Bowflex TreadClimber TC100: Features, Drawbacks and Specifications (2023 Updated)

guy in the gym is training on the treadmill

Image by pressahotkey on Freepik

By Simon Gould

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is a mid-range exerciser. They are strange at first because they’re like little treadmills for each foot. But once you get used to them you see the benefits they can provide. A TreadClimber can burn 2.5 times more calories than walking alone. That’s a good workout to be had in very little time.

The top speed is 4 mph so it’s designed for walking. The average walking speed for an adult is around 3 mph. The TreadClimber is like 3 exercises in one so you’ll find it hard to workout on. That’s what it’s supposed to do because you’re burning so many more calories. Bowflex supply a weight loss guide to go with the TC100.

The TreadClimber uses the motions of a treadmill, stepper and elliptical in your exercise routines. It’s lower impact than a treadmill, so it’s very soft to walk on. It’s all about the weight loss with these. There are 2 models of TreadClimbers by Bowflex. Only Bowflex make them and this model (the TC100) is the one below. It still does everything you want it to but with less functionality and less cost.

The TC100 has a special little USB port which will enable you to charge a device and download information. While a device is charging there is a media or tablet shelf. A lot of exercise equipment have this now because it’s so useful. As you’re only walking on a TreadClimber it’s even more helpful because it will remain stable.

Features

+ Small Footprint – The TC100 really doesn’t take up much room. The length is 57″ but you normally see 70″+ on treadmills. This doesn’t fold but if you have a tight space to workout with, then this TreadClimber is ideal. Plus there are wheels to transport it should you need to store it away. I can imagine the TC100 would be popular for those who live in apartments.

+ User Profiles – I always like my treadmills to come with user profiles and this TreadClimber has them too. There are 2 available and their advantage is you can get a very accurate calories burned reading. That’s the big deal about this equipment, the fact it can lose you weight by burning so many calories.

It can do this because it takes detailed information. You input your gender, weight, year of birth and more. The TC100 stores this and you select which user you are and then workout. You also get an accurate fitness score which gives you an ever changing number from 0 to 100 telling you how fit you are. This is great to see how you’re progressing over time.

+ Awards – Bowflex seem to love this feature on their equipment and so do I. As you achieve certain milestones a trophy appears on the screen. This is a way of telling you, you’ve achieved something and it could be a number of things. You can see by the picture above where it says “Today’s Awards” that there are many it can show.

An audible sound is made as well and you’re told what the achievement is. There are 11 different trophies you could earn. From exercising everyday for 3 days to every 100 calories burned. I think these are a great way to make your workouts more enjoyable and I would always want to get the next award. It’s a little thing that makes a big difference.

+ Free In Home Assembly – At the time of writing when you go onto the TreadClimber TC100 web page, there is $250 off. When you see that in home assembly is $249, you’re actually getting it free. Plus there’s a free mat and free shipping so the total you will pay is what’s shown, and you get those extras too.

+ Fully Backlit LCD Display – As you can see by the picture, the console is nice and easy to use. It shows a lot of information on the display. I’ve already explained why the calorie count is accurate. There’s also a special light telling you when you’ve burned 500 calories. This will be a hard and rewarding one to get to.

The usual distance and speed is shown together with a visual display of your workout. The button for the speed can adjust at 0.1 or 0.5, up or down depending which one you press. Your average speed is shown and a little light to tell you when you should hydrate. You should take on plenty of liquid when you exercise so a little reminder is nice to see.

+ 300 lbs Weight Capacity – I like machines that can take a big weight and we have that here. This is the weight most good treadmills can handle. When you consider you have a little treadmill or “treadle”, as Bowflex call it, for each foot, this makes the capacity even more impressive. If you weigh a lot and you need to lose weight, then the TC100 is for you.

Drawbacks

 Warranty – 2 years for frame and parts. On a lot of good treadmills you get lifetime on the frame and motor. The labor part leaves a lot to be desired. At least you have a 6 week money back guarantee. That gives you plenty of time to decide if you like it. Only Bowflex offer this length, so if for any reason you don’t like it, simply telephone Bowflex and organize collection and refund.

 No Workout Programs – You don’t really need them. You just get on the TC100 and go. A lot of reviews get confused when it says “4 functions”, this just means there are 4 ways of the screen telling you the stats of your workout. There are no workout programs, the model above, which is the TC200 has them. Again, this is no real loss if you’ve used a TreadClimber before.

Specifications

ModelBowflex TC100
FoldingNo
DisplayFully Backlit LCD Display
DimensionsL 57″ x W 31.5″ x H 59″
Max User Weight300 lbs
TreadClimber Weight158 lbs
Speed0.5 to 4 mph
Warranty2 Years: Frame & Parts
90 Days: Labor

Summary

Although it looks a bit different, it ticks a lot of boxes for walking as exercise. Is it a treadmill, stepper, elliptical or all 3? Despite what I’ve just said, the TC100 is a really popular machine. It’s liked by expert reviewers and owners alike. It’s one of Bowflex’s best selling and is an upgrade from the less modern, but still popular in it’s time, TC10.

This TC100 is a simple machine which is designed to lose you weight very effectively. At the same time you’ll get a great aerobic workout and all the benefits that come with it. I think 5 stars is well deserved, it and Bowflex have a good reputation. Bowflex have been updating their line of TreadClimbers frequently and the TC100 is their best at the price.

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