MERACH Long Stride Cross Trainer vs THERUN 3-in-1 Cardio Climber

By the Orbit Stride editorial team · Updated 2026 · How we test & score

We compare the MERACH Long Stride Cross Trainer and the THERUN 3-in-1 Cardio Climber across every dimension that matters - our scores, the key specs, and how each performs on the things you will actually notice day to day.

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At a glance

MERACH Long Stride Cross TrainerTHERUN 3-in-1 Cardio Climber
Our score9.3/107.3/10
Best forLow-impact whole-body cardio at home, easy on the jointsLow-impact whole-body cardio at home, easy on the joints
Not ideal forAnyone very short on space, unless it folds compactlyAnyone very short on space, unless it folds compactly
BrandMERACHTHERUN

Type and Resistance

MERACH Long Stride Cross Trainer

This cross trainer positions the Long Stride Cross Trainer as a full standing elliptical machine for home use. It is built around a 47 cm stride, intended to deliver a longer step length and a smoother motion than shorter-stride designs. Resistance is provided by a magnetic system and is adjustable across 16 levels, creating a wider range than a simple easy-to-hard spread. The intention is to increase resistance gradually and check comfort at each level before longer sessions, although very fine changes may be harder to judge precisely. The unit is designed to operate quietly in typical home settings.

THERUN 3-in-1 Cardio Climber

This cross trainer is built as an elliptical cross trainer machine, with a magnetic resistance system designed to adjust workout intensity without friction-based contact. It delivers a cardio climber style workout while keeping an elliptical, rather than step-only, motion. Resistance is controlled through 16 levels of adjustable silent magnetic resistance, allowing beginners to start at a lower setting and more experienced users to increase difficulty gradually. Quieter operation is implied by the magnetic system.

Stride, Flywheel and Feel

MERACH Long Stride Cross Trainer

With a reported 47 cm stride, the MERACH is designed to create a longer step for people who find short-stride machines less comfortable, especially during steady standing sessions. The magnetic resistance uses 8/16 levels, enabling effort to be fine-tuned without frequent speed changes. The long stride encourages a more natural, low-impact rhythm for many riders, though very tall or very short users may still need practice to match their range. A smoother flywheel motion supports steady pedaling, but sudden high-effort jumps may feel less responsive. Overall, the feel prioritises controlled, repeatable strides, while staying within the machine's maximum user weight remains essential and the stride length should suit the rider's height.

THERUN 3-in-1 Cardio Climber

Stride and how the machine "feels" during use depend largely on the motion path and the parts that create resistance. This model is built as an elliptical cross trainer machine with a cardio climber style of workout rather than a pure stepper motion. The flywheel helps momentum stay smooth, so transitions between forward effort phases feel controlled. Magnetic resistance provides 16-level adjustability, allowing resistance to be raised or lowered before fatigue peaks. The cardio climber motion can place an upward emphasis that feels different to long-time stepper users. Some riders may need a longer warm-up period to adapt, particularly if the stride length does not match their height.

Console, Programmes and Extras

MERACH Long Stride Cross Trainer

Control options on the cross trainer focus on the console, where users select resistance to support a repeatable stride feel. Resistance changes are made at the console, then pedalling begins to confirm the stride matches the routine. Extras that might typically add on-console features such as fans, screens, or holders are not stated, which limits the available detail about console functionality.

THERUN 3-in-1 Cardio Climber

Moving from how the machine feels to what the user sees and controls, the THERUN includes an LCD console for workout feedback and pulse sensors for monitoring heart rate during sessions. The console is intended to provide clear guidance throughout training, so users can adjust their session as it progresses. Magnetic resistance is adjustable across 16 levels, supporting different effort choices.

Size, Build and Max User Weight

MERACH Long Stride Cross Trainer

The machine's physical size and build matter for home use, particularly where space is limited. The MERACH has an elliptical frame intended for steady, low-impact movement, and it offers a 47cm stride for longer leg travel. This can suit taller users, although individual fit varies. Its magnetic resistance is listed with 8 and 16 levels, which influences how the workout feels rather than the overall footprint. The maximum user weight is 400 lbs, so heavier users should confirm compatibility, and the 47cm stride should be checked against their height to ensure comfortable step length.

THERUN 3-in-1 Cardio Climber

Overall, the cross trainer is built for home use, combining an elliptical cross trainer and stepper style motion with an 8kg flywheel and magnetic resistance. Its build is intended for steady training sessions rather than commercial use. The 8kg flywheel indicates a solid feel during movement, and the magnetic resistance typically offers smooth adjustment across 16 levels.

Who Is This Cross Trainer For?

MERACH Long Stride Cross Trainer

This cross trainer is best suited to people who want a low-impact elliptical for home workouts, particularly those who prefer a longer 47cm stride for smoother step length. With 8/16 levels of resistance adjustment, it supports beginners looking for gradual changes and more experienced exercisers who switch settings during sessions.

THERUN 3-in-1 Cardio Climber

Who is this cross trainer for? The THERUN is suited to people who want an at-home stepper or cardio climber style workout, using silent magnetic resistance and an 8 kg flywheel for a steady motion feel. It fits users who prefer to track workout stats on an LCD console and like built-in pulse sensors for monitoring. Beginners may find the 16-level adjustable resistance helpful for starting at a lower setting and building gradually. It may be less suitable for anyone who needs high-impact running, specific weight capacity details, or advanced programme features.

MERACH Long Stride Cross Trainer: pros

  • Elliptical cross trainer
  • Magnetic, 16 resistance levels
  • Quiet
  • Low-impact cardio, gentle on the joints

Cons

  • Full cross trainers take up floor space (look for foldable)
  • Check the stride length suits your height
  • Stay within the maximum user weight

THERUN 3-in-1 Cardio Climber: pros

  • Stepper / cardio climber
  • Magnetic resistance
  • 8kg flywheel
  • Quiet, LCD console, pulse sensors
  • Low-impact cardio, gentle on the joints

Cons

  • Full cross trainers take up floor space (look for foldable)
  • Check the stride length suits your height
  • Stay within the maximum user weight

Our verdict

Our pick is the MERACH Long Stride Cross Trainer (our score 9.3/10) - A practical cross trainer (elliptical cross trainer, magnetic, 16 resistance levels) for low-impact home cardio. The THERUN 3-in-1 Cardio Climber is still worth it if it is cheaper when you check, or if it better matches your specific needs.