Elliptical Trainer Update

You might have been wondering what I ever did about the elliptical trainer problem. I’ve posted an autopsy here, with lots of juicy photos.

My elliptical trainer was a ProForm 650.

Here is an exploded diagram that comes in its manual, along with a
photograph of the actual machine in roughly the same exploded
configuration. (I hope you appreciate the sheer amount of work it took
to get it from the working form, shown in the photos on the company’s web site, to the exploded form seen in the company’s manual.) Here they are:
ProForm 650 exploded diagram photo of disassembled corresponding product

Next is a closeup view of the relevant portion of the diagram. This is where the axle (32) goes through the frame (1). Note the bearings (31) and lock washers (30) and the bolt (61) that attaches the pedal frame (16) to the axle.
detail of exploded diagram

Okay. Now imagine standing somewhere to your left, and looking back at that frame assembly. (You were due south of the trainer looking north, and it was oriented NW-SE. Now you’re bit north of west, looking roughly ESE.)
ProForm 650 hub area

Now take a look at the bolt and axle (31 and 32) as they appear in real life.
ProForm 650 hub area

This picture shows how the pedal frame attaches to the main frame and where the bolt broke. (The angle has changed back to the original S looking N. Sorry.)
ProForm 650 hub area

And finally, here you see how this part in the pedal frame is broken. This isn’t part 61–this is the thing that 61 threads through.
ProForm 650 hub area

I don’t even know how to get it out. Well, I was able to budge it by whacking it with a hammer and a pick, so I probably could get it out. What I don’t know is how I would put in a replacement part.

So I gave up. It went in the dumpster.

In its place, I got me a Tony Little Freestyle Gazelle. I’ve never seen its infomercial, but apparently it’s a doozy.

I don’t know if the Gazelle is any good. I don’t know anything about exercise. I never check my heart rate or anything like that. I figure if I’m sweating for the 2nd half of my 30 minutes that’s all anyone can ask. The Gazelle is cheap and will last until we move. It might even be able to make the move with us, which the ProForm probably couldn’t have, even if it hadn’t snapped in two like a pretzel.

2 thoughts on “Elliptical Trainer Update

  1. Pingback: Mess of Pottage » Lost

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