Overall Pros & Cons
Pros
- Incline/decline (+20% to -10%) feature; adjusted automatically with training videos; also manually adjustable
- Resistance incrementally auto-adjusts with training videos, and manually adjustable
- Both studio and road training videos; many options and levels available
- Quiet and smooth ride, comfortable feel, even during intense workouts
- Multi-speed fan
- Large clear 22" screen, which also rotates for off-bike training
- Can change sound level separately for instructor voice or music
- Competitive price for the level of features (about $700 less than Peloton for first year)
Cons (and overall they are minor)
- Takes ~2 hr to assemble, but not bad considering
- No wireless headphone option (vs Bluetooth on Peloton); requires transmitter or wired headphones, but speakers are totally fine
- Speakers in rear of monitor (same as for Peloton)
- Screen not as touch-sensitive as a cell phone, but still responds well
- Limited live studio rides (but tons of recorded rides whenever you're ready to ride)
The Comparison…
I'll start with comparing the NordicTrack and Peloton bikes since, like I did, you're trying to decide between them. Peloton is a great bike, but NordicTrack wins with more features. I had previously used a Peloton several times at hotels, so I can't say that I know all the features, but from my experience here are benefits of the NordicTrack S22i vs the current Peloton model: (1) automatic incline/decline; (2) automatic resistance on handlebar and incremental changes (vs. manual knob on Peloton frame without fine control); (3) monitor swivels sideways; (4) multi-speed fan; (5) wires are integrated in frame so not loose on exterior; (6) can use sneakers on pedals, or can switch pedals out to clips (vs Delta-clips only on Peloton requiring cleats); (7) 2 x 3 lb weights included; (8) warranty 10 yr frame/2 yr parts/ 1 yr labor (vs Peloton 5 yr frame, 1 yr parts-labor); (9) ~$700 less for first year since includes 1 year of iFit, (10) slightly cheaper monthly fees after first year, (11) tons of studio training PLUS hundreds of trainer led rides all around the world.
The Details…
Cost:
I purchased on Amazon for $1999+tax (free delivery with Prime). I also added 3 yr service contract for $249, so total of $2248 ($2436 with all taxes). NordicTrack direct typically offers in-home setup for additional fee, but home assembly was not available during pandemic anyway, so I chose the self-assembly and it was easy to assemble. For overall costs, NordicTrack also includes iFit membership free for first year, a $396 value. FYI, comparable cost for Peloton would have been $2245 for bike, plus $39/month membership, so $2713 for 1 yr (before taxes). Standard Peloton comes with 1 yr service so adding another 2 yr would be $230. Even without any additional service contract, the first year with membership for NordicTrack is $1999 vs $2713 Peloton (all before taxes), so the NordicTrack is a savings of ~$700 compared with Peloton for the first year. After the 1st year, monthly fees are $33 for iFit ($396/yr) and for Peloton $39/mo ($468/yr) or $72/year cheaper.
Assembly:
I ordered the bike on April 26 on Amazon and it arrived May 8. This was peak pandemic and so it was up to us to assemble. The box is large and very heavy. The next day, my daughter (25) and I (55) put the bike together, it was not difficult and only took 2 hr, from removing the many parts from the box, through full assembly, to stepping onto the bike for the first time. The main frame is heavy and requires 2 people to carry; the other parts are not an issue.
The assembly instructions were reasonable to follow. We first laid out all the parts on cardboard to easily gather for each step. Some screws were very difficult to completely install, and 2 screws (on the bottom left & rear right platforms) only went about 75% into their holes, but did not affect the bike stability at all. (Service later did send me replacement bases & screws for free). The iFit membership card was in the box and we activated on a computer within minutes. The iFit membership is available for 4 family members, free for first year, then $33/month thereafter, compared with $39/month for Peloton. It's easy to switch between family members once everyone is logged in.
The biggest assembly issue was that the Post Knob (part #100) used to secure the handle bar had a bent screw and could not be installed. I called NordicTrack service. Because of the pandemic and low staffing all over the planet, it took a few days to get through, but once I got a rep, she was terrific and quickly sent out the part needed, and I received it a few days later. We were able to use the bike for the week with a low handle bar but got it back to 100% quickly. My bike is on a medium pile carpet without a mat, and once all parts were in place, the bike is sturdy. It has wheels in front so not hard to move within a room if needed, but it is heavy. Some reviews have mentioned wobbly monitor and handlebars, but once that knob was tightened, there is no wobble. My bike is in the basement, so it is 2 floors from my WiFi router, but I have not had any issues with signal when riding.
Workouts:
Since gyms were closed for months in the late winter/early spring in NY, it was critical to get workouts in the house, and the NordicTrack was essential. There are recorded studio sessions for all fitness levels available on iFit, with dozens of different trainers. There are also live studio workouts, although I haven't tried these since scheduled at certain times, I'd rather ride when I want with the recorded videos. The on-screen stats are great, with time, distance, elevation, RPM, etc, both as numbers or as a graph. One of the best features with iFit is there are also specialized rides all over the world, with different trainers and different lengths; these are a terrific feature and mix up the variety of the studio format. On a weekend morning I can choose Anja's boot camp studio rides and sweat it out, and then during the week when I have less time I can choose an "outdoor" ride from 20 to 40 min or more, and ride in Norway, Spain, New Zealand, Japan, all over the world. With these, there are a mix of road and mountain trails and it allows you to get away from a studio setting; I usually listen to my music on the stereo box behind me, put the trainer audio just loud enough so I can hear the location info, and choose full screen to focus on the scenery rather than all the specs. I actually look forward to getting an early morning workout on this bike.
There is also a feature of mapping your own ride via GoogleMaps, which is cool, but requires some time to map out and the images are static, so I haven't used this feature.
Another major feature with this bike is that whether it is a studio or outside ride, there is an incline/decline motor that simulates hills, which is not available on the Peloton. Moreover, this incline/decline and the resistance level will auto-adjust during studio rides and follow the normal terrain of outdoor rides. This allows you to focus on the ride rather than adjusting when the trainer says "OK, set your resistance to X". I haven't had to manually adjust incline or resistance for any rides. Handlebar and seat have adjustable heights, and seat can be adjusted back/forth with easy to turn solid knobs.
The software is intuitive, and many rides are offered on the main screen. Otherwise it's not too easy to find new rides, or to continue an existing series of workouts with the same trainer if you've started another ride in between. The search feature allows for filtering, but it would be nice to have a "next ride in workout series" option available.
There is no wireless headphone or Bluetooth available, so one time I used my wired headphones but that's not convenient since some studio trainings are on then off the bike. The training music is not my style (Peloton studio music is better, but that's not why I got a bike). Like the Peloton, the NordicTrack's speakers are on the back of the monitor, so I just set up my stereo box with iPod behind me so I can play the music I want, then I turn on the trainer audio channel on the bike just enough to hear them. The fan has a few setting levels and is clutch on tough rides. Yes the incline adjustment motor is loud, as is the fan even on low setting, but riding the bike is very quiet; in my basement the sounds are not an issue. But if it's in your apartment at 5 am with someone in the next room, the incline motor might have some low noise. The 22" screen is a great large view; not as touch-sensitive as an iPhone, but it works fine. There is standard circular headphone jack on side of monitor, as well as USB-A and HDMI ports on the back if needed. There are some training sessions where you come off the bike and onto a mat, so the monitor swivels to allow you to see the screen from various angles.
Some tips/observations:
- The power switch is hard to find; it's on the mid-body near the floor, just above the power cord.
- For my bike, the iFit membership card was in the instruction bag, and was easy to activate. Yes, you have to enter your credit card number, but first year is free so not really an issue; we bought the bike for the training membership.
- Once we got the replacement knob to adjust the height, the handle bars and screen do not wobble as much as has been reported in some reviews.
- NordicTrack customer service was courteous and helpful for the replacement knob.
- During assembly, the wires don't easily push into the handle bar wells, so dropping string down the tube and tying to the wires and pulling up through tube can be helpful.
- Based on other recommendations that the original seat may not be comfortable, we just went ahead and ordered a replacement seat. We actually didn't even try the original so I can't comment on that quality.
Overall:
If you're looking to make an investment in yourself, especially if the gyms are not open or you don't have time to leave the house, the NordicTrack S22i is a fun and full-featured bike with terrific studio and global trail rides.
| Brand | NordicTrack |
|---|---|
| Special Feature | Distance Travelled Monitor |
| Color | Black |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Indoor |
| Item Weight | 3 Pounds |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Resistance Mechanism | Magnetic |
| Product Dimensions | 61"D x 22"W x 55.75"H |
| Maximum Weight Recommendation | 350 Pounds |
| Model Name | NordicTrack |
| Maximum Height | 61 Inches |
| Number of Resistance Levels | 22 |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 51 x 34 x 14 inches |
| Package Weight | 89.36 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 60 x 22 x 58 inches |
| Brand Name | NordicTrack |
| Warranty Description | 10-Year Frame, 2-Year Parts, 1-Year Labor |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Manufacturer | iFIT Health & Fitness |
| Part Number | NTEX05121 |
| Model Year | 2021 |
| Style | Commercial S15i Studio Cycle |
| Included Components | Exercise Bike, 30-Day Membership Included |
