If you’re looking for a new exercise bike, you’ve probably come across the two top names in the industry, NordicTrack and Peloton.
Both brands are known for their high-quality exercise bikes and are considered among the best in the business when it comes to home fitness.
While they share some similarities, NordicTrack and Peloton have different approaches when it comes to things like hardware, app integration, and special features.
In this article, we’ll look into these two fitness brands, specifically in terms of their exercise bikes. We’ll discuss the key differences between NordicTrack and Peloton bikes, talking about their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which brand is best suited for your fitness goals, space, and budget.
Keep reading to find out whether a Peloton or NordicTrack exercise bike is right for you.
NordicTrack and Peloton: A Basic Overview
When it comes to high-quality exercise bikes, NordicTrack and Peloton are two of the most respected brands in the fitness world.
Both offer top-of-the-line bikes designed to deliver a professional-grade workout experience from the comfort of your home.
However, while both brands are leaders in the cardio equipment industry, they each offer unique features that cater to different needs and preferences.
NordicTrack Overview
NordicTrack, a company owned by iFIT, has been producing fitness equipment since 1975.
Known for its wide range of cardio machines, such as treadmills, ellipticals, rowers, and bikes, NordicTrack is recognised for its durability and advanced technology.
The brand’s exercise bikes, particularly the S22i Studio Bike and the S27i Studio Bike, are designed with state-of-the-art features that set them apart from much of the competition.
One standout feature of NordicTrack bikes is their ability to incline and decline during rides, offering a more challenging and realistic workout.
Moreover, these bikes feature automatic resistance control, allowing virtual trainers to adjust the resistance mid-workout, which adds an extra level of customization to the ride.
NordicTrack’s integration with the iFIT app gives users access to live and on-demand workouts, covering not only cycling but also strength training, yoga, and more. Plus, they recently updated the software so you can now use other apps like Netflix through the iFit app.
On the downside, NordicTrack bikes are on the bulky side and can be challenging to assemble.
They are also priced higher, with models like the S22i Studio Bike retailing at around £2000 or $2200.
However, with great features like hybrid pedals, a cooling fan, and a 10-year warranty on the frame, NordicTrack is a great option for those looking for a professional-level workout at home.
Peloton Overview
Peloton has become a household name in the world of at-home fitness, thanks in large part to its sleek design, engaging classes, and strong sense of community. The Peloton Bike and the Peloton Bike+ are some of the most popular indoor cycles on the market.
They are known for their compact design and high-quality construction. Peloton bikes provide a smooth, quiet ride with magnetic resistance and a heavy flywheel for stability.
One of Peloton’s greatest strengths is its extensive library of live and on-demand workout classes, led by world-class instructors.
These workouts include cycling, strength training, yoga, meditation, and more. The Peloton Bike+ also features a rotating touch screen and auto-resistance capabilities, making it a great option for users looking to make their workouts more versatile.
Despite its pros, the Peloton bike does come with a few cons. For one, the Peloton app requires a monthly subscription fee of $39, and the bike’s stock seat has received mixed reviews in terms of comfort.
That said, with its sleep design, engaging workout content, and slightly more reasonable price point, starting at around $1,400. But in the UK they seem to cost a little more at about £1600.
But they do not include extras like the dumbbells or cleats as standard which can add an extra cost.
Nonetheless, Peloton remains one of the best options for those looking for a well-rounded home cycling workout.
NordicTrack and Peloton: Comparing the Bikes
Right now, we want to do a side-by-side comparison of NordicTrack and Peloton, based on a number of factors. We’ll be comparing the exercise bikes of these two brands based on their construction and overall durability, convenience, their displays and workout apps, and much more.
Here’s everything you need to know about deciding between a NordicTrack and Peloton exercise bike:
The Training Applications
While the NordicTrack and Peloton bikes are known for their premium build quality and features, something that sets these brands apart is the fitness apps they come with.
The fitness app plays an important role in providing a motivating workout, and it’s often the deciding factor for many users.
iFIT (NordicTrack)
NordicTrack bikes are powered by the iFIT app, which provides users with access on-demand workout classes. One of the best features of iFIT is its versatility, as it offers more than just cycling workouts.
Users can choose from a huge library of classes, including strength training, yoga, boot camps, and even outdoor scenic rides that take place in various scenic locations worldwide. This variety makes iFIT a great option for those who want a more well-rounded fitness routine.
A big advantage of iFIT is its integration with NordicTrack’s bike hardware. The app can automatically control the bike’s incline, decline, and resistance levels.
The app’s global workouts also allow you to virtually ride through scenic locations, where the terrain changes automatically based on the instructor's cues. This feature is if you like mixing up your workouts a little bit.
iFit also recently changed a few parts of the software to add extra flexibility and can now install third part apps such as Netflix so if you want to watch your favourite show as you exercise, you now can.
However, iFIT can feel a bit overwhelming to navigate at times because of that huge selection. Some users might find the number of classes and features to be a bit much, but for those who love variety and enjoy a more personalized workout, iFIT is the way to go.
Peloton App
The Peloton app is best for live cycling classes, where its instructors have created a strong community with over 6 million members.
The live leaderboard is one of Peloton’s best features, allowing you to compete with others in real time, a real motivation booster, great for users who need that extra push to improve their performance.
Peloton’s on-demand classes are also fantastic, with clear instructions from instructors who are known for their high-energy and motivational coaching styles.
However, some users might find Peloton’s instructors a bit intense, depending on their workout style preferences.
What sets Peloton apart is the social element of the app. With shout-outs during live classes, the ability to follow friends, and an interactive community, Peloton creates a sense of belonging, something that you might not necessarily find with iFIT.
One downside to the Peloton app is that many of its best features, such as leaderboards and workout tracking, require the monthly $39 subscription fee. Additionally, while Peloton offers strength training and yoga classes, its library isn’t as vast or varied as iFIT's.
Overall Durability
When looking to buy a premium exercise bike, it’s important to think about how well each bike is constructed and how durable it will be over time.
Both NordicTrack and Peloton are known for building high-quality bikes, but there are a few differences in construction that lead to differences in long-term durability.
NordicTrack
NordicTrack bikes are built with what the company describes as "premium steel," which gives their bikes a solid and sturdy feel. While they don’t provide specifics on the type of steel used, NordicTrack bikes seem to hold up well, even when you put them through a good deal of punishment.
Models like the NordicTrack S22i and S27i Studio Bikes boast corrosion-resistant steel frames, which adds to their overall durability. Moreover, the hybrid pedals and a user weight capacity of 350 pounds make NordicTrack bikes ideal for most.
One big pro is that NordicTrack bikes are designed to handle incline and decline training, which means that the frames are built specifically to handle this kind of stress.
However, one downside is that the bikes are quite large and heavy, which can make them cumbersome to move around.
Peloton
Peloton bikes are known for their sleek and compact design. They are made mostly from carbon steel, which is known for its durability and strength. The heavy flywheel, combined with the magnetic resistance system provide a smooth ride.
In general, Peloton bikes are designed to be compact, which is great for those with limited space, and the frame itself is very durable too. The Peloton Bike+ comes with extra features, like a fully rotating screen and the ability to sync with Apple Watch, making it feel like a modern, well-constructed piece of equipment.
However, one area where Peloton falls short is with the durability of its pedals. There have been multiple complaints about the aluminum pedals breaking during use, which can be a big drawback if you’re using the bike regularly.
Overall Performance and Comfort
When it comes to the overall workout experience, both NordicTrack and Peloton are ideal in their own ways.
Each brand has high-quality hardware with advanced technology for both immersive and motivating workouts, but there are some differences that will determine which bike is best for you.
Resistance System
Both NordicTrack and Peloton bikes use silent magnetic resistance, allowing for a smooth and quiet ride. Magnetic resistance is a huge plus over friction resistance, because it’s quieter and needs less maintenance.
Peloton bikes have 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels, giving riders a high degree of customization for their workouts. Riders can easily fine-tune their resistance using the manual knob with great precision.
NordicTrack bikes, on the other hand, generally have 24 resistance levels, which are adjusted via the touchscreen interface. While 24 levels is still enough for most riders, Peloton has more flexibility in terms of resistance levels.
A standout feature on both the NordicTrack S22i and Peloton Bike+ is automatic tension control. Instructors can adjust the bike’s resistance during live or on-demand classes, a nifty feature that means that you don’t need to make any adjustments while you’re trying to workout.
However, NordicTrack takes it a step further by incorporating incline and decline training, allowing you to simulate outdoor riding. This is a feature not offered by Peloton and it adds an extra layer of difficulty, making it ideal for hardcore cyclists.
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Flywheel
Flywheels are important role for providing stability and resistance, and the heavier the flywheel, the more inertia it generates, leading to a smoother and more stable ride.
Peloton bikes come with a 38-pound flywheel, while NordicTrack bikes have a slightly lighter 32-pound flywheel. Despite the difference in weight, most riders won’t notice a significant difference between the two.
Both bikes provide a stable, consistent ride, though those with a bit more experience may notice a subtle difference in terms of the extra inertia generated by the heavier flywheel.
Pedals
When it comes to pedal design, NordicTrack has a big advantage. The S22i and S27i bikes feature versatile and comfortable pedals. They have SPD clips on one side and adjustable toe cages on the other, making them ideal for both casual riders and those who like cycling cleats.
This means that riders can jump on the bike wearing any standard cross-training shoe or a more performance-oriented setup.
Peloton bikes, on the other hand, come with Look Delta aluminum pedals, which require special cycling shoes sold on Peloton’s website.
While serious riders might appreciate the performance benefit of using cleats, this does come at an added cost for those who don’t have their own cycling shoes. You can swap out the pedals, but that’s an added expense, not to mention that the included pedals have some durability issues.
Seat
Although they weren’t always known for their comfort, NordicTrack has made notable improvements to its bike seats, with both the S22i and S27i having well-padded and ergonomic seats. We personally think that these seats are really comfortable, as do the vast majority of regular users.
Peloton bikes, on the other hand, aren’t nearly as comfortable. Many note that the stock seat on the Peloton bike is uncomfortable, and upgrading to something that you can actually sit on for a prolonged time costs extra. For longer rides, this is a bit of a downside.
Adjustability
Another factor to consider when choosing between NordicTrack and Peloton bikes is how adjustable they are.
But in this department they are very simialr as both bikes can have the seat and handlebars adjusted vertically, while the seat can also be moved horizontally. This provides a more personalized fit for riders of different heights and body types.
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Displays
Both brands have excellent displays, hands-down. The NordicTrack S22i features a 22” HD touchscreen, and the S27i has an even larger 27” screen.
The big advantage here is that the S22i display can rotate 360 degrees, which is great for those workouts that don’t take place on the bike itself.
Peloton has similar features, with the original Peloton bike having a 21.5” touchscreen, and the Bike+ featuring a 23.8” screen that rotates fully.
This makes both brands great for those who like to combine cycling with other forms of exercise, particularly with the other workout programs offered by both brands through their respective apps, such as strength training or yoga.
Tech Features and Conveniences
Both NordicTrack and Peloton bikes feature Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, allowing you to sync with fitness trackers, headphones, and heart rate monitors.
When it comes to added conveniences, NordicTrack bikes come with dual water bottle holders, cell phone stands, phone charging ports, and dumbbell racks. The S22i and S27i bikes even come with a set of three-pound dumbbells.
Peloton bikes also come with water bottle holders, charging ports, and dumbbell racks, but dumbbells are an additional upgrade.
Assembly
NordicTrack provides a white glove assembly service, but it may not be available in all locations. If you have to assemble the bike yourself, be prepared for a time-consuming process.
The S22i requires the assembly of multiple parts, including the seat, pedals, handlebars, screen, and stabilizers. NordicTrack provides some tools, but you’ll need a Phillips screwdriver.
Peloton allows for a much simpler process by including at-home assembly by certified professionals with every bike purchase. This service ensures your bike is properly set up and ready to use without the hassle of doing it yourself.
Customer Service
Both NordicTrack and Peloton have several ways to reach customer support, including live chat, email, phone, and social media.
That said, NordicTrack's customer service has received mixed reviews, with some users reporting long wait times. Peloton, on the other hand, is known for its responsive and helpful support.
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NordicTrack vs Peloton Exercise Bikes: Final Thoughts
Both NordicTrack and Peloton feature high-quality exercise bikes, but they cater to different needs.
NordicTrack stands out thanks to its incline/decline features, hybrid pedals, and adjustable seats, making it ideal for those who want a customizable experience that mimics outdoor cycling. However, these models are bulkier and require more effort to assemble.
Peloton bikes are great thanks to their sleek designs, engaging live classes, and easy at-home assembly, making them perfect for anyone who enjoys competitive leaderboards and instructors to keep them motivated.
As you can see, both NorticTrack and Peloton feature exercise bikes that can get your heart pumping and your blood flowing. Now it’s up to you to make a decision!
