The NordicTrack E7.1 Elliptical Trainer –
Eye-Popping Features for the Price

The 2011 model Nordictrack E7.1 elliptical trainer is an entry level trainer that offers many advanced features including an incline ramp, adjustable stride length, iFit® Live compatibility, and MP3 audio plug-in port.

What You Get

The Nordictrack E7.1 elliptical trainer has a Grafixx™ LCD display showing multiple information fields as well as a single display for workout stats including time, speed, distance, resistance, pulse, RPMs, carbs burned and calories burned. The iFit Live programming requires an additional purchase of a wireless adapter, as well as an annual subscription to the website.

The list of the specs:

• SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
• 16 Digital Resistance Levels
• 18" - 20" Adjustable Stride Length
• 10° to 30° Intensity Stride Power Ramp™
• 20 Programs
• Upper body workout handlebars
• CardioGrip™ Heart Rate Monitor
• Oversized Cushioned Pedals
• MP3 Music Port & Intermix Acoustics™ 2.0
• 300 lb. user weight capacity
• Coolaire™ Fan
• SpaceSaver® Design
• iFit® Live Compatible*
• Dimensions: 80.5"L x 27"W x 66"H
• Warranty – lifetime frame, 1-year parts & labor

*Requires iFit® Live wireless adapter (sold separately).

The Word on the Street

UPDATE:  The NordicTrack E7.1 elliptical has been discontinued and replaced with all new, upgraded models.  Check them out here.

The NordicTrack E7.1 elliptical trainer has identical components and features to those found on the NT AudioStrider 990 including the same 18" - 20" adjustable stride length, a 10-30° power incline ramp, and compatibility with the new iFit® Live module featuring Jillian Michaels workouts.

The NordicTrack E7.1 elliptical has a list of features that is eye popping for a trainer at this price and while that will attract many unsuspecting buyers, it also stops equipment pros cold because they can predict which NordicTrack parts will fail and how much those replacement parts cost. Users who have posted elliptical reviews report problems in a few key areas.

During assembly, the bolt holes on the frame don’t always line up, especially on the track where the wheels glide. Any misalignment causes the roller wheel to rub against the glide track shield, which in turn causes rubbing and loud noise. Eventually, the wheels wear down.

A replacement wheel for the E7.1 elliptical trainer costs about $52 plus shipping. Next, defective consoles are a common problem. Lastly, the NordicTrack customer service can be a nightmare if you need a part or an in-home service call.

Our Thoughts

The NordicTrack E7.1 elliptical trainer is not a durable machine of lasting quality. While the $799 price tag and cool features got your attention, read the reviews to see what owners have to say.

The least you should know is that there are a lot of cheap parts in this unit and it will break down. Your first parts order might be in 3 months or in 2 years depending on how much you exercise you do, but you will have repair issues at some time in the future.

No matter the time frame, for $800 you want a machine that will last 5 years or more. Take a look at the much better NordicTrack C 7.5, which is about the same price.

Also, read some reviews on better value machines built by Horizon, Sole, and Yowza.