MYX II vs. NordicTrack s22i: Which Is the Better Peloton Alternative?

Peloton Bike and Bike+

The Peloton Bike and Bike+ offer live and on-demand classes, along with several other features that set them apart from other exercise bikes.

Equipped with magnetic, digital resistance and an HD touchscreen for streaming workout classes, it’s easy to see why Peloton bikes are preferred by so many and viewed as the cream of the crop.

In addition to price, the main differences between the Peloton Bike and Bike+ are the sound system, storage capacity, and camera quality.

The Bike+ is also equipped with a larger touchscreen that rotates, as well as Auto Follow technology, which adjusts your resistance to match your instructor’s during workouts.

What’s more, Peloton offers three package options that include additional bike accessories, such as a bike mat, resistance bands, a yoga block and strap, and cycling shoes, which are particularly important, as Peloton bikes require Delta-compatible, rather than SPD, cleats.

MYX II and MYX II Plus

With a sleek, interactive touchscreen tablet, a Polar heart rate monitor, access to thousands of class options, and pairing capability with Apple Watch, it’s easy to see why the MYX II bike is a popular Peloton alternative.

MYX offers two bike options: the MYX II and the MYX II Plus.

While the design of the bike is the same, the MYX package includes a white-colored bike, while the MYX II Plus bike is available in both dark charcoal and white.

The other main difference is the MYX II Plus includes additional workout equipment for a full-body workout, including:

• a 6-piece weight set with a kettlebell
• an exercise mat
• a foam roller
• a resistance band
• a stabilizing mat

NordicTrack s22i Studio Cycle

The NordicTrack Commercial s22i Studio Cycle is a smart exercise bike option that’s less expensive than the Peloton Bike+.

Yet, despite its lower price tag, the bike is packed with unique features, making it an option that should be on your radar.

In addition to 24 levels of digital resistance, it comes with built-in speakers and a wide range of live and on-demand classes using iFit.

It’s also one of the few exercise bikes on the market offering multiple levels of incline and decline, as well as Automatic Trainer Control.

Curious which bike is best? Keep reading to find out which one reigns supreme.

Size, weight capacity, and material quality

While they’re all around 22 inches (55.88 cm) wide, the NordicTrack is by far the longest of the three bikes.

Meanwhile, the MYX II beats out the Peloton as being the most compact option.

In terms of weight capacity, both the MYX II and s22i support users up to 350 pounds (159 kg), while the Peloton bikes have a lower capacity of 297 pounds (135 kg).

As all three bikes are made with high-quality materials, it’s a tie between the NordicTrack s22i and MYX II as both offer great value for the price. Though, if you’re tight on space, the MYX II is the way to go.

Pedals and saddle

While the NordicTrack s22i’s padded ergonomic saddle wins out over MYX’s standard bike seat, the s22i’s seat is still quite firm and not as comfortable as the Peloton’s ergonomic sport-style saddle.

Similarly, the Peloton features higher-quality aluminum pedals, though you’ll have to purchase a set of cycling shoes, as the pedals are only compatible with Delta cleats.

Meanwhile, the NordicTrack s22i is equipped with standard toe cages.

The MYX II’s dual-sided pedals are the most versatile, as they allow you to use either SPD clips or your standard gym shoes.

Overall, Peloton wins out. Although, the MYX II’s dual-sided pedals are a definite bonus.

Display screen and speakers

All three bikes are equipped with touchscreen tablets that are similar in size.

The Peloton Bike+’s is the largest at 23.8-inch (60.5-cm), and it rotates 360 degrees, though the s22i‘s display is just 2 inches (5.1 cm) smaller and also rotates.

All three have built-in speakers and Bluetooth capabilities for pairing with your workout headphones.

Classes

One of the main draws of these smart bikes is the ability to stream classes on their respective apps, including iFit for the NordicTrack s22i, MYXFitness Connected Fitness for the MYX II bikes, and the Peloton app for the Peloton bikes.

Peloton and iFit are both popular fitness apps, mainly differentiated by the fact that iFit tends to be more focused on personal coaching, while Peloton is known for offering better music and a more group-focused community.

Both apps also have leaderboards that allow you to see how you’re performing and compare your stats to those of other users.

MYX bikes are compatible with two apps: Openfit and Beachbody on Demand Interactive (BODi), which allow riders to enjoy live and on-demand rides.

Another important factor to consider is app compatibility.

While the NordicTrack s22i is powered by iFit, it’s also compatible with the Peloton app. Similarly, the MYX II can be used with both MYXfitness Connected Fitness and Openfit.

Peloton is the most limited, as it’s only compatible with the company’s app.

One thing to note is the iFit Individual plan is a yearly subscription that costs $180 per year, which comes out to $15 per month.

As NordicTrack and MYX II allow you to stream from two popular fitness apps, this one is a tie.

Additional accessories

The basic Peloton Bike and Bike+ package doesn’t come with any accessories, but if you splurge for an upgraded package, you can get cycling shoes, headphones, bike weights, a heart rate monitor, and more.

Meanwhile, the NordicTrack s22i comes with a set of weights, and the MYX II offers a Polar heart rate monitor.

The MYX II Plus is the best option if you’re looking to fill out your home gym, as it includes free weights, a kettlebell, a foam roller, resistance bands, an exercise mat, and a stability mat.

As a result, the MYX II Plus is the clear winner, with the NordicTrack s22i being a good runner-up option.

Ease of use

When it comes to ease of use, all the bikes are fairly straightforward. That said, when you add in the technology and various features and accessories each bike provides, there are pros and cons to each option.

From a simplicity standpoint, the Peloton bike keeps things clear: There’s only one app that works with the bike (the Peloton app), and the basic bike doesn’t come with any added accessories. It’s designed to make it easy for riders to access classes and start riding shortly after installation without the distraction of additional apps or noncycling workout options.

Both the MYX II/MYX II Plus and the NordicTrack s22i Studio Cycle have more basic options for users to choose from. Most of the bikes come with a heart rate monitor (at a minimum) and other fitness tools, as well as the option to search for classes on at least two separate platforms. It’s also important to note that the MYX II/MYX II Plus uses heart rate training as a guide for exercise intensity, which can take a little getting used to.

Another thing to keep in mind is that size, space, and quality of construction all affect the ease of use. Some reviewers report that the s22i Studio Cycle is bulkier and harder to move around than other similar bikes.

In this case, the simplest option wins out for ease of use. While none of the bikes are overly tricky to get up and running, the Peloton is the easiest.

Price (including the cost of the bike, app subscription, shipping, and assembly)

When comparing the cost of these machines, it’s important to factor in the price of the bike itself, as well as any add-ons, such as delivery fees, monthly app subscriptions, and required accessories.

Here’s a breakdown of the associated costs with each bike:

Now, keep in mind that these companies often offer discounts.

For example, Peloton is offering its original bike for $1,495.

Still, even with the discount, both the NordicTrack s22i and MYX II Plus provide better overall value as you don’t need to invest in cycling shoes.

The decision between the two comes down to whether you value the large number of accessories included with the MYX II Plus or the free 1-year iFit membership offered by NordicTrack.

Warranty and return policy

The NordicTrack s22i offers a 10-year warranty on the frame, as well as a 2-year warranty on parts and a 1-year warranty on labor.

The MYX II offers a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty, while the Peloton offers a 12-month limited warranty.

All of the companies include a 30-day return policy.

Offering the most extensive warranty, the NordicTrack s22i once again comes out on top.

Customer reviews and brand reputation

Peloton was the first to bring studio-quality cycling with live and on-demand classes straight into the home and build a reputation by ensuring that its bike, instruction, and customer service are all high quality. Riding a Peloton bike is considered a top-of-the-line experience … that comes with a top-of-the-line price. Reviews are typically good, with most sites giving the brand 4 to 5 stars out of 5 and very little negative feedback.

Founded in 1975, NordicTrack has been a staple of the home fitness equipment industry for a long time and has a generally good reputation. While NordicTrack equipment is rarely referred to as commercial- or studio-quality, the s22i is frequently reviewed as “excellent” and considered top quality. However, many reviewers have found NordicTrack’s customer service to be a bit disappointing.

The MYX II/II Plus bikes also tend to receive high quality reviews from users. The bikes are easy to use, and for the price (most reviewers refer to how much more affordable the bike is than the Peloton), functionality exceeds expectations. That said, the MYX II/II Plus models are connected to the Beachbody brand, which isn’t reviewed quite as favorably. Users sometimes cited customer service as a problem.

Setting its higher price tag aside, Peloton wins out for customer satisfaction and brand reputation.

Based on the above comparisons, the NordicTrack s22i Studio Cycle narrowly beats out the MYX II as the best Peloton alternative.

It’s made of good quality materials, includes free shipping and delivery, and gives you serious bang for your buck in the way of interactive class offerings, especially with a free year of iFit for the whole family.

While it’s more expensive than the original Peloton bike, the s22i offers several features that the Peloton Bike doesn’t, including a rotating touchscreen and Automatic Trainer Control during classes.

Furthermore, even if you’re a Peloton class devotee, the NordicTrack s22i is compatible with the Peloton app. As such, you can get the best of both worlds by saving money on your bike while still enjoying your favorite Peloton workouts.

Which is best – Peloton, MYX, or NordicTrack?

While each product offers unique features, the NordicTrack s22i provides the best of all worlds, providing a high quality bike and class experience at a slightly more affordable price than the Peloton.

What are other smart bike options?

In addition to the NordicTrack s22i Studio Cycle and the MYX II/II Plus, you may want to consider the Bowflex VeloCore, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike, and the Echelon Connect EX series of bikes. Each of these bikes is comparable to the bikes on this list due to their built-in screens and app connectivity that allow users to stream live or on-demand classes. Prices and features are likewise comparable depending on the model and accompanying accessories.

Which smart bike is best for small spaces?

The MYXII offers the smallest footprint of the bikes featured, making it the best for small spaces.

While you can’t go wrong with any of these bikes, the NordicTrack s22i Studio Cycle takes the cake as the better Peloton alternative compared with the MYX II.

In fact, the s22i even beats out the Peloton Bike+, as you’ll save about $500 for a bike that’s just as high quality and offers comparable features.