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★★☆☆☆

The Reebok R 7.90 Treadmill is a noticeable improvement over the R 6.90. First, it has a slightly more powerful motor. Second, it has a 60” track. And third, it goes a step beyond having an iFit card reader to featuring iFit Live capability, a feature that lets people virtually run along any Google Maps route. Other highlights of this Reebok treadmill include a 10% power incline, 16 built-in workouts, and a music port with speakers. Unfortunately, a short standard warranty, extra iFit costs, and cheap parts dampen the appeal.

What We Like

  • Workout programs: The 16 built-in programs target weight loss and performance goals. Owners of the R 7.90 can also get access to iFit Live, though this requires purchasing a wireless Internet adaptor and paying a monthly subscription fee. Once enabled, the iFit technology lets people virtually race against Facebook friends, download custom workouts, and virtually work out with famous personal trainers. iFit Live also lets trainees virtually experience any route mapped in Google Maps: As users virtually run through national parks or their own neighborhoods, the treadmill’s incline changes with the mapped terrain. Needless to say, this is a great selling point!
  • Power incline: The treadmill track can tilt up to 10% to promote faster calorie burn and tone different muscle groups.
  • Track length & cushioning: The 60” track is long enough for any walker or jogger. The special cushioning is firmer at the back of the track to support push-off and provides more shock protection in the landing area up front.
  • Motor: The Reebok R 7.90 is powered by a quiet 2.5 HP motor. It’s strong enough for most trainees and has a lifetime warranty.
  • Display: The Graphixx display is an upgrade over the R 6.90’s simple readout. It can show one data field or several data fields at once.
  • iPod compatibility: The treadmill’s music port is compatible with iPods and other MP3 players. A 2.0 Intermix Acoustics speaker system is included.
  • Space-Saver: The special vertical-fold design lets owners conserve floor space when the treadmill’s not in use.
  • Stability/Capacity: This sturdy unit has a user weight capacity of 325 pounds. That’s pretty high for a discount treadmill and beats the R 6.90 by 25 pounds.
  • Availability: Reebok distributes its treadmills widely and has service technicians readily available.

What We Don’t Like

  • Extra cost: iFit Live isn’t free. Although the machine is ready to go online, the treadmill owner needs to buy a wireless adaptor and pay for a yearly subscription.
  • Cheap parts: Customer reviews are mixed. Some people rate this machine highly, but others have reported broken belt systems, an inaccurate pulse readout, a stalling motor, and other problems within just a few weeks of ownership.
  • The warranty: The Reebok R 7.90 includes a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. Still, other parts are only protected for one year. Considering the frequency of complaints, the standard parts warranty makes this machine a poor buy at its full MSRP of $1299. If you really want this machine, then look for a sale – this model could be deeply discounted — and back up your purchase with a one-year extended warranty for $109.

Our Verdict

When purchased on sale and with an extended warranty, the R 7.90 treadmill is an OK buy for walkers and runners. Overall though, the extra costs associated with this product make it a below-average value. Definitely check out the competition before committing. Sole and NordicTrack sell some top-rated treadmills that fold up like the Reebok R 7.90 and have better warranties.