ElliptiGO, Inc. Blazes New Trail With Launch of the World’s First Elliptical Bicycle
Sleek and Innovative ElliptiGO 8S Provides Runners, Athletes, and Fitness Enthusiasts the Most Comfortable and Effective Low-Impact Outdoor Workout Experience
Solana Beach, CA, January, 2010 – After more than four years of research, development, and design, California-based ElliptiGO has launched the ElliptiGO 8S – the world’s first elliptical bicycle.
The ElliptiGO 8S performs and handles like a bicycle while using the elliptical trainer motion for propulsion. The result is a low-impact, high-output cross-training device that is great for anyone looking to improve their cardiovascular fitness without damaging their body. The ElliptiGO is particularly well suited for runners who want to enjoy a running-like experience outdoors while giving their knees and joints a break from the wear and tear caused by running. In addition, elliptical trainer users who want to experience the freedom and joy of exercising outdoors while using the same comfortable elliptical motion can now do so. By combining the best aspects of running, cycling and the elliptical trainer, the ElliptiGO 8S provides the most comfortable and effective low-impact outdoor workout experience available today.
The ElliptiGO was brought to life by people who understand endurance fitness. “Every runner that experiences the common pains and ailments from a consistent training regimen knows running takes its toll on the body,” said ElliptiGO co-president and co-founder, Bryan Pate. “The ElliptiGO 8S not only provides the ideal cross-training experience for a runner looking to extend his running life, but it also enables fitness enthusiasts to enjoy outdoor exercise that’s as easy and effective as what they get at the gym.”
A former Ironman triathlete and United States Marine, Pate began running for fitness while in high school and relied on it for years as his primary means of staying fit. The constant pounding ultimately took its toll on his knees and hips, and by the age of 32 he could no longer run for fitness. Faced with the dilemma of how to stay in shape without running, the former competitive triathlete considered cycling. However, the time required to obtain an effective workout combined with the seat pain and uncomfortable cycling position eventually drove him to try the elliptical trainer. He immediately appreciated the machine’s low-impact running-like motion; however, Pate found that he missed the experience of exercising outdoors.
Determined to stay fit and unsatisfied with his options of enduring the discomfort of cycling or accepting the monotony of elliptical training, Pate approached his friend, and now ElliptiGO co-founder and co-president, Brent Teal with his fitness dilemma. As a fellow Ironman with a passion for ultra-marathoning, Teal immediately understood Pate’s situation, and as a skilled mechanical engineer, was in a position to do something about it. Together, Pate and Teal set out to create a fitness device that would provide the experience and cardiovascular workout of running outdoors without the wear and tear on the body.
Less than a year later, Teal and Pate were riding the first ElliptiGO prototype. Designed and built entirely by Teal in his San Diego home from readily available materials, the prototype exceeded both of their expectations. The first time Pate got on it he rode for 20 miles and was certain they were on to something truly groundbreaking. It was easy to balance, went fast, and, most importantly, Pate felt like he was running again.
Years of extensive product testing and several prototypes later, Teal, has optimized the system, making it lighter, faster, and more like running. This focus on replicating the running experience led Teal to institute a long and adjustable stride length on the ElliptiGO 8S’s patented Elliptidrive® propulsion system. “One thing we noticed about most elliptical trainers from the beginning was their short, choppy stride length made the experience feel less like running and more like walking. We wanted to change that,” Teal explained. Realizing that some people liked the elliptical trainer motion with its 19” stride length, Teal made the ElliptiGO 8S stride length adjustable from 18” to 25.5” so it could accommodate different rider sizes and preferences. “Although running is what we’re after with the long stride length, we know that some people just want to replicate the indoor elliptical experience outside, ” Teal added.
Although the 8S is a drastic departure from the conventional road bike, it is primarily made up of standard bicycle components and can be serviced by any bicycle technician. The company’s focus on quality and performance is evidenced by the 8S’s materials and components. Built on a high-strength aluminum frame, the ElliptiGO 8S’s patented Elliptidrive® propulsion system includes state-of-the-art carbon fiber drive-arms, a custom-forged adjustable crankset and an 8-speed Shimano Alfine gear system. ElliptiGO riders can cruise along at speeds in excess of 25 miles per hour and climb and descend the steepest of hills.
To prove the ElliptiGO riders could climb alongside conventional cyclists, Pate and Teal decided to take on the legendary Markleeville “Death Ride.” Known as one of the most challenging cycling events in the country, the Death Ride includes more than 15,000’ of climbing along its 129-mile course through the California Sierras. Pate and Teal each completed the event on an ElliptiGO prototype within the fourteen hour time limit, with Teal finishing in the top half of all finishers. “As anyone who has completed the Death Ride will tell you, the fact that an ElliptiGO rider could finish in the top half of all entrants on the first try is the best proof there is about the capability of the system.” Pate said.
Although the company intends to showcase the ElliptiGO 8S’s capabilities by entering it in several challenging cycling events this year, the real purpose of the system is to provide an efficient low-impact workout. “The ElliptiGO’s not about riding for hours on end setting world records; it’s about spending 30-45 minutes outside every day getting in a great low-impact workout that’s fun and comfortable.” Teal explained. “As everyone knows, the pounding of running causes a lot of injuries. By eliminating the impact, the ElliptiGO provides the most comfortable and effective outdoor workout experience available today – one that anyone can do day in and day out without damaging their body. That’s what we’ve been shooting for all of these years.”
The ElliptiGO 8S currently retails for $2,199. To purchase an ElliptiGO, or for more information on the company and its products, please visit:
www.elliptiGO.com
About ElliptiGO
ElliptiGO, Inc. is a Solana Beach company that has created the ElliptiGO 8S, the world’s first elliptical bicycle. By modifying the elliptical trainer motion and combining it with the functionality of a bicycle, the ElliptiGO 8S delivers a high-performance workout experience that closely mimics running outdoors while eliminating the impact. It provides the most comfortable, fun and efficient way to get out and stay active. The ElliptiGO 8S is available for purchase at select retailers and through the company’s website: www.elliptigo.com.
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