XTERRA’s TRX2500 is an affordable folding home treadmill with plenty to be proud of. For the price, it comes with a pleasantly surprising combination of performance specs and features.
To be a little more specific, we’re talking a 2.25 CHP motor, a 20″ x 55″ running surface, and 24 built-in workout programs to choose from.
The TRX2500 also comes with a 300 lb weight limit and is backed by a generous warranty.
In other words, I think this model is a great buy- I’d even go as far as to say I think it’s one of the best budget treadmills available today.
But before you make a decision on the TRX2500, you have to do all of your homework.
And that’s exactly what this article is here to help you do.
In this review, we’ll take a look at everything the TRX2500 does and doesn’t have going for it. After reading, you should know everything you need to in order to decide whether or not this is the right treadmill for your home gym.
Let’s begin, shall we?
The XTERRA TRX2500 Treadmill
XTERRA Fitness is making a name for themselves with their extensive selection of budget-friendly, home cardio machines to choose from.
And even though the brand has been around in one form or another for like 30 years or so, I still get the impression that they aren’t as well-known as they probably should be.
Maybe I’m wrong, but I get the impression that they’re more of a hidden gem… they certainly don’t have the brand recognition of a ProForm or a NordicTrack.
But when you look at what you’re getting for the prices they’re asking, it’s hard not to be impressed.
Speaking of prices, all of their machines cost under $1000 (last time I checked, their most advanced treadmill, the TR6.6, was priced right at $1000, making it their most expensive item).
Like I mentioned above, XTERRA only offers home cardio machines- bikes, treadmills, rowers, ellipticals, and even a seated stepper.
There are currently 9 treadmills in their lineup. The TRX2500 falls right in the middle of the bunch, both in terms of features and price.
Pros
- 20″ x 55″ running surface
- 2.25 CHP motor
- 300 lb weight capacity
- Max speed 10 mph
- 10 levels of power incline
- Large front rollers (2.4″)
- 24 built-in workout programs
- Lift Assist folding design
- Quick touch speed/incline buttons
- Handlebar controls
- Easy assembly
- Great warranty
Cons
- No bluetooth
Running Surface
A treadmill’s “running surface” refers to the dimensions of its belt- you know, the actual usable area you have when walking or running on it.
This spec is measured in inches and usually written as “width x length”.
The running surface is the single most important spec to look at when considering a new treadmill. I say this because this measurement will effect your comfort during use more than anything else.
Simply put- if the running surface is too small, you’re not going to like your new treadmill.
If it’s too short, you might not be able to stretch out fully when jogging or running (or if it’s realllly too short even walking). If it’s too narrow, you might feel like you’re walking on a tight rope and that there’s no wiggle room from side to side.
Both situations suck.
The gold standard for home treadmills these days is to come with a running surface of 20″ x 60″- because a running surface of this size has been shown to fit most people comfortably, regardless of height.
With this figure in mind, the XTERRA TRX2500 comes with a running surface that measures 20″ x 55″.
The length here is a little short of the 60″ we like to see, but considering the price here, I think it’s forgivable. Speaking of price, it’s rare to see a 20″ x 60″ running surface in treadmills that cost under $1000.
After all, the smaller size is one of the biggest reasons affordable treadmills cost less.
But when you compare the TRX2500’s running surface against other similarly priced machines that are coming with running surfaces in the 18″ x 52″ range, it holds its own quite well.
I also like to look at a treadmill’s weight capacity when discussing the running surface because higher weight limits are another sign of superior machines.
This treadmill comes with a weight limit of 300 lb, which is good for any home treadmill, but especially good for one that costs about $800.
Again, cheaper treadmills tend to come with weight limits in the 220-250 lb range.
And when it comes to weight capacities, higher is always better because it indicates superior frame strength (and durability).
When you think about it, a treadmill that can hold 300 lb has got to be more structurally stable than one that can hold 250 lb right?
Anyway, I think the TRX2500 scores pretty highly in the running surface department. At 20 x 55″, it’s a lot more spacious than most in this price range. It also comes with a respectable weight capacity.
Motor
If running surface is the most important spec to look at on a treadmill, the motor is the next most important. And we’re really talking motor strength here.
A treadmill’s motor is its heart- it’s responsible for powering all of your workouts, regardless of how light or intense they may be.
When it comes to treadmill motors, I’m of the school of thought that stronger is better.
I mean a stronger motor shouldn’t have to work as hard a weaker one will to provide the same output. This makes for smoother, quieter workouts.
It should also prolong the life of the stronger motor.
Most home treadmills come with motors in the 2.0 – 4.0 CHP range. If you’re planning on doing some serious running, I suggest you find a model that is packing at least 3.0 CHP under the hood because you’re gonna need the extra power.
If walking and lighter jogging is your thing, you can get away with motors in the 2.0 – 3.0 CHP range.
Price will also play a big part here- cheaper treadmills come with weaker motors. Just the way it is.
With all of this in mind, the TRX2500 comes with a 2.25 CHP motor that can reach a max speed of 10 mph.
Now, based on the range I just mentioned, we can see that at 2.25 CHP, this motor falls on the lower end of our expected spectrum.
This motor is fairly weak, but when compared to other treadmills at this price point, I’d say it’s pretty average.
I’d also say that this treadmill would be better suited for walking and jogging than running at faster speeds. A max speed of 10 mph is more than most of us will ever need, but plenty of home treadmills can reach speeds of 11 and 12 mph.
The TRX2500 also comes with 10 levels of power incline for added workout intensity- a nice feature, but nothing particularly noteworthy here.
Something that is noteworthy, however, is that this treadmill comes with 2.4″ rollers in the front and 1.8″ rollers in the back.
The back rollers are pretty standard, but 2.4″ is pretty large for a treadmill in this price range. And larger rollers is a good thing because they make for smoother operation and less stress on the motor and belt.
Overall, the TRX2500 comes with a pretty standard motor for its price range. At 2.25 CHP, it’s best suited for walking and jogging. I like that XTERRA put larger rollers in the front though, definitely a nice touch.
Features
24 preset workout programs- this is a ton of workout options to choose from, especially for such an affordable treadmill. With this many workouts, you shouldn’t worry about getting bored with your routines.
5.5″ LCD monitor- the display here is pretty simple, nothing fancy. It’s small, but large enough to clearly see all your workout stats. The display is blue backlit as well for better visibility.
Quick touch speed/incline buttons- these buttons allow you to instantly set your speed or incline without having to toggle with the up and down buttons. A convenient feature which comes in especially handy when doing interval training.
Handlebar controls- you can control both the speed and incline from the handlebars as well, making for added convenience.
Audio jack- you can plug your phone or mp3 player up to the treadmill with the audio jack and listen to your tunes through the built-in speakers.
Cooling fan- built in fan will help keep ya comfortable during those more strenuous workouts.
2 water bottle holders- there’s a large water bottle holder on each side of the console. They’re pretty big, so you should be able to store anything you would need to store there during your workouts- remotes, keys, phones, etc.
Assembly
Putting the TRX2500 shouldn’t be an issue. The assembly process is very straightforward and the manual that XTERRA provides is easy to follow.
I like that they provide large images and well-written instructions for each step along the way.
There’s only 5 steps to get this treadmill up and running. The deck comes pre-assembled, so all you’ll have to do is attach the 2 uprights and then attach the console to the uprights.
Speaking of which, I recommend having a second part for that step- it makes it a lot easier to attach the connecting wires if someone else is holding the console.
The necessary tools are provided.
Overall, putting the TRX2500 together should be a pretty easy gig. I bet most folks can have this treadmill unboxed and functioning within an hour.
Warranty
The XTERRA TRX2500 comes with the following warranty:
- Lifetime frame
- Lifetime motor
- 1 year parts
- 1 year labor
The warranty department is where XTERRA really shines. I mean there’s no getting around it, this is a great guarantee on this treadmill.
I mean seriously- a lifetime frame and motor warranty for an $800 treadmill?
Fuhgeddaboudit.
This is as good as it gets and you rarely see a guarantee like this on budget equipment. The year XTERRA offers for parts and labor is pretty good too considering the price.
Overall, an amazing warranty.
Final Thoughts
Well, that about does it for the XTERRA TRX2500.
Given the price, I think this treadmill has a lot to offer. In a price range where we tend to see really small running surfaces and little to no warranties, the TRX2500 is well above par.
Or is it below par?
I forget.
Which ever one means that this treadmill is better is the one I’m going for.
The running surface on this model is bigger than most in its category and its motor strength is adequate for walking and jogging. I like that it comes with so many workout programs too.
But I think it’s the warranty that really sets this treadmill apart from the rest- truly a great guarantee from XTERRA here.
Overall, if you’re looking for an easy-to-use, dependable treadmill that won’t break your budget, the TRX2500 really is a smart buy. Recommended.
