NordicTrack S22i vs Peloton:Which Indoor Bike is Better? [Must Read]

When comparing NordicTrack S22i vs Peloton, the difference mostly boils down to whether or not you want to be part of an exclusive club where you are challenged with personalized live workout sessions and pay the price monthly for years – as with the Peloton. Or if you’d rather save the monthly cost while actually gaining some video scenery from Google Earth as you pedal away – when you go with the NordicTrack S22i bike.

When you’re ready to tap into all that an exercise bike paired with a workout streaming session and coaching and has to offer, there are two top-of-the-line choices that are extremely popular right now.

We’ll be looking at the NordicTrack s22i and Peloton bike. And the attraction is often in the overall comfortability, experience and community.

These exercise bikes dwell more on a subscription-based pricing model and whether you want to stream live or train with an iFit Coach. All in the comfort of your home.  And users love them both.

Here’s a rundown of what we’ll provide in this NordicTrack S22i vs Peloton review:

To get started, we’ll share and compare the NordicTrack s22i and Peloton. Then, we will take a look at some of the special features(pros) and drawbacks(cons) that each bike has to offer which you will need to know to make your own decision. Additionally, we will provide you with some actual customer reviews. Finally, we will provide you with a detailed buyer’s guide so you will be able to make your own informed decision about which exercise bike is best for you.

Here we go!

NordicTrack s22i vs Peloton Bike Comparison

Things to Consider	NordicTrack s22i	Peloton
Price	(Bike + $249 white glove delivery and setup)	(Bike + $250 Mandatory delivery and setup)
Financing	0% for 36 months $85/mo. Includes 2 additional years of iFit or $188/mo for 12 mo. Zero percent	$58/mo payments for 39 months at 0%
Workout Subscription	iFit One year free, $15/mo or $33/mo. Family after that	$39/mo. From day 1
First year total cost	$2,248	$2,713 not including taxes
Second year total cost	$180	$468
Weight Capacity	350 lbs	297 lbs
Flywheel	Silent belt drive with inertia-enhanced	Silent belt drive with inertia-enhanced
Resistance	Magnetic fly wheel resistance with automatic incline and decline digital settings	Magnetic fly wheel resistance with automatic incline and decline digital settings
Assembly	Free delivery and setup fee	Required delivery and setup fee package
Adjustability	Raise, lower handlebar height and seat post, adjust seat forward or back, change seat	Raise, lower handlebar height and seat post, adjust seat forward or back, change seat angle
Handle bars	Coated with firm, non-slip rubber grip	Coated with firm, non-slip rubber grip
Water bottle	Holds 2 water bottles	Holds 2 water bottles
Weights	Holds 3 lb. Weights that come with bike	Holds 3 lb. Weights not included
Speakers	Built-in	Built-in
Headphones	Audio plug for headphones	Audio plug for headphones
Seat and Pedals	Compatible with standard road bike seat or pedals that can be swapped out without voiding warranty	Comes with standard pedals and toe guage, so any athletic shoe can be worn for use.
Product Footprint	55”LX21.9”WX56.9”H	53 inch H, 59 inch L 23 inch
Display Screen	22” HD touchscreen tilts up and down and swivels 360 degrees	22” HD touchscreen tilts up and down does not rotate
Workout Instruction	Access to on-demand workout classes	24/7/365 Access to on-demand live, interaction workout classes
Bike’s Weight	200 lbs.	135 lbs.
Fan	Comes with built-in Auto-Breeze fan on console with adjustable settings	No fan
Google Map	Yes	No
Stat tracking	Real-time	Real time with leaderboard
Front mounted wheels	Yes	Yes
Facebook/community support	Yes	No

NordicTrack s22i vs Peloton Bike Review

Recently, a friend started riding her bicycle on a nearby bike trail which was a nice way for her to grab some fresh air and exercise at the same time.

But, when the weather would turn extremely cold or blazing hot, she needed to take her pedaling workout inside but didn’t want to be part of a sweaty crowd at a gym.

She told me about it.

And so I needed to find an indoor stationary bike for her that also offered a way to get a little nudge from a workout instructor.

Of course, a bonus would be if I could simulate the trails she came to love. After much research, I found that there were two real choices to consider.

NordicTrack Commercial S22i or Peloton – The Brand

One is made from a well-known workout brand company, the NordicTrack s22i. The other is rapidly gaining popularity with an elite and serious fitness junkie group, the Peloton.

Here’s what I discovered.

Let’s start on the even playing field and see what comes with both bikes.

Both bikes come with the following features:

• silent flywheel
• steel crank arms
• built-in speakers
• change seat angle
• holds 2 water bottles
• audio plug for headphones
• 22” HD touchscreen display
• built on a welded steel frame
• magnetic flywheel resistance
• holding place for 3 lb. weights
• adjust the seat forward or back
• Tilting display screen up and down
• access to on-demand workout classes
• belt drive with inertia-enhanced flywheel
• handlebars coated with a firm, non-slip rubber grip
• the ability to raise and lower handlebar height or seat post

Now let’s look at what makes each bike unique.

NordicTrack s22i Review

The NordicTrack s22i is for serious fitness riders looking to up their game with the help of a subscription-based workout coach at their fingertips ready anytime day or night.

After the bike has been set up, everything is ready to go. It comes with the weights, heart rate monitor and pedals ready for regular athletic shoes.

The 22-inch touchscreen has two rear-mounted 2-inch speakers and rotates 360 degrees which allows you to leave the bike for floor exercises and still view the screen.

0% financing for 36 months at $85/mo. and includes 2 additional years of iFit. When all is said and done or $188/mo for 12 months zero percent.

Free family subscription for one year with iFit. After the one-year free membership to iFit, it will be $15/month or $33 for up to 5 user profiles. It does include Google Maps compatibility where you can create your own route through coordinates and the bike will automatically adjust to meet the terrain.

No need to buy cycling shoes. It comes with a toe cage, or can flip to the flat side. It has the ability to swap out pedals or seat without voiding the warranty. 

And comes with heart rate monitor that pairs well and weights come with bike.

Coming in with a footprint of 55 inches L x 21.9 inches W X 56.9” H and weighing about 200 lbs, there are two front-mounted wheels to make it easy to spin and push around.

A big orange stop button allows you to stop the motion quickly. 20% live incline control and 10% live decline control. With white glove delivery and installation assembly costing you $249. That is quite exorbitant.

Digital resistance with 24 levels that allows it to automatically adjusts to meet the instructor’s resistance. training for beginner, cross-training, global cycling, and Bootcamp

You can swipe through touchscreen to view stats like max watts, cadence, speed, view a calendar of past workouts and create your own ride using Google Maps

Notable Features of the NordicTrack S22i Soul Cycle

1. 1Screen swivels out
2. 2The bike weighs 200 lbs
3. 3Black and orange in color
4. 4Enhanced corrosion resistance
5. 5SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance
6. 6Change resistance on the handlebar
7. 7Vertical and horizontal seat adjustment
8. 8It comes with 3 lb. Weights held up by handlebars
9. 9Footprint of 55 inches L x 21.9 inches W X 56.9” H

Pros

• Magnetic braking
• OneTouch controls
• Reputable Company
• Watts power readout
• Real-time stat tracking
• Max user weight 350 lbs.
• AutoBreeze workout fan
• Ergonomic padded saddle
• inertia enhanced flywheel
• Built-in fan with adjustable settings
• lower overall cost with more features.
• Large diameter adjustable leveling feet
• lifetime warranty on frame, 3 years on parts, one year on labor

Cons

• High price point
• No tray for personal items
• Cannot switch the background music
• Complicated to set up with more than 150 parts
• Initially, figuring out the iFit suite system is a little more challenging.No live interaction – the live classes are pre-recorded live with a limited number of workouts currently available.

Peloton bike Review

The upside of purchasing a Peloton seems to be a bit more about joining an exclusive elite membership club than it is about the bike itself.

Those who really love their decision to go with Peloton seem to be those who really like or thrive on the community’s support and competition. The music selection during workout sessions also appears to be a huge plus.

Though, don’t get me wrong. The at-home exercise bike is built solid and runs smoothly togive you a good workout even without the benefit of the streaming workouts to help motivateyou to pedal at challenging levels.

A community with Facebook group to connect with other riders and a Peloton sponsored home rider invasion at their New York studio once a year.

The community or exclusive club feel also allows you a shot at moving up on the leaderboard as a kind of incentive or competition with other riders.

More than 8,000 on-demand classes that include a mix of live and recorded, and “Beyond The Ride” workouts that include toning, stretching, yoga, etc.

Notable Features of the Peloton cycle

1. 1The bike weighs 136 lbs. and has a footprint of 53 inch H, 59 inches L 23 inch W.
2. 2Find workouts by class length, instructor, intensity, music genre.
3. 3There are referral codes you can find if you’re lucky to get $100 off accessoriesReal-time metrics of heart rate (if you have a monitor), resistance, cadence and output.
4. 4The experience is meant to challenge you to give your all and your best
5. 5Offers 30day home trial and 39months of 0% financing.
6. 6Total cost $2,245 ($1,995 price tag with $250 mandatory set up and delivery included)$39/month subscription after purchasing the bike, unlimited users$58/mo payments for 39 months at 0%
7. 7The bike does not come with accessories. Need to purchase accessories or upgrade to a premium package for heart rate monitor, 3-peg tri-bolt workout shoes and weights. Accessory packages available include:The Essentials for $159 that comes with Peloton shoes with cleats, weights, and headphones.  The Works for $249 include the shoes, weights, headphones, a heart rate monitor and a bike mat.The family pack$449 includes two pairs of shoes, two heart rate monitors, two water bottles, two pairs of headphones, one set of weights and one bike mat
8. 8Shoes alone are $125 / Reversible mat $69 / Weights$25 / Earbuds $29 or Peloton JBL X earbuds for $119 / Peloton glass water bottle$25 / Heart rate monitor$49 / Bike mat$59 / Pedals $60 / Cleats$25If you do not purchase the bike, you can subscribe for only $19/month. So, they charge more to own their equipment.

Pros

• Reputable Company
• Audio has Bluetooth option
• Delivered to you ready to ride
• Max weight capacity of 297 lbs.
• Best indoor cycling fitness app
• Maximum manual resistance of 100
• Ability to screencast to a larger screen
• $39 a month as soon as you sign in to your bike
• Group workouts at home up to 14 live daily rides
• 5-year frame warranty, 1 year on parts, 1 year on labor
• 24/7/365 live and interactive instruction, elite trainers and music

Cons

• Need special shoes
• Higher price point overall
• Screen does not rotate 360 degrees
• Bike does not come with accessories.
• Footprint is a half foot shorter in length than NordicTrack
• Heart rate monitor will only pair with ANT+ broadcasting devices
• If you choose to replace the pedals or other parts, it will void the warranty

NordicTrack s22i vs Peloton – Classes

Obviously, with the Peloton bike, you get both live-streamed and on-demand classes with your subscription as and when you want it.

Peloton is all about the experience and community. And the Peloton digital app makes it all possible. To its users, nothing compares to it. It walks on water.

Of course, the Peloton digital app is what compensates for the Peloton bike’s outrageous price. And it’s working for them. The Peloton hype is because of its added experience. There’s no doubt about that. It’s great.

On the other hand, the Nordictrack S22i comes in with something different.

Here, your spin classes are churned out to your console via something called iFit Coach. What is the iFit coach?

iFit Coach offer on-demand classes but not live classes – That one major difference between the NordicTrack Commercial S22i and the Peloton bike.

However, just like the Peloton cycle – you get thousands of on-demand instructor-led classes in the comfort of your home. That’s the idea of indoor cycling, isn’t it?

One unique advantage of the NordicTrack S22i Soul cycle is its virtual rides. With the assistance of iFit Coach, you can enjoy a virtual world experience. Something I can’t get over with – and Zwift one of my favourite cycling apps does it better.

Come to think of it, you can virtually ride on the same Tour de France route, through the hills of the Grand Canyon and other famous cycling trails all over the world.

iFit has this to say, “Keep workout boredom at bay with global workouts, virtual studio classes, and Google Maps™ workouts. Your personal coaches will take you on thrilling fitness adventures as they control your equipment to match the actual terrain of your virtual destination.”

Another amazing way to spice up your indoor training by riding with other cyclists, in a choice of virtual reality all around the world. That s what Zwift app has to offer you.

So basically, you’re getting almost everything Peloton has to offer with iFit Coach except the live-streamed workouts.

NordicTrack Commercial s22i vs Peloton – Customer Reviews:

Here is a sample of what NordicTrack s22i  and Peloton Customers Have to Say About the bikes:

Here is what NordicTrack users say:

And, Peloton Customer Reviews:

Things to consider before buying an exercise bike that works with subscription-based workouts

Purchasing a home exercise bike solves the problem of needing to head to the gym or pack up a bike on a car bike rack to head to a trail whenever you want to ride or work out.

Plus, you save on gym fees. Exercising in the privacy of your home makes it convenient to fit into your schedule but leaves you on your own without an instructor.

That’s where the subscription-based workouts come into play and are a great idea.

While the cost may be similar or higher to what you would pay at a gym for a cycling workout class, the perk is that a subscription service workout program is ready when you are and is there to give instruction when you’re ready without leaving your home.

Both the Peloton and the iFit instruction coaches are designed to challenge and push your limits.

So, it’s really more a matter of how much you want to share that experience and competition with others to spur you on.

The NordicTrack s22i and the Peloton with their accompanying streaming workouts are designed for the serious fitness enthusiast and may leave a beginner feeling like they’ve been left in the dust.

If you’re looking to take your spin class to a more challenging and higher endurance level, a home exercise bike with streaming workouts is perfect for you.

Before you make your choice which bike is best for you, there are a few things to consider.

NordicTrack s22i vs Peloton bike – Buyer’s Guide

Price

While the upfront price for both bikes is pretty close to the same cost, the other price considerations to look at include the subscription and the accessories you need to complete the workouts properly and how much it will cost you over time.

Assembly

Many pieces of exercise equipment come disassembled so it can be shipped. The NordicTrack s22i and Peloton both come with a shipping/delivery and assembly package that is an additional charge from the baseline price point.

NordicTrack’s package is an add-on that you can waive, but with more than 150 parts to piece together, it’s probably worth the cost.

Noise Level

If you live in an apartment or condominium with thin walls, or you’re working out early in the morning, late at night, or during a time when the rest of your household is sleeping or need quiet time, it’s important that the exercise equipment doesn’t make unnecessary noise.

Plus, it’s just downright annoying to hear a constant whir, squeak, or clank. When it comes to workout bikes, the part that potentially could make noise is the flywheel.

Storage/Space

Not everyone has space enough to dedicate to bulky workout gear in their homes. Knowing for sure how much space the workout bike will occupy is important to know whether or not you have room in your home to keep it.

You will also need to account for extra space around the bike to make sure you have plenty of room to move while using it.

If you’re unable to leave it set up at all times in a dedicated workout room, you will want to make sure it’s easy to either fold up or roll away for storage. Both of these options offer front wheels for just that.

Comfortability

If an exercise bike is not comfortable to use, you will likely stop using it and it will just sit to collect dust. Since these high-level at-home bikes are pricey, you will probably want to make sure they are comfortable or adjustable to meet your comfort level.

Look at how the seat adjusts, whether or not it comes with an ergonomic seat cushion, and how the height adjustments work. Also, the handlebars will need to be within a comfortable reach and able to adjust up, down, forward or inward for your comfort.

The handlebars should also have a comfortable feel to the grip, even when your hands are wet with sweat.

Another consideration in comfort is how easy the controls are to reach during a workout to adjust resistance, incline, decline, etc. Check the crank arm length, stem angle, handlebar width, rotation, reach and drop, and the frame size.

Weight Capacity

While you might assume that a piece of workout equipment will hold a heavy person, since they are used to lose weight and get into shape, don’t be so sure. Be sure to check the weight capacity to be certain your weight is not over the limit.

Build and Construction

It may seem like you could save a ton of money by getting a cheaper, lightweight bike, but if it falls apart upon the first use, all of that money is wasted. Look for frames that are sturdy steel and will hold up to the toughest workout.

Type of Resistance

For an at-home bike, it’s the resistance that is going to make the workout more or less strenuous. Both of these bikes offer resistance but in different ways.

The Peloton has 100 levels of resistance but requires that you manually switch the controls.

The NordicTrack automatically adjusts the 24 levels of digital resistance including a 20% incline and 10% decline to fit any trail or workout program you’re pedaling through.

Attachments/parts

To work through a good, full exercise session, you’re going to need more than just the bike. There are also floor exercises that require a mat and weights. On top of these accessories, to make sure you’re staying healthy you will also want a heart rate monitor and, of course, a spot for at least one water bottle.

Workout Programs

When it comes to workout programs, there are those that are pre-recorded and those that are offered live. The benefit of the live interactive course is that you feel like you are in a gym spin class and get personalized attention.

Additionally, you are able to challenge yourself with competition between other riders. Other programs are recorded live but are not personalized. The NordicTrack s22i goes one step beyond the gym and takes you on virtual trails around the world.

Simply, plug in the coordinates on Google Maps, and you’re off. The bike will show the actual path’s views and automatically adjust as you strive to conquer hills or fly down them.

Warranty

The ideal solution is that the equipment is so well built that you never need a warranty, but that’s not reality. When you do need to use a warranty, you will want to make sure it is a smooth and effortless transaction.

Features & Benefits – NordicTrack s22i vs Peloton

Both bikes and their accompanying workout programs offer plenty of features and benefits, but the NordicTrack comes with a few features that the Peloton charges extra to use the bike.

Benefits of NordicTrack s22i

1. 1360-degree swivel screen
2. 2 Google Maps virtual trails
3. 3One-year free iFit subscription
4. 4No need to purchase special shoes
5. 5weights and heart rate monitor come with the bike
6. 6Automatic incline/decline and resistance digital controls

Similarities & Differences

Similarities of NordicTrack s22i vs Peloton

• silent flywheel
• built-in speakers
• steel crank arms
• change seat angle
• holds 2 water bottles
• audio plug for headphones
• built on welded steel frame
• adjust seat forward or back
• 22” HD touchscreen display
•  holding place for 3 lb. weights
•  magnetic flywheel resistance
• Tilting display screen up and down
• access to on-demand workout classes
• belt drive with inertia-enhanced flywheel
• handlebars coated with firm, non-slip rubber grip
• compatible with standard road bike seat or pedals
• the ability to raise and lower handlebar height or seat post

Differences of NordicTrack s22i vs Peloton

• The main difference is that NordicTrack s22i comes with one year free of iFit and Peloton charges the subscription fee from the first day of use which makes its long-term use more costly than the NordicTrack.
• Additionally, you will need to be prepared to shell out a bit more for special riding shoes, weights, heart rate monitor, and a mat if you go with the Peloton as these do not come with the initial price.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ’s

#1 WHAT IS THE BEST EXERCISE BIKE FOR HOME USE?

The choice often comes down to preference between how the subscription workout services work.

#2 HOW DO THE IFIT AND PELOTON WORKOUT SERVICES WORK?

.Both offer on-demand classes. Peloton touts 24/7/365 live interaction classes with leader boards and group support. On the other hand, iFit offers anywhere in the world Google Maps virtual trails for real-life cycling practice and automatic digital resistance and incline controls.

#3 SHOULD I WAIVE THE SETUP FEE?

The fee is similar for both bikes, and it’s highly recommended that it’s a good use of your money to make sure it’s delivered safely and set up properly.

#4 IS THERE A FREE TRIAL PERIOD?

Yes. Peloton offers a free in-home use trial. NordicTrack offers a free 30-day return policy.

#5 DO I HAVE TO PURCHASE THE BIKE TO USE THE WORKOUT SUBSCRIPTION?

No, but certain interactive features on the services won’t work without the bike.

Conclusion

So, NordicTrack s22i vs Peloton: Which Exercise Bike is Better?

Unless you have a strong need to feel like you belong to an exclusive, elite club or you really want to pay the ongoing price for personalizing your training session, the NordicTrack s22i is going to be the way to go on this one.

It may seem fairly comparable in price for starters, but when you consider the cost to use it long term with the subscription workout session services, NordicTrack wins hands down.

Also, the NordicTrack comes with a longer warranty and more features for less cost.

On top of the price savings, this model also takes you on rides through various real-life trails while adjusting for inclines to matchmaking it feels as if you are really outdoors riding which is why I looked into the two bikes in the first place.