The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 Review - A Brand New 3-in-1 Cardio Machine

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is a hybrid cardio machine combining an elliptical, a stepper and a treadmill all in one unit.  

Recently redesigned it is a nice upgrade from previous models in the series, with enhanced calorie burning capability.

For those looking for a space-friendly cardio machine that can help them lose weight and tone up in a short amount of time, the TC100 might just be the machine for you.

TC100 - The Machine

The TC100 TreadClimber has two separate belts, called treadles, which look like mini treadmills that act independently.  

You get a platform at the rear where you can enter and exit the machine conveniently.  A fully backlit LCD display shows you calories burned, time, distance and speed.

Let's take a look at some of the TC100 specs...

• 4.0 mph top belt speed
• Quiet, motorless operation
• Bowflex Connect workout tracking
• Interactive LCD screen
• Heart rate grips
• Media shelf with USB charger
• 300 lbs. max. User Weight
• Transport Wheels
• Dimensions/Wt: 57"L x 31.5"W x 59"H / 158 lbs
• Bowflex® Worry-Free warranty: 2 years on everything

The Buzz

UPDATE: As of Summer 2021 Bowflex has discontinued both TreadClimber models in favor of their all new treadmills. Check out the Treadmill 10 & Treadmill 22 as an alternative.

Early reviews on the new Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 are positive, as critics like the fact that the company is constantly making improvements to these machines.

New features include the interactive console, the media shelf for your smart phone or iPad with a USB charger and the fact that you can now sync your workouts with My Fitness Pal and other apps that you use (currently on the TC200 model only).  

This helps you keep track of your results and have something to improve upon each time you work out.

Reviews note that these are walking machines, so although they are presented as treadmills, ellipticals and steppers all in one, you can't run as you would on a traditionally treadmill.  

The max speed is only 4 mph. So if you are looking to run this is not the right trainer for you.

Still, you can get a very good cardio workout just by walking on the TC100, purportedly burning up to 2 1/2 times the calories that you can on a treadmill at the same speed.  

The design also reduces the impact on your joints, similar to an elliptical.

One negative that has come up in user reviews is the price, which is a bit high for a hybrid trainer, although it has come down from previous highs.  The TC100 is about $1,599 on sale, the TC200 is $1,999 on sale.  

The latter does have a lot more features and capabilities but critics wonder if the huge price jump is justified.

TreadClimber TC100 vs the TC200:  Which One Should You Choose?

Although there used to be other Bowflex TreadClimber models, currently only the new TC100 and TC200 remain.  Both are very capable machines and big improvements over previous models.

Choosing one TreadClimber over another usually comes down to price, as well as deciding which features you want vs which features you need.

The TC 100 is the base model, with speeds up to 4 mph, contact grip heart rate monitoring and a 2 year warranty.

The TC200 is the more advanced model, with speeds up to 4.5 mph, 5 built in workouts, Bluetooth tracking, contact and wireless heart rate monitoring and a 3 year warranty.

So the TC200 definitely gives you a lot more, but you have to decide if the $500 price jump is worth it.  

It's nice to have built in workout programs and the ability to track and share your progress and set goals for yourself.  Wireless heart rate monitoring will also be more accurate than contact grips.  

But do you absolutely need those things to get a great workout and burn calories?  No.

Decide what your budget is and go from there.  Either machine is a great choice.

As far as comparing the TC100 a regular treadmill or the Max Trainer also from Bowflex, all of the machines are different so it's not an apples to apples comparison.  

The TC100 is strictly for walking unlike the traditional treadmill that allows you to walk, jog or run.

The Max Trainer is more of a stepper/elliptical than a treadmill, so it's geared more towards the elliptical user than a treadmill user.

Bowflex TC100 Review - Bottom Line

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is definitely an improvement upon previous models, which did not receive great reviews due to poor design and lack of features.

There are some great new touches here, especially on the TC200 model, such as more interactivity, workout tracking and syncing, heart rate monitoring and other new features.  

The foot treadles are longer now as well so they are much more comfortable to use.

Will it take the place of traditional treadmills or ellipticals?  Probably not. As we mentioned, the top speed on the TC 100 is only 4 mph, so it's not for the runner crowd.  

It also doesn't have nearly the amount of features that a typical $1000-$2000 elliptical or treadmill will give you.

It can however provide a solid, low impact workout that can help you burn up calories, lose weight and build cardio endurance.  So in that regard it is not a bad choice.

Keep in mind that Bowflex offers a nice 6 week fitness guarantee.  After using it for 6 weeks if you are not satisfied with your results you can return it for a full refund.  

That's a very good deal and will give you ample time to decide whether or not you like the machine.