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NordicTrack Commercial S22i
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NordicTrack Commercial S22i Console
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Height and Width of S22i
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S22i's Interactive Screen
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Elevation View of S22i
NordicTrack Commercial S22i Review
The S22i is NordicTrack’s response to the Peloton revolution. It allows you to bring the energizing atmosphere of a studio spin bike class home.
NordicTrack Commercial S22i Specs
| Rating | 9 |
|---|---|
| Type | Indoor |
| Console display | 22” Smart HD Touchscreen |
| Compact storage | no |
| Resistance | 22 |
| Seat type | Ergonomic Padded Saddle |
| Programs | iFit |
| Flywheel | Inertia-enhanced Flywheel |
| Weight capacity | 350 LBS |
| Dimensions | 55.0" L x 21.9" W x 56.9" H |
Why You Should Trust Us
The Commercial S22i Studio Cycle is NordicTrack’s response to the Peloton revolution. Its iFit-enabled 22-inch Smart HD touchscreen allows you to bring the energizing atmosphere of a studio spin bike class home. Just hop on, tune into a spin class video, and ride towards your fitness goals alongside world-class iFit trainers and other spinners around the world.
Priced at $1,999 before discounts, the S22i is NordicTrack’s premium Commercial Studio Cycle for 2020. You can easily distinguish the S22i from the cheaper S15i because of its 22-inch screen. The S15i has a smaller 14” screen, but other components of the two bikes are identical. These features include: Non-slip, multi-position handlebars; 22 levels of digital resistance; power incline (and decline) with settings from -10% to +20%; and pedals with cages. Both models are also compatible with standard road bike pedals and seats. Other key features of both bikes include wireless telemetry and iPod-compatible speaker systems. We also love that both bikes include a set of 3 lb. dumbbells for upper-body workouts.
It’s worth noting here that MYX Fitness recently entered the ring with a close-to-Peloton experience for a very reasonable price. If a connected bike with a built-in screen is what you’re interested in, but you’re finding the price of entry of the S22i a bit too daunting, we’d recommend a read of our full MYX Fitness Bike review.
So, how does the NordicTrack S22i compare with the Peloton studio cycle? Most obvious is the identical 22” screen size, which helps to create immersive workout experiences. Both bikes are wonderfully compact too.
One important difference is that only the NordicTrack S22i has power incline/decline. This is an exciting feature to use alongside iFit workouts and Google Maps riding trails, as it really brings your ride or routine to life.
Another key difference is the type of instruction available with your $39 monthly membership. With NordicTrack, your iFit spin videos aren’t shown live like some of the Peloton classes, and the selection of spin classes is smaller. Peloton has a pretty impressive daily live schedule of spin classes for you to choose from. The trade off is that iFit includes many other benefits such as global workouts in beautiful locations, Google Maps rides where you virtually bike outside, a larger variety of personal trainers, and lots of other personal training related tips and tricks. It’s also more interactive because iFit instructors can control your resistance and incline during workouts; Peloton workouts require you to amend your resistance manually. During iFit workouts, your trainer automatically adjusts your machine to match their instructions, fully immersing you in the class. Both bike memberships also provide exercise guidance in areas outside the cycling arena, from yoga to kickboxing to meditation.
Standard warranty coverage for the NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle includes 10 years of coverage for the frame, 2 years for parts and 1 year for labor. Dig deeper into the pros and cons of the NordicTrack S22i below.
The Great
- 22-inch HD Touchscreen: NordicTrack named the Commercial S22i Studio Cycle after its impressive 22-inch touchscreen which has HD resolution for iFit workouts.
- On-Demand Cycling Classes: iFit makes it easy to stay motivated. As well as giving you the chance to mix up your workouts each time you hop on the bike, you’ll also get lots of encouragement from world-class personal trainers during rides. If you use the S22i with iFit, each time you power up your bike, the big screen will welcome you with tailored workout suggestions. The spin studio videos provide a sort of virtual reality gym experience in which the iFit instructor addresses the camera with specific tips and general encouragement.
- Quiet Magnetic Resistance: The S22i uses NordicTrack’s SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance. This friction-free resistance system helps the bike operate quietly. You can choose from 22 digital resistance levels for tailored strength training along with cardio exercise.
- Upper-Body Exercise: The NordicTrack S22i is shipped with a pair of three-pound dumbbells. Storage is provided below the bike’s console (behind the handlebars), so your weights are always within easy reach, making it easy to pack in some upper-body exercises during rides. Not sure where to start with this? No problem, many of the iFit cycling videos provide instruction on how to incorporate upper-body workouts into your rides.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: The S22i has contact pulse sensors and is also compatible with Bluetooth chest straps for wireless heart rate monitoring. With iFit, you can automatically chart your pulse to track your cardio health in the long term.
- Adjustable Saddle: This bike’s saddle is adjustable both vertically and horizontally to fit a wide range of user heights. It’s padded to promote comfort and endurance. Additionally, it’s interchangeable with standard road bike saddles; you can customize your exercise bike to make it feel like your outdoor ride.
- Caged Pedals: To give you extra stability during intense spin classes, the S22i has pedal cages. You can swap the pedals for standard road bike pedals too, if that’s your style.
- Compact Steel Frame: Compared with most home fitness machines, indoor cycle trainers need little space. The NordicTrack S22i is just 55.0 inches long by 21.9 inches wide.
- Transport Wheels: The S22i has transport wheels for easy repositioning after workouts. Just tilt the bike to roll it into position.
- Emergency Stop: A prominent red brake button lets you quickly stop the wheel.
The Not-So-Great
- Assembly: The price of the NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle doesn’t include free delivery. This is partly due to the complex assembly; this bike has more than 150 parts. NordicTrack includes a separate $249 white glove delivery and installation cost at the checkout.
- Slow Customer Service: Typical wait times for NordicTrack customer service have been long in our anonymous shopping experiences and according to customer reviews.
Who Should Use The NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle?
The S22i is optimized for fast calorie burn. Its custom workout videos appeal to people who’d appreciate some upper-body exercise along with lower-body exercise and cardio training.
Thanks to 22 resistance settings, this bike can offer a just-right challenge to just about anyone. Owing to its adjustability and 350-pound weight limit, it’s also a comfortable and safe ride for adults of most sizes.
Like any NordicTrack machine, the S22i delivers the best value to people who enjoy trying new workouts on a regular basis. If you think that studio-like training experiences, an unlimited number of Google Maps workouts and other customized workout programs will help you to stay motivated, then NordicTrack is a great brand for you in general.
NordicTrack studio cycles are for high-energy training. If you seek mostly low-intensity rides that are gentler on your knees, then a different style of exercise bike – especially a recumbent bike – would be a better match.
Bottom Line
For years, iFit has helped to make NordicTrack a leading exercise bike brand. The Commercial S22i allows you to benefit from iFit personal training in a new way: with videos of high quality spin classes on demand! You’ll also get access to the longtime favorite iFit feature — unlimited Google Maps workouts — with vivid landscape views and automated incline/decline.
All in all, the S22i is a fantastic option for alternating between gym-style training and scenic outdoor tours. You could spend less on an exercise bike that’s just as durable as the S22i, but its workouts probably won’t be as enticing or motivating. If saving money isn’t a top priority, then the high-tech S22i Studio Cycle is a logical finalist in your search for a fun spin bike.
What’s Changed for this Year
Each year manufacturers upgrade their models by adding more features, particularly to the tech and screen elements. This can be confusing for those shopping online. Occasionally one might see the same bike offered with different features, and this might be what’s occurring. Below is a breakdown of the new features added to the 2021 model up from the 2020.
New for 2021 over 2020
- Better Screen: The 22-inch Smart HD Touchscreen features improved HD graphics and added processor cooling.
- Faster Connectivity: Improved dual 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi Connectivity make for faster performnce, along with 2X more RAM.
- More options: The 2021 model has a new Android 9 OS.
- Improved Access: The 2021 model features improved Bluetooth headphones and heart rate connectivity.
- Less Noise: For quieter home performance, the 2021 model sports new Quiet Drive Incline technology.
NordicTrack Commercial S22i Specs
| Rating | 9 |
|---|---|
| Type | Indoor |
| Console display | 22” Smart HD Touchscreen |
| Compact storage | no |
| Resistance | 22 |
| Seat type | Ergonomic Padded Saddle |
| Programs | iFit |
| Flywheel | Inertia-enhanced Flywheel |
| Weight capacity | 350 LBS |
| Dimensions | 55.0" L x 21.9" W x 56.9" H |
