Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I selected this product based on its numerous positive reviews and modest price, and have been very impressed to date. The machine is sturdy and operates very smoothly. My observations: 1. For its cost, I consider it an excellent value for the $599.00 I paid for it. Some reviews complained about the weight (over 200 lbs) but my question is, do you want a piece of equipment like this made out of well constructed steel, or cheap plastic parts? The warranty could be better, but you can always get one thru a 3rd party if desired. 2. The parts card (bolts, washers, etc) also come with the necessary tools for assembly. Although this is a very nice and thoughtful feature, I used my own ratchet wrench w/hex head socket which saved a lot of work and allowed me to torque down the critical bolts a lot tighter than I could have with the supplied Allen wrench. Assembly time for me (good mechanical skills, lumbar facet joint arthritis, post lumbar laminectomy, herniated cervical disk, cracked A/C joint in my shoulder - about 4 hours with a few breaks). 3. I found all parts and fittings to be of very good quality, going together well. If working on carpeting, be careful, as some components are greased. 4. Ease of assembly - Although the directions were relatively easy, this is not necessarily a project for a "first timer", especially if you are using the supplied Allen (hex) wrench, and not a socket wrench. NOTE: You do not need 2 people as they recommend unless you are a newbee to these types of projects. 5. Manual - This was the one minor shortcoming. Failed to have directions on the computer module that came with my machine (apparently, Schwinn uses several different ones). When I went online to download the complete 430 manual, they had a different computer module in the instructions. This would have immediately reduced my rating to a "4"; however, the Nautilus customer rep was outstanding. While I was assembling the machine, I inadvertently stripped one of the hex head bolts and wanted a replacement, even offering to pay for whatever cost would be associated, She not only promptly forwarded me the correct manual with instructions for my particular computer, but said she would forward me the complete parts card at no cost, as they do not forward individual bolts & fittings. And to my additional amazement, this person actually spoke English. 6. Moving the machine: Assembled machine dimensions with computer attached: 63" high, 69" long, 27" wide. I live in a 2 bedroom apt. and assembled the machine in my living room. The machine has front rollers for moving. With my bathroom directly across from the bedroom I was moving it into, I figured I had plenty of maneuvering room. Long story short - needed a second person and just barely made it without having to partially dissemble. As they say in the building trades, "measure twice, cut once". 7. Some Internet info suggested Schwinn was discontinuing the 430 (actual description is 430/Journey 4). The CS rep I talked to at Schwinn said no plans to do so. 8. Final note - the operative consideration for this machines' purchase is, "for the money". In my opinion, you can't do better. This machine is made for someone looking for something well made with the essential features and functionalities needed to get into shape, which is all the average person needs, without having to take a second mortgage on your house. If you are training for the Olympics, need something for a commercial gym or need the level of computer sophistication that measures every time you pass gas, spend the $4,000. Otherwise, the Schwinn may be just what you're looking for. As always, do your "due diligence" on the Internet before buying. What I found is that the mid - range machines ($800 - $1500) did not rate as well as the 430, even at 2 - 3 times the cost.