NordicTrack Bike Review: Which Model Is Right for You?

• Best overall: S15i Bike |Skip to review
• Best mid-range: S22i Studio Bike |Skip to review
• Best splurge: S27i Studio Bike |Skip to review
• Best recumbent: Commercial R35 | Skip to review

Stationary bikes provide a low impact option for getting your sweat on from the comfort of home.

While many brands are available, NordicTrack is one of the most popular.

Known for producing high quality machines, NordicTrack’s home exercise bikes are a favorite among tech-savvy consumers, as each model is equipped with an HD touch screen and Bluetooth-enabled speakers.

What’s more, the bikes include several levels of resistance and are easily adjustable to suit riders of various sizes.

From upright and recumbent bikes to indoor cycling machines, NordicTrack offers several models, with the Commercial R35, S15i, and S22i Studio Bike being the most popular. NordicTrack recently released a new Studio Bike, the S27i.

This article takes an in-depth look at NordicTrack’s most popular exercise bikes and how the models compare.

NordicTrack currently offers three series of home exercise bikes. While they all provide an effective, low impact workout, each style is designed to fit a specific type of cyclist.

Studio-style

The commercial studio cycles offer a cycling class experience with adjustable multigrip handlebars, touch screens for streaming live classes, and a pair of dumbbells for a full-body workout.

Recumbent

NordicTrack’s recumbent bikes offer advanced comfort features, featuring a lumbar supported seat and ergonomic pedals to further reduce the impact on your joints.

Upright

The upright bike series models, which include the Commercial VU 19 and VU 29, are designed with a smaller footprint, making them a great choice if you’re tight on space.

Best overall

S15i Studio Bike

Price: free with 4-year iFIT membership (or $1,872)

The S15i is NordicTrack’s least expensive indoor cycling bike.

Designed to mimic the experience of a cycling class, the machine is equipped with a 14-inch (35.5-centimeter) swiveling HD smart touch screen, which provides access to live, on-demand, and global workout classes using the iFIT app.

Plus, the bike offers automatic trainer control, a feature that automatically matches your resistance and incline levels to your trainer’s during class.

The S15i offers 22 levels of resistance, as well as incline options ranging from -10–20% to simulate riding down or uphill.

It also tracks key performance metrics, such as your distance, speed, resistance level, and calories burned.

Other notable features include a set of 3-pound (1.3-kilogram) dumbbells, padded seat, positional handlebar, and pedals with toe cages, so you can hop on the bike during a workout without putting on cycling shoes.

Best mid-range

S22i Studio Bike

Price: $1,999

The S22i is the mid-level Studio cycle offered by NordicTrack.

The main difference between the S22i and the S15i is the size of the touch screen, with the S22i featuring a larger, 22-in. (55.9-cm) display.

Additionally, the S22i offers 24 levels of resistance, compared to the S15i’s 22.

Like the S15i, the S22i Studio Cycle includes incline levels ranging from -10–20%, Bluetooth connectivity, performance tracking, and Automatic Trainer Control. The newest version of the S22i offers a 30-watt sound system.

It also has a padded seat and multigrip handlebar — both of which can be adjusted vertically and horizontally.

The S22i is slightly larger, measuring 63 × 22 × 60 in. (160 × 56 × 152.4 cm).

Read our full review of the S22i.

Best splurge

S27i Studio Bike

Price: $2,499

The S27i is the most expensive Studio cycle offered by NordicTrack. The frame is nearly identical to the S22i’s, but it’s available in multiple colors and has a larger touch screen and improved handlebars.

To help counterbalance the weight of the screen, the handlebars have been upgraded with a hydraulic system that makes adjustments easier.

Like NordicTrack’s other bikes, the S27i features automatic trainer control and incline levels ranging from -10–20% to help simulate the feeling of cycling outdoors.

The 27-in (68.5-cm) touch screen is quite large, and it can rotate and tilt so you can still see the screen while doing a non-cycling workout. Like the S22i, the S27i has an updated 30-watt sound system with front-facing speakers.

Like NordicTrack’s other studio bikes, the seat can be adjusted vertically and horizontally.

Weighing 217 lb (98.4 kg), the S27i is heavier than the S15i and S22i, so it may be a little more difficult to move.

Best recumbent bike

Commercial R35

Price: $1,499

The Commercial R35 is NordicTrack’s most popular recumbent bike.

The machine features ergonomic pedals and an oversized seat with lumbar support, making it a great option if you’re looking to reduce the stress placed on your joints.

In addition to being one of the most comfortable options, the R35 offers 26 levels of resistance, which is more than the Studio cycles.

For streaming classes, the bike is equipped with a 14-in (35.5-cm) HD touch screen and Bluetooth-enabled speakers.

NordicTrack’s bikes range in price from $999–$2,499, depending on the model, with free shipping within the continental United States.

The current prices for each model are listed below.

Commercial upright series:

• VU 19: $999
• VU 29: $1,299

Commercial recumbent series:

• R35: $1,499

Commercial Studio Cycle series:

• S15i Studio Bike: currently free with 4-year iFIT membership (or $1,872)
• S22i Studio Bike: $1,999
• S27i Studio Bike: $2,499

To help make the bikes more affordable, NordicTrack offers financing options for qualified customers.

The company also offers the following warranties:

• 10-year on the frame
• 2-year on parts
• 1-year on labor

Finally, all NordicTrack bikes include a free 30-day iFIT family membership, which can be renewed for $39 per month.

Stationary bikes offer many health benefits for professional and novice cyclists alike.

When deciding which NordicTrack bike to purchase, it’s important to consider the style of bike you want, as well as your budget.

For example, while the studio cycles are more expensive than NordicTrack’s other options, they’re a good fit if you prefer the experience of an indoor cycling workout.

The S22i and S27i feature larger touch screens, but the S15i offers many of the same features at a lower price.

In contrast, if you’re looking to get your heart rate up but want more support while you ride, the R35 may be more comfortable.

Regardless of which bike you choose, be sure to position yourself correctly on the bike, with your knees properly aligned, to reduce the risk of injury.

While NordicTrack is one of the most popular brands offering quality home exercise bikes, it’s far from being the only one.

For example, Schwinn is another well-known brand that offers several styles of bikes, including indoor cycling, recumbent, upright, and air bike options.

However, Schwinn products don’t offer as many high-tech features as those from NordicTrack. You can still stream workout classes to the IC4, but you’ll need to use your own device.

That said, Schwinn bikes are generally less expensive, so they may be a better fit if you don’t need a bike with a touch screen or features like automatic trainer control.

NordicTrack’s other main competitor is Peloton, as both companies are known for their high-end indoor cycling bikes.

As with NordicTrack, Peloton offers live and on-demand classes using the Peloton All-Access membership, which costs $44 per month.

Peloton’s bikes also include performance tracking, HD touch screens, and adjustable seats and handlebars.

However, the Peloton Bike and Bike+ are incompatible with regular athletic shoes and don’t offer incline and decline options.

What is the monthly fee for a NordicTrack bike?

To use all of the features of a NordicTrack bike, you’ll need an iFIT membership. The iFIT Family Plan (up to five user profiles) costs $396 per year or $39 per month. The Individual Plan costs $180 per year.

What’s the difference between the Peloton and a NordicTrack bike?

Unlike the Peloton Bike, NordicTrack Studio Cycles have automatic trainer control, incline and decline options, and rotating touch screens. The S15i has 22 resistance levels and pedals with toe cages, while the S22i and S27i have 24 levels and dual-sided pedals. They’re also more expensive than the Peloton Bike.

Both the Peloton Bike and Bike+ have 100 resistance levels. While the Peloton Bike+ has automatic trainer control and a rotating touch screen, those features come with a higher price tag. You’ll also need delta-compatible cleats to ride a Peloton.

Do you need special shoes for NordicTrack bikes?

No, you do not need special shoes for NordicTrack bikes.

The NordicTrack S22i and S27i bikes come with dual-sided pedals that can be used with SPD-compatible cleats and regular athletic shoes, while the S15i’s pedals have toe cages. The upright and recumbent models have pedals with adjustable straps.

NordicTrack is known for producing safe and high quality exercise machines, including exercise bikes.

While the R35 is the best option for those interested in a recumbent bike, the Commercial S15i provides excellent value for a studio-quality workout.