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MsGinge is quite a keen runner (two ultras under her belt so far this year) and would quite like to get hold of a treadmill to help with fitting training around life/kids. I’ve volunteered to help find something but, unfortunately, know next to nothing about out treadmills.
Im assuming that being on a budget means picking up something second hand is going to be our best option. I’ve found some options locally that seem like they would be a good fit (possibly a JTX sprint 7) but figured it would be worth checking here before going any further.
can anyone who knows about these things make any recommendations on old vs new, features we need, good/bad brands/models to look out for and anything that is worth checking in detail on a second hand unit?
I don't know much about treadmills, but went through a similar buying process last winter (mostly for the benefit of Mrs S). We ended up with an Adidas T19i but that JTX you've mentioned looks ideal.
The main things seem to be a decent motor (weak motors are no good for stronger runners) and a good deck size so that you can stride out a bit - width helps too. Anything at that price should come with a few programs built in, though I tend to use ours for steady state running and find that (just like turbo trainers) a little eye-candy supplied by Zwift can help fight the boredom.
Don't underestimate how much space it takes up though and make sure you have sufficient ventilation/fans.
I bought a second hand JTX Sprint a couple of years ago to replace another make we'd had for years until a plastic part broke and rendered it unrepairable and useless.
I think we paid ~£200 for the JTX as you can't give them away. At that sort of money, you'd be daft to buy new - like I did with the first one.
The JTX has been fine and is holding up well. I mainly run outside and Mrs Boblo uses it the most. It's not failed or faltered during our ownership.
The problem with home treadmills is that they're not really built to be used continually or heavily. In order to get the cost (and weight) of them down to something approaching what you'll pay for it. They're not like the ones you get in gyms that are built like (and weigh about the same as ) a small car. If your wife's used to running for quite a few miles at a time, it's going to break in short order. I would spend the money on a gym membership (with all the additional kit that's available to you there) rather than waste cash on something that takes up quite a bit of space, will be pretty noisy, will be unpleasant to use, and is going to break in a few months when some random part - that's not available as a spare, gives out.
I was very happy with two eBay purchases, under 200 quid each 2nd hand (not the cheap shite you find there, these were solid models originally).
I did a bit of research on what was available to make sure the speed and solidity was adequate but TBH there are few female runners who are going to put as much strain on things as I do. The decks wear out eventually (and are replaceable) but unless your wife is on the chunky side (rare in an ultra-runner) they will probably hold up for a while.
I then splashed out on a new one and found a crack in the deck literally the day after the warranty ran out, so the ****ers wouldn't help out. i didn't even put much mileage on it. About once or twice a week for an hour at a time.
Facebook Marketplace is absolutely heaving with clotheshorses which were gym equipment in a previous life.
This would very much be the back up option for when there isn’t anyone else about to look after the kids (so gym isn’t a viable alternative) or the weather is truly horrific. Most running will still be outside as that’s one of the main reasons for her doing it.
Sounds like it should be worth a try of something second hand in our case. Will see if we can go take a look at one or two to see if appeals.
If something like a deck does go is that a specialist part you would need to source from the original manufacturer or are they somewhat generic items you can mix and match (or even make yourself?
“Second hand treadmills, Will the Ms. die?”
Only if she achieves take-off speed and runs out of room…
You can get generic replacement decks for around 100-200 quid and it’s not too hard to swap them. Belts likewise. Lots of YouTube videos available…
Greetings bigginge - I have treadmill I could let you have for much cheapness my friend. Judging by your name Im guessing you might be in Scotland. Im between glasgow and stirling if any interest/use? Its a reebok something??
That’s very kind but I’m afraid we’re all the way down in east anglia; so might be just a wee bit too far.
with a name like bigginge; ridiculous 😀
The cheaper ones have a realitively slow top speed, it'll be fine for longer sessions, but the cheap ones are often useless for intervals. So check the top speed before you buy.