Everything about the Sole F85 folding treadmill is impressive, from its solid construction and powerful performance to its loaded feature set and excellent warranty. This is Sole's top-of-the-range folding treadmill, yet it is still affordable. The running surface -- dubbed a Cushion Flex Shock Absorption Whisper Deck by Sole -- is a spacious 20X60 inches and has plenty of cushioning; the long length is ideal for tall runners who are looking for a device to accommodate maximum running strides. The 3.5-continuous-duty-horsepower motor delivers a top speed of 12mph and a maximum incline of 15 percent. The higher speed makes this a great treadmill for interval training, as it allows you to alternate between jogging and sprinting. Even serious athletes will be able to obtain a challenging and supremely comfortable workout from this health club-quality machine.

The 2.75-inch rollers are larger than those included on most competing models; the larger the rollers, the fewer times they have to rotate as you run, so the longer they're likely to last. In fact, Sole has used nothing but high quality components in the construction of the F85. The treadmill carries a 2-year in home service warranty while the frame, deck and motor are backed by a lifetime warranty and the electronics, belt and rollers are covered for five years. Additionally, the maximum recommended user weight is 400 pounds. Clearly this is a treadmill that is built to last.

The console of the F85 is an improvement over the one found on the mid-range F80 model, as the display uses three colors for an even cleaner view. Convenience features include twin cooling fans, built-in speakers and a hook up for an iPod or other digital music player. We noticed that the fans are a bit noisier than some other treadmill fans we have tested, but not so loud that they prove distracting. The Easy Assist folding feature works quickly and smoothly, and the speed and incline controls that are built into the arms of the treadmill are a nice touch. The F85 offers ten workout programs, including two custom and two heart rate-controlled programs; it also comes with a wireless chest strap for hands-free heart rate monitoring. The Sole F85 provides the best value in a folding treadmill that we have come across.


Pros: Powerful motor, 60-inch-long running surface, folding design, great cushioning, plenty of features, excellent warranty
Cons: Noisy built-in fans

Warranty
Lifetime, frame, deck and motor; 5 years, electronics, belt and rollers; 2 years, labor (with in-home service)