NordicTrack S22i vs Peloton Bike+: How Do These Exercise Bikes Compare?

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If you are at all familiar with the fitness industry, you have likely heard of the reputable brands Peloton and NordicTrack. Although both carry a line of fitness equipment, it is their smart exercise bikes, the NordicTrack S22i and Peloton Bike+, which are arguably two of the hottest cardio machines on the market today. Outfitted with immersive training platforms, both bikes enable interactive workouts on high-quality machines which have transformed the way you can experience your home workout.

And while the bikes have some commonalities, they are very different machines offering very different training journeys. The right bike for you is highly dependent on your specific training needs, budget and the workout experience you are seeking.

If you are in the midst of this conundrum and just do not know where to start in regards to choosing between the Bike+ or S22i, you have come to the right place. In this article we will explore everything you need to know about the NordicTrack S22i and the Peloton Bike+. We not only dive deep into the ins and outs of each bike separately, but we also offer a comprehensive comparison of their specs, size, associated fitness platforms, construction, customer service, warranty and workout experience. Ready for the Peloton vs NordicTrack showdown? Let’s go.

What Is a Smart Exercise Bike?

Since the pandemic, the popularity of digital training has skyrocketed. Research has shown that digitally-based exercise not only improves physical health but also provides social and psychological health benefits. As a result, more and more people are opting to work out at home.

Smart exercise bikes are indoor bikes that usually come with interactive screens on which you can enter the world of immersive training. Typically, smart bikes are associated with a specific digital training platform such as iFit or Peloton, that houses on-demand and/or live workouts that vary in type, length, intensity and fitness goals. While their actual construction and look are similar to what you envision when thinking of stationary bikes, the workout experience is quite different.

Many of these smart bikes offer auto resistance which can be controlled by the fitness instructor during your ride. Smart bikes that sync with these training platforms also track your fitness metrics and may actually modify future workouts based on your performance—a very personalized way to train from home. Most digital training platforms are membership based and may or may not be required to use your smart bike.

So why go with a bike? Cycling has been shown to improve cardiorespiratory function, reduce blood pressure, contribute to better mental health and improve overall fitness. Smart bikes are an especially attractive choice for those seeking low-impact workouts that are convenient, engaging and vary in intensity.

How the Nordictrack S22i Works

Key features:

• 22-inch tilt and pivot smart HD touchscreen monitor
• Smart adjust technology
• -10 percent decline and 20 percent incline capabilities
• Trainer-led iFit workouts
• 24 levels of digital resistance
• Two-sided SPD and cage pedals
• Handlebar adjustments
• Vertical/horizontal seat adjustment
• Premium steel frame
• Welded stabilizers

NordicTrack is a tried-and-true name in the realm of fitness equipment manufactures. Founded in 1975, NordicTrack has established itself as a reputable brand producing an array of well-respected cardio machines. In its line of stationary bikes, the NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle Bike is considered the middle of the road bike. But rest assured, there is nothing mediocre about its technology or construction making it a decent contender against the Peloton Bike+.

Providing highly interactive indoor cycling workouts via its 22-inch tilt and pivot smart HD touchscreen, this bike uses Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR) and an inertia-enhanced flywheel to offer 24 levels of digital resistance. Where the S22i really stands out among competitors is in its incline and decline capabilities which range from -10 percent to 20 percent and mimic outdoor riding in a way that no other bike currently can.

Before we dive into the technology, let’s talk about its construction and performance specs. The bike frame itself is made with premium steel and can support a user weight up to 350 pounds. Paired with the vertical adjustment of the handlebars and both horizontal and vertical adjustment of the seat, this bike should accommodate most users. At 205 pounds in the box, the S22i is a heavy machine with a decent footprint measuring 55 inches long, 29.1 inches wide and 56.9 inches high. While some may consider this a relatively compact machine, you certainly need a fair amount of space in your home gym and don’t want to be moving it around.

The S22i comes equipped with iFit—NordicTrack’s interactive training platform. In fact, in purchasing this bike, consumers receive a 30-day free trial membership to iFit after which it costs $39 per month. Membership unlocks access to 1,000 exercise classes, Google Maps technology, monthly challenges, progressive training series and detailed fitness metric tracking to monitor performance progress. Towards that end, the S22i features SmartAdjust machine learning technology to adapt your workouts over time meeting your specific and evolving fitness needs.

When it comes to on-demand classes, iFit is more than just studio-like cycling classes. It houses a variety of other class formats too such as yoga, strength and cross-training. Since the screen does swivel, you can hop off your bike, turn your screen and get started on some floor or other exercises. Included in your purchase are three-pound dumbbells which may not be appropriate for every user but can be a nice perk for those looking to double up cardio and strength.

You are also not limited to just studio classes. Rather, you can join preset scenic rides along with a trainer to keep you motivated. Also unique to iFit is the ability to map your own route anywhere across the globe using the integrated Google Maps technology. The S221’s combination of incline/decline options, 30-watt sound system and 22-inch high-definition monitor with enhanced graphics offers a ride that is about as close as you will come to actually riding outdoors.

Should you choose to stick with on-demand cycle classes, there are plenty to choose from all of which are taught by world-class fitness instructors. The instructor's guide you through the class and thanks to the AutoAdjust technology on the S22i, your bike will automatically lift and tilt to match the instructor’s cues and/or terrain. Not interested in this hands-free experience? Users do have the option to override it and use the handlebar resistance and incline controls.

You do not have to be an iFit member to enjoy the S22i. Should you prefer to opt out of this platform, you can still select from a few pre-programmed workouts including some preselected maps via Google images. It certainly is not as extensive as iFit but offers a way to use the bike without requiring a paid membership.

Other conveniences include an adjustable cooling fan, two water bottle holders, a device holder, and both Bluetooth and headphone connection. Users do report that the device holder does not effectively hold all smart phones and the water bottle holders fall on the small side. It comes with hybrid pedals that are compatible with any cycling shoe with SPD cleats as well as almost any training shoe.

Pros

• Incline/decline capabilities
• 24 levels of digital resistance
• Quiet bike
• 22-inch enhanced graphic touchscreen
• Google Maps integration
• 30-day free trial to iFit
• Three-pound dumbbells included

Cons

• Heavy
• Can be tough to assemble
• Small device holder
• No live classes

How the Peloton Bike+ Works

 Key features:

• 21.5-inch HD swiveling touchscreen
• 16 GB internal flash storage
• 2.2 channel 26 watt front facing stereo speakers
• 2.2 rear-facing woofers
• Magnetic and digital resistance measured as zero to 100 percent
• Resistance knob for manual control and auto-resistance technology
• On-screen controls
• Apple GymKit/Watch integration
• Delta-compatible aluminum pedals

Although newer to the market, the Peloton brand has become a household name almost synonymous with the notion of at-home immersive training. While Peloton does produce both treadmill and bike cardio machines, it is the Peloton Bike that is better known and its flagship product. The Peloton Bike+ is the latest version of the original model with several upgrades designed to enhance the immersive training experience.

This bike features a swiveling 23.8-inch HD touchscreen monitor, built-in array microphone and eight megapixel front-facing camera. But where the Peloton Bike+ really shines is with its 2.2 channel front-facing speakers and 2.2 rear-facing woofers for a 360 degrees of surround sound. As a result, users report feeling like they are actually in a studio cycling class.

The Peloton Bike+ directly syncs to its associated training platform, the Peloton App, which currently costs $44 per month for an all-access membership. With this users can access thousands of live and on-demand workout classes that vary in type, length and intensity. Offering everything from yoga and Pilates to bootcamp and strength, the Peloton platform seems to have something for everyone. Compatible with AppleGym Kit, and any ANT+ heart rate monitor, Peloton tracks in-depth fitness metrics to monitor progress and modify workouts based on your performance.

Live classes are a feature rather unique to Peloton and, according to users, one of its most notable attributes which keeps them motivated. And it is not just members who feel the live classes give an extra push. Some studies have shown that people will better adhere to a given exercise program if they see their name moving up or down a live leaderboard in a virtual game-type manner. During any class, your Bike+ will automatically match the resistance/speed with the instructor's cues. If that seems intimidating, you can override this function.

While it is the training platform that is the center of most fitness chatter, the Peloton Bike+ itself has a solid build. Stomping out a footprint of just four by two feet, the Bike+ is relatively compact. The sturdy frame is made from powder-coated welded steel and can support a user weight up to 297 pounds. The bike works off magnetic resistance and, combined with its power transmission belt, offers a smooth and quiet ride.

The pedals on the Peloton Bike+ require Delta clip-in cycling shoes. As such, that is a cost you will have to incur if you don’t already own a pair. The sport series saddle on the Bike+ has an ergonomic channel similar to those seen on road bikes. But several users have complained about the comfort of the seat, a nuisance that can be fixed with a new seat—another incurred cost. And while the riding experience on the Bike+ is undeniably interactive by nature, the bike itself lacks an incline and decline feature. This is not a deal breaker by any means but, given the cost, is something you should be aware of.

Pros:

• 360-degree surround sound
• Swiveling screen with good graphics
• Delivery and assembly included
• Compact footprint
• Automatic trainer controls and manual option
• Live classes

Cons:

• Expensive
• No incline/decline
• Short warranty for the industry

How the NordicTrack S22i and Peloton Bike+ Compare

Alright, now that you have a detailed picture of what each bike offers, let’s see how they face up against one another when going head-to-head.

Specs at a Glance

Workout classes

Both iFit and Peloton offer a wide array of class types; however, only Peloton provides live classes, a feature coveted by many. With that comes a live leaderboard where members see how they stack up against others. While a select few reviews felt this discouraging, the vast majority were motivated to work harder. These reviews are inline with what some studies have shown about the positive impact leaderboards, gamification and badges have on behavioral change.

Peloton does have some preset scenic rides but they are not really comparable to the integration of Google Maps on iFit. The choice of destinations is almost limitless in iFit whereas there are only a select few routes on Peloton.

Design/pedals/seat

The overall design of both the Bike+ and S22i are similar in that both are constructed with a steel frame, both are upright stationary bikes, both use magnetic resistance for a smooth and quiet ride, both offer automatic controls and both have an adjustable seat and handlebars to customize the fit. Though similar in design, the look and build are very different.

The S22i has a beefy frame with an all steel base, stabilizers and posts. Considering this is a frame that pivots up and down, it is more stable than one would guess. On the other hand, the Peloton Bike+ more resembles a typical spin bike with a large TV mounted on top and does not have the same incline or decline capabilities. That said, we did not come across any user complaints of it feeling unstable or shaky even when riding out of the saddle.

Both the bike pedals and the seat have some noteworthy differences. The S22i pedals are hybrid which means you can use SPD cleats on a cycling shoe or traditional toe cages. With the Bike+, you will need Delta compatible cycling shoes which can be bought directly through Peloton.

Ergonomically designed and padded, the seat on the S22i doesn’t receive really any bad attention from users. The seat on the Bike+ is more of a “sport” saddle with a center channel. Outdoor cyclists likely won’t have issues with this but if you are used to a padded and larger saddle, you may want to replace this one.

Console

The console on the Peloton Bike+ really is just its 23.8-inch 10-point multitouch screen. Additionally, there are two water bottle holders, a dumbbell holder and phone charging ports. The console on the S22i is slightly smaller than the Bike+ measuring 22 inches diagonally. This is where the bulk of the bike’s functionality is controlled. In addition to the monitor, there are two water bottle holders, a fan, dumbbell rack with a pair of three-pound dumbbells, phone holder and a USB charging port.

Equipment and smart accessories

Included in your purchase of the S22i is a pair of three-pound dumbbells whereas weights are sold for an additional cost with the Peloton Bike+. Both bikes come equipped with Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities so you can connect heart rate monitors, wireless headphones and compatible fitness trackers. Neither bike comes with any of the aforementioned accessories (aside from the dumbbells).

Size and installation

If you are short on space, the Peloton Bike+ would be the more attractive of the two bikes but not by much. Peloton recommends an area measuring just four by two feet whereas the S22i requires 55 inches in length alone. Weighing 205 pounds in the box, the S22i is not a machine you want to be moving around.

Because of its size and weight, assembly of the S22i is reportedly time consuming. You will have to put together every single piece which, while not necessarily difficult, will take time. NordicTrack does offer the option to add-on assembly for an additional cost.

Peloton, on the other hand, includes delivery and installation in its price.

Subscriptions and pricing

It would be remiss to not point out what is perhaps the biggest difference between these two machines: the price. At $2,495 plus a $44 monthly subscription, Peloton is the more costly of the two. The difference in price comes in at several hundred dollars when you consider that you may also need to purchase a pair of their cycling shoes and new seat.

While the S22i isn’t cheap, it is more affordable. The bike plus one month of iFit membership costs $1,899. Also included in this cost is a pair of three-pound dumbbells. Because of its hybrid bike pedals, buying a pair of cycling shoes isn’t a requirement. Membership is just a bit less than Peloton coming in at $39 per month.

Customer service/warranty/returns

Customer service

Both Peloton and NordicTrack offer different avenues to contact them. It is possible to connect with both companies via chat on their website, email, phone and social media. Not surprisingly, the reviews on customer service for both companies are mixed but generally, both seem to offer a decent level of support.

Warranty

Given the price you pay for the Bike+, the warranty is a bit disappointing. Peloton offers a limited five-year warranty on the frame and 12 months on the HD touchscreen, components, pedals and labor.

NordicTrack offers just slightly more on for the S22i. This bike comes with a limited 10-year warranty on frame and two-years on parts. It has a labor warranty that is good for one year.

Returns

You can return your Peloton Bike+ within 30 days minus the cost of shipping.

NordicTrack has a 30-day return policy which includes a $250 shipping charge plus a 10 percent restocking fee.

FAQs

Can I do Peloton classes on my Nordictrack bike?

Technically you can do Peloton classes on your NordicTrack bike but the bike will not sync up with the classes. You would have to use manual mode and stream Peloton via another smart device so the experience won’t be the same.

Do Nordictrack and Peloton bikes require special shoes?

Peloton bikes require Delta-compatible cycling shoes which can be purchased on its website. NordicTrack is equipped with hybrid pedals which accommodate SPD cleats on a cycling shoe or traditional athletic shoes.

Can you use the Peloton and Nordictrack bikes without subscriptions?

Yes you can use both the Peloton and NordicTrack bikes without subscriptions but your choices are limited without memberships. On NordicTrack, you can opt for manual mode or select one of the several onboard workouts. WIthout membership to Peloton, you only have access to two pre-recorded classes and the “just ride” feature.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, choosing between the NordicTrack S22i and the Peloton Bike+ is like choosing between a Ferrari or Lamborghini. Both are high-quality, costly, well-established and high-performing which makes both good options for your home gym. It really boils down to your budget, specific fitness goals, floor space and personality. Are you a cyclist looking to mimic outdoor riding? The S22i is likely a better fit for you. Are you motivated by live classes led by world-class instructors? Peloton Bike+ would likely be the bike for you. Whether you are a beginner or experienced athlete, we recommend writing down your list of “must-have” features and narrowing down your bottom line. And the reality is that it’s hard to go wrong here as both bikes are very well-received in the fitness community.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.