What Are the Differences in Front and Back Pulleys on an Elliptical?

Before you buy an elliptical trainer, it's important to identify the models that work best for you. As you've likely noticed, some models come with a large rear-drive unit at the back, while others are less bulky and have the drive unit at the front. Inside the machines, the drive unit includes a pulley system -- but the location of that drive unit and pulley system can result in differences in the comfort and cost of the machine.

  1. Rear-Drive Pros

    • The drive units inside elliptical trainers consist of a larger, disc-shaped "flywheel," a smaller wheel, a drive belt that wraps around both of them and a system of pulleys that control the motion of the flywheel. Rear-drive elliptical trainers, as the name suggests, have that drive unit and pulley system at the back of the machine -- meaning the drive unit is behind you when you're pedaling. The pedals on rear-drive units move in a true elliptical motion along a track, which results in a smooth movement. These units often come with the option to adjust the incline near the front of the machine, allowing for more variety in your workout. Because of their smooth pedal movement and higher-quality parts, rear-drive units tend to be the more desirable elliptical trainers, according to the American College of Sports Medicine.

    Rear-Drive Cons

    • Rear-drive units tend to be made with higher-quality, heavier flywheels and drive parts, which translates into one potential drawback: their price tag. Sure, they tend to last longer, but rear-drive units can also cost a lot more than front-drive units. A front-drive unit may cost several hundred dollars, while a rear-drive unit can cost several thousand. And with a bulky mechanism at the back of the machine, rear-drive elliptical trainers can also take up more room in your home.

    Front-Drive Units

    • Front-drive units, meanwhile, have their flywheels, belt and pulley system located at the front of the machine. In terms of overall size, the flywheels tend to be smaller in front-drive units than in rear-drive units -- meaning the motion of the flywheel makes a smaller circular motion. What that means for you is a motion that is less smooth. To give you the feeling that your legs are moving in an elliptical motion, front-drive units force the pedals to tilt or "articulate," forward or backward to mimic an elliptical-type movement. For some people, this results in a more jarring motion that can be tougher to sustain for long periods of time. These units are less expensive -- but that can also mean cheaper parts that can wear out quickly. If you plan to use your elliptical often or more than one person in your household plans to use it on a regular basis, you might want to consider whether or not the initial lower price tag is worth the risk of having to replace parts or the entire unit when it breaks down.

    Choosing a Machine

    • Beyond cost considerations, the main difference in a rear versus front-drive elliptical trainer is the feel of the movement. Thus, the only real way to find out whether the motion of one machine or another is going to hinder your workouts is to try out a few before you settle on one model. Consider getting a drop-in pass for a gym -- or a few gyms -- in your area so you can try out the various brands out there. A local gym equipment retailer may also have test models that they'll let you use for a semi-extended workout. Try using any model for at least 10 minutes, suggests the American College of Sports Medicine, so you can get a real feel for how it's going to operate. Other features -- such as the addition of arm levers or the features of the machine's computer -- may also help you decide between one model or another.