Construction and Mechanical Components
This treadmill replaces a similarly priced (after accounting for inflation)10 year old mid-range ProForm treadmill that I simply wore out. The Horizon shows me how treadmills have changed in the last decade.
Features I like:
1. Long and narrow running deck. 21” X 54” decks were common a few years ago in this price range. The 7.0 AT is 19” x 60”. This is a great upgrade for me. The narrow belt is quieter. The longer deck feels safer since I can move forward and back while changing stride. I do not feel like can get launched off the rear of the treadmill like I did with a 54” deck.
2. Narrower overall dimensions are easier to fit into my gym (see pictures).
3. It’s quiet. This treadmill shares the same drive motor used in Horizon treadmills costing twice as much. The incline motor is also nearly silent. A real bargain at this price.
4. Nice cushioning. The deck is supported by a set of six elastomer “springs”. This simple suspension is surprisingly comfortable.
5. Good physical controls. It is easy to get started. The scroll wheel controls for making fine incline and speed adjustments are excellent.
6. It’s fast enough. The 7.0 AT is rated to up 19 km/h (12 mph). It starts to struggle above 16 km/h (10 mph). That’s fine for me. Faster runners should take note.
Features I don’t like:
1. The two shelves on either side of the main display are flat with no lips or rails. It does not securely hold drinks or my TV remove. I added some magnets to fix this issue.
2. Changing device settings requires cryptic key presses. Not a big deal since it is not done very often. Just keep the manual handy.
3. The iOS “AFG Fitness App” is needed to change some additional settings like “user names”. The app would not connect. I am contacting customer support to see if my treadmill firmware can be updated. This is a minor concern since everything else works.
4. The tiny fan inside the main is absolutely useless. It shouldn’t be there. I don’t care since I use a floor fan anyways.
5. The preset speed buttons are labelled 3 -12. This makes sense when configured for mph. When setup for km/h you miss the top-end speeds. Not a big limitation since the (excellent) scroll wheel can still be used.
Software and Wireless Features
1. The 7.0 AT works as advertised with my Apple Watch. One NFC tap starts a “Horizon Treadmill” workout. The metrics collected are limited to only speed and cadence. This is a little disappointing since the Apple Watch can collect additional running metrics.
2. You can use the supplied heart rate chest strap. My Polar HRM also works fine. Using either heart rate monitor requires an extra pairing step before each run. That’s a little annoying.
3. Works with Zwift. Pairing is automatic once properly configured. Once again, collected running metrics are limited (no power data is recorded).
Overall Assessment
I think the Horizon 7.0 AT offers good value. The motor and scroll controls are shared with Horizon models costing much more. Software features are good but not great. The sound-level and cushioning are better than expected - especially when compared to my former 10 year old treadmill. When price is considered, I rate it 5 stars out of 5.
