Horizon Fitness T101-04 (Old Model)

This treadmill was super easy to set up, albeit difficult to lift...what can I say, I'm a runner, not a lifter. :) If I was to be nit-picky, I would say the screws that connect the the screen and such to the treadmill are a bit difficult to reach, but it didn't keep me from setting it up in less than thirty minutes. Once it was set up, I lubricated the belt as instructed, and was off and running. My first run was a bit of a trial and error to see how it'd handle the faster speeds (I normally run 8-9 mph) and the incline, especially in regards to the noise. Perhaps I'll update it a bit more after it's broken in, but it does seem a bit louder than I expected...but for $700, I didn't exactly expect whisper quiet, either. When I pushed the speed to 10 mph, it was a bit wobbly, but not enough to cause concern. It took a few runs to get the belt just right and I'd recommend keeping the tool they give to adjust it handy, especially on the first few runs. The cups to hold whatever you want to put in them are really convenient...plenty of room for a couple water bottles in each, a remote control, a bag of potato chips, or whatever you'd normally have while running. I am able to place my iPad on the console to read or check email on lighter workouts...the wobbliness of the faster runs probably wouldn't make that a good idea. There's also a small section under the main screen that is big enough to fit your phone or perhaps a Snickers bar if that's your thing. Oh, and the sound is pretty dadgum good for two small speakers. Great price-point, easy set-up, and a fantastic machine...great customer service, too.

Update #3- 1/20/23- so much for a lifetime warranty on the motor. Been trying to get ahold of them for a month and zero replies to numerous emails regarding a dying motor. Granted the machine has been going strong for 9 years but a warranty is a warranty. Will be replacing the treadmill with another brand shortly. I’ll assume their customer service is bad whether it’s a new treadmill or an old one. Update #2- 1/9/18- Just a quick note about longevity. I brought this in '13 and in '18 it's still going strong. I average 60 minutes 4 times a week and it's still going strong (fast walking, slow running - No all-out running). Got my monies worth out of this unit. I did disable the annoying alarm by disconnecting the speakers, and after that I've got no complaints. Needed a treadmill to complete my home gym set up. Was impressed with the Horizon Elliptical Trainer I bought the month before so I stuck with the brand. Both appear to be a good quality vs price value. The build seems solid and assembly was as simple as it can get- took about 30 minutes after I wrestled it into place. It's heavy. I've put on about 60 miles so far and don't have anything negative to say about the quality of the unit. Since I'm just getting back into working out and currently out of shape again, I haven't pushed the unit very hard. I consistently walk at the 3 to 3.5 mph speed and have only occasionally been above 4 mph for short periods. The 10 mph top speed is something I will never require and the 10% incline is something I will use very sparingly, the 3 to 6% range is sufficient for my needs . For serious runners I'm sure they would want to invest more $$$ for something that will handle more punishment, but for entry level or medium duty use I feel this unit is worth a look. The speakers and fan are a nice touch but don't expect rich sound and wind blown hair while you run...... Update 7/11/14- unit is still working fine but the idiot who decided to make the "on" alarm and the "belt starting" alarm should be fired. I understand the needing to warn people that the belt is starting, at 1/2 mph.... but to make the alarm louder then a jet engine and absolutely no control over the volume other then cutting the internal wiring seems to just be completely absurd. It may save a lawsuit from someone slipping and falling at start up but someone is going to sue for ear damage.....

The huge pallet and shipping box arrived broken and had several holes, probably from forklifts. The ABF driver was great and helped me get the box inside, without me asking....gave him $20. The treadmill was not damaged except for scuff marks on the front of the motor cover near a box hole (no biggie). Assembly was simple, though it would have been easier on the electrical wiring R/H side if I had help to hold the parts. Everything worked fine and is very quiet during operation. The deck lifts up easily (for storage) and locks automatically. It is easy to unlock with a foot tap and then I stand back and enjoy watching the deck lower slowly to the floor ;). Using the supplied cable I hooked up my iPod and listened to some music....nice that this machine is so quiet. I do wish the beeping could be set PERMANENTLY to a low level....it can drive one nuts until you can push the 'lower sound key'. It is supposed to be a safety warning but one can break a neck trying to quickly get that dumb sound level down, each and every time you turn it on! I almost didn't purchase this brand because it is made in mainland China, but I must say that this is the first thing I've bought from there that I thought was well built and worth the money. Now to see how fast I can wear this sucker out......

I've had this treadmill for around a year now and it still works really well! One of the best purchases I've ever made. The treadmill is great, not too large or too small, sturdy, and a very good deal for such a low price. I use it quite often (1-5 times per week) and it's held up nicely. I'm not a very fast runner, the fastest setting I use is 8mph but it does go all the way up to 10mph. Most of the time I use it at between 5 and 6 mph for running and 3 mph for walking. I think assembly was not difficult but it was a year ago that we put it together so I don't remember the details. It's pretty quiet too compared to the treadmills I've used in gyms. I have a small light laptop that fits well on the display panel so I can watch videos while I run, which is a great set up. I attached a picture of the setup with the laptop to this post. My one complaint is that the sound for the speakers is set to the loudest option by default when you turn the treadmill on. It beeps a bunch of times when you turn it on and it got really annoying (I have very sensitive hearing). I took apart the speaker cover and stuffed some cloth in there to muffle the sound so it is no longer a problem. I don't use the speakers to play music, I use headphones that are plugged directly into my computer or ipod instead. This is a great product for people who are just starting to get into running. I would definitely recommend it for anyone who has the money for it.

Terrible build quality. In less than one year the treadmill motor failed and there is no way to replace individual parts yourself (Horizon does not ship parts to Canada). DO NOT BUY (particularly if you are a Canadian customer).

Works fairly well, was quiet for the first 3 weeks, currently has an annoying tick at lower speeds. Upon turning on the treadmill it loudly beeps multiple times, no way to turn that off so if you plan on using anywhere near your sleeping family forget it. For the cost it’s not bad in terms of functionality but the noises are frustrating. It NOT whisper quiet as advertised.

Very good quality. Well built. The only thing I don't like are the pre-programmed settings. The speeds are too variable going from 1.5-4.0 mph. The cool downs at 1.5 mph are painfully slow.

I can't comment on longevity as I have only had the treadmill for a couple of weeks but it was shipped quickly, was extremely easy to set up (needed 2 people - 1 just to hold parts while the other person did the screws). It is very heavy but we were able to carry it down stairs with 2 people. I love that I can just plug my tablet in to the speakers and watch a show. The treadmill is quiet enough that I can easily hear my show and even can hear my kids calling from upstairs. It seems very sturdy - doesn't shake even when I run though I am not a very heavy person. I think it is a great buy for the price.