You can customize your workout based on desired distance, time, speed, and resistance levels.
All your workout metrics are displayed in real-time on the console screen fitted to the elliptical. It has a TFT display, thus providing superior image quality and contrast.
Heart rate levels can be tracked in real-time with the help of a chest strap and/or handlebars.
Other value-added features include a USB port, bottle holder, cooling fan, transport wheels, and Bluetooth-compatibility are other value-added features.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| Ideal for heavy-weighted users | Heavy machine |
| Whisper-quiet operation | |
| Good warranty |
Summary of customer reviews
The Sole Fitness E95S is a good investment per the customers. They love the stability and smoothness of operation while providing a great full-body workout. However, a few customers have faced challenges in assembling the elliptical.
Diamondback Fitness 1280ef Elliptical – Best Connected Elliptical with Adjustable Stride
Stride length: 17 to 22 inches
User weight capacity: 350 lbs
Resistance: 15 levels
Warranty: 5 years for frame and brakes, 3 years for parts and equipment, 1 year for labor, 90 days for wear items
Many fitness enthusiasts love listening to music or watching their favorite shows while working out. Many others like to make their workouts more interesting by virtually transporting themselves on scenic routes or roads. The Diamondback 1280ef is, by far, the most connectivity-friendly adjustable stride elliptical we have come across.
It allows you to connect to your WiFi and stream a movie, series or music. It even connects to mapping programs through different apps. For many users, this is a major plus because it breaks the monotony of a boring workout and may actually make you look forward to exercising.
This elliptical is also among the lightweight and space-saving ones you will come across. Instead of the conventional heavy flywheel system, it has a magnetic resistance system which significantly cuts down the machine’s weight. Transportation wheels add to the utility factor of the machine.
Another essential feature is that the display and technology is very user-friendly. Users can easily and intuitively switch and choose between its 12+ programs with just a touch. The touchscreen console also tracks and saves all workout-related data like distance, time, calories, RPM, WATT output, speed, and heart rate.
The elliptical features a polar wireless heart rate receiver to measure your heart rate in a contactless manner. However, you need to wear a non-coded polar heart rate strap, which is an additional expense.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| App-friendly connectivity | Less number of resistance levels |
| Lightweight and space-saving design | Additional expense for contactless heart rate monitoring |
| Intuitive touchscreen |
Diamondback Fitness 1060ef Elliptical – Best Budget Elliptical with Adjustable Stride
Stride length: 18, 20, and 23 inches
User weight capacity: 300 lbs
Resistance: Magnetic Resistance
Warranty: 5 years for frame and brakes, 3 years for parts and equipment, 1 year for labor, 90 days for wear items
Fitness is important. But we also know how important it is to stay within an earmarked budget. The Diamondback Fitness 1060ef is a very economically priced elliptical packed with upgraded technology and provides a comfortable, low-impact workout experience.
It offers three stride lengths – 18, 20, and 23 inches, making it a top option for very tall users. You can also adjust these stride lengths to target different muscle groups. However, we did feel that users with a height of 5’2″ and below may have to stretch more than they naturally do.
The 1060ef is among the few machines to have included dual-spindle technology. This replicates your natural running motion to give you a smoother and more realistic workout experience. This is excellent news for your joints because it exerts minimal stress on them while you train.
This is another lightweight elliptical with a small footprint. Again, a massive advantage for those looking for a machine that saves space. Transportation wheels add to the portability and user-friendliness of the elliptical.
To ensure maximum comfort, the elliptical has oversized pedals that fit users of differing heights and built requirements.
The dual-color LCD console is easy-to-read and operate. It has a total of 16 programs which include 8 presets, 4 heart rates, and 4 customs. Hand-pulse sensors help to monitor heart rate in real-time, which can also be tracked through a built-in Polar wireless heart rate receiver. The receiver, however, needs to be connected to a monitoring device.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| Upgraded tech for a more natural workout experience | No Bluetooth connectivity |
| Compact and lightweight | |
| Transportation wheels |
Summary of customer reviews
The Diamondback Fitness 1060ef is easy to assemble. Customers love how comfortable and versatile the stride length is. The elliptical has a small footprint, making it easier to fit in a small room. However, a few customers complained about the elliptical making squeaky noises after about an hour of workout.
What is ‘adjustable stride’?
Before talking about adjustable stride, let’s understand what an elliptical stride length means. Elliptical stride length is the longest distance between two pedals, measured primarily from the front foot pedal’s toe up to the heel of the back pedal. A stride length that matches your height is necessary to ensure a comfortable workout.
However, if multiple users are of different sizes, matching the stride length of the elliptical with each user becomes a challenge. This is where an adjustable stride comes into play.
An adjustable stride involves adjusting the distance between the two pedals without changing the incline of the elliptical. The stride length can be adjusted manually or with the help of a button. An elliptical with an adjustable stride offers a comfortable workout to each user, as it matches each user’s height requirements.
If most of the users in your household are tall, you can consider buying from among the best ellipticals with a long stride.
Buying Guide: What to look for in an Ellipticals with Adjustable Stride?
You must keep the below things in mind while buying an elliptical with adjustable stride.
Adjustability
Many elliptical manufacturers advertise their products with the “adjustable” tag. However, not all of them offer true adjustable stride.
An adjustable stride length for ellipticals allows you to change it without tinkering with the incline setting. You should be able to adjust the stride length through a button or manually change the pedal support length.
Weight Capacity
When comparing ellipticals, it’s also a good idea to consider the machine’s weight capacity. Opt for an elliptical with the highest weight capacity (preferably 300 lbs minimum user weight). This usually translates into ellipticals having a durable and sturdy frame.
Also, always ensure that the elliptical’s weight capacity is more than the heaviest member of your family.
Flywheel
Most ellipticals with adjustable stride lengths use bulky flywheels to ensure the smoothness of the workout. More the weight of the flywheel, higher is the momentum built while pedaling, making your workout smoother.
Choose an elliptical with a flywheel of 15 pounds or heavier.
Warranty
The manufacturer’s warranty is another crucial factor when buying a long-stride elliptical.
Any machine is prone to wear and tear, especially if used on a regular basis. That is why buying one with an extended warranty is sensible. Also, a longer warranty indicates that the manufacturer is confident about the product’s longevity, design, and usability.
Conclusion
If you have multiple users at home of different heights, an elliptical with adjustable stride is an ideal investment for you. However, you should not confuse an adjustable stride with an adjustable incline (the way many brands market it).
The best elliptical with adjustable stride is Body Solid Endurance E400 Elliptical. It engages your upper and lower body muscles to provide a full-body workout. With an adjustable stride of 17 to 21 inches, it ensures it meets the requirements of users with different heights. It comes with over 20 levels of resistance and various workout programs, adding variety to your daily workout. It can be easily transported and does not take up much space, making it ideal for small apartments and condos.
Disclaimer: The information mentioned in the article above is for educational and informational purposes only. It shouldn’t be considered health or medical advice. Please consult a doctor or a qualified health professional if you have any medical/health conditions questions.
