Peloton Vs. NordicTrack S22i
Peloton
The Peloton bike is an indoor cycling bike that lets you take fitness classes from the comfort of your own home. With this bike, you can live-stream classes from the Peloton studio in NYC.
You’ll ride with other Peloton members live and on-demand. You’ll also be able to filter who you ride with by followers, age, or gender. The Peloton is equipped with a 22-inch LCD screen that provides you with real-time metrics.
Measure your progress by heart rate, resistance, cadence, and output. Plus, there’s the option to participate in fun challenges and commit to a fitness-focused goal, earning badges for completion along the way. And if like to get a decent workout playlist going while you pedal or just need some motivation you can ride to instructor-curated playlists, save songs that you love, and create your personal playlists.
Pros
- Get personal metrics in real-time
- Complimentary access to Peloton app
- You control your settings
- High tech spin bike with 22-inch LCD touchscreen
- Access to thousands of live/on-demand classes
Cons
- The screen can’t be used if you cancel your membership
- No global experiences
- Pricey
- Repairs can take several weeks
- Must purchase $39 monthly membership separately
NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle
The Nordictrack S22i bike allows you to get a great cycling workout from the comfort of your own home. Purchasing the bike includes a one-year NordicTrack iFit membership, which allows you to stream live and on-demand fitness classes.
You can try something new every single day with high-energy studio rides, global cycling experiences, and cross-training. With Nordictrack’s integrated Google Maps workout technology, you can bike anywhere in the world.
And you can always stay plugged in on your progress with in-depth, personalized workout stats, and one membership allows you to create up to four riding profiles so the whole family can enjoy these benefits.
Pros
- Purchase includes 1-year NordicTrack iFit membership
- 22-inch Smart HD Touchscreen
- In-depth, personalized workout stats
- Boutique fitness classes + global riding experiences
- Less expensive than Peloton
- Comes with a set of 3-pound weights
Cons
- The screen can’t be used if you cancel your membership
- Instructor/experience controls your settings
Peloton Vs. NordicTrack S22i: Subscription Costs
Both Peloton and NordicTrack require you to have an active subscription to use the bikes’ touchscreens and interactive content. NordicTrack’s iFit subscription costs $33 – $39 a month for a family plan with up to five profiles, while Peloton’s subscription costs $39/month for unlimited profiles.
If you don’t need multiple profiles, NordicTrack also offers an individual plan that costs $15/month—the same as its mobile app subscription while Peloton only offers one plan for device subscribers.
Peloton Vs. NordicTrack S22i: Classes
Content is a big deal. It’s basically the entire reason you’re thinking of buying a connected fitness bike in the first place. And there’s no question that this is one place where Peloton excels above its competition.
Peloton’s classes are extremely popular and their instructors have well-deserved cult followings. That doesn’t mean NordicTrack’s iFit instructors are bad though. Group fitness instructors are generally inspiring and fantastic at what they do so you can reach your goals with either.
Both NordicTrack’s iFit and Peloton’s subscription services offer more than just cycling classes. You’ll find everything from running and walking workouts to yoga, strength training, and cross-training, as well as recovery “workouts” to walk you through cool-down stretches and meditation.
Both services offer live workouts in addition to on-demand content and keep you in the game with things like encouraging shout-outs from instructors and live leaderboards for some healthy competition.
Pelton Vs. NordicTrack S22i: Specs And Features
Frame
The frames of both of these bikes are made of high-quality steel, so you can take comfort in knowing that sturdiness and durability won’t be an issue. That said, regular wear and tear are to be expected with any exercise bike, so neither bike will last forever, but you can rest assured that either option will be a good one and a replacement won’t be necessary for a while.
Rotating Console
The NordicTrack features a rotating screen design, that allows users to get off the bike and do some strength training during a workout. This makes it possible to stay in tune with your programmed workout from start to finish.
The Peloton’s console is unfortunately fixed in place, but if your workout area is behind the bike you’ll still be able to view its 22″ screen. Now, if you’re willing to spend the extra coin, the new Peloton Bike+ has a screen that swivels if the static screen is a deal-breaker.
Resistance
A first glance at the NordicTrack and Peloton websites would lead you to believe the resistance systems of these two bikes are completely different from one another, but on the contrary, they’re actually quite similar.
Both systems use a set of powerful magnets that are moved towards and away from a metal flywheel, making it either harder or easier to pedal. The difference between the two bikes is in how this adjustment takes place.
In the case of the NordicTrack S22i, a 24-step digital controller makes the adjustment as you press buttons on the handlebars or via the 22-inch touchscreen display. It’s also worth noting here that the S22i also features incline adjustment that’s controlled digitally which allows the bike to simulate 20% incline and 10% decline hills. A coo;l feature though is that when following along with iFit instructor-led classes, the bike’s resistance automatically adjusts to follow the guidance of the instructor.
The Peloton, on the other hand, uses a physical knob on the frame of the bike that is connected to its magnets via a mechanical linkage. By rotating the knob, the magnets are moved in relation to the flywheel the same way the digital controller moves the magnets on the S22i.
This type of system allows for more accurate control of the bike’s resistance, but it also means the rider needs to take their eyes away from the screen and a hand off the handlebars to make the required adjustment which may be a little cumbersome if you’re engrossed in your routine. Sadly the Peloton Bike does not have the same automatic functionality with its resistance controls as the NordicTrack SS2i, though that feature has been added to the new and more expensive Peloton Bike+.
Console Features
The consoles of these two bikes and their built-in functionality are what sets both of these apart from any of the more budget/entry-level bikes on the market right now. Rich high definition displays and quality built-in speakers are just the beginning here.
With both bikes, riders are able to tune into live training classes with a real instructor as if they were in their local gyms taking a spin class in a crowded room but instead from the comfort of their own home. You’d think this means these two bikes are competing at an even level, but there are a few key differences between the two to consider.
As you participate in NordicTrack’s iFit live classes, your instructor can, and will, remotely control your bike’s resistance and incline settings, ensuring that you aren’t slacking during your workout. This is a great feature for beginners as well as veteran riders, as it allows you to stay focused on your routine rather than fussing with settings which I know I’m guilty of.
Though the Peloton’s adjustments are manual, the brand has developed a massive following around its classes, being touted as some of the best, most effective training regimens for this type of exercise. Live classes are being broadcast 24/7, 365 days a year, so no matter when you want to train there is a class ready and waiting for you.
The unfortunate catch here is that this training doesn’t come free. On top of the $1,895 sticker price for the Peloton bike, a $39 per month membership fee is required to join in on any of the classes. By comparison, the first year of NordicTrack’s iFit classes are free, and rates are $33 per month after your first year has expired. While the sticker price of the Peloton is a fraction lower, by the end of the year it winds up being a touch more expensive than the S22i.
Peloton: Background
Peloton is an exercise equipment and media company that’s based in the United States and has been around since 2012. Peloton sells stationary bicycles and treadmills plus they provide access to online classes that they stream from their studio.
You can view these classes on a screen that comes attached to each bike and treadmill as well as view classes on the Peloton mobile app.
Many different online classes are available to Peloton members and Peloton record the daily classes so you can view them live or on-demand 24 hours a day via the Peloton library.
NordicTrack: Background
NordicTrack began operating in 1975, but in 1998, Icon Health and Fitness acquired the business. They are an American company that manufactures treadmills, exercise bikes, and other indoor training equipment, such as elliptical trainers, rowers, and strength training machines.
NordicTrack also includes several interactive features with their exercise products. Customers can use their iFit membership to stream live and on-demand fitness classes on the screen attached to their bike, treadmill, elliptical, or rower.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s better than a Peloton bike?
This one is obviously up for debate but there are many different models that some herald as a close match with the Peloton. These include the Schwinn IC4, the Echelon the NordicTrack which we have discussed above, and the ProForm. All are great options and have their own perks that make them worth considering.
Which is better Peloton or NordicTrack?
This is another one that’s down to you. In terms of quality and overall customer feedback the Peloton is definitely your better option but if you aren’t bothered about some of the Peloton’s extra features then maybe going for the NordicTrack is a better bet for you. Weigh up the pros and cons above then see which bike you think will suit your situation better.
Is iFit or Peloton better?
While the Peloton instructors tend to be more motivating and unique, the iFit Coach is a very close second. Some of the best features of this app include personalized coaching to meet individual needs and a wide range of classes including outdoor trail rides, boot camp, cycling, etc.
Summary
So, now you have a good idea of whether the Peloton bike is superior to the NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle. Each has its own pros and cons and fanbases so it’s difficult to make a definitive decision on which is best but we know that the NordicTrack is a worthy competitor to the almighty Peloton.
Whichever bike you choose, be it a peloton or a NordicTrack make sure that above all else you enjoy exercising and stay motivated.
Happy cycling!
