Working on buying a treadmill and struggling through finding the right fit. It appears Smart Treadmills are quite spendy and I’m really wondering if the features are really worth the added costs.
It appears the best benefits are built in telemetry for speed/cadence and lack of need to calibrate the foot pod. However, it also seems a foot pod(s) would allow me to use the home treadmill and gym treadmills - so while they may take more effort they would have benefit as well.
For those who have Smart Treadmills, are the features worth it?
For those who use Foot Pods, is calibration a hassle?
I have a Stryd which is spot on accurate. I have tested it on the track at various paces without issue and I like how regardless of where I’m running or what treadmill at the gym I get, it will give me the same numbers. One calibration (just to be sure but it will be fairly accurate most times out of the box) and you are set
Can I ask, do you have any connectivity issues with Stryd and Zwift run?. I have a Zwift runpod and its rubbish. Bluetooth connectivity struggles with the pod and I won’t be able to accurately complete Zwift Academy Tri’s training programs with it. Considering getting Stryd.
I agree with Oliver, I have been able to use the zwift runpod, but it really goes through batteries and with then get very spotty numbers or lose connection intermittently. Put in a new battery and 3rd run it was already gimpy!
I found that much of it may be related to calibration also, had one workout run where I couldn’t reach 11kph wore me out before I got started calibrated in middle of workout and was fine after that. I thought I read somewhere that you should calibrate each time you use, seems a bit excessive and will update if this makes things better. Also noticed the calibration was updated, first few runs I couldn’t even get through the calibration so I believe it is still a work in progress, but I am more than willing to work with them as I do 90% of my workouts on Zwift and love it very much!
Bill
Wondering if I’m experiencing the same issue with the Zwift runpod. Yesterday (my 4th run) I found it to be out of calibration so. I calibrated it yet it still was 0.5 mph off for most of my run, and even dropped out for about 30 seconds mid run. Wondering if it is a battery issue. Certainly would be disappointing if it is.
I really want to like Zwift running since I ride a lot, but the Foot Pod is a constant hassle. Eats batteries every three runs or if I don’t run for a couple weeks. Calibration is “OK,” but half the time I go to run and either it pairs but has a speed of zero or starts to drop signal halfway through. Do I want to remove and replace the battery, then try that, then find out it still doesn’t work so put in a new one. . . nah, I’ll just put on my bibs and ride. Gotta be a better way. The same battery in my HRM lasts months.