Print This Page
Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
Great machine, has helped me lose weight in a short time plus it has helped tone my body a lot! I use it 4-5 times a week for 40mins and it isn't noisy like others have said, in fact I think its very quiet compared to other machines. I did experience some squeaky noises initially, I did nothing to fix it, the squeaky noise pretty much disappeared by itself after a few days. My only problem is that it shows a low calorie count after my workout, I set a resistance level of 7 or 8 for 40mins and I just burn 200 calories. Dont know whats up with that, I think it should definitely be more, but other than that this is an awesome machine!!
from Sterling VA on 10/26/2008
[$] piece of junk. It jumps off track causing metal shavings to fly all over the room, I had to put cardboard under part of the track. If I did not have to distroy the packaging to get it out of the packaging I would return it. [...]
Had it three weeks now and have used it every other day along with two of my daughters. It is fun to use, quiet and effective. The workout is so good, the cardio benefits are there and I'm noticing toning and strength in my legs as well. I can understand a few people having freight damage possibly or not assembling something properly but other than that these units are solid, quiet and bulletproof.
Thanks Sole!!
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
This unit was very effective at first. Worked great and ran quiet. But after 6 months of use the left foot peddle started to jump the track. I tighten everything up again and again but that didn't correct the problem. If I don't have the extended warranty you'd be in a world of hurt.
from dayton ohio on 10/6/2008
I decdided to get this on the spur of the moment kind of thing. My boyfriend and I gave away our treadmill to a friend since we didn't use it much. We agreed an eliptical would be much better and went to the store that day and chose from the selection there, without much thought. We bought it directly from the store and took it home to set up ourselves. The instructions were pretty basic and mostly easy to follow. The warranty wasn't impressive, so we didn't get one. We're still keeping our fingers crossed since we've had no problems yet. I would recommend this product bc we havent had any problems at all since we bought it 2 months ago. I live in an apartment on the 3rd floor and it makes little to no noise so its perfect to workout any time.
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Wilkes-Barre, PA on 10/3/2008
I exercised for 30 minutes on the Sole, as I always do at my gym on an elliptical machine and the calories only totaled 170 calories for 30 minutes on the sole. However, when I work out at the gym on the elliptical there I can do 30 minutes and reach 300 calories on that. My family all experienced this same problem with this machine. We are sweating a lot and not getting to many calories out of it to show. We feel like we are doing a lot on the machine but the calories are just not showing correctly. I am just not happy with this of the machine. Other than that I like the machine I feel like I get a wonderful workout my heart rate is definately where it should be. Just can't understand the calorie problem?
[0 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Hampden, Maine on 8/10/2008
Paid way too much for this piece of equipment. The manufacturers service is lousy. Had the unit 1 week, it malfunctioned, and its been 2 weeks and no service yet. I dont recommend this unit or brand to anyone.
from Lansing, MI on 8/5/2008
Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I read all the reviews, and there were enough confident buyers here and elsewhere, that I went with this model.
I feel like it was money well spent, and I was very pleased with the customer service of Sole.
from Waldorf, Charles County, Maryland on 7/18/2008
I purchased this product 2 months ago and so far it has been wonderful. [...] I suggest you contact the vendor directly for questions about this unit. [...]
To quote a song by Ben Harper, "...it's either love or hate, can't find in between." That's how I felt about the reviews on this elliptical, but to all the haters out there, you must have just been part of a bad batch.
I really debated this machine, and I was almost swayed by the negativity. I was leaning towards some other companies, but after talking to Sole, they re-assured me, and promised me if my machine had any of the issues listed on sites like these, they would happily come pick it up, and wiave the re-stocking fee.
So I pulled the trigger, and I can't tell you how happy I am. I have a good friend who was shopping for an elliptical at the same time I was, and he went with a company I won't name. They haven't wronged me, so I will let him write on their site if he wants to. But, I will say, they are a comparably priced company, but the quality is DRASTICALLY different.
He is kicking himself for buying into the negative hype, and has since sworn off trusting reviews. Reviews are a good thing, but remember to take them in context, and don't miss out on a great machine for a great price because of a few sour grapes.
from VA on 6/27/2008
I have been going to various gyms over the years and have had to stop due to distance. So I have set up my home gym for my wife and I. We choose the E25 based on ratings from various internet sites, trying them out at DicksSG, and liked the feel as compared to the others. She is 5'-5 and I am 6'-2 and it works well for both of us.
As with other purchases, there are always some bad reviews with the majority of reviews being positive.
I admit it is not the same as using a LifeFitness model at the gym, but it is not $3500 either. My only complaint is the lame fan which is on all models. It is useless, they could do better.
We are using it almost daily and have had no problems since purchase about 2 weeks ago. If I have any problem(s)I will update this review.
Assembly was easy for me, and unit is movable with 2 front wheels.
It took me forever to figure out which elliptical to get. There are a lot of choices and price ranges. I looked at several on line, but couldn't always find a store where I could try them out/see them in person. I thought it was easily assembled-what little it did require. It is really smooth and quiet. I have only owned approx. 2wks, my husband and I both use it @ every other day or so and have not had any problems-no squeaks in the pedals etc. as read in previous reviews. I really like it so far. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to have one to use at home. Good price and has nice features. Definitely will get you sweating!
[1 of 5 customers found this review helpful]
I bought this hoping to use it daily. It has been nothing but problems. The right arm squeaked within the first week. There have been numerous other problem [...]
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
Best elleptical out there I did alot of research before making a big purchased $$ try it at the store great item love it. I Suffer of a lower back injured this is the best machine to releive my back pain.lOW IMPACT.
[0 of 4 customers found this review helpful]
The first time I used it I had no issues. There after the machine became so noisy to the point where I won't use it. The foot pads squeak. I've put foam between the pads and the frame but it wore out. I saw where someone used cloth but to have to put anything in there is ridiculous to begin with. It makes an intense loud squeal from, what I think is the right side. I've oiled everything and it continues to do it. The foot pads are tolerable, but annoying. The squeal is totally unacceptable and is not tolerable. I'm about to see what the extended warranty will do for me. If it weren't for the noise this machine would be fine and would score 3 stars for being good for what it is.
from Buda on 6/5/2008
This took about 1 hr 15 min to assemble. Then I jumped on it and it felt great for about 2 minutes and then the left wheel came off the track and made a scraping noise. I found a solution online and tried it. The wheels and tracks were sticky and needed to be cleaned and relubed with the lube provided. The sticky wheel had climbed up and over the track. It's been 2 weeks now and no more problem and this machine feels great. I do 20 to 30 minutes most nights and my wife does 10 to 15. Very smooth resistance changes and enough programs to vary the workout. Plus you can program 2 more. It has a heart monitor stap so your hands can stay on the moving handles.The mp3 speakers are not that great but are fine for a workout. My wife aand I tried quite a few and are happy with this choice.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
Actually bought this more for my teenage kids to use but I find myself loving it. I've used many ellipticals in my life and although i wouldn't see this at the gym necessarily, it is truly remarkable little machine. It's solid and stable and the motion is as good as it gets. For the home and the money, this is excellent engineering. The Sole E25 is a definite thumbs up.
[0 of 4 customers found this review helpful]
My husband and I bought this product and it started squeaking from both footpads. The Sole company has replaced the footpads twice now and we are still having the same issues in addition to loud noises coming from the front of the machine. We have tried to contact the company three times within the last month because we would just like our money back and to return this to Sole. We will never buy another Sole.
from University City, MO on 5/4/2008
Purchased 2 weeks ago and this machine is as smooth and quiet as advertised. The elliptical motion is fantastic compared to other brands at same cost or lower. It's comfortable and the oversized foot pedals allow me to adjust my stance if necessary.
Be careful putting it together as the manual suggests to tighten bolts "...very, very, hard..."
Well, I tightened so hard that it distorted the lock washers and caused a major screech during operation where the mast connects to the frame. I was able to remedy on my own however.
I would give this five stars but the right pedal drops out of the high and mid-level incline during operation and the inside left roller does not ride on the track.
I guess I'll see how good the customer service is.
Finally, this thing is HEAVY. If you do not use the "Inside Delivery" shipping option, then get a friend or two to help. The box was very large and nearly the whole machine was already assembled.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
You know, it's not club quality so don't expect it to be. What it is however, is an excellent value and a great work out at home. 45 minutes a day on the E25 will keep anyone healthy, (more)wealthy and wise. It's a great way to stay fit and I'm very happy with how it performs. I'll be on it again first thing in the morning and I actually look forward to it.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from New Jersey on 4/30/2008
This machine is a dream come true! My husband has a severe weight problem and the doctors gave him just 6 months to turn his weight around or he would not live to see 50.
He is not comfortable with treadmills because his knees cant take the strain. The doctor said that with his condition he might get better use out of an ecliptical machine.
This is a great purchase!
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Boca Raton on 4/30/2008
This machine is a dream! I had it delivered and set up and have been using it ever since. It is really quiet and easy to use. I haven't had the "pedal" problem others complain about...maybe they fixed it?
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Denver, Co on 4/30/2008
This is a great machine, but it cant a while to set up...
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
We bought online and the experience from start to finish was surprisingly pain free. [...] We researched ellipticals thoroughly prior to buying the Sole E25 and waded through all the positives and negatives. We decided on Sole and although we were leaning towards the E35 model because of a few negative reviews on models under a thousand dollars, we didn't want to spend more than a thousand dollars. We ended up being assured the E25 was an excellent product and went with it. We're so pleased, definitely pleased enough to take the time to sincerely pass along our experience and satisfaction with our Sole elliptical.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
I bought this machine based on the reccommendation of a friend. I read some negative reviews on this site, but I contacted Sole and they convinced me that any problem mentioned here had been remedied.
Based on this and my friends positive feedback, I made the leap, and I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER! I thought I would have a hard time getting the quality of machine I wanted on my budget, but this was perfect. Stayed under $1000, and it's exactly what I was looking for.
My wife doesn't exactly love that it takes up valuable space in our already tight bedroom, but sometimes you have to sacrifice the smaller colapsable features to get the higher gym quality. I don't mind the size at all, and I am glad it feels so solid and sturdy.
If you are on the fence, make the leap, this is the one for you!
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
Tried before I bought at DSG's. Compared other products at similar price points, the E25 is head and shoulders above anything under $1000. I recommend any interested buyer do the same, if you try before you buy it's the best review you can have. The new E25 (since the last week of March 2008) is really an exceptional product and a great value. I have a neighbor and a brother in law who have since purchased online as well.
[3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]
Doctor said, "Time to lose some weight and get in better shape". One of his nurses recommended the Sole ellipticals and the E25 fit my budget. I may have passed on a few whistles and bells but the E25 fits my need to perfection.
My wife and I are very pleased with the Sole E25 Elliptical and can't stress enough to anyone looking to get fit to DO IT NOW!!
Apparently Sole had an issue with a material on the pedals squeaking a little a few moths back. I read about this in my research and called them to ask a few questions. They assured me that everything had been rectified and that all the e25's shipping now were better than ever. I talked to a very helpful individual and felt confident in making my purchase. I am indeed pleased with my e25 elliptical and want to thank Sole for their help and great product.
[0 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Charlotte, N.C. on 4/25/2008
Add me to the list of unsatisfied owners of a Sole E25. And not only one machine, but two. Purchased this machine on March 15. [...] Within 20-30 minutes of the first use of the machine, it developed a bunch of squeaks in the front by the flywheel, and in the pedals along the rails. Continued for over a week. [...] Started using new machine (#2), and within 20 minutes of that initial use, developed squeaks in pedals and rails also. Called D's Sporting Goods and said I was not satisified with product, and wanted to return for full refund. [...] Whew!!! Machine not worth $$, [...]
[0 of 5 customers found this review helpful]
The flywheel broke on the first one we got after 2 uses. Exchanged at DSG for a second one. Flywheel locked up again on second one and smells like burning rubber after only 5 minutes of use. Can't really evaluate anything else on it since it won't even function! And since it's pretty easy to put together I know we did that part right. What a hassle to keep hauling this clunky thing back to the store......the next trip will be the last. No more Sole products for me thank you.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
The E25 far surpassed my expectation. My wife and I have absolutely loved it in our home and use it every day. If we had room we'd get another so we can work out at the same time!!
[0 of 6 customers found this review helpful]
from Grand Rapids, MI on 4/20/2008
I put this together hopped on it and it started squeeking right away. I took everything apart lubed it, and tightened every bolt. I could not get the squeeks to go away. I currently have a bunch of washcloths stuffed under the foot pedals so that it doesnt squeek. But that makes it so I can only use one height setting. For [$] I would expect a much better product.
THE WHEEL SEEMS TO STICK AT TIMES THE TINIEST LITTLE BIT, AND I AM EXPECTING NEAR PERFECTION FOR THE PRICE AND IT HAS ONLY BE A LITTLE OVER A YEAR. BUT I LIKE THE OVERSIZED WHEEL AS IT MAKES FOR A COMFORTABLE WORKOUT DUE TO LARGER STRIDES.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Philadelphia, PA on 4/7/2008
My wife uses ellipticals at the gym and had to have one for the house. I wasn't on board at first, but I realized that I needed to exercise more anyway, so let's get one. I couldn't be happier with our decision to purchase this machine. We researched and tried out many models and this was our #1 choice in the $1,000 range.
At first I had some of the same noise issues that others have written about. This was easily corrected by tightening the bolts and lubricating the springs, as written in the manual.
It's been over three weeks now and I have gone from a couch potato to an elliptical junky. I actually can't wait to work out now. The feeling is so invigorating. I already feel my body tightening and have lost 2 inches on my waist. My wife has said "This is the best $1,000 that we have ever spent!"
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Greenville, SC on 4/7/2008
for the price, this is a great elliptical. Very sturdy and solid.
I had the squeak in the left pedal as well. I tightened every nut and bolt but no success. Finally i laid on my back and looked up under the pedal to see the spring that adjusts the incline of the pedal. I lubed the SPRING and the squeak is gone! I pulled the handle on back of the pedal to move the incline up and down and really work in the supplied lube.
now i have no complaints!
there is still some noise from the rollers on the tracks but it is actually less than what i would expect from a home gym. you cant expect it to be completely silent. Keep the tracks/rollers clean and lubed and this is kept at a minimum.
Yes, the squeak was incredibly annoying. Yes, If it persisted i would be disapointed. And yes, the machine should not require user intervention to run smoothly and quietly.
but now that is out of the way...I am very happy!
Great combo of features. performance and price
[0 of 5 customers found this review helpful]
I wasn't going to post this, but I see that other people have annoying squeaks.
Sole identified a flaw in the design, where they have metal on metal contact on the footpads. After numerous calls, I got them to say this, and they have now fixed the problem. They shipped me out new footpads, one of which was broken (cracked), the other which is bent (only 1 wheel touches the track when there is no weight on it, which causes a much 'milder' noise when the second wheel is pushed back onto the track when I put weight on it).
It has been 3 and a half months since I bought this, and I have gotten to use it maybe 4-5 times due to the amazingly annoying screeching (you could hear it throughout the house, even if wearing headphones on the other side of the house on another level of the house).
The new parts fix the screech, but they also are broken. After phone calls back to the store, I am exchanging it for a treadmill. Something I should have done when I noticed the screech on day 1.
BEWARE of the wheels jumping off the track it happened to me...here is the fix. I called SOLE and the operator was EXTREMELY helpful. I told him the wheel had jumped the track and gouged the track pretty bad. First he said they were sending me a new track (which I received in 7 days along with another tube of lube) and then he told me how to correct the problem. CLEAN the track with rubbing alcohol to get all the stickiness from the shipping lube used. Then coat the tracks with the lube you received with the machine, the track needs to be very slick.Do this every couple of weeks. Once I did this I have not had a problem since. Not sure why SOLE doesn't put that in the directions but that is how you fix the problem.
As far as the squeaking goes it is pretty loud and I'm working on getting it to stop, I use headphones so it isn't too bad for me but tends to get on others nerves when they are around and I'm using the machine.I also weigh 280 pounds so I'm probably pushing the machine near it's weight limit.
Overall I'm happy with the machine after my initial anger over the track issue once I found the fix I think it is a pretty good machine and would recommend it
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Wild Wyoming on 3/27/2008
I am really enjoying working out on this machine. With the Heart Rate monitor strap I can really see how much my cardio has improved. I consider myself fairly fit, but I was actually sore as I increased the resistance of my workouts. I have not experienced any of the noise issues mentioned.
The heavy flywheel and long stride are very comfortable
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
I'm happy that I stopped by here to read the reviews of the E25. I'm having the EXACT same problem as everyone else with the left foot pedal. I purchased my E25 in May of 2007 from DSG. I've had an annoying tick that has been persistent from day one but it didn't bother me enough to complain. However, about a week ago I began to hear a creaking sound coming from the left foot pedal that everyone is experiencing. I've torn down the entire unit LH assembly and greased every moving component and retightened all the bolts. I cannot get rid of the squeak and it's gotten to the point where I can't use the machine without headphones.
I gave the machine 2 stars because prior to this problem, this machine is extremely comfortable and has been a pleasure to work out with. I used it about 5X a week for 30-40 min at a time. If Sole could fix this issue, it'd be a great machine.
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from ROCHESTER HILLS MI on 3/16/2008
I like the E25 but can't stand the squeaking. It was quiet at first the no amount of lube or alignment will stop the squeakin
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
I would definitely NOT recommend this machine. My husband and I bought it sometime around the first of the year. We have had all the same problems others have mentioned here. It started with the creaking of the foot pedal, which only got louder and louder. We called Sole to have them take a look at it (we tried lube and it did not fix the problem). They had to ship us some parts that took 3 weeks to come. They told us that only when we received the parts could they schedule someone to come out. And that, they said, would take another 7-10 days from the time of scheduling. So in all, we waited 3 weeks for the parts, and another week for the serviceman to come. Incidentally, one of the new pedals they shipped (and we waited 3 weeks for), was broken. The serviceman who came said the machine just needed to be lubed, but did some sort of adjusting to the legs anyway. A week after that, the right wheels jumped off the track and gouged the metal slide, virtually rendering the whole machine useless. We are not going through the business of waiting 4 more weeks for them to fix this defective machine. We are in the process of trying to ship it back. This is a joke in itself, [...]This machine, and Sole, are a joke.
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Albany, NY on 2/22/2008
I did some research and thought the E25 was the way to go for the $$. However, I started having a problem with creaking from the left foot pedal after about a week. Then a few days later, both foot pedals were creaking. After 3 weeks of use, the left "arm" started jumping off of the track. I have no confidence that the problems with this machine can be resolved, and I'm returning it and buying a different model.
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Charlotte, NC on 2/18/2008
I did quite a bit of research about Sole prior to purchasing the E25 and had heard a lot of great things about Sole's Treadmills. Therefore, I thought it safe to purchase the elliptical. Unfortunately, as I learned less than two months after purchasing, the same level of quality was not trasferred to their elliptical product (at least the E25). After a few weeks, I soon began to experience squeaking from the pedals which persisted so I contacted Sole and it took a very long time for them to send parts (extra washers, other items). I then had to wait an inordinate amount of time for a service personnel to come. While waiting for the scheduled service appointment date, the left wheels derailed and begin to grind the track. The service person was helpful in seemingly resolving the aforementioned issues; however, he was unable to overcome the poor workmanship as now I have a clicking noise emanating from the flywheel area. I'm very disappointed in this product and can't recommend it.
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Toronto, Canada on 2/17/2008
I am at home-stay-mom of two and i wished to get some excercise to lose lots of weight i gained. I have used it about 4 times. Although the stride should be 20" it feels different than by E35 i have tried. After 1 hour of workout the food pedals started to squeek a lot, so i can not use it when kids are sleeping. W40 did not help. When i tried the elliptical second time the wireless heart rate monitor stop to work, changing the batteries did not help, new one should be on its way. Now the left foot pedal slips out of the rail and i am afraid to scratch the aluminium track even more. It looks sturdy, the computer is nice similar to a fitness one, i would wish so much to be it so perfect as i red in all the reviews before purchasing. Unfortunatelly i paid [$] and it looks to me more like a very expensive experience. I should probably really walk up and down the stairs to get some excercise or run around together with my children as my husband had suggested.
I bought this for my husband for his birthday. He doesn't care for the gym and he doesn't like the treadmill. I am a runner and occasionally use the machine to switch up my work out a bit. We did have the slight problem of the track coming off, but only once when we first got it. No other problems since then. I do agree with another reviewer that the fan is a bit of a joke, but the machine is quiet and provides a great in home workout for my husband and me. For the money, I think it is a good value.
from Rochester, NY on 2/15/2008
This machine makes a lot of noise and doesn't feel like a [$]machine that is on sale. I had an issue with the track [...]
from Western NY on 2/9/2008
Bought this a month ago. People complaining about the squeeks - use the lubricant they gave you. I had noise from the foot peddles where they are adjustalble, put a little lubricant on there and it goes away. Maybe some silicone would help too. If you're on the heavier side, they do tend to squeek. I love my machine!!
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
I enjoyed using this ellptical the first few times. Then it started to make alot of noise. I tightened the bolts as much as I could, this did not help. Then the left side foot pedal kept jumping off the track. As you can see alot of people here are having the same problem with the left side. [...] After seeing that alot of other people had the same problem I would NOT recommend this product to anyone.
I went out and did my research before I bought my Eliptical and for the money, Sole is the best product out there. If you can afford more, then by all means you should buy a commercial grade eliptical. However if you are like me and want to stay active during the winter months, this was a great product (so far). The pros are the price, ease of assembly [...]. The cons are that this machine has VERY few bells and whistles compared to others. Hell, I even saw a Nordictrack with video games in the console. Two comments....the plastic pieces that you install over the feet and joints are worthless (I think) and be sure to tighten everything as hard as you can. Use a REAL wrench, not the one they give you.
Loved this machine for the first month. Very easy to use, sturdy and smooth. After the first month, started smelling burnt rubber on the left wheel/track. Eventually the left wheel would not stay on the track at all. From what I have read, this defect seems to happen quite often for this model. Due to this defect, I would not recommend this model to anyone. [...]. We recently returned this model and are currently looking for something else.
from Winchester, KY on 2/1/2008
Bought this machine after at the first of the year. After one use - the left side was slipping off the track and it was going to be 3 weeks before they shipped me another one. I returned this and they assured me this was a fluke thing and would not be disappointed. I bought another one and it works okay, but is very noisy and I could oil it daily.
from Florence, SC on 1/31/2008
We bought this the first week January 2008 mostly for my wife to use, but I have found I rather like it. The stride is perfect for me. The computer could stand to be upgraded a little, but it gets the job done.
As far as the quality, it started out as a good, sound piece of equipment, but starting the second week of use, the foot pedals have a very loud creaking and squeaking sound coming from them when my weight is on a pedal. From a closer look, it appears to be caused by flimsy plastic for pedals. The pedals can be set at different inclines, which increase the squeaking sound.
I was 249 lbs when we bought the machine, and now I'm 244, so it does do something. However, the box and the store ad said that it has a weight cap. of 300 lbs. I'm well under that, so I'm not sure why the pedals squeak the way they do. So for advice, don't buy this one if you have to use it when babies or other people are asleep.
Went together easy. Need to tighten like they say and keep track lubed or you get squeeks. Works great!! 2008 model now comes with chest strap. Would like a "real" water bottle holder. Would recommend it in a flash.
I went through two in a month, both had the same problem, jumping the track on the left side. The product was defectived. Watch out.
from Cheyenne, Wyoming on 1/16/2008
The E25 takes about an hour to put together and provides a great workout. My favorite feature is the chest strap for monitoring your heartbeat. It is easy to setup your own workout and when the resistance is going to change during the workout.
It is extremely quiet and smooth. The stride is perfect and all of the ergonomics of the unit are good.
from Virginia Beach, Va on 1/13/2008
I wd definitely recommend buying this machine. I got mine a month ago 12/2007. It was a breeze to put together and I am a GIRL!Took me about a little over an hourto assemble very simple directions easy to follow compared with some other machines I have helped assemble before!! I used a rachet wrench to speed things up instead of their wrench.I would also recommend you leave the foam insert in place when you are tightening the bolts on the main frame where the handblebar goes in. Why? I read the directions to leave it there and I didn't and I dropped the little wrench inside the wheel assembly (surprise surprise!) So this ended with me having to dissassemble allthe little screws that hold the cover on the flywheel, retrieve the wrench with a magnetic picker upper stick and rescrew the cover on. 10 minutes extra but that was because I didnt follow their rule. Next time I will.I also found it a time saver to when you are trying to push the wiring for the console panel up inside the shaft of the handlebar frame to attach a long piece of picture hanging wire to the end of the electrical wires and push that up thru the handlebar piece and pull the wire out at the console attachment end. Saved me time because I was struggling to keep the wires from bending as they were threaded up the handlebar area. Picture hanging wire (or any thin strong wire) is much thinner and passes thru quicker.I have been using this SOLE 25 after trying out about 30 or 40 different machines in the various stores in town and doing thorough research on consumer reviews. It seems Sole has a great warranty and is a very good sturdy piece of equipment. No tipping, no rocking. Everything works great. I am toning up and losing weight. It is fun to use this machine. I rarely write reviews for things I buy but this one has impressed me a lot and I feel you should seriously consider it. [...]. I am a happy camper!
[...] After setting up, the leftside assembly wheels kept slipping off of the track in initial use. Calling customer support, I was told that this was a common factory defect for this model and they shipped a new one, after reassembly, worked fine for the first 15 minutes of use, and then kept slipping again. Smell of burning due to friction, scraped and gouged track and abrasion of wheels.
from Effort PA on 1/12/2008
I purchased an Sole E25 before Xmas 07 and actually enjoy using it. I use from 30-90 minutes at a time5-7 days a week. The wheels tend to squeak a bit but overall I'm happy with the E25. The E25 seems to be pretty sturdy I'm 6'2" 275 lbs and the machine handles me well.
The two complaints I do have are the holders don't hold water bottles well and the fan is a joke my computer fan blows more air. Still love it so far!