Echelon Stride Review: A Simple, Compact Treadmill That Can Fit Under Your Bed
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Specs:
- Price: $1,299
- Power: 1.75 CHP (2.5 Peak HP) – DC Motor
- Subscription: The Echelon Fitness membership costs $34.99/month, $33.33/month if paid annually and $29.16/month if you purchase two years at a time.
- Footprint: 69 inches long x 31 inches wide X 49 inches high
- Modes, Features and Controls: This is a very simple treadmill, with buttons to control your basic incline and speed settings. The classes require a separate membership, and either a smartphone or tablet to follow along.
- Training Programs: With the Echelon Fitness membership, you’ll have access to over 3,000 pre-recorded classes, and 40+ live classes every single day.
If you’re in the market for a minimalist, easy-to-use folding treadmill, the Echelon Stride is worth a look.
Echelon started out making indoor bicycles, rowers and exercise mirrors, and the Stride is its first step into the world of treadmills. It’s not the fanciest smart treadmill, but for those looking for a compact, versatile home treadmill, the Stride may be a perfect fit.
In this review, we’ll break down the specs, share who the Stride is best for, explore the pros and cons, and help you decide if the Echelon Stride is the right treadmill for you.
What Is the Echelon Stride?
The Echelon Stride is Echelon’s first treadmill, and its main feature is the compact, auto-folding feature that makes it easy to store when not in use. If you’re tight on space, the ability to easily move and store your equipment when not in use is essential.
In fact, when folded, the Stride is only 10 inches tall, making it easy to slide under a tall bed or prop up against a wall in your garage or basement gym.
If you want a lot of flashy features, this may not be your best choice, but for those who simply need a functional, compact treadmill, this may be perfect for you. Let’s take a closer look.
How the Echelon Stride Works
Echelon
Just like other Echelon workout equipment, the Stride allows you to follow video workouts, climb the leaderboard and choose from over 3,000 on-demand classes, with more live classes added daily.
However, the Stride doesn’t feature a built-in screen, so you’ll need to use your own tablet with the built-in tablet holder. Some of the newer, more expensive models do feature built-in screens, but the original Stride doesn’t have a video screen.
The Stride allows you to choose a speed between 0.5 and 12 miles per hour, with 12 incline levels that reach up to 10 percent.
It’s a bit smaller, with a smaller running deck to make it portable, but it does feature built-in cushioning for a smoother, low-impact run. Many users report that it’s a bit small for hard runs, but for walking or light jogging, it’s great.
The Pros of the Echelon Stride
The Stride’s best feature is its portability and ease of use. Assembly is a breeze, and the treadmill is designed to easily fold up for storage. Built-in wheels allow you to quickly stand it up and roll it to the other side of the room or hide it under your bed when not in use.
The entire treadmill only weighs 156 pounds, and because it does have wheels, it’s not difficult to move around.
Built-in heart rate monitors allow you to track your heart rate by holding the handlebars, and the tablet holder is a nice feature if you want to follow the classes on your own device. Echelon’s streaming workout service features 40+ live daily classes and over 3,000 pre-recorded classes to follow.
Many of the running workouts are filmed in scenic locations around the world, giving you a nice view while you run once you set up your own tablet or phone. Access to their streaming workouts begins at $34.99/month.
The Cons of the Echelon Stride
Because the treadmill is designed to be portable, it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that higher-end or commercial models include. There aren’t any built-in fans, the incline only reaches 10 percent, and the actual treadmill deck is a bit smaller, with dimensions of 55 inches long X 20 inches wide. That’s a small running surface for those with longer legs, who may have difficulty staying on the treadmill.
While the classes are a nice feature, it would be nice if the treadmill included a built-in screen. You can follow on your phone using the Echelon Fit App, but it can be hard to see, so ideally you’ll have your own tablet to use.
The included warranty only covers one year, which is shorter than many other treadmill manufacturers' warranties.
Who the Echelon Stride Is Best For
The Echelon Stride is best for those who need a portable, compact treadmill. If you’re in an apartment with limited space, this is an excellent fit.
If you’re looking for more features, or don’t need to store your treadmill between uses, you’ll likely find better features on higher-end models, like built-in fans and speakers.
The Stride is also a good option for anyone who simply wants to walk or go on lighter runs. Beginner runners should have no problems training on the Stride. The speed and incline settings aren’t quite as high as other treadmills thanks to the smaller motor, but if you’re not an advanced runner, you may not need that extra power.
Who the Echelon Stride Is Not Best For
If you’re looking for the most cutting-edge, comfortable features, the Stride isn’t for you.
The smaller deck means you have less running space, so larger individuals may find themselves feeling a bit cramped when using the Stride. If you have long legs, this will be a challenging treadmill to use safely.
Finally, advanced runners who want higher speeds and more incline options may find their training is a bit limited by the Stride, and will want to choose an option with a stronger motor.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the Echelon Stride
Assembly
Reviewers say that the assembly is very easy, and can be completed in under 10 minutes. You may need two people to remove it from the box, as it does weigh 156 pounds, but from there all you need to do is unfold it and plug it in.
Warranty and Return Policy
Users can purchase an extended warranty for one year ($119) or two years ($179).
How the Echelon Stride Stacks Up Against Other Products
Echelon
Echelon Stride vs. Nordictrack EXP 7i
If you’re looking for a folding treadmill, you’ve probably come across the NordicTrack EXP 7i, another folding, compact treadmill.
The NordicTrack EXP 7i features a seven-inch built-in touchscreen, built-in speakers, a cooling fan and a 3CHP motor, all features that the Echelon does not have.
With dimensions of 77.3 inches long x 35.3 inches wide x 59.6 inches tall, it’s a little bigger, but you’re getting more features. NordicTrack also includes virtual classes through its iFit membership, which costs $39/month, and a 10-year frame warranty, with a two-year parts warranty.
At $1,199, you’re getting more features and a better warranty for a very similar price, though the NordicTrack is heavier, and takes up more space.
Check out our in-depth Nordictrack EXP 7i Treadmill review for more information!
Echelon Stride vs. Peloton Tread
The Peloton Tread is a high-end, luxury treadmill designed for home use. It’s a bigger treadmill that’s packed with features, like a 23.8-inch touchscreen, knobs to adjust your speed and incline, 59-inch running built and the ability to sync with your Apple Watch or heart rate monitor.
You’ll be able to follow along with Peloton’s instructors and classes, with the membership costing $12.99/month.
Overall, the Peloton Tread is a higher-quality treadmill with more features, but at $3,495, it’s more than double the cost of the Echelon Stride.
Echelon Stride vs. Horizon 7.4 AT
The Horizon 7.4 AT is also designed to fold for storage, though it’s bigger than the Stride, with dimensions of 76 inches x 37 inches x 63 inches.
Horizon does not offer its own streaming classes, but it does allow you to sync your treadmill with other services, such as Peloton, Strava and Nike Run Club. There’s no built-in screen, and like the Stride, you need to use your own phone or tablet to follow virtual classes.
While the Horizon is bigger, it does allow the incline to reach 15 percent, while the Stride maxes out at 10 percent. You’re getting a bigger treadmill, which is less convenient to store, but does offer more of an incline and a bigger running space.
The Horizon 7.4 AT costs $1,599, $300 more than the Echelon Stride.
FAQs
What is the difference between the Echelon Stride and the Stride Sport?
The Echelon Stride Sport is a step up from the standard stride, with a built-in screen, longer 59-inch running deck, and a stronger 2.0 CHP motor.
They both fold, but the Stride Sport is slightly bigger, with a stronger motor and more features.
Does the Echelon Stride incline?
Yes, the Echelon Stride allows you to train at inclines up to 10 percent.
Is the Echelon Stride quiet?
Any treadmill will make noise when in use, but with its smaller engine, the Stride won’t be quite as loud as some of the bigger options.
Does the Echelon Stride have a monthly fee?
The membership starts at $34.99/month, though it’s not required to use the treadmill by itself.
Do I need a tablet for the Echelon Stride?
If you want to follow the classes, you’ll need your own tablet or phone.
Do I need wifi for the Echelon Stride?
You don’t need WiFi to use the treadmill itself, but if you’re taking the classes, WiFi usually offers a stronger connection than your phone’s built-in data network.
Is the Echelon Stride good for running?
For smaller people, it could work for running, but most users say the Stride is best for walking, or light jogging. The motor isn’t very strong, so the incline and speeds don’t go as high as some other treadmills, and the smaller size can make intense running difficult.
Final Thoughts
The Echelon Stride isn’t the fanciest treadmill, and with its small motor and limited incline, it’s probably only useful for walking or light jogging.
That said, it’s very small, compact and easy to assemble and use, so if you live in a tight space, this may be a fantastic option for you.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
