New elliptical machine lets you run virtual mountain trails

Our ratings of new elliptical machines include the pricey, but thrilling, Vision XF40 Touch, $3,100, which comes with a Virtual Active feature that lets you run the trails of the Rockies or catch a glimpse of Niagra Falls as you work out.

The elliptical testing lab is just around the corner from my office at Consumer Reports, so I decided to try this machine out. It's one of two hi-def, touch screen models that we tested in this batch. (The other touch screen model is the Vision X20 Touch, $2,500.) I muted the sound and listened to my iPod while running along mountain trails. It looked so realistic.

I saw other people on the trails, and the faster I pedaled, the faster the scenery changed. Little factoids about the trails scrolled across the screen, identifying things like the mountaintops in Acadia, Maine, which offer the first views of sunrise in the morning. Additional location videos for places like the Swiss Alps can be purchased for $9.99. Another benefit: you can fold up this elliptical when you're done working out.

Another model I tried, the Smooth CE 3.0DS, $1,000, drove home the reason why we always recommend trying out an elliptical at a store or a friend's house before you buy. I'm just 4'10" and I found the Smooth CE 3.0DS uncomfortable. The strides felt too long for my short legs, but I'm guessing someone who is taller might think it's totally fine. I liked the fact that this model was easy to manually switch it to a stepper. It's nice to have that extra workout option although we only rated it as an elliptical.

The True M30, $2,100, I hopped on next looks a little different than the others because it has a center drive configuration and it has little steps adjacent to the pedals. I chose the "Mix 3" workout, which included forward and reverse strides, plus an upper body exercise where I stood on the side steps and worked out my arms using the moving hand grips. This machine felt really smooth and stable to me.

These are just three of the dozens of ellipticals in our Ratings. Before you buy, make sure you have enough room for the machine. The trio I tried out are between 67 to 73 inches when in use and about 31 inches wide. And make sure you put the elliptical in a room you enjoy being in (not in a creepy basement!). Our experts assessed all of the ellipticals for ergonomics, construction, exercise range, ease of use, heart rate features, and user safety. Check out the Ratings for the performance and features you want so you invest your money in those, not something that just becomes an expensive towel rack!

—Nicole Sarrubbo