Trotter has become Cybex when the two companies merged several years ago. Now their products are branded with the Cybex name. Extremely rugged construction as well as heavy duty pricing are primary trademarks of the Cybex or Tortter treadmill.
Trotter-Cybex has always built high quality machines and then build an even heftier profit margin around them. While their machines are built well and have several features, it is questionable whether they are really worth the sticker prices that come with them.
Originally, the word ‘treadmill’ referred to a kind of mill that was people-powered, in that people would power the mill by walking on the steps of a wheel that was connected to the mill. The power of a person’s downward step is transformed into the work of grinding the grain.
Much more recently, of course, the term ‘treadmill’ has come to refer more often to a piece of indoor sporting equipment. Instead of the person performing work that is translated and expressed toward another outlet, with an exercise treadmill, the person doesn’t do any productive work, beyond that of getting cardiovascular exercise in a limited amount of space.
When you’re going to spend this much money on a treadmill, it’s important to find out what kind of track records they have as far as maintenance and overall durability are concerned. Those who have owned old Trotter and Cybrex treadmills can tell you that they will last for several years as long as they are maintained properly.
You can find handy treadmill maintenance kits that will make it easier for you to perform routine maintenance on your Trotter treadmill. Typically these maintenance kits will contain some type of lubricating substance, usually in the form of a spray lubricant and a n applicator to help you direct the lubricant into the small spaces between the moving parts.
When applying lubricant to your treadmill during regular maintenance care, you may have to remove portions of the deck or other casing material in order to get to the moving parts or other pares that may be squeaking. For this you should have a couple screwdrivers on hand, as well as lubricant and some towels to wipe up any spills or excess fluid.
The Trotter Elite runs for over $5,000 and it’s highly questionable whether the unit deserves to command such a high price. These re quality machines, but at $5,000 I expect more features from a machine. Then again, there’s certainly something to be said for durability. When you consider that these machines tend to last or well over ten years, the price becomes more and more reasonable seeming.
Overall people have been quite satisfied with the Trotter treadmill line. You get a quality treadmill that is solidly constructed and has proven its durability over the years, though it lacks some of the newer features. Whether this treadmill or line is worth the asking price s up to you.