Almost every bike enthusiast is familiar with the brands - NordicTrack and Peloton, especially in the indoor cycling community. Both brands are at the top when it comes to performance combined with technology and comfort.
Thus, choosing one from either of these bikes can be your best bet if you want to improve your indoor cycling routine. This leads to the obvious comparison – Peloton vs NordicTrack, which indoor bike is better? Or, what sets the two bikes apart? If you are looking for answers, you have landed on the right page.
Both bikes undoubtedly offer great rides. However, there are some differences in their structure, weight, drive system, etc. which make them unique. And based on these differences, you should pick the one that suits you best.
We chose to review the NordicTrack S22i and Peloton because they stand out from the crowd. Why? Because these bikes are up-to-date with today's technology, without compromising with comfort and ease of use.
So, after weeks of intense research and testing on both bikes, here is a detailed comparison between Peloton vs NordicTrack.
Without further ado, let's jump straight into the comparison.
peloton vs NordicTrack S22i Comparison
Before anything else, let us consider one strong feature from each of the bikes. This will give you a clear idea about what to expect from the rest of the article.
One of the main features of the Peloton, which makes it so popular, is its Peloton App. It provides riders with amazing workout classes from professional trainers and other exciting features.
On the other hand, NordicTrack S22i is loved by many because it offers similar benefits but at a lower cost. Though the iFit App on NordicTrack is not as good as the Peloton App, it does provide some extra features and much more variety of exercises.
Before we jump into the comparison, we'll share a brief overview of both:
Overview of Nordictrack S22i
NordicTrack has an excellent reputation in the biking community. They have been in the market for over four decades now. Out of their several bike models, the Nordictrack S22i is one of the best indoor exercise bikes.
You can expect a comfortable ride on this bike with effortless pedaling. It also allows you to enjoy an outdoor cycling experience.
The S22i comes equipped with a one-year free iFit membership period. With this, there is always something exciting to try, and you will never run out of options. Whether you want a personal trainer or want to be a part of studio classes, this indoor bike can help you do just that. You can even go racing, or enjoy scenes of off-road cycling on this bike.
Pros Of Nordictrack
Cons OF NORDICTRACK
Overview of Peloton
Peloton is the younger brand of the two. It was established in the year 2012 and is among the newer bike companies out there. However, Peloton is already one of the top competitors in the market of indoor exercise bikes.
Their popular Peloton app is one of the factors that make them stand out from the rest. The bike comes with a 22" inbuilt LED display that provides live and on-demand classes round the clock. With this bike, you can be a part of some advanced fitness and spin classes with professional trainers.
Another reason why people love the Peloton bike is because of its inbuilt music system. You can save songs and even create your personalized playlists. So, exercising on the Peloton bike is never dull!
Pros Of Peloton
Cons OF Peloton
Let us now compare some of the primary features offered by peloton vs NordicTrack. This comparison will give you a clearer understanding of what to expect from each bike. Depending upon your personal workout needs and desires, you can pick the bike that suits your interest best.
Cost
NordicTrack S22i and Peloton are quite expensive as compared to other exercise bikes in the market. However, these bikes are worth every dollar you pay because of their high-quality materials and top-notch technology.
The S22i indoor cycling bike is more affordable than Peloton. Besides, you cannot ignore the fact that it comes with a one-year free iFit membership trial period.
On the other hand, you need to spend extra cash for membership when you buy a Peloton. It costs around $39 per month, which only adds to the already existing high cost of the bike.
Thus, Nordictrack is the clear winner when it comes to the price of the bikes.
Click here to See Latest Price on Amazon.
Warranty
The next difference between Peloton vs NordicTrack is in their warranty periods. The Peloton bike comes with a one year warranty period, one-year labor warranty, and one year warranty for its bike parts.
On the contrary, Nordictrack S22i is the clear winner, with a lifetime warranty for the frame, a one-year labor warranty, and an impressive three-year warranty for bike parts.
Mobility and Durability
When it comes to mobility, both NordicTrack's bikes and Peloton bikes are excellent. They come with two roller wheels that are situated at the front of the bike. Thus, you can easily move them from one place to another. However, while Peloton is slightly larger than NordicTrack, the latter is heavier. Yet, this does not affect their mobility.
There is no doubt that both bikes are made of the best quality materials and are extremely durable. They are meant for commercial and indoor use, so you can rest assured that they will last you for years. However, if we consider the brands' warranty period, there is no doubt that the NordicTrack S22i is the better choice.
Structure
Next, let us look at the structural similarities found on both spin bikes. Both Peloton and NordicTrack bikes have a comfortable structure like that of a road bike. They include adjustable seats and no-slip handlebars to suit your posture and height.
See more: Peloton Wide Seat: The Best Option for Larger Cyclists?
Also, both bikes have a similar drive system. They come with inbuilt Inertia Enhanced Flywheels, which are positioned at the front and include magnetic resistance. This setup allows you to take your riding experience to the next level.
Thus in terms of structure, both bikes are quite identical.
Drive System
The first difference is in their magnetic resistance system. On the NordicTrack, the resistance control is manual or automatic.
On the contrary, there is no automatic resistance mechanism on the Peloton. In this case, NordicTrack S22i studio cycle is more versatile. Also, monitoring resistance on the NordicTrack is much easier than on a Peloton bike.
Another difference between these bikes is the presence of the incline and decline feature in NordicTrack, which is absent on Peloton. The incline and decline feature allows automatic adjustments according to the terrain. It can be inclined up to 20% and declined by 10%.
In sum, both the bikes are excellent in performance. But the additional features in NordicTrack S22i studio cycle make it the clear winner.
LED Screen Features
Both Peloton and NordicTrack Commercial S22i come with a 22" HD Touch panel display with built-in speakers. The quality and display of the screens on both bikes are great, and you can easily connect both the LED screens to a television.
However, the LED screen on Nordictrack S22i is more adjustable. You can turn it 360 degrees to use even when you're not on the bike. This feature is only available on the new Peloton Bike+. Moreover, the screen on the Peloton Bike+ still doesn't offer screen tilting vertically.
On the other hand, Peloton's LED screen is slightly more versatile, but not by much as the S22i also has some of its features. You can connect it to Bluetooth, Wifi, and ANT+ Wireless, or screencast it to a SmartTV. This way, you can enjoy your workout session on a bigger screen and improve your riding experience.
On the whole, there is no clear winner between the two when it comes to LED features. While the NordicTrack is more functionally flexible, the Peloton is more flexible with connectivity.
Membership Content and Features
Let's talk about the Peloton bike first. Most people opt for this bike because of their exclusive Peloton app and professional trainers. You get access to high-level spin classes, live or on-demand classes 24x7, interact with fellow riders, or create music playlists, by purchasing the membership at Peloton.
On the other hand, the iFit App sponsors the membership on NordicTrack for one year. On this bike, you can enjoy studio classes, create your personalized routes for cycling, take part in road races, and even enjoy off-road cycling.
In general, the memberships on both bikes provide workout classes and live interactions. However, to draw the line, let me put it this way – if you want some serious spin classes and community-based interactions, you can go for the Peloton bike.
If you are looking for something more personalized and want to incorporate some off-road cycling experiences, NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle is the one for you.
Assembly and Additional bike parts
With Peloton, you receive an entirely constructed bike when you first purchase it. It does not require any additional assembly, except for some few adjustments here and there. Once you receive your purchase, you can shift it wherever you want and start cycling.
In contrast, the NordicTrack Studio Cycle requires additional assembly after you purchase it. Also, the bike parts are quite heavy, so you would need extra help assembling it. You can even hire professionals to assemble the bike at an additional cost.
Both Peloton and NordicTrack come with some additional bike parts. The former includes cage clips, bottle holders, dumbbells, and a dumbbell rack.
Similarly, Peloton also comes with bottle holders, dumbbell rack, and clip pedals. However, it does not include any dumbbells; you would need to buy the Peloton branded shoes separately if you want to use the in-clip pedaling feature.
What are the main differences between Peloton vs NordicTrack?
The main differences between the two bikes NordicTrack S22i vs Peloton is that the NordicTrack has a incline & decline system that can be adjusted by your class instructor while the Peloton lacks this feature. Moreover, Peloton uses their own Peloton Digital App to stream live classes while NordicTrack uses iFit.
Other notable differences between NordicTrack and Peloton:
- NordicTrack comes with a built in fan that helps to keep you cool unlike the Peloton.
- The NordicTrack bike allows you to claim 1 year of iFit membership for free.
- The S22i Studio Cycle also comes with two 3lb dumbbells while you'll have to purchase them separately from Peloton.
- Peloton uses Look Delta pedals so it limits the you to Peloton Compatible Shoes while the NordicTrack S22i allows you to wear a regular shoe.
- Both the NordicTrack Commercial S22i and Peloton Bike+ allows 360 degree screen rotation but only the NordicTrack allows screen tilting.
- Peloton Bike+ now has a larger screen at 23.8" and looks better than the competition.
- The S22i bike has built in EKG grip pulse reader while you'll need to buy a heart rate monitor for peloton.
Conclusion
The Nordictrack S22i and Peloton are nothing like your everyday bike. They are more advanced and come packed with modern features. Thus, their high-quality materials and exceptional performance reflect on their cost.
If you are still a beginner in indoor cycling exercise, you might want to start with a more casual and less expensive indoor bike.
One thing you should keep in mind is that what works great for one person, may not work out for another. So, choosing the right one from these two bikes all comes down to your taste and requirements.
If your budget is not an issue and you want a great exercise bike for some intense workout sessions, Peloton bike is your ideal choice. But if you all are about road races and outdoor cycling, then the NordicTrack can be the best pick for you.
See more: 5 Best Pedals for Peloton Bike: Our Top Picks
FAQ
What are the main differences between the Nordictrack S22i vs Peloton bike plus?
The Peloton bike plus has a larger screen and a built-in music system, while the NordicTrack S22i has automatic incline and decline features and provides an outdoor cycling experience.
Which bike offers more value for money, the Peloton bike plus vs Nordictrack S22i?
The NordicTrack S22i is generally considered to be more affordable and comes with a one-year free iFit membership.
How does the Nordictrack S22i compare to the Peloton bike in terms of exercise equipment?
Both the NordicTrack S22i and the Peloton bike are high-quality indoor exercise bikes with a variety of features, but they have different strengths. The Peloton bike is known for its Peloton App and live classes, while the NordicTrack S22i offers more variety of exercises.
What type of resistance system do both the Peloton and NordicTrack S22i have?
Both the Peloton and NordicTrack S22i have a silent magnetic resistance system.
Does the NordicTrack S22i have on demand classes like the Peloton bike?
Yes, the NordicTrack S22i has on-demand classes through its iFit membership.
What is the weight capacity for both the Peloton and NordicTrack S22i?
Both the Peloton and NordicTrack S22i have a weight capacity of around 300 lbs.
Can both the Peloton and NordicTrack S22i be used for strength training?
Yes, both the Peloton and NordicTrack S22i offer a variety of resistance levels and workout options that can be used for strength training.
Are there live classes available on both the Peloton and NordicTrack S22i?
Yes, the Peloton bike offers live classes through its Peloton App, and the NordicTrack S22i also offers live classes through its iFit membership.
Can you use the Peloton app on the NordicTrack S22i?
No, the Peloton App is only compatible with Peloton bikes. However, you can still ride a nordictrack and follow classes on the peloton app using it on a tablet or mobile device.
Are there toe cages included on both the Peloton and NordicTrack S22i?
It depends on the model, some Peloton bikes like the ones found in gyms include toe cages but most don't, on the other hand, most NordicTrack S22i comes with toe cages.
Can resistance be adjusted automatically on both the Peloton and NordicTrack S22i?
Yes, both the Peloton and NordicTrack S22i have the capability to automatically adjust resistance.
Are there any outdoor rides available on both the Peloton and NordicTrack S22i?
The NordicTrack S22i offers outdoor rides through its iFit membership, while the Peloton bike does not have this feature.
Is there a family plan available on both the Peloton and NordicTrack S22i?
The Peloton bike offers a family plan which allows multiple users to access the same account, while the NordicTrack S22i does not have a specific family plan, but multiple users can access the iFit membership.
Are there any bike classes available on both the Peloton and NordicTrack S22i?
Yes, both the Peloton and NordicTrack S22i offer a variety of bike classes through their respective apps, Peloton App and iFit membership.
Last Updated on October 14, 2023 by Daniel White