7 Differences between a Nordictrack S22i and Peloton Bike
7 key features only found on the NordicTrack S22i bike not on Peloton
Peloton now cost less than a Nordictrack S22i Studio Cycle but has fewer features with a significantly different approach to the workout experience and content. This article covers key differences between the Original Peloton Bike and the latest NordicTrack S22i (including the later S27i) bike. We also consider additional options on the Peloton Bike+ model, which sells at a higher price point, approximately $1000 more.
MAIN DIFFERENCES OVER PELOTON
The S22i bike has a +20% incline & -10% decline
To experience a more realistic road or trail-like simulation. iFit trainers can dynamically adjust cadence(speed) and resistance as you cycle along. This feature, referred to as AutoAdjust, allows you to focus on your ride and not worry about making any adjustments to sync with trainer cues.
Nordictrack bikes can also incline and decline to match the terrain on a trail, road, or mountain ride, – Realtime Trainer Coaching. With a simple touch on the screen or handlebar, you can always opt out, then rejoin the-trainer workout later.
The point of this feature is for if the incline/resistance is proving too easy or too difficult you can make a change, which will then be preserved for the rest of the session, but you still remain in AutoAdjust mode.
Incline - Decline feature of the S22i and S27i Studio Cycles
Not a Gimmick
We totally enjoyed using the incline feature, you really feel the climb or decent as if on you’re on actual hills. The elevation incline feature is not a fancy gimmick, it gets your heart pumping in or out of the saddle, builds strength, stamina, and yes, your quads and calves will burn at first, but then you are rewarded with the downhill, which is super cool, the speed increases and the resistance decreases, as you speed past taking the lead from your trainer. We all agreed this alone is a standout option of the Nordictrack S22i and S27i bikes.
S22i Studio Cycle powered by iFit where your trainer will let you know when it’s time to climb that hill and the bike inclines or the resistance increases to match the terrain. Real-time Trainer Control for a more exciting training experience
2. Nordictrack S22i has trainer-led destination rides
Besides live and on-demand studio classes, you can ride with actual champion cyclists who curate, coach and guide you through mountain paths, trails, and exciting road races – your choice.
iFit trainers are outstanding and dedicated to helping you hit your goals. They are a world-class group of selected athletic professionals chosen from across the globe. iFit Trainer-led rides can be on the trail, in the studio, and on the road plus include cross-training workouts off-the-bike.
Experience iFit - Trainer-led Destination rides. Life is better with a coach. Watch this short video clip above
…. on the trail
….. in the studio
….. on the road
3. S22i touchscreen Swivels 360° degrees
We found this to be a practical option if you hop off your bike for floor exercises without straining to keep your eye on your trainer. A useful feature overlooked by the original Peloton Bike but was added to the Peloton Bike+ where you can swivel and pivot the touchscreen for a better viewing angle. Peloton originally stated the swivel can be 180° degrees left or right, but we were able to swivel the full 360°. Speaking of practical options, one that came out this year on the S22i Studio Cycle is a redesign of the weights-holder that now provides a handy spot to place your phone and things. See below.
NOTE: S27i Bike Model. If you are considering the Nordictrack S27i you will notice that the weights are placed behind the saddle and not in front as with the S22i bike, and the S27i touchscreen is 5 inches wider at 27 inches.
S22i SCREEN SWIVELS
Redesigned weight holder for NordicTrack S22i spin bike with tray for a smart phone or airPod holder. Use quick touch buttons to change incline, cadence or you can use the touchscreen - your preference
4. iFit trainers can change resistance & speed
For true interactive training AutoAdjust– this standard feature on the S22i bike leaves you free to focus on your workout or the ride! Trainer-led classes allow for the instructor to digitally sync and adjust your resistance, and cadence so you don’t have to worry or even think about it. Peloton Bike riders recently stated this option was one of the top items requested on their wish list. The Peloton Bike+ now offers the auto-follow feature where trainers can change resistance but, you will pay over $600+ more than for a Nordictrack S22i bike.
SMARTADJUST
Adding to iFit’s hi-tech integration with the Nordictrack s22i bike is the newly released SmartAdjust feature. For instance, if you’re finding a segment of a ride a little difficult or too easy you can make your own resistance adjustment, and iFit will apply this change across the entire session while remembering the percentage change for future training. As you become stronger and fitter, iFit SmartAdjust will start to take this into account and increase resistance over time — you always have the option to disable SmartAdjust anytime. You will need version 2.6.70 of iFit or later to use it. (iFit will prompt you to update at the end of a ride)
5. One-touch resistance controls on handlebars
The Nordictrack S22i has provided easy access on both handlebars to make changes to resistance or inclines. The one touch controls are much more precise than turning a knob. Another often overlooked S22i bike feature that riders love is the auto-breeze fan – nicely tucked beneath the display it will adjust automatically to your workout intensity to keep you from overheating.
As a note Peloton also charges for the pair of weights which are included with your S22i Studio Cycle. The Weights are used in iFit trainer-led cross-training class segments on and off-the-bike.
The Nordictrack S22i has easy access one touch controls on its handlebars. Plus, unlike Peloton Nordictrack’s S22i bike includes the first year of iFit and a set of weights.
6. iFit Enabled and Workout Content
All NordicTrack exercise bikes come with a 30-day family membership to iFit with all access to Live events, Studio and on-demand classes, personalized training, and destination-led rides. While the monthly cost is comparable with Peloton, iFit is $5 to $11 less per month. NordicTrack gives you an option to pay $39/month or if you pay in full, the cost comes to $33/month – you save $72 – the content of the workout classes is not the same. Peloton costs $44 per month for Peloton All Access, that is $528 per year. vs. $396 for iFit.
In our opinion, iFit is the special ingredient that makes the S22i Studio Cycle and S27i bike stand out from the pack, and not just Peloton. First, the trainer-led content and variety are excellent, both in the studio but especially in real world locations all over the globe, streamed directly to your bike's touchscreen. You will find many excellent trainers and challenges to experience and will not be bored. This is a major content and training difference compared with Peloton, where the majority of workouts experienced are only in a studio setting.
Nordictrack S22i bike iFit road workout screen shot
NordicTrack is committed to expanding iFit interactive training. The huge library offers one of the best ranges of bike-riding workouts to keep you challenged, with new sessions added regularly. There are also monthly and progressive challenge series with rewards for reaching milestones! Technically, iFit is constantly adding new features and app updates regularly that are tightly integrated with the bike, like SmartAdjust and App connectivity to improve your exercise experience.
In addition to studio classes and off the bike cross-fit training, iFit goes well Beyond the Ride offering it’s S22i and S15i bike riders a wide range of one-on-one trainer-led destination rides through fantastic locations, trail and road races across the world
7. S22i Bike warranty is superior to Peloton
Nordictrack S22i warranty offers 10 years on the frame, 2-year parts (includes screen) and 1 year labor. Whereas Peloton offers 5 years on its frame, 1 year on the screen, parts and labor.
The Nordictrack S22i offers a better warranty over Peloton. For more read the Peloton Bike vs. S22i Studio Cycle article or Get the Best Deal. Weights are also included with the S22i Bike
Newly released is the NordicTrack S27i Bike which has an impressive 27-inch HD touchscreen. See a quick visual S27i bike Update Features - Story to see highlights and how it also compares with Peloton –most feature comparisons apply to the S22i Studio bike as well.
RECENT UPDATES:
Update enhancements summary for the latest NordicTrack S22i bike & S27i Studio Bike generation
The 2022 S22i bike console was redesigned with two forward-facing, 30-Watt speakers for a fuller sound. An upgraded touchscreen with improved graphics and a more powerful processor, so it's faster and more responsive.
WiFi connectivity is improved and much faster and very reliable.
Bluetooth improved support for headphones and heart rate devices.
iFit instructors' live control for hill incline, declines, and resistance all improved and are now referred to as AutoAdjust.
The incline/decline motor is now much quieter, quicker, and more accurate.
The phone holder between the weights now ships standard. For S27i Studio Cycle, dumbbell weights are placed behind the bike's saddle like Peloton.
Improved Stability when power-riding out of the saddle
The latest S22i and S27i Studio bike models now ship with Dual-Sided Pedals on one side for cycling shoes with SPD cleats and a toe cage for riders with regular sneakers on the other side. You can easily upgrade/swap out pedals if you wish — see pedals and shoes recommended in the S22i FAQs article.
