I've had my Image 8.25 elliptical trainer for nearly 5 years and I weigh around 240 to 246 pounds at times. And I have used it regularly 4-6 times a week over the years and it has been the best elliptical I've bought since finding these elliptical exercisers suit me best for my needed cardio fitness.
I would rate this Image 8.25 as excellent. I've never looked at the welds, and the handles can be turned to reach forward, backward, or outwards as mine are set. Leaning forward? Adjust the handlebars! Nothing has broken on mine.
This morning, after my 30 minute workout, I noticed a slap in the right side pedal. After inspection it looks to be looseness where the rear of the pedal bar attaches to the cycling pedal gear...I will look into it...thus googling to look at availability of parts, if any, when I ran across these negative comments. If I can't fix it, I'd love to purchase another. It has been a good one that has far outlasted the other 2 from Wal-mart that I've owned.
