- Roy of New York, USA writes:
I see from the previous reviews of this product that other users have experienced the same problems as myself. My Orbitrek is no longer whisper quiet as it was in the beginning, and one of the pedals has become loose. I haven't been using it lately because the loose pedal causes pain in the arch of my left foot. The machine can be temperamental, sometimes running smoothly, other times not so smooth. But when it is running properly I am able to work up a good sweat on my Orbitrek, and the stress on one's knees is minimal. Despite my complaints, overall I recommend the Orbitrek. Once I'm able to get the left pedal firmly back into place, I'll go back to using it regularly for however long it holds up.
- Sandra of Montana, USA writes:
The tension (sp?) was too tight! The company just refers you to the website as to how to loosen the tension. This did not work! I am unable to use it! I will never buy any other exer. equipment thru the mail.
- Arlene of New York, USA writes:
My husband brought me the orbitrek for Christmas 2000. when he assembled it the arms had the holes on the wrong side. I had it for 5 months before the left pedal loosened, it was noisy and the left pedal mount came off the frame. I'm waiting to get rid of it. I lost the receipt so I don't know if I could send it back.
- Bob of Georgia, USA writes:
I have had my Orbitrek for over a year. The two main objections I have to it are the noises and the foot position which causes your foot to move forward on the pedals. I could probably live with the foot position thing, but the clanking and knocking from the unit drives me crazy. I have tightened and retighten all the nuts and bolts multiple times, even called the company several times about the noises ( which was no help) and I believe it is just a case of poor and cheap design and construction. I would not recommend this piece of equipment. I ordered a Gazelle Freestyle Elite today and can't wait to give the Orbitrek alnog with it's various clanks and bangs away.
- Martha of Texas, USA writes:
I've had my Orbitrek for about 2 years. The first one came without a necessary bolt. After some calls, a new machine (rather than the missing bolt) was sent. I've used it 3-5 times a week for most of the two years. I have had no problems. The front bolt loosens over time; infrequently for me. Just recently, however, the tension seems to bind. However, I have gotten a good two years of use. I am hoping the company has an asnwer for the tension problem.
- Bill of Indiana, USA writes:
This thing is a piece of junk. I know because I bought two. The exercise is very good but this equipment is a ripoff! It is noisy. It pops and clanks. Pure junk.
- Thomas of Indiana, USA writes:
I've had two of these, one of the original model and one of the Pro. I love the workout they give. However, I do have to tighten the bolts about every workout. With my first Orbitrek, eventually the washers started to disintegrate and leave metal filings on the ground. Then a pedal bolt broke and the machine fell over backwards; I barely managed to land on my feet. I then noticed that the bolt on the other side was starting to bend, too. It took several month to get new parts (Thane had to wait for a delivery from China). When they finally arrived, I was overjoyed because I really do like the workout, but the new bolt didn't work, I think because the crank's thread was stripped. So I figured, it's still cheaper and more convenient than a spa membership, and I ordered the Pro, which is supposed to handle more weight (BTW, I weigh 195 lbs.). The bolts on this one loosen up even faster than on the first one, and now I've stripped one of them by overtightening. I have two words for the manufacturers: soft metal. While they could improve this machine a whole bunch by making smoother fittings, spending a few cents extra for a harder alloy in the pedal cranks and bolts would at least keep the thing running decently a lot longer, as it appears many of the other reviewers could attest.
- Danielle of California, USA writes:
I have had my Orbitrek for about 2 years now. It was well worth the $200. Although now I am tightening the handle bars at every workout and the tension knob seems to be breaking. Its a great workout and has transformed my body and gotten me into great shape. I would not buy another one though. I am ordering the Gazelle Freestyle elite and trying it.
- Ray of Florida, USA writes:
Sad to say, I must agree with the prevailing opinion that this product is poorly made. I enjoyed using it the first few times. But, it just mechanically did not hold up. When it got noisy, it got REALLY noisy. I am not talking about just a squeak, I am talking about a loud BANG every so often when something hit against something else inside the machine. To make matters worse, the part of the machine where the noise came from was difficult to disassemble, so I was never able to roll up my sleeves and fix the darn thing. The best workout I got from this machine was when I heaved it into the dumpster.
- Denise of Nevada, USA writes:
I bought the original Orbitrek 2 years ago and just finally took it out of the box 3 months ago. I have used it 5 to 6 days a week 30 minutes a day an average of 6.5 miles each workout, for the past 7 weeks and now I could kick myself for not starting sooner! Granted it is not the highest quality machine you can buy, it is a little noisy and on occasion does make a clinking sound, but then what do you expect for a machine that cost under $200.00? I would recommend this to anyone who wants a good sweat on a budget in their own front room.
- Rick of Missouri, USA writes:
I bought an Orbitrek a couple of years back, and I loved it for about a week. The machine became increasingly louder with each use. It pops with every revolution of the wheel inside, and eventually I was able to determine that the popping was coming from a place on the frame where the welding had been torn. It was actually unsafe to use, and at any moment using it could have resulted in injury. This is just a poorly put-together piece of equipment. I think that orbital machines are awesome, but not this particular one. Spend double the money for a well-constructed orbital trainer, and in the long run you will have less regret.
- Dave of New York, USA writes:
I have had my Orbitrek for 2 years and have experienced all of the noises and lose bolts and wobbling like everyone else on here. I've had it for 2 years but it's only been available for a few months. The rest of the time I have been waiting for back ordered parts. It's unbelievable that you have to wait 6 months to receive replacement bolts and screws! The company sent me another machine too, but it experienced the same problems and it was a battle to get them to send it to me at their cost. They wanted to charge me $60 for shipping which I refused to pay. Save your money. The machine is too cheap and the customer service department is all but non-existent unless you like listening to music on the phone for hours per each call.
- Victoria of Vermont, USA writes:
I usually don't get involved in writing reviews online for products, but because I've experienced such a big disappointment with the Orbitrek, I hope I can help others who are thinking about purchasing one. I've used the Orbitrek for about a year and a month now. To begin with, this is not a silent machine...it is noisy....but by exercising on it consistently, I've gotten in better shape. Over time, though, it seemed to make more "clanking" noises the more I rode on it. I was riding on it the other day, however, and the pedal "gave way" suddenly (good thing I wasn't thrown off the machine because this could have been a potentially serious injury). I had my husband look at it as he is good with fixing things (he hated this product from the beginning and refused to use it...he said it is one of the junkiest things he's ever seen....I should have listened to him from the start and never purchased it to begin with) and he told me something to the effect that the spring washer had actually embedded itself into the crankshaft and the nut had locked up. Also, metal filings were coming off the machine because the metal was "grinding" against metal. I had my husband call customer service. He explained the situation to them and they said they could not send the parts we needed...the only thing they could do is send us a new machine and it would cost us $60 shipping & handling. There is no way I will pay $60 for this machine after the money I just invested in it a year ago! I guess I could understand if it had been years old and just worn down with use, but the thing is only a year and a month old!! This just isn't acceptable to me. In any event, not that it will do much good, I have sent a letter to where I purchased the machine from. In my opinion, I would recommend that you think very carefully before spending money on this product. It has been a source of disappointment and frustration. After my experience with it, I would never buy another.
- Michael of California, USA writes:
Have it for a couple of years --- one of the handles just broke. Should be better made. Since it takes forever to replace the part I will order a Gazelle Freestyle instead.
- Amie of Ohio, USA writes:
I used it faithfully 6 days a week for 30 min. for several months. I did like it but it started acting up. Grinding noises. Fell apart on me one day when I was in high gear, luckily was not hurt. My husband tried to fix it but we ended up throwing it out. Save your money on this one.
- Sam of California, USA writes:
I've gone through 4 Orbitreks and 1 Slashed Calf. After receiving my first Orbitrek, I was very happy to use it. I didn't mind the loud noise, or tightening the bolts everytime I use it. After 2 month of regular use (5 times a week.) the crankshaft broke. This part can't be replaced so they had to send me a new one. I really liked the work out I got so I wasn't too upset. Within 1 month of using my new one. It happened again! The crankshaft broke. They sent me another one. I't broke again. At first , throwing one away and building a new one was not much of a hassle. They were free so I didn't mind much. After my fourth one broke, this time the crankshaft slashed my calve and left a 3 inch scar. I liked the workout so much, I called them to get another one. This time they wanted to charge me $69 (or $59 I forgot). So I decided to save my money and buy a better build brand. Save your money, and time. This machine will really drive you nuts!
- Joe of Ontario, Canada writes:
I have owned my OrbiTrek for about a year now. I must be getting lucky with it as I use it regularly and have had none of the mechanical problems others are reporting. I weigh 220lbs and the machine has no problem standing up to my workout. I think it is a good buy.
- Brenda of Utah, USA writes:
I've had my Orbitrek for about 2 years. I have never had any mechanical problems. It works great!!!. I have also had 2 lower back surgeries in 1994 and neck surgery in 1995....I used to run. The Orbitrek doesn't hurt my back at all. It's a great alternative to running and kind of mimmicks running. I love my Orbitrek. I alternate it with my Firm videos. I've been wondering why everyones Orbitrek has been breaking down....mine is perfect. Maybe it's because they weight alot! I'm 5'4" 130-35 lbs. Size 8.
- Tina of Oregon, USA writes:
I've gone through two Orbitrek machines in about nine months--both machines lasted about 4 months each. My "workout" consisted of at least one hour, seven days a week. They each had the same problem--the right pedal hinge bolt would start to strip and leave the pedal arm attachment relying entirely on the single nut bolt that would evntually also get stripped and pop off under stress. I actually chickened out and didn't bother to complain to customer service in order to get a replacement unit the first time. I just went and bought another one! Now I wholeheartedly wish I'd found this review site sooner. I would never have bothered purchasing one Orbitrek--let alone two! Thanks for all the honest reviews, folks...you've helped me save another $300 that I would have blindly spent on a third Orbitrek!
- Sean of Rhode Island, USA writes:
Good workout, but poorly designed and manufactured. I purchased 3 Orbitreks for myself and family members, and each broke within 60 days. The main support under the rear sprocket breaks. For my unit, it seemed too much trouble to repackage and return it, so I welded it at the break, but a month later, it broke at the weld. The unit is not designed to handle the motion and stresses placed on it by the rider. The metal fatigues and breaks. I purchased a different ellipticle cycle from another manufacturer and have had no issues. BUY SOMETHING ELSE.
