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Horizon T101 treadmill vs Nordictrack 8.5

Written by Pascal Landshoeft | Mar 7, 2021 5:00:00 PM

Horizon T101 treadmill vs Nordictrack 8.5

This is a comparison between the Horizon T101 and Nordictrack T8.5 including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article has been originally published in which Horizon treadmill to get.

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Overview and review NordicTrack T 8.5 S Treadmill $1399 - $1999

This is a review of the Nordictrack 8.5 S model which was originally published in "Which Nordictrack treadmill to get". Follow the links for more details.

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Overview NordicTrack T 8.5 S Treadmill $1399 - $1999

 
The T 8.5 is the small brother of the T 9.5 from Nordictrack. The main difference is an HD touch screen which 10 inches on the 8.5 instead of 14 on the T 9.5. Apart from this, you get a top speed of 12 miles an hour, 12% incline and a foldable treadmill. The full list of specifications for the T 8.5 runs as following:
 
  • 10” Smart HD Touchscreen
  • Includes 1-Year NordicTrack iFit® membership
  • Bluetooth® Audio Capabilities
  • Dual 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers
  • FlexSelect™ Cushioning
  • 20” x 60” Commercial Tread Belt
  • AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
  • Integrated Tray
  • 0-12% Incline
  • 0-12 MPH Speed
  • One Touch® Controls
  • 3.5 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus Motor
  • 1.9” Precision and Balanced Non-Flex Rollers
  • 300 Lb. User Capacity
  • EKG Grip Pulse
  • SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
  • 50 On-Board Workout Programs
  • 78.5” L x 35.5” W x 59” H Footprint
  • 10-Year Frame Warranty
  • 2-Year Parts Warranty
  • 1-Year Labor Warranty
This is a treadmill for the smaller budget and a mid-range option at it. I personally do not like the middle of the road solutions and either go alls guns blazing or very low budget. Personally, I think the 1750 is more balanced or go for the T6.5 if you want to save money and space.
 

Pros of the  NordicTrack T 8.5 treadmill

 
The pros of the 8.5 treadmill are:
 
  • Foldable
  • 300 lb capacity
  • Cushioning
If you want to save money on a treadmill that can take a pounding this is the right choice. You can save space when storing and it takes up to 300 lbs. of weight. All of this makes it a good option for a mid-range home treadmill.
 

Cons of the NordicTrack T 8.5 treadmill

 
Cons of the Nordictrack 8.5:
 
  • Somewhere in the middle
  • High price to compromise 
As the Nordictrack portfolio has evolved the 1750 is just the better option in terms of value for money in my opinion. With the T 8.5 you compromise on the size of the belt, incline, and screen while still paying a good bit of money. It is a reasonable price for a cardio machine compared to other machines in the market, but I would lean more towards the 1750 to spent my money wisely. 
 

Alternatives to the NordciTrack T 8.5 treadmill

 
Alternatives to the T 8.5 are:
 
 
The Nordictrack 1750 is, in my opinion, the most balances option in the Nordictrack portfolio at a reasonable price. Therefore I think it is the best option for budget-conscious treadmill buyers from Nordic Track. The T 8.5 just sits a bit oddly against this as it has the same sized screen while having less incline and a smaller belt, while the prices are not that far apart. 
 
The Nordictrack 6.5 is the ideal option for people who want to maximize saving money and space when buying a new treadmill from Nordictrack. This model comes in around $1000 and has the smallest footprint of the Nordictrack models. Ideal for walkers or limited spaces. 
 
The Rogue echo bike is my personal favorite if you are looking for maximum calories burned per minute. It comes in at only $700, has a small footprint and packs a hefty punch.
 
If you are looking for a different concept of a treadmill the True form runner is for you. This treadmill is self-propelled and therefore has no motor. The belt rests on bearing and your footstrike accelerates or breaks on the speed. This is the ideal treadmill for runners who want to simulate fast acceleration and deceleration at home. 
 

Overview and review of the Horizon T101 treadmill

This is an overview of the Horizon T101 treadmill including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article has been originally published in which Horizon treadmill to get. Follow the links for more details.

You can get the most up to date content and ask direct questions on my Instagram Account.

 

 

 

Overview of the Horizon T101 $599

 
The Horizon Fitness T101 is the smallest treadmill you can get from Horizon fitness. It has the smallest belt, the smallest warranty, and the smallest incline of 10%. If you want an overbuilt walking treadmill that you do not need to store away after use, then this is the one for you. Otherwise, go for a different model from Horizon or research deeper into more flexible walking treadmills. The full list of specifications is:
 
Frame Type: FeatherLight Folding
Running area: 20" x 55"
Cushioning: 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning
Drive Motor: 2.5 Continuous-Duty Horsepower
Belt: 1.4mm, Silicone
Deck Thickness: 0.7" (18mm)
Roller Size: 46mm/42mm Tapered
Speed Range: 0.5 – 12 mph
Incline Range: 0 – 10%
Extras: Audio In/Out Jack, Bluetooth Speakers, Energy Saver Mode, Fan, Tablet Rack, Water Bottle Holder
Weight: 165 lbs.
Assembled dimensions: 70" x 34" x 55"
Folded dimensions: 46" x 34" x 61"
Max User weight: 300 lbs.
Electrical requirements: 60Hz - 120V
Home Warranty - Frame: Lifetime
Home Warranty - Motor: Lifetime
Home Warranty - Parts: 1 year
Home Warranty - Labor: 1 year
 
I am never a huge fan of getting the cheapest of anything with the least amount of features. The same goes for the Horizon T101. If you are a slow jogger or fast walker, this is perfect. Otherwise, get yourself a proper running treadmill from the Horizon studio line or upgrade to the T202/303 if you weigh less than 100kg.
 

Pros of the Horizon T101

 
The pros of the Horizon T101 are:
 
  • Incline
  • Sturdy frame
  • Speed
 
If you look at the T101 as a walking treadmill it has a strong motor and incline. The frame is also sturdy for a walking treadmill. If you were looking for a very robust walking treadmill, this is it. 
 

Cons of the Horizon T101

 
The cons of the Horizon T101 are:
 
  • Not ideal for runners
  • Can not be stored easily
  • Barebone warranty
  • Still has a console
 
When you put everything together about the T101 I would stay away from it if you consider yourself a runner. It is the cheapest Horizon has to offer with the smallest warranty package. If you put 100s of miles on it and weigh more than a feather it will rattle and break. For walkers who want to into the occasional jog, this is a good fit.
 
If we look at the T101 through the walking treadmill lens it can not be stored easily. There are quite a few options out there that can be folded and hung in the closet or pushed under the bed. You do not have these options with the T101 which makes it less attractive if you only use it for walking.
 
The barebone warranty is worrisome if you will run on this. This treadmill is a malfunction waiting to happen if you put it under a lot of stress. Not because it is not well built, but because someone was cheap about what they actually are using it for. This paired with the small warranty is not a great choice if you press more than 100 miles per week.
 
If I am looking at it as a walking treadmill I also have to ask why it has a console at all. You still pay for these parts and on a walking treadmill, an up and down button for speed will more than do. No speakers or other electronics needed as you will use your phone or tablet anyway.
 

Alternatives to the Horizon T101

 
Alternatives to the Horizon T101 are:
 
 
The rogue echo bike is a great alternative to any treadmill for the serious athlete. You will most likely do your runs outdoors anyway to make it more challenging and closer to the real thing. The echo bike will enable you to do great interval training and is easier to move around. It also comes at roughly the same price point as the T101 give or take $100. A budget version of the Rogue Echo bike is the TITAN fan bike.
 
The concept 2 ski erg is a great option for a serious machine that is not as noisy as a treadmill and takes up less space. You will not get a leg workout, but a great deal of cardio. If your goal is to lose weight and stay fit and you do not mind that much which way this happens, give the ski erg a serious look.
 

Conclusion for the Horizon T101

 
In my personal opinion, there are better options out there for a walking treadmill. If you want a running treadmill the Horizon portfolio really starts at the T202 if not even at the T303 and 7.0AT.
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