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NordicTrack Review

Wednesday, June 7th

2023 Exercise Bike Reviews

Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award NordicTrack Review 5 Star Rating

NordicTrack

5 Star Rating
  • Free shipping includes in-home assembly
  • Lots of workouts, live and on-demand
  • Good warranty coverage
  • Unique incline/decline feature on some models
  • All bikes come with complimentary 1-year iFit membership
Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

NordicTrack is one of two exercise bike retailers owned by ICON Health and Fitness, along with ProForm. You'll see a lot of similarities between those two brands, especially when it comes to their iFit membership platform and all of its features (like on-demand and live fitness classes).

Top features at a great price

You've got three style options with NordicTrack: upright, recumbent and studio. They're all competitively priced between $999 and $1999, and even the most affordable one comes with plenty of features: Bluetooth-compatible speakers, pivoting tablet holder, 7" Smart HD color touchscreen, 32 on-board workouts plus on-demand through iFit, and 24 digital resistance levels.

Let's ride up and down a hill!

The bikes sold by both NordicTrack and ProForm are pretty similar in terms of features, but you'll notice that NordicTrack tends to come in on the higher side price-wise. To find out why, we reached out to their online chat (pro tip: you can access that chat on either site, and they can help you compare bikes across both sites! Very helpful!). It turns out that two of the NordicTrack models, the s22i and s15i, have a feature that we haven't seen anywhere else: the ride can actually incline and decline. Yes, just like a treadmill, that's really a thing - so when you're following an iFit ride that has you riding up the hills of Wine Country - your bike will shift to imitate the ups and downs. Isn't that cool?

Best Exercise Bikes

Equipment overview:

  • Type of exercise bikes: Studio, upright, recumbent
  • Price range: $999 to $1999
  • Different models: 6
  • Can stream live/pre-recorded workouts: Yes
  • Financing available: Yes
  • Weight capacity: 325-350 lbs, depending on the model
  • Return policy: 30 days
  • Warranty: 10 years frame, 2 years parts, 1 year labor
  • Shipping: Free, includes assembly

Top features at a great price

You've got three style options with NordicTrack: upright, recumbent and studio. They're all competitively priced between $999 and $1999, and even the most affordable one comes with plenty of features: Bluetooth-compatible speakers, pivoting tablet holder, 7" Smart HD color touchscreen, 32 on-board workouts plus on-demand through iFit, and 24 digital resistance levels.

Let's ride up and down a hill!

The bikes sold by both NordicTrack and ProForm are pretty similar in terms of features, but you'll notice that NordicTrack tends to come in on the higher side price-wise. To find out why, we reached out to their online chat (pro tip: you can access that chat on either site, and they can help you compare bikes across both sites! Very helpful!). It turns out that two of the NordicTrack models, the s22i and s15i, have a feature that we haven't seen anywhere else: the ride can actually incline and decline. Yes, just like a treadmill, that's really a thing - so when you're following an iFit ride that has you riding up the hills of Wine Country...your bike will shift to imitate the ups and downs. Isn't that cool?

One year of free live and on-demand classes

You'll get a free year of iFit membership with any NordicTrack exercise bike (which is another reason the prices are higher here than Proform, where they make the iFit subscription an add-on cost from the get-go). iFit gives you access to some amazing workouts, both live and on-demand, just like the other big-name-in-exercise-bikes-we-won't-mention. You can check out user ratings for specific rides and pick one that sounds good, or just select one that appeals to you. Out of nearly 300 ride reviews, iFit averaged 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Get the swivel for greater versatility

If you plan on using these classes not just for cycling but also for yoga, strength training and more, consider getting a NordicTrack bike that has a swivel screen. That lets you position it at any angle you need, without the bike getting in your way.

Extra savings, free shipping and set-up

Keep an eye out for pop-ups as you browse the NordicTrack site. We spotted one offering a $25 discount on purchases of $399 and up if we signed up for marketing texts. Might as well snag some savings, right? Shipping is always free, no code needed, and your delivery includes in-home set-up of your bike.

Excellent attention to customer service

NordicTrack has been around for a long time: over 40 years, to be exact. Parent company Icon Health and Fitness maintains an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau. While the company has gotten its fair share of complaints from customers, their reps do a noteworthy job of responding to each of them. We were pleased to see how quickly we were able to reach someone via live chat, and our experience with the representative was professional, knowledgeable, and actually fun!

Top all-around retailer of exercise bikes

There are a lot of brands to choose from when it comes to exercise bikes, and NordicTrack presents the best overall package: durable equipment, generous warranty coverage, affordable pricing, and lots of the hottest gadgets and connectivity options. For all of these reasons, they've earned our top ranking and should be the first place you shop for your exercise bike.

Where Can You Find the Best Exercise Bikes?

Fitness equipment is more popular now than ever, with so many people working, learning and doing just about everything from home. It can be challenging to find anything in stock near you, with no idea of when your preferred exercise bike will be available to buy.

Naturally, that's where the internet comes in, making it a lot easier to get the type of bike you want most. Looking for live and on-demand fitness classes on a machine that automatically increases and decreases resistance - or that even allows a coach to remotely shift your settings to give you an extra push (or a break!)? Shopping online gives you access to not just one company but several that offer that boutique-style workout experience.

The Best Exercise Bikes Compare Exercise Bikes Compare Exercise Bike Reviews What are the best Exercise Bikes Best Exercise Bike Reviews

Exercise Bike FAQ

There are plenty of reasons that people buy an exercise bike for home use. For people with balance or mobility issues who still want a good cardio workout, bikes are a much better option than a treadmill or elliptical machine. They also take up much less room, are more portable/movable, and easier to maintain than larger pieces of cardio equipment.
That's up to you. Recumbent bikes have a seat like a chair, and the pedals are in front of you; they're the exercise bike of choice for people with joint and back issues. Upright bikes offer more flexibility in your workout: you can ride seated or pedal standing up for a more intense experience.
As with most products, the more features an exercise bike has, the more it will cost. You can get a basic, entry-level model for under $500 - or pay $7,000+ for one that has every bell and whistle imaginable (but it won't do the exercise for you!).
How does "free" sound? Many retailers include delivery in the price of the exercise bike. That definitely beats trying to lug it home from a brick-and-mortar store in your car!
Not necessarily. Most manufacturers have step-by-step instructions and even videos for how to put your bike together. You can also purchase professional installation/set-up from some retailers, either with their in-house team or through a third-party partner.
That depends on the store. Some offer no return policy whatsoever, while others give you 30-60 days to try your bike and decide if you want to keep it. Even then, you may still be responsible for return shipping costs and/or restocking fees.
Most bikes come with warranty coverage, usually with longer protection on the higher-end models. You may have lifetime coverage of the frame and brakes, 1-3 years on parts and electronics, and 90 days to 3 years on associated labor costs - but the specifics vary by manufacturer and bike model. Some retailers offer extended warranty plans as well.
That's one of the hottest trends in the fitness industry, and many bikes come with some kind of workout option with live coaching or on-demand classes. But, even if your bike doesn't, there are plenty of apps you can subscribe to and follow along on your own; you just need to have a way to see your phone, tablet or TV from wherever you position your exercise bike!
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Continued from above...

Or, maybe your doctor has told you that you can't do high-impact exercise anymore, but you still need something to stay healthy. Recumbent bikes to the rescue! There are plenty of models available from internet retailers, from basic models under $500 to high-tech designs with plenty of features for over $2,000.

There are even exercise bikes designed for use under your desk or with a tabletop/desk built in: no more using work as your excuse for not working out! Your coworkers can get in on the fun if you choose a model that has three bikes at the same round table, too.

It's easy to feel overwhelmed when you start your search for the exercise bike that's right for you. Studio style? Recumbent? Touchscreen or basic console? Fortunately, there are several criteria you can use to narrow down your options and find something that fits:

  • Number of Exercise Bikes. How many models does the retailer sell? The more bikes in their inventory, the more likely it is that one of them will have the features you're looking for - and that it will be in stock when you're ready to buy.
  • Features. Think about what features are most important to you when using your fitness equipment. Is it connectivity with your smartwatch or fitness apps? A weight capacity that accommodates each member of your household? Interactive displays with games and leaderboards to keep you motivated? It's not impossible to get a bike with everything you want, if you know what's on your must-have list.
  • Value. Is the exercise bike you're considering a good value for the money? That's not just a matter of price: some lower-end models actually offer a lot, while some of the most expensive models don't give you nearly what you'd expect.
  • Customer-Friendly Policies. Can you get a free trial with your exercise bike? How long do you have to return it if it's not working out? Is delivery free and/or will it include professional set-up? How about warranty coverage?
  • Reputation. It's a good idea to consider what customers have said about the particular bike you want and the company itself. Can you count on getting fast, friendly help from the customer service department if anything goes wrong? Even the most promising warranties aren't worth much if the retailer doesn't follow through on them.

TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked the best online retailers of exercise bikes available today. We're confident that this information will help you get the indoor ride you've been hoping for!

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NordicTrack vs Bowflex NordicTrack vs Schwinn NordicTrack vs ProForm NordicTrack vs Xterra NordicTrack vs Yosuda NordicTrack vs Life Fitness NordicTrack vs CAROL NordicTrack vs Peloton NordicTrack vs LifeSpan Fitness NordicTrack vs Diamondback Fitness NordicTrack vs Precor NordicTrack vs Echelon Bowflex vs Schwinn Bowflex vs ProForm Bowflex vs Xterra Bowflex vs Yosuda Bowflex vs Life Fitness Bowflex vs CAROL Bowflex vs Peloton Bowflex vs LifeSpan Fitness Bowflex vs Diamondback Fitness Bowflex vs Precor Bowflex vs Echelon Schwinn vs ProForm Schwinn vs Xterra Schwinn vs Yosuda Schwinn vs Life Fitness Schwinn vs CAROL Schwinn vs Peloton Schwinn vs LifeSpan Fitness Schwinn vs Diamondback Fitness Schwinn vs Precor Schwinn vs Echelon ProForm vs Xterra ProForm vs Yosuda ProForm vs Life Fitness ProForm vs CAROL ProForm vs Peloton ProForm vs LifeSpan Fitness ProForm vs Diamondback Fitness ProForm vs Precor ProForm vs Echelon Xterra vs Yosuda Xterra vs Life Fitness Xterra vs CAROL Xterra vs Peloton Xterra vs LifeSpan Fitness Xterra vs Diamondback Fitness Xterra vs Precor Xterra vs Echelon Yosuda vs Life Fitness Yosuda vs CAROL Yosuda vs Peloton Yosuda vs LifeSpan Fitness Yosuda vs Diamondback Fitness Yosuda vs Precor Yosuda vs Echelon Life Fitness vs CAROL Life Fitness vs Peloton Life Fitness vs LifeSpan Fitness Life Fitness vs Diamondback Fitness Life Fitness vs Precor Life Fitness vs Echelon CAROL vs Peloton CAROL vs LifeSpan Fitness CAROL vs Diamondback Fitness CAROL vs Precor CAROL vs Echelon Peloton vs LifeSpan Fitness Peloton vs Diamondback Fitness Peloton vs Precor Peloton vs Echelon LifeSpan Fitness vs Diamondback Fitness LifeSpan Fitness vs Precor LifeSpan Fitness vs Echelon Diamondback Fitness vs Precor Diamondback Fitness vs Echelon Precor vs Echelon
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