It's a fantastic machine when it's up and running!! Unfortunately there is a big problem with the foot pedals and tubes. Mine broke after about 20 times being used, that was in October and it's now the end of January and I am still waiting for the replacement parts but have been told there is a backlog of orders. I have tried to contact the company and have not heard anything back. I am afraid that I have a $2600 piece of crap in my basement. DO NOT BUY IT!! At least until this issue has been resolved.
While we have not had an issue with foot pedals or tubes, we have had numerous other issues with the HC 820. The first problem we encountered was during the first two to three weeks, when a large bolt was literally sheered off the flywheel after it somehow "backed" its way out. The retailer ordered us a new machine. It took at least six weeks to receive the new machine. That was about a year ago, and since then, the machine has started to make a noise similar to nails on a chalkboard. It is not a constant noise, but can be quite loud at times. One of the main reasons we purchased this machine was because we keep it in our den, and need to be able to exercise while others are watching TV, etc. This noise is enough to keep the kids out of the den. The technicians have been out several times to fix problems, and complain that they have great difficulty reaching anyone at Symmetry. They did make the noise stop for about six weeks, but it has started again, and now our labor warranty has run out. We love this machine when it works! It is smooth and quiet, and has many fantastic features that other elliptical machines do not. Unfortunately, it has many problems, and I don't expect them to be resolved. If I could start over, I would definitely purchase something different, even if it cost substantially more. I am very disappointed in this machine.
