Trouble on a treadmill

Consumers turn to treadmills to boost their endurance, but our latest treadmill tests turned up one model that failed our own stringent endurance test. We rated the folding NordicTrack T9ci Don't Buy: Performance Problem because the drive motors on two of three treadmills broke off the mounts during our tests, causing the running belt to eventually come to a stop.

The two bolts that held the motor in place were sheared off during the failure. If this type of failure happened during regular use, repairs might be covered under the warranty.

We were not the only ones who have encountered the problem. A user wrote a comment on the manufacturer's Web site in April 2009 that "in the first 30 days the engine unit fell out of the bracket due to a bolt that sheared off." That user reported that the treadmill worked fine after the manufacturer sent a new motor and bolts.

Though this model had problems, we found several treadmills that did well in our testing.

Nonfolding treadmills tend to have sturdier designs and longer running decks, and you'll usually pay a bit more for those features.

Our top treadmill in this category is the Precor 9.31 ($3,300), followed closely by the Landice L7 Cardio Trainer ($3,300); they were also the top two treadmills overall. The Precor has an especially well-designed and simple console, very easy-to-use programs, and quick keys to adjust incline and speed.

The Landice also has a well-laid-out console with a reading shelf that does not block the displays or controls and "quick keys" to adjust incline and speed. The $2,000 PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR is another highly rated nonfolding treadmill, and we have judged it a CR Best Buy.