Frontier’s Olympus Max cross trainer provides variable stride length, smooth operation and a gym-quality backlit LCD display. Although this model didn’t make it into our top cross trainer guide, the unit is perfect for semi-commercial use, and it’s certified to the highest German standards.
Frontier provides advanced features that are ideal for beginners through advanced users.
But how does this model compare to the competition? Does Frontier offer exceptional features and quality, or does the company offer the bare minimum? That’s what we’re aiming to find out in our review of the Frontier Olympus Max long stride cross trainer.

Features/ Specification
- Dimensions: 70cm x 1.65m x 1.55m
- Item Weight: 55kg
- Warranty: 3-year
- User Weight: 136kg / 21.5 stone
- Display: Backlit LCD
- Exercise Programs:16
- Stride Length: 17 – 21 inches, extendable
- Flywheel: 25g magnetic flywheel system
Assembly
Delivered as a “flat pack,” some final assembly is required before you can start using your Olympus. A full English manual is provided, so you’ll need to simply follow the instructions and ensure you do everything stated.
Heavy at 55kg, you may need some help getting this cross trainer into your home.
But once everything is in position, you’ll be able to open the manual and start the assembly process. Expect to spend 90 minutes or so on assembling the unit. It’s not a complicated assembly, but you’ll need to set aside enough time to get the unit up and running.
Keep in mind that there are transport wheels included, so once you have the cross trainer assembled, it will be much easier to move around.
Delivery is also excellent, with the delivery often able to be scheduled and available ahead of time. The delivery service often keeps the consumer updated about their delivery, so you never have to worry about your cross trainer being delivered when you’re not home.
Note: Users in the past have complained about the cross trainer’s instructions manual, but this is no longer a concern. Either the company edited their manual or the complaints were unwarranted. The instruction manual is very thorough and covers nearly every aspect of the machine.
Build Quality/ Design
German engineered to the highest standards, Frontier offers a semi-commercial unit that is:
- CE Approved
- TUV Certified
A 25-kilogram, magnetic flywheel is at the core of this cross trainer. The flywheel offers a smooth operation with little noise production and computer-controlled resistance. Forward and reverse motion is available along with a three-piece crank system and bearings that keep noise production to a minimum.
Aluminum structure and thick gauge section steel ensure that this cross trainer can withstand daily usage without breaking.
A user of up to 136 kilograms can confidently exercise on this cross trainer.
Frontier realises that pulse hand monitoring isn’t always accurate, and the company’s commitment to excellence is shown with the inclusion of a chest belt pulse sensor. The handgrips are also static or moving to allow for options when exercising.

Anti-slip pedals work to keep your feet in place, and the pedals are also adjustable for reach.
The rear stabilizer includes floor level adjustments to keep the unit flush against the floor at all times. Mains powered, you’ll need to keep this unit near a mains outlet when in operation. The good news is that there are transport wheels that make moving your cross trainer a breeze.
Stride length adjustments range from 17″ – 21″, and the variable system is patented. Click here to see more about having the right stride length.
Adjustable stride length may not seem like a major feature for a lot of people, but it is a great one to have. The adjustable stride length is very important when two users or more are using the unit. Taller users will need a longer stride length than smaller users, and since most cross trainers don’t offer stride length adjustments, you’ll really learn to appreciate the patented adjustment system.
People tend to focus a lot on the size of the flywheel, and there is a reason for this: performance.
Offering a 25kg flywheel, this unit has one of the heaviest flywheels I’ve ever seen in a home model. A larger flywheel allows for a very smooth operation, which is a major bonus for users. It’s near the same level of operation as you would expect from a high-end gym cross trainer.
Frontier has also taken the user’s hydration level into consideration and installed a bottle holder underneath the static handlebars. The holder allows for even large water bottles to fit nicely in the unit.
Resistance
You never have to worry about turning a knob to adjust the resistance of your cross trainer. Computer controlled resistance allows you to enjoy accurate, difficult resistance with the push of a button.
Resistance is provided with 16 levels, so you’ll be able to burn excess calories and increase strength using the resistance.
What’s really special about this model is that the heart rate programs will adjust automatically. Resistance makes your workout much harder, so if your heart rate isn’t high enough when on a certain profile, the machine will adjust the resistance levels automatically.
Higher resistance levels will allow you to keep your heart rate in the target zone.

Display Features
- Time
- Distance
- Speed
- Pulse
- Torque
- Watts
- RPM
- Calories
The gym-style monitor also allows you to plug in your age and cycle through different exercise programs. There are a total of 16 exercise programs available, including:
- 1 manual
- 6 preset
- 4 user set options, 4 heartrate control programs
- 1 body fat measurement
- Recovery mode
Users that want to control their own workout will be able to set different programs that allow them to meet their goals. You’ll also be able to use the presets if you just want to jump on your cross trainer and give it a try.
Pulse sensors are built into the hand grips that allow for an accurate pulse monitoring system. Pulse monitoring is important because it allows you to track how hard you’re working. The heart rate control programs ensure that your HRC is at 60%, 75%, 85% and 100% respectively.
Profiles also include bar graph displays and load settings that allow you to track your progress.
Price
Frontier Olympus Max’s cross trainer is priced between £640 – £700, which is about right for a semi-commercial unit. You can expect this home cross trainer to last for years without needing repairs or breaking down. You are also protected by a three-year warranty, so the investment is a long-term one.
Warranty
You’re paying good money for a cross trainer, and Frontier respects this investment by offering a three-year warranty. The warranty offered is for domestic use only. You cannot use this unit in a commercial setting and keep the warranty in place.
Frontier offers exceptional customer service that is highly responsive. If you have any issue with your cross trainer, contact the company and they’ll be more than happy to help.
Pros
- 16 exercise profiles for beginner through advanced users
- Variable stride length of 17″ – 21″
- Magnetic flywheel that offers superb smoothness
- Computer controlled resistance options
- Floor level adjustment
Cons
- Hand pulse monitoring is often inaccurate
Conclusion
The Frontier Olympus Max extendable long stride cross trainer offers the best value for your money. Is it perfect? No, but it does offer a near-gym-quality build, extreme durability and an advanced display.
You’ll get years of use out of this cross trainer, and be able to enhance your stamina and overall fitness level.
The spec says “Radio receiver for chest belt pulse sensor built in (chest belt included),” but users say it doesn’t come with a chest strap. I can’t verify this, but I thought !i would mention it.
If you found our review of the Frontier Olympus Max useful then you may also be interested in reading our in-depth Hammer Crosstech XTR review.
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