Are NordicTrack Bikes Worth It?

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NordicTrack Bikes: A Thorough Review

With the lockdowns since 2020, many people have made the wise decision to build amazing home gyms. Whether you have a full room or basement devoted to workouts or a small corner in your bedroom, working out at home is both gratifying and affordable. 

If you have been considering adding a stationary bike for your home or workout space, you may be wondering ‘are NordicTrack bikes worth it? Since the 1970s, this company has been leading the way in exercise equipment, and they remain at the top of the charts for sales. This review will help you learn everything there is to know about these bikes and why you should consider adding one to your home gym. 

Table of Contents

• Are NordicTrack Bikes Good Quality?
• Are NordicTrack Bikes Worth the Money?
• Is the NordicTrack Bike Better Than Peloton?
• Do NordicTrack Bikes Have Bluetooth?
• Do NordicTrack Bikes Require a Subscription?
• What Are Some Alternatives to NordicBike?
• Final Thoughts

Are NordicTrack Bikes Good Quality?

As of this writing, there are eight NordicTrack exercise bikes that are split into four series. If you are looking for a high-quality bike, the NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle is probably their best model. 

NordicTrack made this bike from heavy-duty materials, such as commercial-grade steel, and it weighs in at around 200 pounds. It can support a rider’s weight of up to 350 pounds. 

The company has made sure every detail of this bike is made to hold up for many years. The flywheel operates smoothly, and the bike is quiet, except for the minor sounds of the fan coming on from time to time. 

Because this bike is so sturdy, its heaviness can be a challenge. When assembling the bike, it is best to have a helper. You should also install it in the spot you plan to use it because it is difficult to move. 

Are NordicTrack Bikes Worth the Money?

While NordicTrack bikes are more expensive than other bikes, they are more affordable than some Peloton bikes. It is important to remember that you get what you pay for, so cheap bikes are typically going to be a waste of time. 

This piece of equipment is more than a simple stationary bike. It comes with a fourteen-inch HD screen that allows you to view live workout videos, listen to your workout music, or even enjoy rides all over the country, including the Golden Gate Bridge. With the HD screen, it honestly feels like you are really on the ride. 

There are also 22 different digital resistance settings, allowing you to customize your workout from simple to extreme. On a live workout, trainers control your bike settings, so you simply enjoy the ride. 

Many people consider the NordicTrack bikes to be well worth the money. They cost more than a simple stationary bike, but they give you a lot more workout options. 

Is the NordicTrack Bike Better Than Peloton?

NordicTrack and Peloton are two big names in the workout equipment industry. Both bikes offer exemplary features, depending on your budget and workout goals. The information below compares some of the major specs of these two bikes, so you can decide which one will best meet your needs. 

	NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle	Peloton Bike+
Price	$1999	$2495
Foot Pedal Size	55 x 22 inches	48 x 24 inches
Weight of Bike	200	140
Max Weight of Rider	350	305
Display	21.5 inches, 1080p	23.8 inches, 1080p

As you can see, there are some differences in the specs between the two bikes. The NordicTrack S22i has a larger foot pedal size, which is ideal for bigger feet. It also accommodates 45 more pounds of rider weight than the Peloton. While the display on the Peloton Bike+ is slightly larger, both offer a 1080p definition. 

The price of the NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle is also less than the Peloton Bike+. When reading reviews, it appears many people prefer the NordicTrack, but there are some diehard Peloton fans. In the end, compare the two to see which one meets your needs.

After using both, I was highly impressed with the NordicTrack S22i. It is truly heavy-duty and offers all the features I need. I like that I paid about $500 less than for a Peloton. 

Do NordicTrack Bikes Have Bluetooth?

NordicTrack Bike does have Bluetooth capability. First of all, iFit supports a full list of 5.0 Bluetooth devices. You can use your AirPods or AirPod Pros while working out on the bike. 

NordicTrack also allows you to plug in a Bluetooth transmitter & receiver adapter, so you can use just about any Bluetooth device you own. There are also ways to unlock Bluetooth capability, but most people use the iFit Bluetooth options. 

Do NordicTrack Bikes Require a Subscription?

Like Peloton, NordicTrack does require you to pay for a monthly subscription to use the touchscreen and all the interactive features. NordicTrack offers an iFit subscription for $33-$39 a month. This is their family plan that allows you to have up to five profiles. When you first purchase your bike, it comes with a free year of iFit. If you will be the only one using the bike, NordicTrack also offers a monthly sub of $15 for individuals.

Although you can certainly continue to use the bike without a subscription, the bike will not collect data on your rides. The bike will not display your speed or distance, so most people opt to pay for the monthly subscription for this reason alone. 

If you are worried about the price, just look at it like this. The $39 a month is still less than the cost of a couple of classes each week at your local gym. It is also comparable to many gym memberships. 

I found the interactive features and saved profiles to be worth every penny I paid for membership. If you have a family, everyone can have their own profile and presets, which is highly beneficial. 

What Are Some Alternatives to NordicBike?

Of course, NordicTrack and Peloton are not the only companies manufacturing indoor cycling equipment. Below, you will find information on some of the top picks you may want to consider as an alternative to NordicTrack bikes. 

Bowflex IC Bike Series

This indoor bike offers 100 levels of resistance. You can ride in stationary mode or incline. This bike comes with a sixteen-inch touchscreen. The handlebars are padded and can move in six positions. 

Echelon Smart Connect Fitness Bike

Echelon offers a more affordable bike for those who are on a budget. This bike offers 32 levels of resistance. The toe cages are adjustable, and it offers a wide seat for comfort. 

DMASUN Indoor Cycling Bike

This is another less expensive option if you cannot afford the NordicTrack Bike. This bike offers a sturdy frame that holds up to 330 pounds. You will not get a fancy touchscreen, but there is a holder for your smartphone or tablet. 

What to Look for in an Indoor Cycling Bike

If you are looking to purchase an indoor cycling bike, there are a few things to consider. Look for the following before making a purchase. 

Resistance

There are both options for digital resistance and manual. If you prefer changing the resistance with keypad buttons, you will probably want to choose an upright or a recumbent bike. 

A basic indoor bike uses a knob adjuster where you manually adjust your resistance. Be sure you choose the right resistance options for your needs. 

Durability

Durability is highly important for a fitness bike. It is imperative the bike is durable or it will break down quickly. Make sure you know the materials the bike is made of and how much weight it can hold. Learn as much as you can before making a purchase. 

Adjustability

Adjustability is also an important feature of any indoor bike. If the seat and handlebars cannot adjust, you could find they are not ergonomically correct for your body. It is wise to choose a fully adjustable bike. Even the pedals should adjust. 

Final Thoughts

With more people building workout areas inside their homes, bikes like those made by NordicTrack are becoming increasingly popular. This bike has many features that allow you to get the perfect workout at home. 

Whether you choose the NordicTrack, a Peloton, or even an Echelon, you will find your at-home workouts go to the next level with ease. These bikes offer you a full-body workout, with plenty of options to increase or decrease the resistance, based on your current fitness level. 

Check out your options and decide what works best for you. From our research, the NordicTrack bikes are good options because they last and offer all the features that impressed us, but do make sure you research further yourself and choose the brand/bike that fits your needs most suitably.