Peloton vs NordicTrack — How To Choose Your Next Exercise Bike

I love checking out the latest and greatest workout equipment because it is both my hobby and helpful in my line of work as a freelance writer that specializes in fitness. Sometimes I spend hours on my favorite equipment review sites, skimming for in-depth information on machines. And one trend that has taken over the fitness equipment world is the up-and-coming brand Peloton’s exercise bike.

If you haven’t heard of the Peloton Bike before, here are the basics. Peloton took the design of a spin bike and slapped a huge touchscreen on it so you can take live and on-demand classes, bringing boutique spin fitness into your home.

While this sounds pretty interesting, there is the fitness giant NordicTrack to consider. NordicTrack has also rolled out a fancy exercise bike called the Commercial S22i Studio Cycle with a giant screen and on-demand classes through iFit Coach. Both the Peloton Bike and the S22i are similar in price and base features, so if you are looking for a new, top-notch exercise bike, it can be tough to pick between these two machines.

Consider Why You Want An Exercise Bike

Before you decide you have to have either the Peloton Bike or the Commercial S22i, consider why you want to buy an exercise bike.

• Are you a tech-lover?
• Do you want the motivation of a spin class without leaving the house?
• Are you in training for a race or need a top-of-the-line bike for cross-training?
• Do you want a ton of classes to choose from on-demand, with cross-training workouts available?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then the S22i or the Peloton Bike may be right for you. But if none of these questions resonated with you, maybe you need a slightly simpler exercise bike.

NordicTrack has an array of exercise bikes you can check out at lower price points than the S22i, and many of them come with a touchscreen and a free year subscription to iFit Coach. While Peloton only has the one bike, you can try out a Peloton alternative if you are up to a bit of work.

Stack The Peloton Bike Vs. The NordicTrack S22i

If you are determined that the choice for you comes down between the Peloton Bike and the S22i, then you will need to stack these two bikes against each other. TreadmillReviews.com has done a great, NordicTrack S22i vs Peloton Bike comparison you should read when you have a moment. However, if you are a little tight on time, here’s a quick comparison of the main specifications of the NordicTrack S22i vs the Peloton Bike:

Comparing the NordicTrack S22i and the Peloton Bike

Cost

NordicTrack S22i: $1,999

Peloton: $2,245 and up

Display

NordicTrack S22i: 22” HD Touchscreen

Peloton: 21.5” HD Touchscreen

Workout Programs

NordicTrack S22i: iFit Coach (free year)

Peloton: Peloton Membership ($39/month)

Incline Range

NordicTrack S22i: -10% to 20%

Peloton: None

Weight Capacity

NordicTrack S22i: 350 lbs

Peloton: 305 lbs

Max Resistance

NordicTrack S22i: 24 (digital)

Peloton: 100 (manual)

Fan

NordicTrack S22i: Yes

Peloton: No

Now, with just a simple look at the technical specifications, it already looks like the S22i has an edge over the Peloton Bike. However, the major selling point of the Peloton Bike is the live classes that are offered on a daily basis. These classes are filmed in the Peloton workout studio, and they are continually adding to their on-demand classes, with things like tread classes, yoga, and more available. You will need to pay for a membership, which is a separate purchase from the bike and will cost you $39 a month.

While the S22i doesn’t offer live classes with trainers you can interact with, the S22i has a larger on-demand library of workouts through iFit Coach. So if you are in the mood for anything from a hard spin class to kickboxing or yoga, you can find it on your S22i. NordicTrack is currently bundling a free year subscription to iFit Coach when you buy the S22i, so you can find out if you like it before committing to a membership fee.

For my own workout needs, I’ve decided that the S22i is the right one for me. Now all I have to do is convince my wife that I need it sooner rather than later!