Reebok FR20 Floatride Treadmill Review

Reebok is the sort of brand that never stops innovating. Known across the world for producing high-quality sports equipment, it’s well known for bringing to market premium products that are available at an affordable price and in this respect its cardio equipment range is no different to the rest of the items they manufacture. To see what this means when it comes to how much bang you get for your buck, we took a look at its Reebok FR20 Floatride treadmill.

Getting the FR20 assembled is both straightforward and easy. The user manual has clear diagrams, there aren’t many pieces to put together and while the manual does state you should have two people involved in every step, we found that this really isn’t necessary as all of the components are easily manageable and there are no particularly heavy or bulky parts, apart from the main frame and deck but neither of those needs lifting into position to complete the build. So, while two persons are advised, we found it was easy for one person to complete the build safely.

Unlike many treadmills out there Reebok has opted for a design that’s got a bit of fun in it and added metallic bright blue uprights to the FR20 which goes about as much against traditional treadmill design as you can get. The design is simple with clean lines and that metallic blue element along with the super-slick console screen give this treadmill a very modern look and feel. With a footprint of 177cm x 69cm (70” x 27”) the FR20 is larger than a typical compact model but smaller than a full-sized machine, though the slimline design does make it appear smaller than it is. This makes it suitable for a wide range of settings including a typical box room. As such there’s no need to worry about space here, the FR20 will sit nicely just about anywhere. The thing to note here, and this is quite a big one if you’re after a compact model that folds away – this is a fixed-position non-folding treadmill which is very unusual on a home-use machine let alone on a compact model. Why would Reebok do this? Simple – more stability. This is a slimline, compact treadmill but thanks to the non-folding design the frame is far more rigid than you’ll find on similar-sized folding models. The result is that the FR20 feels surprisingly solid for its size. In fact, it feels impressively solid. And, thanks to the relatively compact overall size of this treadmill the fact it doesn’t fold may well prove not to be a problem in some settings, though if you need to fold your treadmill away when it’s not in use then this isn’t the model for you and even if you don’t plan on folding it away every day, for some, the fact that it doesn’t fold will be a deal-breaker which is understandable.

A 2.25 HP motor has been fitted to the FR20 which is enough for all but the most demanding of home environments. If you’ve got a family of 5 with 3 teenagers and you all run for an hour a day, 5 days a week, this is not the right machine for you and you should be looking at a more heavy-duty model. Otherwise, the 2.25 horsepower motor used here is more than capable of handling a decent run. With a top speed of 18kph (11mph) the FR20 is more than capable of delivering a smooth quiet run and even when set to top speed and maximum incline it doesn’t seem at all fussed about the work that’s being demanded of it.

At 46cm x 140cm (18” x 55”) the running area is a good size that provides plenty of room for a proper run unless you happen to be comfortably over 6ft. There are 15 levels of incline with the maximum level being respectable and there’s plenty enough on offer here to fit in nicely into most typical domestic environments. The transition between incline levels is easy to control with the option of using the quick access keys to get to a particular level at a single push of a button which makes life easier when on a manually controlled run especially given the compact design of the console. The cushioning system fitted to the FR20 is Reebok’s Floatride+ setup which sees 8 shock absorbers placed in zones along the deck to help to reduce impact strain on joints while still providing a solid surface to push off from. It works well, not only making for a comfortable run but a relatively quiet one too (helped by the fixed frame).

Real-time training data including speed, time, distance, calories, incline, and heart rate is displayed on the touch-sensitive LED display in a clear and logical way and it’s bright enough to see easily even in a bright environment. The display is divided into 4 separate windows for the data plus there are a number of touch-sensitive ‘buttons’ for controlling speed, incline through both increments and one-touch settings, start, stop, Bluetooth controls, and so on. Keeping bits of information separate makes for a clear and easy-to-read panel making it simple to instantly see what you’re looking for. In addition, the FR20 has Bluetooth capability so there’s a built-in tablet holder if you want to connect a smart device.

In terms of training options, there’s a manual mode, 3 target modes for distance, time and calorie burn, 3 user-defined workouts, and 24 preset workouts that cover all the usual types of workout that runners typically look for including cardio and weight loss. All the preset workouts are scalable for difficulty so if you like a particular workout, you can keep the same format while increasing the difficulty to match your fitness levels. The workouts themselves haven’t just been thrown together randomly either and they’re well designed. It’s also possible to change the units of measurement from miles to kilometers and there are hand pulse sensors to get a heart rate reading though we’d have liked to have seen a wireless receiver and it’s disappointing that there isn’t one for this sort of money, it really should have one. There’s also a body fat test mode which is carried out by holding the pulse sensors in body fat mode. In addition to the onboard workouts, the FR20 also has a Bluetooth module to enable you to connect a smart device such as a tablet to the treadmill. It’s possible to then use the Reebok i-console app which lets you tailor, track and break down your workouts to monitor your progress which can be a useful tool to keep motivated. The FR20 is also compatible with the Kinomap app which lets you run real-world routes race against friends and analyse your workouts as well as giving you access to a host of videos including personal trainer-led sessions, so there’s no shortage of training options here.

Other features include Bluetooth music connectivity and built-in speakers as well as an accessories tray. The Reebok FR20 Floatride also comes with a 2 year on-site parts and labour warranty.

Best Price

The Reebok FR20 Floatride is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

Review Summary - In Brief

The thing that sets the Reebok FR20 Floatride apart from just about every currently available treadmill out there in this category is the fact that it doesn't fold. While this will undoubtedly be a deal-breaker for many, others will live with it in an always open position, in exchange for the added stability that it provides. We like the design and function of this running machine. It's certainly a step away from the norm. But we do have a couple of nagging doubts here. For, if this is a compact model, why can't you fold it flat out of the way like other models such as the Viavito LunaRun? And, if it's stability you're after why not opt for the considerable benefits of a full-sized running deck such as to be found on models like the Proform 545i, without paying a penny more. As a niche offering, the FR20 definitely has appeal and will fill a specific need and there's nothing wrong with that, it's a good machine. But, if you're looking for stability or a compact model, the reality is that there are better choices out there.

Reebok FR20 Floatride Specifications

  • 2.25 HP eco-Kinetic motor
  • 1-18kph (0.6-11mph) speed range with direct speed keys
  • 15 levels of power incline with direct incline keys
  • 46cm (18”) x 140cm (55”) running area
  • Cushioning: Floatride+
  • Touch responsive LED display with pivot adjustment and illuminated bezel
  • Feedback: Speed, time, distance, calories, incline, pulse, heart rate and bodyfat
  • Programmes: 32 (manual mode, 24 pre-set, 3 user-defined, target time/distance/calories, FAT)
  • Compatible Applications: Kinomap
  • Heart Rate Measurement via hand pulse sensors
  • Extras: Item storage behind the console, floor level adjustment, transportation wheels
  • Audio: Built-in speaker system with Bluetooth connectivity
  • Dimensions in use (L x W x H): 177cm (70”) x 69cm (27”) x 115cm (45”)
  • Max. user weight: 120kg (264.5lbs)
  • Product weight: 72kg (159lbs)
  • Power supply: mains
  • Warranty: 2 years

Reebok FR20 Floatride Treadmill - Console / Display Unit

Reebok FR20 Floatride Treadmill - User Reviews

The Pros

  • Solid construction
  • Lots and lots of training options
  • Bluetooth compatibility for KinoMap and music
  • Delivers a comfortable but challenging run
  • Steep incline

The Cons

  • No wireless heart rate receiver
  • Does not fold
Reebok FR20 Floatride Treadmill Reviewer Ratings

Power - 8
Appearance - 8.5
Running Area - 8
Comfort - 8
Reliability - 8
Noise - 8
Ease Of Use - 8
Controls - 7.5
Warranty - 8.5
Value for Money - 6
Best Price

The Reebok FR20 Floatride is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

Also see our Treadmill Comparison Table

Whilst every effort is made to give you accurate information we cannot guarantee the technical specification. Models change on a regular basis and may differ slightly from the above review. We recommend you contact the retailer if you have a question regarding technical data. Please read our Legal Disclaimer

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