We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
NordicTrack offers a range of exercise bikes and other home gym equipment. The bikes have various features, including heart monitors, adjustable seats, and workout fans.
A quick look at NordicTrack bikes
- Best for a large screen: Commercial S27i Studio Cycle
- Best mid-range: Commerical S22i Studio Cycle
- Best iFit bundle: Commercial S10i Studio Cycle
- Best recumbent: Commercial R35
- Best for smaller spaces: Commercial VU 29
- Best for a budget: Commercial VU 19
All these models feature a touch screen, allowing people to access a choice of workouts. Most also come with a 1-year membership to iFit, which the company describes as “an interactive personal training experience.”
This article reviews the NordicTrack brand and a selection of its exercise bikes. It also explores the health benefits and risks of using exercise bikes and suggests alternative brands and equipment types.
NordicTrack has been in business since 1975. The company sells:
- treadmills
- exercise bikes
- ellipticals
- strength-training equipment
Some features of NordicTrack’s exercise bikes include:
- Wi-Fi connectivity so that people can access different workouts
- an automatic trainer control, so fitness trainers can control the individual’s resistance setting
- Google Maps integration so that people can have a virtual bike ride anywhere in the world
- real-time performance tracking
NordicTrack’s exercise bikes come with a 1-year iFit membership, which has a value of $396 at the time of publication. People can also access the trainer-led workouts from iFit’s mobile application.
iFit’s family membership allows customers to add more users to the account, which works across multiple machines.
A person can book a consultation with the company’s fitness consultants to help them choose the right product. They can also use this service if they require more information about payment, deliveries, assembly, and warranty.
Returns and warranty
NordicTrack has a 30-day return policy. If people are not satisfied with a product, they can return it for a replacement or request a full refund within 30 days.
NordicTrack bikes also come with:
- a 10-year frame warranty
- a 2-year parts warranty
- a 1-year labor warranty
NordicTrack offers three series of bikes: Commercial Studio Cycles, Recumbent Bike Series, and Commercial VU Series.
The Commercial Studio Cycles are fully adjustable and compatible with standard road bike pedals or seats. People can replace these parts with their preferred components to maximize comfort. The bikes also come with dual water bottle holders and two 3-pound (lb) dumbbells.
The Recumbent Bikes allow people to recline while exercising. This series may suit those who find it difficult to get on and off traditional stationary bikes.
Learn more about recumbent exercise bikes.
The Commercial VU series tend to have a smaller footprint and may be more beneficial for individuals who work out in a smaller space.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried any of these products. All information is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more.
Best for a large screen: Commercial S27i Studio Cycle
- Price: $2,499
- Dimensions (D x W x H): 57 x 28 x 65 inches (in)
- Resistance levels: 24 digital levels
- Bike type: upright
This bike comes with a 27-in rotating HD touch screen, an ergonomic padded saddle, and adjustable seats and handles. It also has an AutoBreeze workout fan.
Additional features include AutoAdjust technology, allowing iFit trainers to remotely change resistance levels, silent magnetic resistance, and two-sided pedals.
This bike is also adjustable for a 10% decline and a 20% incline.
Best mid-range: Commercial S22i Studio Cycle
- Price: $1,999
- Dimensions: 61 x 22 x 58 in
- Resistance levels: 24 digital levels
- Bike type: upright
This bike comes with a 22-in rotating HD touch screen, an ergonomic padded saddle, nonslip multi-position handlebars, and an AutoBreeze workout fan.
Some of the S22i Studio Cycle’s features include a 20% live incline control, 10% live decline control, and Quiet Drive Incline Technology that mirrors the workout’s terrain.
Read our review of the S22i Studio Cycle.
Best iFit bundle: Commercial S10i Studio Cycle
- Price: $1,872
- Dimensions: 56 x 22 x 58 in
- Resistance levels: 22 digital levels
- Bike type: upright
This bike has a 10-in HD touch screen, an ergonomically padded seat, and adjustable handlebars and seat.
According to NordicTrack, this bike has improved resistance to corrosion. Like other Commercial Studio Cycles, this model features AutoAdjust technology, a 10% decline and a 20% incline, and silent magnetic resistance.
At the time of publishing, NordicTrack states that people can receive this bike for free if they purchase a 4-year iFit family membership.
Best recumbent: Commercial R35
- Price: $1,499
- Dimensions: 68.22 x 23.69 x 53.42 in
- Resistance levels: 26 digital levels
- Bike type: recumbent
This exercise bike has a 14-in HD smart touch screen that displays an on-demand workout library and a progress tracker.
It also comes with 26 digital resistance levels and One Touch controls. It has an oversized lumbar support seat that may be beneficial for those who require extra support when exercising.
Best for smaller spaces: Commercial VU 29
- Price: $1,299
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 55.29 x 24.86 x 41.49 in
- Resistance levels: 24 digital levels
- Bike type: upright
This exercise bike comes with a 14-in HD smart touch screen that displays statistics on workouts and provides access to an on-demand workout library.
This bike has a 19-lb inertia-enhanced flywheel and a trainer control that adjusts resistance automatically. It offers 24 digital resistance levels.
This exercise bike also comes with an oversized cushion seat, ergonomic foot pedals, and an AutoBreeze workout fan.
The smaller footprint of this bike may make it a suitable option for people with smaller workout spaces.
Best for a budget: Commercial VU 19
- Price: $999
- Dimensions: 43.6 x 24.9 x 59.4 in
- Resistance levels: 24 digital levels
- Bike type: upright
The NordicTrack Commercial VU 19 comes with a 7-in smart HD color touch screen, a heart rate monitor, and an AutoBreeze workout fan.
This bike has a 19-lb inertia-enhanced flywheel and a user weight capacity of 325 lb.
It also comes with vertical and horizontal seat adjustment and an oversized cushion seat.
The following table compares NordicTrack bikes on price, bike type, and more.
| Price | Dimensions (D x W x H) | Resistance levels | Bike type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S27i | $2,499 | 57 x 28 x 65 in | 24 digital levels | upright |
| S22i | $1,999 | 61 x 22 x 58 in | 24 digital levels | upright |
| S10i | $1,872 | 56 x 22 x 58 in | 22 digital levels | upright |
| R35 | $1,499 | 68.22 x 23.69 x 53.42 in | 26 digital levels | recumbent |
| VU 29 | $1,299 | 55.29 x 24.86 x 41.49 in | 24 digital levels | upright |
| VU 19 | $999 | 43.6 x 24.9 x 59.4 in | 24 digital levels | upright |
At the time of publication, NordicTrack has an average of 1.5 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.
Positive reviews focused on product quality and the iFit membership. Customers with exercise bikes noted that the rotating screen is useful for those wanting to do off-bike exercises.
Negative comments mention customer service and shipping issues. Some customers say that the company’s representatives did not notify them about a shipping delay or that they had difficulty securing refunds from NordicTrack.
Regular physical activity, including on exercise bikes, has many health benefits.
Benefits
The
A
The researchers note that indoor cycling and a nutritious diet may help with reducing blood pressure and lowering cholesterol levels.
Estimates suggest that 30 minutes of vigorous exercise on a stationary bike can burn 315–441 calories, depending on the person’s weight.
Risks
Using exercise bikes comes with risks. People should be familiar with the manufacturer’s instructions before using any equipment, as this can help prevent injuries.
Cycling can also sometimes cause injuries. Common cycling injuries include:
People with heart problems or back or neck pain should seek medical advice before using an exercise bike. If they attend group classes, they may have to pause or cycle at their own pace until the pain subsides.
Other companies offering similar exercise bikes include:
- Schwinn: This company has been in business since 1895 and produces upright and recumbent bikes. Schwinn also offers airdynes, treadmills, and ellipticals. Learn more about Schwinn exercise bikes.
- Yosuda: Yosuda sells exercise and under-desk bikes that may suit individuals with a lower budget. Under-desk bikes may benefit people who cannot support their weight upright or those who work from home.
- Marcy: This company produces exercise bikes, home gyms, power racks, utility benches, and cardio equipment. It helps people choose their home gym equipment by providing tips and safety considerations.
Learn about some of the best exercise bikes.
Individuals may also wish to consider other home gym equipment, such as:
- Rowing machines: People can use these machines to get a full body workout, as rowing targets multiple muscle groups. This form of exercise is also low impact as it does not place pressure on the joints.
- Ellipticals: These provide low impact workouts and allow individuals to stair climb, walk, or run without subjecting the joints to lots of pressure.
- Treadmills: Walking and running are good forms of aerobic activity. People can adjust the speed and incline on a treadmill to create a workout suitable for their fitness. However, running is a high impact sport, so it might not be suitable for everyone.
Here we answer some common questions about these products.
Is a NordicTrack bike worth the money?
This all comes down to personal preference and budget.
NordicTrack bikes can cost anywhere between $999 and $2,499, which may be out of some people’s budgets. Individuals may wish to consider whether the iFit membership and any additional features are worth purchasing in comparison with taking out a gym subscription.
How is NordicTrack different from Peloton?
NordicTrack offers more bike models at a wider range of prices than Peloton and may offer different features depending on the price.
People may wish to compare the features of the iFit subscription and the Peloton membership to determine which company they wish to purchase from.
Which NordicTrack bike is best?
The best NordicTrack bike depends on a person’s preferences and budget.
People who require more lumbar support will likely prefer the Commercial R35. People with smaller workout spaces may prefer the Commercial VU series, while those who have the space and budget may wish to consider the Commercial Studio Cycle series.
Exercise bikes may suit people who want a convenient, low impact way to work out indoors.
NordicTrack produces commercial studio, recumbent, and upright bikes. They come with different features to help people of all fitness levels reach their goals. The company also markets treadmills, elliptical trainers, home gyms, and rowing machines.
Research suggests that indoor cycling can have a lot of health benefits. However, it may not be suitable for people with injuries or certain underlying health conditions, such as heart disease.
People who have a health condition and do not exercise regularly should seek medical advice before using an exercise bike.