Our Score
- VERSATILE MACHINE: Effective cardiovascular low impact workout targeting upper & lower body muscle groups.
- MAGNETIC RESISTANCE: 8 levels of magnetic resistance for higher workout intensities, the resistance knob puts the control intensity in your hands.
- DIGITAL MONITOR: Track your speed, time, distance, pulse, & calories burned.
- DEVICE HOLDER: Place your mobile device & you’re ready to start watching a virtual biking video online, your favorite movies/tv shows or read a book.
- SMOOTH & SILENT: Durable belt-drive mechanism that keeps your strides quiet and consistent for both short and long intense workout sessions.
The JTX Strider X7 Cross-Trainer is a low-mid range machine capable of delivering a heart-racing workout. Coming in at around half the price of the JTX Tri-Fit or Zenith, the Strider X7 has an affordable charm whilst still packing in the some of the same quality features. There's something to say about the build quality and design, how the Strider X7 works to help you achieve your workout goals and what the perks of buying with JTX are about.
Check out the full list of the best cross trainers for your home here.
There are cheap cross-trainers, and then there are good value cross-trainers. The Strider X7 comes in the second category. For a machine in the lower reaches of new, electro-magnetic cross-trainers the Strider X7 is a top choice. With two sets of sturdy handles and adjustable, non-slip pedals this cross trainer has the feel of a more advanced model.
The Strider X7 is sturdy, planted on four slightly raised feet. It is also relatively compact with dimensions of 170cm (in height), 70cm (in width) and 130cm (in length). Weighing only 54kg, in part due to the feather-light 12.5kg fly wheel- worth noting that the more expensive JTX models, the Zenith and the Tri-Fit, have a 17.5kg fly wheel. The lightness of the fly wheel does make this a suitable cross-trainer for beginners.
If you want to explore more about Zenith Home Cross Trainer, this article will surely help you.
JTX Strider-X7 Home Cross Trainer Features and Specifications
- Colour LCD touchscreen console
- 21 programmes covering heart rate training, hill climbs, interval and fat burning settings
- Electro-magnetic resistance
- 16" stride
- 12.5kg fly wheel
- Create four programmes of your own design
- Adjustable pedals
Our Score
- VERSATILE MACHINE: Effective cardiovascular low impact workout targeting upper & lower body muscle groups.
- MAGNETIC RESISTANCE: 8 levels of magnetic resistance for higher workout intensities, the resistance knob puts the control intensity in your hands.
- DIGITAL MONITOR: Track your speed, time, distance, pulse, & calories burned.
- DEVICE HOLDER: Place your mobile device & you’re ready to start watching a virtual biking video online, your favorite movies/tv shows or read a book.
- SMOOTH & SILENT: Durable belt-drive mechanism that keeps your strides quiet and consistent for both short and long intense workout sessions.
Lacking features or just stripped back?
Unlike the JTX Zenith or the Tri-Fit the Strider-X7 does not have any options for connecting to fitness trackers, at least in the direct sense. As the cross-trainer has no Bluetooth you're on your own, you can't use the Polar chest strap which comes with the higher end models.
If you're a keen Fitbit or other fitness band user it would be worth checking if the settings on that device allow for tracking a cross-trainer session. Not only because there's no way to record these stats on the Strider-X7 itself, but because the heart rate sensors on the static bars are not super accurate.
Compared to the higher end models the other missing link here is weight tolerance. The Strider-X7 has a maximum weight capacity of 110kg. Still with 21 programmes included, spanning heart rate control (hmmm...), to hill climbs and interval training, getting down to 110kg should be easy enough. If you're flagging on one of said hills the trainer has a 'Quick Start' button to give you a little push - something you'll never get with an air resistance based cross-trainer.
What does stand out about buying with JTX is their delivery policy and their warranty. JTX also provide in-depth support and documentation online for installing and getting the most out of your cross-trainer. There's free next day delivery, even on Amazon, and if you live in England and Wales the couriers will take the cross-trainer to the room of your choice.
When you realise you actually wanted it in another room, the X7 weighs 54kg, which is still heavy but nowhere near the weight of some cross-trainers. There are wheels on the front so you can roll the machine from room to room.
JTX provide outstanding warranties, this cross-trainer has a 5 year frame waarranty and 2 years of home repair, inclusive of all parts and labour.
A bit of a freebie is the looks of the Strider-X7, personally I think they have created a more pleasing cross-trainer than the more expensive Tri-Fit, less expansive plastic moulding. The stripped back feel is slightly reminiscent of the ceiling in a large supermarket or airport, it doesn't quite keep up with the Zenith.
However this shouldn't take away from the fact that the Strider-X7 is sturdy and reliable when it comes to actually doing a cross-training workout. Sure you can start to get wild with incline and stide lengths, but at the end of the day elliptical exercise is a great low-impact way to do cardio.
Our Score
- VERSATILE MACHINE: Effective cardiovascular low impact workout targeting upper & lower body muscle groups.
- MAGNETIC RESISTANCE: 8 levels of magnetic resistance for higher workout intensities, the resistance knob puts the control intensity in your hands.
- DIGITAL MONITOR: Track your speed, time, distance, pulse, & calories burned.
- DEVICE HOLDER: Place your mobile device & you’re ready to start watching a virtual biking video online, your favorite movies/tv shows or read a book.
- SMOOTH & SILENT: Durable belt-drive mechanism that keeps your strides quiet and consistent for both short and long intense workout sessions.
Pros
- The electro-magnetic resistance is silent and smooth
- Create and save four custom workouts
- JTX have a great warranty and repair service
Cons
- No heart rate sensors on the moving handles
- No connectivity or use of the JTX i-Console software
Summary
For a cheap mid-range cross-trainer we'd highly recommend the Strider-X7. It packs in the bare essentials of a 'good' cross-trainer without seriously breaking the bank. Electro-magnetic resistance is the best as it keeps things quite and precise, while the compact nature of the machine means it can fit in a small flat or back room you're converting to a home gym.
Being without connectivity isn't strictly a bad thing, to sugar coat it slightly at least you won't be fiddling with Bluetooth or endlessly flicking around Google Maps trying to find a 'proper run', you'll just be on it, floating away.
If you can't decide which JTX model is good for you, this additional information about Tri-Fit Home Cross Trainer might give you clarification.
Our Score
- VERSATILE MACHINE: Effective cardiovascular low impact workout targeting upper & lower body muscle groups.
- MAGNETIC RESISTANCE: 8 levels of magnetic resistance for higher workout intensities, the resistance knob puts the control intensity in your hands.
- DIGITAL MONITOR: Track your speed, time, distance, pulse, & calories burned.
- DEVICE HOLDER: Place your mobile device & you’re ready to start watching a virtual biking video online, your favorite movies/tv shows or read a book.
- SMOOTH & SILENT: Durable belt-drive mechanism that keeps your strides quiet and consistent for both short and long intense workout sessions.
Check out some of our other JTX products