Gotta Glide on This Ride: ElliptiGO Takes Ellipticals on the Road

The first time you see an ElliptiGO, chances are you’ll have the same reaction Stacey Moses did: “That thing is goofy-looking.” But the product buyer for Revolution Cycles doesn’t mind getting a few fingers pointed in her direction if it means she can go for a ride.

As the name implies, the two-wheeler resembles an elliptical trainer, like the kind you hop on at the gym. The biggest difference is that this one actually travels. Developed by former Ironman triathletes looking to create a low-impact running device, the product launched last year, and it’s finally showing up at area retailers.

It has obvious appeal for marathoners looking to cross-train, and for anyone with bum knees. It also has a leg up on traditional bicycles for commuters because the standing position makes riders more visible in traffic. “You’re really high up there. It’s a pretty interesting perspective,” Moses says.

To make the view even more interesting, I persuaded Baltimore’s Fit2Go to lend me an ElliptiGO 8S ($2,499) for the American Visionary Art Museum’s Kinetic Sculpture Race. Human-powered artworks roll around the city, so I figured no one would notice me in a parade that included a giant pink poodle and a floating vegetable garden. I was wrong. It seemed like every person I passed yelled out questions.

At first, that was particularly embarrassing because I didn’t quite have the hang of it. You have to figure out how to balance and remember to stride rather than pedal. Turning also seemed daunting at the beginning. But shifting your weight feels natural once you’ve developed a rhythm.

Although one of the biggest challenges for sculptures was climbing and descending hills, I was all set on my ElliptiGO, which has eight gears and hand breaks. (The $1,799 ElliptiGO 3C has three gears.) We never went all that quickly — it’s a “race” in the loosest definition of the term — but it was comfortable to pick up the pace. According to the company, cruising speed is 15 mph.

It was when we slowed to a crawl that I could really feel the muscles working throughout my legs and core. And since you’ve never sitting, there’s more of a weight-bearing element to an ElliptiGO workout. Still, I woke up the next day not sore — except about having to give back the bike.

Better Biking
Even traditional bicycles are beginning to come with some unique features that will make your co-workers drool.

» Cycling’s already a green choice, but you’ll be even more eco-friendly on the Schwinn Vestige ($1,400, left), a commuter bike made from organic flax fiber and bamboo. The guy’s version launches in June. Gals, hang on until July.

» The Breezer Uptown Infinity ($1,270, available at City Bikes and Rollin’ Cycles) comes with fenders, lights, a rear rack and options — lots of them. Instead of fixed gears, riders can twist exactly to their sweet spot.

Take a Test Drive
Want to borrow an ElliptiGO for Friday’s Bike to Work Day or any other day? Revolution Cycles’ Crystal City shop (220 20th St., Arlington; 703-415-4560) offers rentals. Get dibs on the day for $35 (or go for a four-hour spin for $20).

Photos courtesy ElliptiGO