Peloton vs. NordicTrack Bike: A Comprehensive Comparison

Features Comparison

Display:

Peloton Bike: The Peloton bike features a 22-inch HD touchscreen display, allowing users to stream live and on-demand workout classes.

NordicTrack Bike: NordicTrack’s S22i Studio Cycle comes with a 22-inch HD touchscreen display, similar to Peloton’s, for streaming iFit workout classes.

Resistance:

Peloton Bike: Peloton uses magnetic resistance with 100 levels, providing a smooth and quiet cycling experience.

NordicTrack Bike: The NordicTrack S22i also employs magnetic resistance but offers 24 levels, making it easier to fine-tune the intensity of your workout.

Incline and Decline:

Peloton Bike: The Peloton bike does not feature incline or decline adjustments.

NordicTrack Bike: NordicTrack’s S22i stands out with its ability to automatically adjust between a -10% decline and a 20% incline, simulating real-life outdoor terrain.

Pedals:

Peloton Bike: The Peloton bike comes with Look Delta-compatible pedals, requiring specific cycling shoes with compatible cleats.

NordicTrack Bike: The NordicTrack S22i features dual-sided pedals, with one side compatible with standard athletic shoes and the other side designed for SPD cleats, offering more versatility.

Subscription Service:

Peloton Bike: Peloton’s subscription service, Peloton All-Access Membership, costs $39/month and offers live and on-demand classes, scenic rides, and performance tracking.

NordicTrack Bike: NordicTrack’s iFit membership, included free for the first year with the S22i, provides live and on-demand classes, scenic rides, and performance tracking, and costs $33/month or $396/year after the first year.

Price Points:

Peloton Bike: The Peloton bike starts at $1,895, with the Essentials package (including bike mat, weights, and headphones) priced at $2,045, and the Works package (including all Essentials plus heart rate monitor and bike shoes) at $2,145.

NordicTrack Bike: The NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle is priced at $1,999, and often includes free shipping and a one-year iFit membership.

Brand Features

Peloton

Strong community: Peloton has a large and active community of users, providing motivation, support, and friendly competition.

High-quality instructors: Peloton is known for its exceptional instructors who provide engaging and challenging workouts.

Frequent content updates: Peloton regularly adds new classes and workout programs to its platform, ensuring a varied workout experience.

NordicTrack

Diverse workout options: NordicTrack’s iFit platform offers a wide range of workouts, including yoga, strength training, and outdoor runs, in addition to cycling classes.

Google Maps integration: iFit integrates with Google Maps, allowing users to create custom routes and ride anywhere in the world.

Renowned brand: NordicTrack is a well-established brand in the fitness industry, known for its high-quality exercise equipment and innovative technology.

Pros and Cons of Peloton vs. NordicTrack Bike

Peloton Bike

Pros:

• • Engaging and motivating instructors

• • Large and supportive community

• • Frequent updates to workout content

• • Smooth and quiet magnetic resistance with 100 levels

Cons:

• • Higher initial cost

• • Monthly subscription fee required for full functionality

• • Lack of incline/decline features

• • Specific cycling shoes required for Look Delta-compatible pedals

NordicTrack Bike

Pros:

• • Wide range of workout options beyond cycling

• • Incline and decline features for a more realistic riding experience

• • Dual-sided pedals accommodate both regular athletic shoes and SPD cleats

• • One-year iFit membership included

Cons:

• • Fewer resistance levels compared to Peloton (24 levels)

• • Some users may find the community aspect less engaging than Peloton’s

• • Slightly bulkier design compared to the Peloton bike

How to Choose Between Peloton and NordicTrack Bikes

When deciding between a Peloton and NordicTrack bike, consider the following factors:

Budget: Evaluate your budget and consider the initial costs, as well as the ongoing monthly subscription fees for each bike.

Workout preferences: If you prefer a strong community and engaging instructors, Peloton may be the better choice. If you want a wider variety of workouts and terrain simulation with incline/decline features, consider the NordicTrack S22i.

Pedal compatibility: If you already own cycling shoes, ensure they are compatible with the bike’s pedal system. If you prefer using regular athletic shoes, NordicTrack’s dual-sided pedals may be more suitable.

Space constraints: Assess your available space, as the NordicTrack S22i is slightly larger than the Peloton bike.

Brand reputation: Consider the reputation of each brand and read user reviews to get an understanding of the quality and reliability of their products.

By evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the indoor cycling bike that best suits your needs and preferences.

Alternatives to Peloton and NordicTrack Bikes

While Peloton and NordicTrack are both popular and reputable indoor cycling bike brands, it’s essential to consider other options that may suit your needs and preferences better. Here are three alternative indoor cycling bike brands to explore:

Echelon: Echelon offers a variety of indoor cycling bikes with different features and price points. The Echelon Connect series features a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) approach, allowing you to use your tablet or smartphone as the display for live and on-demand workouts. The Echelon EX series comes with a built-in touchscreen display similar to Peloton and NordicTrack bikes.

MYXfitness: MYXfitness bikes are designed with a focus on personalized heart rate zone training. MYXfitness offers a large, rotating display that allows you to switch between cycling and floor-based workouts seamlessly. The MYX membership includes a wide range of workout types, including cycling, strength training, yoga, and more.

Bowflex: The Bowflex VeloCore series features the innovative Lean Mode, which allows the bike to tilt side-to-side, mimicking the feeling of riding outdoors. With a built-in touchscreen display and compatibility with the JRNY platform, Bowflex bikes offer a variety of workout options, including personalized coaching and scenic rides.

Financing and Payment Options

Peloton and NordicTrack both offer financing options to make their bikes more accessible and affordable. Understanding these options can help you choose the best indoor cycling bike for your budget.

Peloton Financing

Peloton offers financing through Affirm, allowing you to pay for your bike over time with fixed monthly payments. The financing terms can range from 12 to 39 months, with 0% APR for qualified buyers. The monthly cost depends on the chosen package and any additional accessories you select.

NordicTrack Financing 

NordicTrack provides financing through TD Bank, N.A. Qualified buyers can enjoy 0% APR for 12 or 36 months, depending on the purchase amount. The monthly cost will vary depending on the price of the NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle and any additional accessories you choose.

Summary

It’s essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of each financing option before making a decision. Remember to factor in the ongoing monthly subscription fees for Peloton All-Access Membership or iFit when determining the overall affordability of each bike.

Benefits of Indoor Cycling

Indoor cycling offers several advantages over other forms of exercise, making it an attractive option for those looking to improve their health and fitness. Some of the key benefits include:

Low-impact exercise: Cycling is a low-impact exercise, placing minimal stress on your joints compared to high-impact activities like running. This makes indoor cycling suitable for individuals with joint issues or those recovering from injury.

Cardiovascular fitness: Indoor cycling is an excellent way to improve your cardiovascular fitness, helping to strengthen your heart, lungs, and circulatory system.

Calorie burning: High-intensity cycling workouts can burn a significant number of calories, supporting weight loss and overall fitness goals.

Muscle toning: Indoor cycling engages multiple muscle groups, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and core, helping to build strength and tone muscles.

Convenience and accessibility: Indoor cycling bikes allow you to exercise in the comfort and privacy of your own home, eliminating the need for gym memberships or reliance on weather conditions.

Motivation and engagement: With live and on-demand classes, engaging instructors, and supportive communities, indoor cycling can provide a fun and motivating workout experience that keeps you coming back for more.

Conclusion

Peloton and NordicTrack are both reputable brands offering high-quality indoor cycling bikes with advanced features. The Peloton bike excels in creating an engaging and motivating workout experience with its exceptional instructors and supportive community. In contrast, the NordicTrack S22i offers a more diverse range of workouts and unique features like incline and decline adjustments. By comparing their features, price points, and considering your personal preferences, you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect indoor cycling bike for your home gym.

Keep Reading: Explore the Airdyne bike,  a stationary bike that uses air resistance to provide a challenging workout.