Finding a good home exercise bike can be difficult with so many to choose from. But luckily there are manufacturers like Nordictrack who have built a good reputation since their launch in 1974. So you can have some peace of mind that if you get one of their machines, it will be a good investment.
Today we're taking a closer look at their most popular studio cycle, the NordicTrack S22i.
It recently received several upgrades such as improved wifi connectivity for up to 5.0 GHz, doubled the amount of virtual memory (RAM) and an improved HD touchscreen for a more responsive user experience.
Plus, we'll be taking a look at all of the main factors you need to consider when purchasing an interactive studio bike like this.
Let's find out if the NordicTrack S22i is right for you.
The NordicTrack S22i At a Glance
For just under £2000, you can purchase the NordicTrack S22i, a high-end and advanced interactive home exercise bike.
It comes complete with a variety of awesome features, such as a unique incline and decline, a 22” smart high-definition touch screen, wi-fi compatibility, a high weight capacity, and much more.
If you're looking for a piece of workout equipment that will get your heart pounding and sweat flowing, then the NordicTrack S22i it's certainly something worth considering. Let's move on and take a closer look to see exactly what it's all about.
NordicTrack S22i Specifications
Let's take a quick look at all of the main specifications and features that the NordicTrack S22i comes with.
- 13kg inertia-enhanced flywheel
- Commercial-grade steel frame
- Hybrid toe cage and SPD clip pedals
- 160kg weight capacity
- 22-inch high-definition rotating touchscreen
- 20% incline and -10% decline
- 24 digital resistance levels
- 2 x 1.4kg dumbbells
- Autoadjust technology
- iFit enabled
- Product Weight: 91kg
- Assembled Dimensions: 147cm (L) x 56cm (W) x 160cm (H)
NordicTrack S22i – The Review
Now that we know all of the basics about the NordicTrack S22i exercise bike, let's take a much more in-depth look at it.
Construction, Materials, and Overall Durability
Something worth noting about this particular exercise bike is the fact that it's built to commercial specifications. But the warranty only covers home use.
As a result of the high-quality materials, the bike is heavy at 91kg, making it one of the heavier home units out there.
At the very least, you can rest assured that the NordicTrack S22i is not going to fall apart on you anytime soon. Plus, it has a weight capacity of 160kg, which means that most people will be able to use the bike without any concerns
As for its stability, it has a low centre of gravity and very wide feet, which means that it feels very stable. Even if you happen to be one of the heavier people using this machine, it shouldn't wobble or move back and forth on you, even if you're pedalling as hard as you can.
Not just the frame, but the other components as well are made out of either commercial grade steel or extremely high quality and impact-resistant plastic.
By all means, for the price that the NordicTrack S22i comes in at, it's certainly one of the more durable and long-lasting units out there, even if you put it through some rigorous punishment.
Something that we will also touch on further below is the 13kg inertia-enhanced flywheel, which is what provides you with all of the resistance you need for an excellent workout.
The only slight downside is that if you are cycling at full speed, then the monitor can sometimes shake just a little bit, but really only if you're not sitting in the saddle. If you're sitting down, then this unit is about as stable as it gets.
We did also have the bike set up on a suspended floor which likely didn't help. So it might be a different story on a solid concrete floor.
Comfort, Ergonomics, and Adjustability
In terms of overall comfort, ergonomics, and adjustability, we see nothing wrong with the NordicTrack S22i.
The seat can be adjusted horizontally/ vertically and the handlebars can be adjusted vertically. So you will be able to find a position that suits your build whether you are tall or short.
A common issue with spin bikes is that the seats can be uncomfortable if you aren't used to riding on a road bike. But the S22i seat has managed to find a good balance between comfort and function. NordicTrack has added extra padding without making it too bulky and affecting the cycling experience.
Furthermore, the same can also be said for the handlebars of this unit, which are very well-padded. They feature comfortable but durable foam padding, so you can easily grip the handlebars for the duration of your workout even once you start sweating.
Plus, the handlebars have multiple grip positions so you can hold the handlebars in any way that you find comfortable.
Speaking of adjustability, something we will touch on later below is that huge monitor that the NordicTrack S22i comes with, which can also be adjusted for height and position. Overall, we would say that there is absolutely nothing wrong with the comfort of this unit.
Size, Weight, and Portability
Now, something that doesn't need to be said about this exercise bike is the fact that it's certainly not the smallest in the world. However, there might be a certain tradeoff between its size and durability.
Like we said before, this exercise bike is made out of high-quality commercial-grade steel, and that of course has a bit of weight to it. Yes, sure, if this bike were made out of aluminium or plastic, it would be a lot lighter, but also not nearly as durable.
As it stands, this exercise bike comes in at 91kg. As far as exercise bikes are concerned, however, this is not overly heavy.
But to help you move it around from one spot to another in your home, it comes complete with its own two rolling wheels in the front. Just pick it up in the rear and push it around using the two wheels. It doesn't get any easier than that.
In terms of the space it uses, it comes in at 147cm (L) x 56cm (W) x 160cm (H), which realistically isn't all that long. It's not even 6 feet long, so it should be able to fit in most spaces with ease, even smaller apartments, as long as you find a good space for it.
Overall Functionality and Features
Where this exercise bike really shines is with its functionality and features. First and foremost, that 13kg inertia-enhanced flywheel uses NordicTracks Silent Magnetic Resistance System (SMR) to provide you with all of the resistance you need to get a good workout while also being silent.
There are 24 digital resistance levels which can be controlled through the touchscreen display or through the convenient buttons on the handlebars.
For the record, the 24th level is extremely difficult and reserved for only the most seasoned cycling enthusiasts.
Other than that, the NordicTrack S22i exercise bike features an incline of -10% and an incline of 20%. Now, as far as features go, this is by far one of the best. The reason we say this is because the vast majority of exercise bikes out there simply don't have any kind of incline or decline features.
This makes this a true one-of-a-kind. If you are an exercise enthusiast who needs to increase your challenge, then this is certainly a great bike for you.
Besides being able to adjust both the incline and the level of tension, the bike is just very functional overall. Everything is designed in such a way that it is easy to use.
The display is where it should be, the handlebars have multiple positions to hold, the seat can be easily adjusted, and the pedals move very smoothly as well.
The Display and App
Something we really like about the NordicTrack S22i exercise bike is the fact that it comes with a 22” high-definition touchscreen that can rotate 360 degrees and tilt. This means you can easily find a position that suits you.
The screen is also one of the best on the market currently since it received a number of upgrades to make the screen much more responsive. There is nothing worse than pressing the button on the screen and waiting for it to register.
Furthermore, it is a very high-quality screen with fantastic colours, definition, and sound.
As this is a NordicTrack bike it is iFit enabled and comes with a 30-day free trial when you first sign up. This gives you access to a wide range of workouts to choose from from sutdio spin classes to cycling through the Alps. You can even rotate the screen and follow along to a Yoga class to enhance your recovery.
However, once the 30-day free trial has ended, there is a monthly subscription fee to consider. It is currently about £15 per month for an individual membership and £35 for a family membership. While we would love to not have a monthly subscription fee, iFit is one of the best apps on the market and worth the extra cost.
Yes, you can use this bike without the application, but there are of course not nearly as many workout options available without the app as with it.
Extras
All of these aren't the biggest selling points by any means, there is a small air fan right below the monitor that you can adjust. This allows you to cool yourself down just a little bit as you exercise. What's also pretty nice is that there are two separate water bottle holders included on this bike, although they are a bit small.
You then also get a device holder, which is big enough to hold your phone, so you can watch your favourite videos as you work out, although too small for a tablet.
This unit even comes with headphone connectivity and Bluetooth connectivity, so not everybody else has to listen to your music or shows or watch your personal trainer as they guide you on your path to fitness.
The Assembly Process
OK, so something you do need to know is that the assembly process for this bike is not the easiest as you will need an extra pair of hands to help mount the monitor.
But it's not the hardest in the world and there are virtual assembly instructions available on the BILT app which make it much easier to follow the instructions.
Pros and Cons of the NordicTrack S22i
Let's take a quick look at all of the pros and cons that the NordicTrack S22i features.
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The NordicTrack S22i – Verdict
Our verdict is that the NordicTrack S22i exercise bike is a perfectly fine option to go with for most people. Now, it is slightly more on the expensive side of things, but you know what they say, you get what you pay for.
What you get here is a high-end, dare we say state-of-the-art exercise bike, that comes complete with all of the bells and whistles that you need to get your sweat running.
It's comfortable, durable, and highly adjustable, which means that nearly anybody should be able to use it with ease.