Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 Review

While this is not the highest rated out of all the Bowflex TreadClimbers out there, it is the most affordable one. Now, don’t worry, because while it may be more affordable than the TC200 for example, it still provides you with quite a big bang for the money you spend on it. It is still a fairly durable and stable machine, it is fairly joint friendly, and comes with quite a wide array of options to choose from as well. If you want a good cardio workout, but don’t want to spend as much money as the high end options cost, the TC100 makes for a really good option.

Find the best price for the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100

Overview

In case you would like to watch a little video overview of the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100, where some of the most important features are discussed, you can watch the below video.

Main Features

Even though the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is a more affordable option to go with, it does have a good number of features that make it well worth the investment.

Dimensions & Weight

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is not all that big or heavy when compared to other models such as the TC200, but it does still have a good amount of weight to it. While it is not the biggest of workout equipment out there, certainly a little smaller and lighter than the TC200, it is by no means lightweight.

Warranty

Bowflex is known for providing some pretty good warranties with their products, which can also be said for the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100. This model comes with a 2-year warranty that covers everything except for labor, which is only covered for 90 days. This warranty may not be as good as for the TC200, but 2 years is still a fairly long time. There is of course the option of purchasing an extended 3 and 5-year warranty (which does include labor for that whole time period).

Assembly

Bowflex machines are usually notoriously easy to assemble because Bowflex knows that nobody wants to waste time on a lengthy assembly process. When it comes to the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100, this is very true. While the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 does weigh close to 160 pounds, assembling it is not all that difficult, even when you are working alone. It is made easier with 2 people, but still doable if you are by yourself. Everything you need for assembly is included in the packaging, including tools and connectors. Also, the instructions are very straightforward and easy to follow. There is something like a $200 fee if you would like expert assembly so you can avoid this hassle altogether. In case you need some help assembling the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100, you can always check out the helpful video below.

What We Like About The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 does have a variety of neat aspects and cool features that we would like to talk about in some greater detail, so let’s do that right now.

While the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is by no means small or light in its own right, when compared to other models and other pieces of exercise equipment, it does not fare too bad. As far as TreadClimbers go, the TC100 is fairly compact and won’t take up too much space in your home. This is useful for anyone who does not have all that much space to spare. While the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 does weigh over 150 pounds, it is nowhere near the 200-pound weight of the TC200. Also, the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 comes with transportation wheels to make moving it around much easier. Being comparatively small and lightweight is something that we appreciate.

One small thing that we like about the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is that it has integrated contact grips. This means that touching the handles or stability rails will automatically measure your heart rate. This is useful in terms of measuring how much cardiovascular energy you are exerting. On that same note, this heartbeat info is displayed on the high-quality backlit LCD display that the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 comes with. This display is easy to read thanks to being backlit, it is easy to navigate with simple touch buttons, and it also displays things like calories burned, speed, time, and more. There is also the fact that the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 console has a USB charging port that also lets you export data to your phone via the Bowflex Fitness app. This makes tracking your daily progress a whole lot easier.

We do also like how the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is a very durable and stable machine to work out on. Surprisingly enough, while it is several hundred dollars cheaper than the top rated TC200 model, it still has the same weight capacity. Bowflex is fairly synonymous with quality, which is exactly what you can expect with the TC100. It has a high 300-pound weight capacity, it is made with long lasting materials and high-quality parts, it has a very stable base, and it even has adjustable feet for leveling.

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 also has various speed options ranging from 0.5 to 4.0 miles per hour. While this is not as extreme a range as the more highly rated TC200, it is still more than good enough for beginner, intermediate, and fairly advanced workouts, just not quite as advanced as with the TC200 model. That being said, the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 will undoubtedly give you a fantastic cardiovascular workout every time you step on it.

We also like the fact that the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 comes with some extras such as a water bottle holder so you never have to get too thirsty while using it. Moreover, the fact that it comes with a media and tablet holder is also a bonus because it lets you read a book, listen to music, or watch your favorite shows while working out.​

What We Don’t Like About The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100

As always, there are a couple of things which could be improved upon when it comes to the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100. Keep in mind that these are really only minor issues, especially because Bowflex is very well known for useful high-quality equipment. Some of these cons are not necessarily bad on their own, but when compared to the better TC200 option, there are some drawbacks to the TC100.

One of the things that we don’t like about the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is that it does get a little loud and squeaky with prolonged use. Now, the noise is somewhat unavoidable, at least in terms of the motion and function. However, you can control the squeakiness if you lubricate and regularly maintain it.

Something else that we don’t like about the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100, at least when compared to the top rated TC200, is that it does have fewer workout programs, none to be exact, and a narrower range of speeds to choose from. The fact that it does not come with any preset workout options is definitely a bit of a drawback.

Alternatives To The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100

Since you probably don’t all have the same needs or preferences, we have a few good alternatives to the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 for you to check out. Keep in mind that not all of these alternatives are TreadClimbers, but they do still make for some pretty good options none the less.

Bowflex TreadClimber TC200

While the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is the more affordable option, by several hundred dollars, it does not have quite as many features as the more highly rated Bowflex TreadClimber TC200. What does need to be said is that the TC100 is a little smaller, more compact, and not quite as heavy as the TC200, which is something that many people will appreciate. Both of these machines also have the same quality level, plus the same user weight limit too. The difference is that the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 has a bigger range of speeds from you to choose from, it has 5 workout programs compared to the zero program the TC100 comes with, and it is Bluetooth compatible too. There is also the fact that the TC200 has a better warranty than the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100. The TC100 is much more affordable and more compact but will not give you as many options or quite as an intense workout as the TC200.

Bowflex Max Trainer M5

Surprisingly enough, the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 is a little cheaper than the TC100 TreadClimber, by several hundred dollars actually. Now, what does need to be said is that the Bowflex Max Trainer M5 does provide you with a much more comprehensive total body workout and does a better job at activating the muscles in your upper body. Moreover, the Max Trainer is also a little bit better in terms of a hardcore cardiovascular workout, plus it does help you burn slightly more calories. The Bowflex Max Trainer is specifically intended for total focus high intensity workouts, which means efficient calorie burning, whereas the TreadClimber is a little more relaxed and less serious (but can still be fairly high intensity when the time calls for it). Both the TC100 and the Max Trainer M5 are about the same size, the same weight, and have the same user weight capacity too. Just keep in mind, when making your choice, that the Max Trainer series is all about high intensity workouts that will leave you feeling near exhaustion by the time you are done, whereas the TreadClimber series features a slightly more leisurely approach to things.

Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer

The Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer is actually a few hundred bucks cheaper than the Bowflex TC100. Bowflex is a highly reputable company known for their quality control and high standards, which is something that can surely be said for the Sole brand name as well. Now, the Sole E5 is quite a bit larger and heavier than the TC100, which is a bit of a drawback, but it does also have a higher user weight capacity. The TreadClimber is definitely a better option to go with if you are looking for a pure calorie burning cardio workout, as they are known to burn slightly more calories. On the other hand, elliptical machines are just a little bit more joint friendly, plus they do a far better job at providing you with a total body workout and lots of upper body muscle activation.

Final Thoughts On The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100

The bottom line is that the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is more than good enough for beginner and intermediate exercisers as well. The TC100 is more affordable than the top rated TC200, plus it is also a little easier to assemble, more compact, and a little lighter too. The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 may not have quite as many options as the TC200, but the near one thousand dollar price difference is something that many of you will definitely take into account. The TC100 is more than good enough for getting a great cardio workout, and it comes in at a more affordable price, especially when compared to the higher end options. Whatever your choice is, you can be sure that Bowflex will also provide you with quality workout equipment.