StreetStrider — the eliptical that MOVES you.
When I was asked to try the StreetStrider, labeled as “The Elliptical That MOVES You!” I was intrigued. Since I’m an endurance runner and spend zero time on a bike or an elliptical, it sounded fun.
Here is a quick bio from their website:
The StreetStrider is the first ever outdoor elliptical bike. It duplicates the motion of the stationary elliptical cross trainer in a 3-wheeled mobile device. The rider achieves a full-body weight-bearing low-impact high-cardiovascular workout while moving outdoors. The StreetStrider is useful for physical fitness, weight loss, physical rehabilitation, human-powered transportation, and fun outdoor adventure.
Okay, now that you know what I was in for, please strap on your helmet and come along for the ride.
I met Devon from OutsidePR in Sausalito and she gave me the run down of what went where and what moved what. It seemed simple enough.
It moves like an elliptical… which I have used in the past.
And it’s on top of wheels like a bike… which I have been on before.
I have no idea how Devon allowed me to leave the parking lot after the few test circles I did. LOL. Going straight, I was fine. Turning was the funny hard part. I think I almost crashed into the wall or curb a couple of times, but I kept practicing and after a few minutes, we were on the streets. Oy.
StreetStrider in action!
Here is how little I know about bikes or gears. We were on the Summit 8r – top of the line. It had an 8 Speed Transmission and I was working in first gear which allowed me to move more freely. Devon suggested that I try a higher gear, 3 or 4. Boom. Everything clicked. Maybe my reaction time is too slow and this allowed for me to make more focused moves rather than constantly correcting over-adjustments.
Within minutes I was comfortable and moving along nicely.
We went in bike lanes, through parking lots, on trails… we were having a blast. Conversation flowed freely and we were moving along and covering ground like StreetStrider veterans.
Devon told me, “are you ready to be famous?” She was right. We were turning heads instantly. Kids were shouting out “Mom, look!” Adults were pointing us out to their friends. As we passed people, they would say “Oh, Street Strider” as they read the name as we strode went by. Phil Dunphee would have been proud, yes, this was featured on Modern Family and for a pop-culture nerd like me, that IS cool.
StreetStrider Summit 8r – Solar Yellow
I found myself using my legs more than my arms — typical runner mindset. But I found using a combo of both allowed me to move more freely. Makes sense, use your whole body rather than limiting the power to your legs.
We even did a 0-60 test. We stopped, said “GO” and tried to see who could go the fastest before the end of the parking lot. Yes, this is the same guy that 25 minutes earlier was crashing into curbs and walking his strider to make a turn. Learning curve, over.
By the end of the ride we had covered almost 8 miles in a little over an hour and although I could feel the burn in my legs and arms, we kept it at a comfortable pace. We climbed a tiny hill on the way back and I could see how if you cranked this thing into a tougher gear and got the arms/legs moving that it would be one heck of a total body workout. “…an exhilarating low impact workout that tones, shapes and sculpts your entire body while burning up to 1,000 calories an hour.”
Almost 8 miles along the coast on the StreetStrider.
The other benefit is using this for cross training or as a recovery tool. I was able to get a solid lower body workout with zero impact on my feet and include the upper body along with it. Post ride, my legs felt fatigued, but equivalent to a 4-5 mile run at a comfortable pace. I was also able to run 7 miles the following day with ease.
Quick Pros:
- Fun! I can easily see how this could be addicting.
- It’s a total body workout with the ability to focus on specified areas. Upper vs. lower vs. combo
- Works your core. In order to turn, you have to shift your weight from side-to-side. Hello obliques.
- Durable. It’s made of Aircraft Grade 6061 T6 Aluminum and the wheels are large enough to tackle curbs (trust me).
- You can use it indoors! With a Trainer Stand it can be turned into an indoor elliptical machine. Bonus!
Quick Cons:
- Learning curve. For me, it took a bit of practice and although I was comfortable pretty quickly, it would definitely take some time and practice to take this on an off-road adventure or hilly/curved course.
- Be prepared to have people ask you questions in public, or at least make comments to you. Not necessarily a con, but if you are at a stop light next to people, it’s definitely a conversation starter.
- Size. These things are pretty big. Traveling with one would be a task and it would take up space in any garage. But it does fold down flat and if you have a car rack, could be pretty fun to take on vacation.
Oh ya, and of course I had to get the opinion of the First Lady — she clearly approves.
Note: these do come in various sizes including a version for kids from 5-10… sorry baby girl. Maybe in a few years.
I was provided the opportunity to review StreetStrider from OutsidePR. I was not compensated and the opinions are 100% my own. The opinion of the First Lady was “assumed” by her father and based on her smiles and constant gestures to play on it.
Learn more at StreetStrider.com
Like over at Facebook.com/StreetStrider
Follow on Twitter: @streetstrider
Have you ever been on a StreetStrider?
Would you want to try one?
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That looks like a lot of fun!! I can see it would take a bit to get the hang of! I do remember that episode of Modern Family and yes Phil would be proud!!
Modern Family rocks… I read the article about it and it happened organically. Wasn’t a placement or anything.
That looks awesome! I think Kara Goucher’s husband uses one of those??
So if I send this post to Kara, she might think I’m cool? YES! I’m on it.
omg this looks so fun!!! i want one!
If only it came in green….
I have visions of me both laughing hysterically while doing this and then falling on my butt… which would result in further laughing, all in all sounds good :)
Laughing yes, falling nah. These things have a wide/solid base. I never worried about falling… crashing is another story.
Where can I get the yellow one? I only see it in blue and in black
OMG that looks like SO MUCH FUN. We are going to Hilton Head Island this week and I saw something similar available for rent … I might have to ;)
As you can see, little ones are fans.
HOW FUN ARE THESE??
My child loved watching me…err…fallandlearn too.
We need to deck one out with skulls…
Gotta admit, these crack me up just looking at them but I’m sure they’re pretty rad. I was driving this past weekend and ended up on a Tour de Cure route. And while most everyone was on road bikes I saw someone hauling as on a StreetStrider. Pretty cool.
If you got really good at it, these things would be amazing. There were a couple moments where I got some speed and was like “WHEEEEEEE”
I remember watching that Modern Family episode thinking, “YES PLEASE!” How stinking fun!!!
Such an amazing show… I like Phil.
These make me laugh, but look like so much fun! I’m glad you and the first lady both liked it.
If only they allowed it on a marathon course…
omg that looks like so much fun!!! add that to the list of reasons i want to come back out to cali!!
ITZ perfect for California weather.
OMG OMG! THANK YOU FOR THIS REVIEW! I have seen this thing around and I am an elliptical who** to be completely truthful… I must find one and pedal away! I want to be FAMOUS so this is perfect! AHH HA HA HA HA! ;) I also saw that yes you can use this puppy outside but you can also buy something that turns it into an indoor machine too! I want, I want! XMAS PRESENT idea already! LOL
You should totally get one or rent one and do a video on it. I think your Santa outfit would be perfect for it… you could even get reindeer in front of you. LOL.
DONE! This is HAPPENING! Venice Boardwalk HERE I COME! ;)
This sounds like such a fun day outing. I think it’d be fun if you were with a group, but I can only imagine the looks that people would give you if you were just pedaling down the street on one alone. That being said, though, I think I read that this is what Lauren Fleshman used to keep in shape during her injury before the Olympic Trials.
That’s cool! It would be amazing to have a bunch out there like a motorcycle pack. LOL. They are used a lot for rehab and physical therapy, I wouldn’t doubt it.
These pictures make it look so fun! Love it :D
It was! Perfect day to enjoy it as well.
I am trying to find out info on how to test ride the StreetStrider. I have used their online “ask a question” and no one got back with me. Also I called the number and “no one is available” recording. I did manage to leave a message but no one has called me back.
1. Where are they made / located???
2. Can we try them out before buying to make sure it’s compatible to our skills
3. Why doesn’t anyone call back?
4. How well made are they?
I have SO always wanted to play on one of these things. How awesome you got to try it out. I bet it does get lots of stares.
Totally fun and it was cool to have people talk and point about it.
Woah- that looks so fun! I bet you were turning heads left and right. Somehow I don’t see Texans getting on the bandwagon… but maybe I’ll be proved wrong. :)
You know, I would have thought the same thing about Texans too.
However, yesterday I saw a lady ride by my house in Houston on one of these things. I had never seen one before and ran after her to ask where she got it. I ordered one today and CANNOT wait to tackle the streets of the Lone Star State on it!
Love it!! You look like a natural. The First Lady too. I have a feeling I would end up on my butt within 2 minutes of trying to move. What a fun day.
You would be a rock star in it! You have to shift your weight to help turn and your yoga would probably make you all flexible and be able to take turns at 80 mph. HA!
This looks awesome! I saw someone riding one a few weeks ago in SF and just kept staring. Wasn’t ballsy enough to stop them and ask about it :) Glad it’s dad tested, First Lady approved!
“dad tested, First Lady approved.” = BEST COMMENT EVER.
Oh I have always wanted to try one! BUT it does make me a little nervous lol
Glad to hear you enjoyed your experience. This was a great review.
No need to be nervous. Those things are build from airplane materials… sturdy as heck. Wide base, too, so no fear of falling.
They look pretty ridiculous, I’ll admit…but I also looks pretty fun! I kind of want to try one!
It was the perfect combo of looking “ridiculous” and having fun.
I would totally love to have one of those. Although I have no idea if it would be practical to actually use, it still looks so fun!
Totally fun. I was able to get a solid total body workout in. Since I spend most of my time running, it was a good change of (dare I say it?) pace.
That looks like a lot of fun and way better than a segway. I am pretty sure I married the real version of Phil Dunphy haha, and he approves this blog post.
Thanks for your review. I’ve seen the Street Strider on the road before and wondered how they would be for cross training. They solve the one thing I hate about ellipticals..being indoors.
so i have to try one of these out. AHHHHH love it!
This looks like so much fun! Would love love to try it. Are they in Canada?
I definitely stare when I see someone on these! I think I’d enjoy it on a flat straight-away. ;-)
I have never seen one before. I’m impressed you got such a good workout from it, but I’m positive I would break it, along with my face in the process. Too much to coordinate :D
Thank you so much for your honest, non-biased review. My wife & I just ordered our StreetStriders. We are extremely excited to get striding now that spring has arrived. Having recently lost over 100lbs. each, this will take our fitness to the next level and give us the low-impact core workout we need to continue our weight loss and fitness goals.
Your review just further supported the decision we made to make this investment into our health! Thank you again. :-)
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! By the way, how
could we communicate?
Is it hard to use down hill? Or up and down the sidewalks?
So awesome! I’ve seen these online, and they look like so much fun!!!
I have a breakwater blue summit 8speed.It currently has 5,201.4mi
Es on it.I dare say anyone has riden a street strider more than I have.The machine is bullet proof.Let those who are afraid of looking different ride bikes.If you want the best outdoor,overall,most fun that you’ve ever had since you were 12,then order it TODAY.If you like to dance,you’ll love it.If you like to move to music,you’ll like it.If you like to carve like you are down hill skiing,you’ll love it.And if you like to push your own limits and see what you are really made of,then,you’ll love it.
Listen I recently,March 17th(St Patrick’s Day) rode mine from South Beach Miami to Stuart Beach(Hutchinson Island,Treasure Coast) a distance of 108 miles,in one day(9 hrs to be exact).The next day I was out riding again.There was no muscle soreness.No achieness at all.Nothing hurt or was sore.I seriously doubt that you can find anything that is more fun than this machine.Oh,bye the way,I don’t get a dime from street strider for saying this.I should be their point person as no one knows the machine like I do;from a users point of view.In any event,Dr Kraus,the inventor is a genius.The only thing I can’t believe is how uptight cyclist’s try to avoid acknowledging you when you are on one.That’s ok.Their 18th century invention,which is beautiful in it’s own right,cannot hold a candle to the “harmless” total body workout that the street strider offers.As the current adage puts it,”sitting is the new smoking”.Maybe the bicyclists will catch on.
Their are 3 models.Fixed gear,3 gears and 8gears.If you will being riding hills I strongly recommend the 8speed.I climb 3 bridges a day and I love my 8speed.I use all 8.The gears work flawlessly.It’s a tried and trus Nexus 8 speed.
So what are ya’all waiting for?Call and order one.The 18 month no interest payment plan is a great way to go.Pay it off within 18 months and you will pay $ 0.00 interest.Every major holiday street strider runs a sale.
Well that’s all I’ve got.If you need more info on the street strider just drop me an email at:Billboes@me.com
Thanks.Your friend,BillBillyB(StreetStrider)
I want to how much is cost
It depends on which model you purchase.There are 3 adult models,a fixed gear(1),a three speed and an eight speed.Go to streetstrider.com and check the prices.On every major holiday they have pretty fantastic sales.Also go on youTube and view the many,many videos of people who have purchased them.You’ll be surprised at some of the ages and physical conditions that people have who have purchased it and love it.Also read some of the reviews online(google:street strider review.Most important of all try one.When you go to the web site there will be a place where you can locate the person that lives closest to you that has purchased one and contact them to try theirs.It’s the way that the street strider markets their product(personal demonstration) as their product is not available in stores.I hope that I have assisted you in some way.Oh,I forgot,they also offer an 18 month,no interest pay,ent plan.Pay off the strider in 18 months(monthly) and you pay No Interest.Remember every gym has monthly payments.But you never “own” anything after many years of membership.Also you’ll never wait in line,get sick(from others germs on the machine) nor will you EVER get to go outside with their equipment.If you live in the north there is also an indoor device where you can ride it in your house.That is an option at additional cost.I need not worry about that as I live in south Florida,thank God.Well good luck and let me know if I can be of any further assistance.Promo code boeswstridesinfl.Good health to you,Bill.
Hi….I have the summit 8r and I love it ., I stride it everyday I put 7 to 12 miles a day and lost 58 pounds . I’m feeling great and my doctor cut my meds in half …..I can say one thing it’s the best set of wheeles I’ve ever spent money on …….. Great job Streetstrider.”…..
Hello my name is Cathy and I looking to purchase one. It is now 2017 and I was wondering if anyone out there is still using the streetstrider. I haven’t seen any recent post.
I have owned a Summit 8 speed for approximately 4 years.I’ve ridden it almost 9000 (thousand) miles.My longest ride was 108 miles,here in South Florida(3 years ago).
To my knowledge there is no better workout machine available.I’ve had a recumbent trike and loved it.I also ride a hand bike which I still enjoy.But, there is nothing that I am aware of that combines pure FUN and a kick a__ workout like a street strider.Dr Kraus is a genius of the first order.If you like to move to the music,have fun and get the best workout of your life,all OUTDOORS,then get a strider.As Don Cornelius(RIP) used to say at the close of every Soul Train show,
“you can bet your last money,it’ll be a stoned gas”.
Further questions should be addressed to me at:Billboes@me.com
Now start stridin!
I hope what you all are saying ends up being true. It’s a great concept but I find it hard to ride with my size13 shoes often catching on the left heel area. I have only used it for 3 trials and I am more competent each time, so I hope I will figure out how to keep my feet from trouble. It is a great workout for sure. Probably especially good if where you live doesn’t have huge hills or hairpin turns.