I'm finally getting around to writing a well deserved review after purchasing a CT700 treadmill in May 2025. This is a good company with excellent customer service! Once you start researching treadmills, you'll likely first look at electric ones and will eventually discover the curved manual ones too. You'll generally first decide whether to buy an electric or a manual, and then decide how much money to spend while still trying to decide what features you can live with or without.

You can probably buy a decent electric for $1000-$1200 and up. I'd never go below that because you always get what you pay for. Most cheaper treadmills are junk, and customer service is just as bad. Just read the reviews. Manuals are much more expensive because they're simply better; however, if you like quality, you won't get a good one for under $2000. Price and incline ability are the only pros of an electric. The downside of electric is: 1) they use power and it will cost. 2) the motors can be problematic and have a limited life. A quality manual could outlast one's own life as they're so sturdy and well made! That was a deal maker for me. 3) they're not as safe as manuals (when I stop running/walking on my manual, it stops so quickly, you won't even reach the back of the belt! If you fall on an electric, the belt keeps moving. Do the math). 4) and most important to me- a manual treadmill makes you do the work yourself. It's clearly a better workout. Electrics are much easier (I wonder why?, lol). 5) electrics are noisier. Once I started researching, manual treadmills win hands down!

Once I started researching, SB Fitness got my attention. I really like that they were high quality, had several models to choose for different budgets, and offered a good warranty. As well, there's a lot to be said for simplicity. They offer a simple computer (miles, calories, time and distance) vs charging an extra $500-$1000 for some esthetic, visual screen (and a lot of data you really don't need). All I wanted was a timer and different resistance settings. I don't think the SB Fitness computer is really that accurate anyway. The mileage seems to overate the distance in my opinion. It's a semi-cheap electronic but that's why the SB is more affordable that other top brands. It works and is all I need.

When I first called and left a message, my call was returned within the hour by VP of sales Brant Brooks. Brant spent almost an hour on the phone with me patiently answering all my questions. That alone goes a long way with me! From our conversation, I learned that Brant is very athletic and uses the SB products all the time. He wasn't some fat cat sitting behind a desk; moreover, he talked the talk but also walked the walk. After our discussion, it was clear I wanted the CT700... without being up sold either. I loved the thicker rubber slats, weight rating, longer belt surface, multiple hand placements, and overall commercial sturdiness.

The unit arrived with a bit of cosmetic damage on the metal upper tubing parts. It's just one of those things, as it happens. It was an 'open box' purchase that perhaps wasn't repacked securely enough or it happened in shipping. Brant took care of me after I sent photos of the inadvertent mishap, making it right. Even though these units are well made pieces of exercise equipment, it wouldn't be enough without solid customer service. SB Fitness has both and I highly recommend giving them a try. As a person in my mid 60's and still going strong, I've worked in customer service for most of my life. I think we all know that's it's rare in today's world. Much of it is outsourced to God knows where. Just my phone call alone with Brant had me sold. High five bro.

To all the folks at SB Fitness, keep up the stellar work!

Daniel Santelli
Moffat, Colorado

This has been a wonderful addition to our fitness room! It’s the perfect piece of equipment for our entire family, including both teenagers and adults. We also can’t say enough about the customer service. We had a few minor challenges getting it set up, but the support team was incredibly responsive and helped us resolve everything quickly. Highly recommend!

Great machine. Best to have two people for assembly. Action is smooth. This is a great addition to a home gym or even a light commercial gym. Customert service is great!

I received it very fast! Would've received it sooner but the snow prevented UPS from delivering it. When I first got it I had to center the belt, but so far its worked great for an under desk option that won't break like the ones with motors.

The treadmill has been great . The assembly was pretty easy, definitely easier with 2 people.
Takes a few uses to get used to running on it but it is well worth it. You will have great workout. The belt is much easier on the knees and back and the treadmill makes you use better form. This is well worth the purchase.

I only recently became aware of manual treadmills and after considerable research, I decided to go with the CT550. The treadmill was delivered quickly. Assembly was straightforward and much easier than I expected. I referenced the assembly video on YouTube and it helped tremendously. Everything was up and running within an hour after unboxing all the components and taking my time with the assembly process. I have been using the treadmill every day and am very happy with my decision to purchase it. It's taking me some time to work out the balance and walking speed, but it is an amazing workout! The only downside was the lack of information in the user manual about how to use the digital display. In my opinion, the treadmill is well worth the investment. I look forward to using my CT550 for many, many years to come!

I chose the SB 550 because I wanted to get a better workout than just trying to move my feet to keep up with a motorized moving platform. Both my husband and I were astonished at the difference and how we are working muscles that we never have on a treadmill, or even by taking an actual walk outside. The machine is SOLID! We're so glad we made this investment!

Awesome treadmill.

Wanted to give my update after one year. I listed many of my pros/cons in my last review but wanted to give an update.

One year later I have had no issues with this treadmill. Still functions as well as the day it arrived. I still think the monitor can be improved, and at this point I have let the batteries die, and just use my Garmin watch to track calories and heart rate. The other con I pointed out about the tension rod. I do believe this actually adds quite a bit of toughness after using it for a year, so that is not a con anymore.

I think this is a great addition, I run regularly on it and my wife walks almost everyday with a weighted vest and loves it as well. Great to be able to use in our cold winters year round.

Have recommended this company based on customer service, product, and with how pleased I am so far a year later. Would buy again!

So, it’s been roughly one year and one month since I purchased the SB Fitness CT 700. I do not typically do product reviews. But in this case I’ve been so satisfied I felt obligated to do so. I just hit 400 miles. This treadmill is so much better than a motorized treadmill, for me. I went from a NordicTrack X11i to the CT700. There was a slight learning curve, but I acclimated quickly. It did not take me long to gain confidence to run full speed. I was able to get machine to 15 mph. However my almost 60 yr old body does not take well to running anymore as I wind up injuring myself. I realize now that motorized treadmills caused weakening to my hamstrings. Now, I stick to walking on the CT700 and I love it. I’m able to walk at highest resistance setting for quite a while and my HR gets up in the zones. I had some questions when I first received the unit. Like so many other reviewers, I was so pleased with response time and manners of the representative. Brant Brooks was awesome to deal with and provided the guidance I needed, promptly. I have owned motorized treadmills from Sole and NordicTrack. The SB Fitness CT700 is my favorite treadmill above those I’ve owned or used outside of my home. Propelling yourself is so much better than running in place on a typical motor treadmill. If you’re thinking about it, I say go for it. It’s worth the money and you’re investing in your health. My only regret is that I did not purchase this sooner. My only desire is maybe the onboard computer would have a backlight so it’s easier to read. Otherwise, NO COMPLAINTS

We're happy with our choice to get the CT550. The packaging and delivery were good, everything there, and assembly was pretty easy. It is useful to refer to the YouTube videos for cable connecting during assembly. It takes some getting used to after years of a having a great motorized treadmill, and it kicks your butt at first (our use is fast-paced walking). Once you are used to it though, it works great and a better workout than typical treadmills. The only minor weakness is the user manual - it needs improvement.

The machine itself is fantastic and I have zero regrets in my purchase. I do wish the machining of the screw holes on the handlebars was a little more precise. I have one screw that absolutely will not go it, but the integrity of the bars is fine, even without it.

The customer service is fantastic! I have reached out twice and in both cases I received a personal email within hours, if not in under an hour. The second time I needed a repair and replacement part sent out. It was smooth and seamless!

Great work horse!! Shipping and customet service excellent! Price paid very reasonable compared to competion, much better deal! Well made machine.

Iveta

The company can solve the problem ASAP, and replay your email and text so fast.

I developed a lot of muscle atrophy after I dislocated both knees, developed arthritis n both knees also. I hate feeling that I missed a step but since I got this treadmill my life has benefitted from it. My endurance has increased, I’ve lost weight, I feel different and look more fit (well more fit than I was). I also developed lower back problems from my bad knees and this treadmill has actually strengthened my core. I do heavy PT at home every other day but this manual treadmill kicks my butt. At first it was difficult but eventually you get a feel for it but you have to try. I started a walking mile of 25 min to an excellent light mile run of 13:45 mins. It wipes me out and gives me a heavy sweat but it is totally worth it, the bounce back of the deck allows me to lightly run whereas I cannot do that in the real. Being on a cane and not being able to run in real was a bummer for me but this treadmill is completely worth it. My roommate saw the progress I was doing and they decided to hop on also, they are still getting use to the treadmill but they say that they are seeing results. Gave me hope of being as close to my norm that I use to be. Love it!