The NordicTrack S22i Review


The NordicTrack S22i is an exercise bike for workouts in your home or apartment. The bike has impressive features that make indoor cycling a breeze. 

For example, NordicTrack S22i has several digital resistance levels, offers indoor cycling classes, and has incline and decline functions. Besides, this exercise bike gives you an uphill and downhill riding experience by inclining to 20% and declining to -10%.

With NordicTrack S22i, you can use the bike for iFit workouts since it is iFit enabled. The iFit software makes NordicTrack one of the most advanced bikes you can get your hands on. 

However, the bike comes at a high price tag that could give you second thoughts about buying it. 

What is the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike

The NordicTrack S22i exercise bike is a product of the Nordic Track company, which produces various workout equipment like rowing machines, treadmills, and ellipticals. 

The bike is compatible with the iFit training app enabling you to interact with iFit trainers worldwide. Additionally, it has a rotating 22-inch touchscreen you can use to stream any workout spin classes from iFit. The screen also shows your time, speed, pace, and distance, which allows you to manage your goals. 

To stream iFit workouts, you must have iFit membership, allowing you access to other workout options like yoga, cardio, meditation, strength, and high-intensity interval and flexibility training. However, you can use the NordicTrack S22i in manual mode if you don’t have iFit.

The NordicTrack S22i studio bike has unique technology that enables it to tilt and rise depending on the terrain instructed by your iFit trainers. 

In addition, the S22i bike has an inbuilt fan, handlebar controls, and 3-pound dumbbells for your upper body exercises. Other features you can hardly find in other bikes include two water bottle holders, an ergonomic padded swaddle, and two built-in speakers. 

Furthermore, the bike has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling you to use headphones.

The studio bike allows you to choose whether to work out with cycling shoes, thanks to its dual-sided pedals with toe cages and SPD-compatible clips. If you wear cycling shoes, these clips help keep them in place, thus enhancing your stability.

Features

22-inch Touchscreen Monitor

The NordicTrack S22i studio bike’s console is mainly a 22-inch touchscreen, where you can access most of the bike’s functions. The screen is adjustable. Moreover, you can set it to your preferred position. 

You can also use it on or off the bike. In addition, it can tilt up and down and from side to side at 360 degrees.

The advantage of the new S22i over the old model is that it has no cords sticking out. Hence, a clean look. In addition, it has front-facing speakers below the screen and volume buttons next to them, making them more accessible. What’s more, the console has an inbuilt fan that produces adequate air that gently hits your head and neck while working out.

Built-in Tray and Holders

For your phone and other personal items, the spin bike provides you with a tray to keep them within your reach. Furthermore, the NordicTrack S22i comes with 3 lb weights between the handlebars for your upper body workouts. Strength training while riding enables you to reach your fitness goals faster. You also get two sturdy cup holders that are larger and more stable than most training bikes.

Beginner-friendly

The bike is quiet, stable, and weighs 350 lb, making it suitable for beginner to intermediate users. The NordicTrack boasts a high quality and lasts longer than other equipment used to train indoors. 

Hybrid Pedals

The NordicTrack S22i stationary bike has hybrid pedals on each side with a toe cage that is usable with any training shoes. They are deep and have straps, making them suitable for all feet. The bike moves smoothly and quietly with the help of a belt drive system that connects the pedals to the flywheel.

Stainless Steel Frame

The entire body of the NordicTrack S22i studio bike is steel. Unlike other indoor cycling bikes, the S22i has a sophisticated design. All the cables and wires are hidden from sight. The bike is stable and offers a quiet drive during training. 

Adjustable Saddle

Besides, the bike has three adjustment points, the handlebars that move up and down and the saddle that moves up-down and forward-back. These adjustments accommodate many people due to their wide adjustable range.

Comfortable Handlebars

The NordicTrack commercial S22i studio bike has secure handlebars with spongy coating and is thick enough for all users to use comfortably. Moreover, you have three grip positions, so you change your holding position according to your personal preference while riding. There are buttons on each handle that helps you adjust the resistance without touching the screen.

Incline and Decline

NordicTrack S22i uses a DC motor that provides the experience of riding up and down a hill by using the inclining (20% max) and declining (-10% max) the bike’s frame. The motor is above the rear stabilizer at the back of the bike. This motor makes you experience mountain biking despite the digital resistance level. At maximum incline, the 24 levels of resistance feel harder such that you can’t pedal while sitting on the saddle. However, cycling becomes lighter when your bike is fully declined.

iFit-compatible

One of NordicTrack S22i’s most outstanding features is that it is iFit-compatible. The bike offers free iFit classes for one month, but you must subscribe to access other training options. Additionally, the subscription gives you unlimited access to iFit’s library.

Furthermore, iFit offers on-demand classes you can take when needed. Also, the app gives you a push in your workout sessions by enabling you to compete with other trainees. It has a leaderboard for on-demand classes that helps you rate yourself among other people. With an iFit account, you can schedule an iFit class on the app’s calendar.

iFit is a game-changer that most exercise bikes don’t have, making the NordicTrack S22i the best exercise bike in the market. With the help of iFit, you can use the touchscreen search bar to filter your preferred workout classes. You can filter by personal preferences like trainer, duration, distance, environment, language, intensity, workout type, and target area.

Imagine working out while listening to your playlist! Fortunately, you can do this through the iFit music comprising various genres you can play in the background of your classes. Sadly, iFit doesn’t offer some studio cycling classes allowing the instructor to select the songs they can listen to with their trainees.

You can download the iFit app on your mobile phone and train off-bike even when you are away from your NordicTrack S22i spin bike.

Warranty

The NordicTrack S22i studio bike is quite expensive, and a warranty comes in handy if it breaks down. You don’t have to worry since the bike’s body has a 10-year warranty. Moreover, there is a 2 years warranty for the parts. There is also a one-year warranty for labor. Ensure you get a second person to help with the bike’s set-up.

Specifications

Resistance: 24 levels of digital resistance

Weight: 205 lbs.

Dimensions: 61 by 22 by 58 inches

Connectivity: Compatible with iFit

Screen: 22-inch touchscreen

Workout Programs: on-demand and live classes

Warranty: 10-year for the body, two years for parts, and one year for labor

User Weight Capacity: 350 lbs

Other Features: 20% incline and -10% decline, inbuilt speakers, automatic trainer control, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, transport wheels, two water bottle holders, and two-3lb. dumbbells

Pros

  • The console has a fan
  • Inbuilt touch screen for live classes
  • Inclines and declines with less stress on the handlebar controls
  • Quiet magnetic resistance
  • Accommodate riders with different preferences
  • It has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Two inbuilt speakers
  • Higher weight capacity
  • Easy to use
  • Longer warranty periods than other bikes
  • automatic trainer control

Cons

  • Hard and stiff to use saddle
  • Upper body movement makes the screen shake

Why Choose the Nordic Track S22i

The work put into constructing the NordicTrack S22i provides studio classes that feel like outdoor cycling. For virtual outdoor rides, stationary bikes help you achieve that.

The incline and decline functions are challenging, but, at the same time, it enhances your overall experience. The bike’s seat is padded but stiff, making it uncomfortable. 

However, it is better for long-distance riding than a wider seat, which could result in muscle pain and sores. If you find the swaddle uncomfortable, you can swipe with the one you like.

Although the NordicTrack S22i is a stationary bike, you can move it easily because it has two transport wheels at the front stabilizer.

Did you know that, unlike most machines, you don’t need to unplug the bike to turn it off? The NordicTrack S22i exercise bike has an on-and-off switch and a power cable connected from the back of the bike. Instead of unplugging, you switch the bike on and off from the button.

Frequently Asked Questions about NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike (FAQs)

Do you need special cycling shoes to ride NordicTrack S22i?

The bike has two-sided pedals, allowing you to use any training shoes to ride it.

Is the NordicTrack S22i studio bike better than the Peloton bike?

There is no true answer, as it depends on what you need in a training bike. For their price range, the Peloton bikes are cheaper compared to the NordicTrack S22i. Moreover, they are more compact and lighter. Additionally, the Peloton bike has a shorter warranty, requires special cycling shoes, and can’t accommodate higher weight capacity.

On the other hand, NordicTrack S22i has a rotating 22-inch touch screen, more training options, and adjustable incline and decline levels. Furthermore, this bike model has a higher weight capacity compared to others. But, it is more on the expensive side.

Do I need an iFit subscription to get S22i cycling classes?

Although iFit allows you access to more training options and global workouts, you can use it in manual mode. However, we recommend that you subscribe to iFit since it is what makes it better than other bikes.

Can I use the NordicTrack S22i studio bike for off-the-bike workouts?

NordicTrack s22i review S22i training bike has a 360 degrees swivel touch screen that you can use when working out off-bike, especially for your iFit workouts.

What is the recommended set height for S22i?

The height to set depends on your height. Ensure your bike’s seat top is the same length as your hip bone. When you place your thumb on your hip bone, the entire palm should lie flat on the bike seat.

Is it easy to move the NordicTrack S22i?

Unlike many training bikes, you can easily move the S22i. This bike has front-mounted transport wheels, making its movement easy.

Conclusion

The NordicTrack S22i studio cycle bike is your best bet for indoor workouts. Besides, you can enjoy scenic rides like riding a road bike in the streets. The bike has a sophisticated design with unique features that make it one of the best machines in its price range. 

In addition, it uses the latest fitness technology, making it appropriate for all users. The digital incline and magnetic resistance provide the most challenging workout that helps you achieve your workout goals fast.

Although you need an active iFit account to enjoy extra workout options, you don’t need it to ride the bike. However, we suggest you get the app for your bike since you will be motivated to work out with the options it provides. 

You do not have to undergo a strenuous spin class if you use this bike. The bike’s quality, technology, and iFit app let you engage in many classes. The virtual trainer controls the session and will guide you through completing them. 

The good thing about the NordicTrack S22i exercise bike is that you don’t need special shoes to ride it. Eventually, you will notice a difference in your body within a few weeks of using the bike.

Niklas Lampi

My name is Niklas Lampi and I work as a fitness writer, nutritional consultant and personal trainer. My favourite exercise is the bench press and my favourite food is pizza!

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