Just bought a treadmill. I have a question for those that own one.

Some come with a 1% built-in incline, to make it more like running outside. It shouldn't matter too much.

No you should be able to make it totally flat. Most treadmills have foot pads on all four corners that touch the ground. This can usually be adjusted by turning them (screwing) up or down. This is because most floors aren't really level. My guess is yours need to be adjusted. Also some may have other leveling adjustments. Read your owners manual or google your specific model if its not readily apparent how to adjust it. You want it to be close to level in both directions or it will be annoying to run on.

You can level it by, for example, putting a 2x4 across under the back feet.

I did this for awhile, then decided to just use the treadmill as it is.

How do you like it?

I am in the process of searching for a treadmill and would be interested in how you chose that one.

I wanted one that went 12 mph, as well as other features. I read the reviews on this and felt satisfied with purchasing it.

lkj wrote:

I wanted one that went 12 mph, as well as other features. I read the reviews on this and felt satisfied with purchasing it.

You didn't run on one before buying it?

I bought the Sole F80 (2013 model) a few months ago. Have been happy with it so far.

I can confirm there is a slight incline in its flattest position. I don't think the pads are adjustable. Incline is so slight it does not bother me.

My biggest issue was the treadmill was not calibrated correctly. It arrived set for wheel size 2.4 (the manual also incorrectly says to use wheel size 2.36). I contacted Sole tech support and they said the wheel size should be set to 2.75 for the F80 (at least the 2013 model, not sure about earlier).

Did you try the Nordic Track 2150, any of the pro-form ones or the Livestrong 15.0?

If you did, what made you choose the Sole over those?

in the market for one too wrote:

Did you try the Nordic Track 2150, any of the pro-form ones or the Livestrong 15.0?

If you did, what made you choose the Sole over those?

I went with the Livestrong 15.0. It delivers tonight, I'll let you know my thoughts once I get to put it through it's paces. Dick's has a decent sale on it right now.

webfoot wrote:

My biggest issue was the treadmill was not calibrated correctly. It arrived set for wheel size 2.4 (the manual also incorrectly says to use wheel size 2.36). I contacted Sole tech support and they said the wheel size should be set to 2.75 for the F80 (at least the 2013 model, not sure about earlier).

Man, that's good to hear. I also just bought a Sole F80. Did 10 on it Tuesday. The pace felt a lot faster than what the readout showed. I thought it was because I just took a few weeks off! Just recalibrated so I'll see how it goe's on tonights run.

If you use it a lot, and plan to continue doing so, buy a service plan.

I saw the one at Dick''s and ran on it for about 2 1/2 minutes and it felt like it would be a pretty sturdy machine but that is a pretty short time to try to determine how it would feel for a longer workout.

Please let me know what you think after your use.

Craig's List. People buy treadmills and then don't use them for sh-t. I got a NordicTrack Commercial Zsomething for $550 on CL. Sadly, I can't remember the model number, and don't want to go back outside to my (detached) garage to find it because it's (California) cold--40 degrees--and I just had a popsicle. Anyhow, that sucker goes up to 12mph. You can find good deals, low-ball the seller, and then they'll meet you in the middle.

Invest in some arm warmers and get out in the cold

Racerdb wrote:Man, that's good to hear. I also just bought a Sole F80. Did 10 on it Tuesday. The pace felt a lot faster than what the readout showed. I thought it was because I just took a few weeks off! Just recalibrated so I'll see how it goe's on tonights run.

My first run on the F80 I was thinking holy crap this pace feels way to hard!

The exact words from Sole tech support: "The wheel size setting should be set to the roller size, it appears the documents did a cut and paste of the 2.36 size".

I really like the F80 but am surprised at this quality control issue that Sole should have caught and prevented.

I saw an ad on TV the other day for one that has a decline function. I can't remember to what %, maybe 5%? I've thought that might be good for some particular race courses.

Doclove wrote:

Invest in some arm warmers and get out in the cold

10 years ago I would have said the same thing (minus the arm warmers). Now that I'm 50-yrs-old it really helps to reduce Achilles and other aches and pains by replacing some of my runs on asphalt with running on the treadmill.

If Pre's Trail was right outside my door I suppose I wouldn't have bought a treadmill.

Recently I discovered the series "Breaking Bad" and have been streaming it on Netflix during my runs. Look forward to watching other series I've heard about but never had the time to watch. There should be a letsrun thread "Best television series to watch on a treadmill".

I own a Nordic Track 2150 and I love it! I find it a lot softer than the Sole machines. It all comes down to personal preference though, both are solid machines.

It will seem lame to most people, but I watch old Professional Wrestling Shows from youtube on my iPad during running and the time seems to fly by.