Sole treadmills are known for their high-quality parts, and the F85 is no exception. This durable treadmill is designed for serious runners. It’s the top-of-the-line in the Soles series of folding treadmills for 2010. Compared with the F83, it has a higher weight capacity, a stronger motor, and a longer track.
Where Can I Buy This?
This treadmill can be purchased directly from the manufacturer’s website at SoleTreadmills.com
What We Like
High-quality parts: Sole home treadmills include many commercial-grade components. These help support the user’s health and extend the life of the machine.
Motor: The F85 has a 3.5 HP motor that can support a user weighing up to 400 pounds. The motor is cooled by heavy-duty flywheels and is surprisingly quiet.
Track: The Sole F85 has a durable two-ply track. The long 60”x20” surface inclines by 15%, which is more than many treadmills offer. By working out on an incline, a user can burn calories much more efficiently. Furthermore, the treadmill’s CushionFlex technology has been proven to reduce joint impact by up to 40% when compared with road running. This exceeds the impact reduction offered by many other brands.
Audio: The F85 has built-in speakers that can play music from your iPod or other MP3 player.
Compact design: The F85 can be folded to save space, but a unique horseshoe design helps make the unit very sturdy.
Warranties: Sole warranties are among the best in the business. The F85 includes a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, a five-year warranty on electronics and parts, and two years of in-home labor.
Extras: The F85 has a wireless heart rate monitor that has been deemed 99.9% accurate. A built-in console fan helps users extend their exercise time, and incline and speed controls are built into the armrests.
What We Don’t Like
It’s not easy to find fault with Sole treadmills. However, the entire series of foldable Sole treadmills has a limited number of workout programs: six standard programs, two heart rate programs, and two user-defined programs.
Our Verdict
Sole treadmills are highly recommended, and the F85 is an excellent value when bought on sale. The long track can support tall runners, and the machine has a 400-pound capacity. Since this machine is designed for heavier people, some users will find that less expensive Sole machines will suit their needs.
Many users will be sufficiently entertained by the MP3 player. Note that this machine is intended for people who don’t need advanced workout programs; it has just ten programs and isn’t wired for iFit service.
Where Can I Buy This?
The Sole F85 Treadmill can be purchased directly from the manufacturer’s website at SoleTreadmills.com
