NordicTrack E 8.7 Front Driven Elliptical Machine Review

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The NordicTrack E 8.7 Front Driven Elliptical represents one of their mid-range models in a collection that also includes the entry level E 5.7, and top-of-the-line E 14.5.

Generally considered their most affordable elliptical collection, the ‘E’ series specializes in providing challenging workouts without the entertainment features of their ‘Elite’ range.

This helps cut down on the cost, but does there aren’t any models that offer the 15″ HDTV screen. Although some models do offer a full colour touch screen, this is limited to the E 11.9 and E 14.5 ellipticals.

In this review we’re going to take a look at what this means for your workouts, by taking a look at everything from the design features and workout programs through to the console functions and warranty.

We’ll also be making comparisons with other affordable ellipticals in the same collection to help you decide if this is really the best choice of machine for your own home gym.

Design features

Despite having four other ellipticals between them in the ‘E’ series, the NordicTrack E 8.7 shares many of the same features as the entry level E 5.7.

Most of these earlier models are capped at 20 digital resistance levels, but with the E 8.7 this increases to 22, giving you slightly more freedom over the workout intensity.

As with the ellipticals in their ‘Elite’ collection, this is controlled by a system called Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR) which creates smoother transitions when you switch between the different levels.

This combines with a 20 lb inertia enhanced flywheel to create a smoother and quieter stride motion.

The length of the stride also receives a slight upgrade, and it now varies between 18″ and 20″ depending on the incline setting. Choose a shallower incline and you get the shorter stride, or switch to the maximum 20 degree angle and enjoy the full 20″ stride.

Being able to adjust the incline means you can focus on different lower body muscle groups. The shorter, flatter stride path created by a low incline is best for your quads and calves, while a steeper incline and higher resistance level is more of a challenge for your glutes and hamstrings.

Support your running gait with three toe-to-heel positions
The foot pedals are another feature that’s identical to the top ellipticals in NordicTrack’s ‘Elite’ collection.

Each pedal has a cushioned surface to improve traction control and stability, as well as giving you three different options for the toe-to-heel angle.

This helps with finding a foot placement that closely matches your natural outdoor running stride.

Unfortunately this isn’t one of the NordicTrack ellipticals that offers a variable stride, making it better suited to runners more than walkers.

If you’re looking for an elliptical with a variable stride that acts as a stepper, elliptical, and treadmill all in the same machine, it’s worth taking a look at their FreeStride Trainers.

However, with NordicTrack’s FreeStride Trainers you only get the one set of handles, which means you can’t isolate lower body muscle groups.

This isn’t a problem for the E 8.7, where you have two sets of handles: one static and one moveable. The moveable set even offers multiple grip positions for varying the level of upper body muscle engagement.

Before we take a look at the console features, it’s worth mentioning there’s a water bottle holder within easy reach. If you use this to store a water bottle or intra-workout energy drink you can stay hydrated and improve your endurance and performance as a result.

Console features

If you’re buying a new elliptical trainer, the quality of the display console and level of workout feedback probably features highly on your list of ‘must-haves’.

Without being able to quickly switch between resistance levels, see how many calories you’ve burned or find your desired workout program, it’s much more difficult to track your progress against fitness goals.

Entertainment features can also be important, but as we mentioned earlier, the NordicTrack E 8.7 is a mid-range elliptical in one of their more affordable collections.

That means you don’t get the web-enabled colour touch screen that’s built into the E 11.9 and E 14.5 models, and you miss out on the second viewing screen that you get with some of their Elite ellipticals.

However, the console is iPod compatible, which allows you to listen to your favourite music via the dual speakers of the Intermix Acoustics sound system.

Although it’s slightly smaller than the screen on the E 11.7 (6″), the 5-inch backlit display has a wide enough viewing angle to highlight all of your most important workout feedback.

Workout feedback includes:

You might have seen most of these stats before on the machines at your local gym, but one that may not be familiar is ‘My Trail’.

This shows a representation of a quarter mile running track on the screen, with a flashing rectangle used to indicate your progress around the current lap. You can also view the total number of laps completed during the current workout.

An AutoBreeze fan has also been built into the console to help keep you cool, with controls on the console for manually adjusting its speed.

But when you already have the incline and resistance settings to adjust, not to mention the music volume and keeping track of your workout performance, you might not want another button to press.

That’s why there’s an ‘Auto’ mode available, where the speed of the fan automatically adjusts based on your pedal speed.

Heart rate monitoring with a wireless chest strap
In terms of monitoring your heart rate, you’ll often have two options available to you. Either you can wear a chest strap (telemetry) or you can hold onto sensors (touch).

The NordicTrack E 8.7 supports both, with heart rate monitoring using the CardioGrip touch sensors, and support for telemetry chest straps.

If staying within a set heart rate range is important to you, you might be better off using the chest strap.

We’ve got nothing against touch sensors, but they do rely on you maintaining the same grip position throughout your workout. This isn’t always practical when you’re frequently changing the resistance / incline setting, music volume, or fan speed.

If you need to make regular changes to the incline and speed settings, either to override an onboard workout or for interval training, OneTouch controls help to reduce the time you need to spend at the console.

Workout program selection

The NordicTrack E 8.7 features a variety of different workouts, including 26 onboard programs designed by a certified personal trainer.

You can also take advantage of iFit’s library of workouts, but bear in mind this is an iFit compatible elliptical, and not one of their iFit enabled models.

So what’s the difference?

iFit compatible means you might be able to access some trial programs, but you won’t be able to download any of the personalized programs unless you buy an iFit module.

You’ll also need an iFit subscription, and connection to a wireless network.

We still feel like this is an advantage over competing elliptical trainers that don’t have iFit as an option, but you won’t get quite the same immersive running experience as if you chose the E 11.9 or E 14.5.

This is because the backlit display of the E 8.7 isn’t a touch screen, and it’s not full colour. On the two top-of-the-line ellipticals, the screen is upgraded to full colour and web-enabled.

What this means is that you can download certain iFit workouts, then view your progress using a combination of Google Maps and StreetView. You could even create a workout that follows your outdoor running route.

Workout categories:

Ease of assembly / maintenance required

One of the benefits of NordicTrack’s Elite ellipticals is the SNAP assembly system.

This means the machines have been designed in such a way that the upright for the console, and the console itself, fold down between the pedals when it’s packaged.

That way when it’s delivered, you can simply lift the upright into place and secure it with a couple of bolts, saving you a lot of time.

Unfortunately SNAP assembly isn’t included with ellipticals in the ‘E’ series until the E 11.7, a couple of models above the E 8.7.

However, although you have a couple of extra steps to follow, the written instructions are so clear and concise that you shouldn’t have any problems.

They’re also accompanied by exploded drawings with parts references if you prefer to work from diagrams.

If you do encounter any issues, it’s worth checking the NordicTrack Service website, which is a great resource for everything from manuals to order tracking.

An in-home assembly service is also available on a limited number of their machines in some areas. Their Service website also has a section where you can find out if this is an option for the NordicTrack E 8.7 in your local area.

View the NordicTrack E 8.7 user manual

Transport options
Despite having a larger footprint than their center drive ellipticals, the NordicTrack E 8.7 can still be moved if needed.

Due to the weight and size, the user manual recommends using two people, with one lifting at the back and the other at the front to assist with the lift and control the transport wheels.

After you move the elliptical to its new location, you can adjust the levelling feet under the rear stabilizer to compensate for any slightly uneven flooring.

What’s covered by the warranty?