I like this year’s lineup of Echelon treadmills. Probably better known for their bikes and rowers, the fact is, Echelon makes a really nice treadmill too. The Stride-8S is their top machine this year, with a 22″ high-definition touchscreen with tilt, pivot, and swivel functions, and a 3.75 Continuous Horsepower Motor. The motor and overall machine size is the biggest difference between this unit and the next one down, the Stride-4S. Priced at $2,799.99, it’s about $500 more expensive, and you should read up on our review of treadmill motors here to decide if it’s worth it. For heavier users and marathon runners, this might be worth it. It’s also noteworthy that the Stride-8S requires some disassembly to fold and unfold, using screws. Most folding treadmills meanwhile have an easy-to-use hydraulic system. That’s another point to consider, even though this treadmill is relatively mid-sized 67.2″ x 32″ x 63″ when in use.

Other great features include a wireless charging pad, heart rate sensors built into the handlebars, and a 20″ x 60″ tread deck, which is plenty for users of most heights. It also has neat handlebar controls for speed and incline by way of rotating dials. Those are first of their kind that I’ve seen. Read below to see the rest of the specs and a detailed analysis of the Echelon Stride-8S to see if this treadmill might be for you.

Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The Echelon Stride-8S

At TreadmillReviews.net, we bring you comprehensive reviews of treadmills so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the treadmills we review. We install them, walk on them, run on them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every treadmill we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles on the deck. We listen and record the sound of the motor, we test and measure the incline/decline, try out all aspects of the console and try the treadmill’s features.

Every treadmill we review undergoes the same rigorous process. That way we can compare and contrast them and give you an honest review of what we think. This particular treadmill has been around for many years, and we’ve done previous reviews of the Echelon Stride-8S. So, in this review, we also compared it to the previous models.

Our reviewers are treadmill and fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a competitive bodybuilder, and is a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. He has coached and been coached on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for competitions. He is an expert at treadmills, has been on this treadmill, and you can trust his opinion on all of the treadmills he reviews.

In Brief

The 2024 Echelon Stride-8S is a top-of-the-line treadmill from that manufacturer, and brings a really great 22″ high-definition screen which is designed to work with the Echelon fitness app. One downside to note, the screen only works with the Echelon fitness app and not outside websites. The upside is, it swivels, tilts and pivots for viewing at any angle. I’ll be honest, I think for most people the Echelon Stride-4S is probably a better buy, and I’ll outline why as we go. But the good news about the Stride-8S is it still brings a terrific machine to the home, and as I’ve said before, I’ve never a doubted Echelon their quality of construction. Priced at $2,799.99, the treadmill measures 67.2″ x 32″ x 63″ when in use, so in keeping with the rest of the lineup, it’s a bit smaller than some of the other machines on the market, and many buyers want that. It does bring a 3.75 CHP motor though, and that’s a good size for just about any needs. One concern I have is the folding mechanism requires screws, and while simple, it’s not as easy as the simple lift function you’ll find on the other units. Other than that, you’re getting a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour and 12% incline, which is very much on par with the needs of most users. It also features really unique adjusting dials for the resistance, unlike any I’ve ever seen, on the handlebars. But unlike the $2,299.99 Stride-4S, this model is a bit pricier, and for the extra money, there are lots of reasons to shop around a bit.

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Echelon Stride-8S – Pros & Cons (2024) - Key Specs:

In-Depth Review of the Echelon Stride-8S

Why We Like It

The Echelon Stride-8S brings a terrific 22″ touchscreen and console, as well as a sizeable 3.75 CHP motor. All in all, it’s a solid folding treadmill with the 12% incline and speeds up to 12 miles per hour that are needed to get the job done. With heart rate sensors built into the handlebars as well as cool resistance dials, the 20″ x 60″ can handle about any kind of workout you want. It’s a slightly smaller unit than many comparable treadmills in its price class, and that should suit those with smaller homes or those who simply want a smaller unit. Still, it brings a great 300-pound user weight maximum, which should be more than sufficient for the average user.

Huge 22″ HD Touchscreen Which Rotates, Pivots, and Swivels

If you like enjoy interactive programming during exercise, then 22 inches of touchscreen is plenty. When using screens of this size myself, I feel like I’m in a movie theatre. Consider that this one of the largest screens around. I’d offer up the NordicTrack X22i as a contrast, given its size and $3,500 cost. One downside with all treadmills built with this size of screen is they only work with the company’s app, whether it’s iFit or Echelon. So if you’re planning to buy a treadmill with a screen this size, just go ahead and plan on using the app. It can work without it, but the screen goes into a default mode with manual programming. The value to the rotation of the screen is you can get off the treadmill and engage in dumbbell work, yoga, or stretching. I like to use the Echelon fitness app’s High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) programs which incorporate all of the above, and the screen’s rotation makes that easier.

Folding Capabilities

Here’s where I’m a bit surprised. This unit features a screw-based folding design as opposed to the hydraulic function with which I’m more accustomed. Granted, it’s easy as pie. That said, I do prefer the hydraulic action a bit. Overall though, folding is folding, and I’m a fan of folding treadmills.  Professional trainers and marathon trainer might need a bigger unit that doesn’t fold, like the NordicTrack EXP 22i, but most other folks will be thrilled with the convenience folding affords. It never ceases to amaze me at how many product complaints I see from consumers who simply failed to maintain their machine. You can read up on maintenance in my article on the topic here. It’s obvious these folding treadmills are much easier to move around your home. 

Great Comfort Features

The Echelon Stride-8S features a user-friendly fan as well as comfort tray for keys or other devices. You’ll also get two bottle holders for your workout drink, and the emergency Start/Stop button and safety key are right below. I’m also really digging the cool, silver speed and resistance dials on the handlebars, right next to the heart rate sensors. All in all, it’s a terrific looking treadmill and one that will keep you moving.

The Echelon Fitness App

The great thing about this treadmill is you don’t need the Echelon fitness app, but you can still get it if you want. One of the great things about using the Echelon program is the choice in pricing. At the FitPass level, you’re paying $11.99 per month and get access to unlimited on-demand classes and thousands of on-demand video workouts. The Premier plan is either $33 per month if paid annually, or $39 if done monthly. Like most training apps, this one features exercise programs in everything from running to weightlifting, yoga, and rowing. It’s also downloadable meaning you can use it with other equipment either at home or away. The Premier option includes integration with Strava, Zwift, Apple Health, and entertainment streaming with FitOS as well as gamified workouts using Echelon Worlds. Whether you like high intensity interval training (HIIT), or long, slow walks, this app package gives you plenty of diversity. In my experience, the $11.99 FitPass is one of the best deals on the market in terms of bang-for-buck.

Video provided by Echelon

Echelon Stride-8S Dimensions

The dimensions of the Echelon Stride-8S are 67.2″ x 32″ x 63″ when in use. I’d recommend having ceilings at least 8′ high when placing this treadmill, and keep in mind you’ll need a doorway that’s wide enough to roll this through with the monitor and handlebars as well.

Echelon Stride-8S Weight

The Echelon Stride-8S weighs 156 lbs, or about 71 kg.

What We Like:

• Great 22″ HD Touchscreen

  The Echelon Stride-8S screen is large enough to make you feel like a movie-goer. The screen also rotates and pivots. This lets you adjust it any way you want and get onto the floor for stretching if you want.

• Heart Rate Sensors

  The Echelon Stride-8S features handlebar heart rate sensors, which is a really nice touch for a treadmill of this price. I found the sensors to be accurate and consistent while checking the metrics on the treadmill’s touchscreen.

• 3.75 CHP Motor

  A 3.75 continuous horsepower motor is right on the money when it comes to jogging, walking, or running. I’ve yet to really be able to feel the difference between a 4.0 and 3.75 CHP motor and have never had a problem with motors of this size. You can read more on the topic of horsepower and motors here in our review treadmill motors.

• Silver Speed Dials

  Okay, I just like the way these look. That said, they do perform well too. Instead of relying on touchpad numbers, you’ll be able to dial up or down your resistance with more preceision.

• Incline Abilities

  The Echelon Stride-8S inclines up to 12%, which helps increase your resting metabolic rate, ramp up cardiovascular conditioning level, and build muscle strength simultaneously. I’m a big fan of hill climbing and hiking workouts, and they’re just not the same without an incline.

• Great User Weight Max

  I consider the maximum user weight to be an indicator of stability, and at 300 pounds, you should be in good shape. If you really need more than that, you should consider some of the treadmills designed specifically for larger users. But overall, this model should suit even big folks and those who want to train with weighted vest, which you can read about here.

• Cushioned Tread Deck

  This cushioned 60″ x 20″ tread deck gives you plenty of space to move. At 5’10” myself it’s perfect, but even taller people will have no problem with it..

What We Don’t Like:

• Complicated Warranty Program

  The machine itself comes with a pretty average 10-year warranty for the frame with five years on the motor. That said, you’ll notice Echelon has a number of upgraded warranty specials that come with app membership. Be sure to check into these before purchasing.

• Paid Assembly

  The delivers will assemble in-home for an additional $299.99. I’ve assembled a lot of treadmills over the years, and if you’re not going to have the pro’s do it, I’d strongly advise having several friends around to help. It’s not rocket science, but the parts are large and unwieldly.

This Treadmill Could Be For You If:

• You want a well-built entry-level treadmill under $3,000
• You want a 22″ high-definition touchscreen
• You want the benefits of built-in heart rate sensors.
• You want a folding treadmill.

My Final Verdict:

Here’s the thing, at $2,799.99 we’re getting into some pretty steep competition in the treadmill world. The ever-popular NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is only between $1,999 and $2,500 depending on the online sales, and the Sole F85 is typically under $2,500. Given the number of additional features you could get in those units, I’d say the Echelon Stride-8S comes in a little light. Meanwhile, I think the Echelon Stride-4S at $2,299.99 is a bit more in line with the competition. 

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