NordicTrack Commercial S22i Exercise Bike Review (2024) | BarBend (2024)

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When looking at the best exercise bikes on the market, there are a wide range of silhouettes to choose from. Sure, there are affordable bikes with features that mimic the utilitarian profiles you’d find at your local spin studio, but there’s also luxurious builds like the NordicTrack S22i, which can serve more as a workout foundation than a regular exercise bike. With its 22-inch swiveling HD touchscreen and iFIT integration, the Commercial S22i can be great for athletes invested in cycling yet still want to cross train across different disciplines.

As a premium silhouette in comparison to the over 20 different exercise bikes we’ve tested over the years, the NordicTrack Commercial S22i is best suited for those looking for a single piece of cardio equipment that has the versatility to support other streamable training modalities. Of course, these features come at a price, which may be too high for some budgets. We dive into costs, training notes, key features, and more in our NordicTrack Commercial S22i review below.

NordicTrack Commercial S22i

NordicTrack Commercial S22i

The NordicTrack Commercial S22i is high-tech and high quality, featuring both advancements like a 22” touchscreen display, and solid specs like 24 levels of quiet magnetic resistance.

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NordicTrack Commercial S22i Exercise Bike Video Review

BarBend’s Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, tested the NordicTrack Commercial S22i firsthand in the BarBend garage gym. Follow along to his detailed video review as he breaks down everything there is to know about this rowing machine.

Main Takeaways

• The Commercial S22i is compatible with the iFIT training platform, giving you access to over 17,000 on-demand workouts and real-world scenic rides powered by Google Maps.
• AutoAdjust technology can automatically toggle your resistance, decline, and incline with your on-screen instructor for a more convenient and focused training experience.
• Due to the larger 22-inch console and heavy frame components, we recommend tackling the assembly process with an extra set of hands.

NordicTrack Commercial S22i Exercise Bike Highlights

Structurally, the NordicTrack Commercial S22i measures 61 inches long by 22 inches wide, which equates to a footprint of 9.31 square feet. For reference, that’s slightly larger than your average medium-sized coffee table (7.78 square feet). (1) This makes the S22i studio bike slightly larger than one of the best exercise bikes for small spaces, but by no means cumbersome when compared to other pieces of exercise equipment.

As far as weight is concerned, the Commercial S22i comes in at 205 pounds, making it somewhat heavy in comparison to other spin bikes on the market. Thankfully, NordicTrack does include front transport wheels for better portability.

According to our tester, though, you’ll need to be mindful of where you’re going when trying to move this bike into position. “I was definitely conscious of my approach angles and turns to ensure that I didn’t bump the large console off any corners or furniture,” they added.

Speaking of the console, the S22i is equipped with a 22-inch smart HD touchscreen that can deliver clear visuals and easy-to-read metrics during training. We also appreciate that the display can swivel for better viewing angles when taking an off-bike iFIT class catering to strength training, yoga, HIIT, or another discipline.

In addition to the bike workouts and other modalities offered through iFIT, this exercise bike also features virtual “outdoor rides” powered by Google Maps. You can essentially travel the world through some of the most eye-catching scenery all from the comforts of your living room or training space. This feature helped the S22i land on our list of the best exercise bikes with virtual courses.

Plus, the AutoAdjust technology toggles your resistance levels — there are 24 across the Silent Magnetic Resistance system — and your incline and decline to better simulate real-world conditions.

While the tech features of this NordicTrack stationary bike are impressive, the brand also features more basic conveniences across the profile as well. The Commercial S22i comes equipped with dual water bottle holders for mid-training hydration, a built-in AutoBreeze fan for keeping yourself cooled down during workouts, and hybrid SPD+ toe clip pedals that can be used without the need to purchase your own cycling shoes. Plus, NordicTrack throws in two 3-pound dumbbells that can help you mix in a little strength training mid-ride.

Lastly, one of the biggest perks to the Commercial S22i is its integration with the iFIT platform, but you need to remember that access to the service does come with a monthly subscription cost of $39. NordicTrack offers a 30-day trial period when purchasing the S22i, and discounts are available for multi-year agreements, but you’ll want to consider this additional cost when trying to picture the financial side of this home gym equipment. After all, the S22i is roughly $2,000 on its own, so an extra monthly charge may be too much for some budgets.

[Related: iFIT Review]

Training With the NordicTrack Commercial S22i Exercise Bike

To get a feel for what the Commercial S22i can bring to those in the process of building their home gym, we rode this impressive NordicTrack offering for multiple weeks, tackling multiple training modules across the Google Maps-powered virtual rides and iFIT programming alike. We also utilized the swiveling touchscreen display for some off-bike workouts, to examine how effective this profile could be for cross-training purposes.

We used a multi-point methodology to rate the NordicTrack Commercial S22i exercise bike in categories such as durability, ergonomics, dynamic programming, ease of assembly, and more, scoring it on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). For further information on how we trial and test products for our online content, be sure to read the BarBend Equipment Testing Methodology page.

Durable, Ergonomic Design

The weight of the Commercial S22i may seem cumbersome on paper, but that added heft actually pays its dividends in terms of durability according to our tester. “There’s no wobbliness across the profile when taking on high-intensity workouts, and I also appreciate the higher 350-pound weight capacity,” they stated in reference to their 4 out of 5 durability rating. “I’ve typically seen exercise bikes with listed ratings of 250 or 300 pounds, so this NordicTrack profile is above average in my book.”

The durability of this indoor cycling bike also blends nicely with the ergonomics, which we scored at 4.8 out of 5. Adjustments to the seat depth and height are simple, and you can also adjust your handlebar height easily, which our tester recommends for novice cyclists. “If you’re brand new to indoor cycling, it can be best to set the handlebars above your seat to alleviate some lower back pain during rides.”

This NordicTrack Commercial S22i also features hybrid SPD+ Toe Clip pedals, which eliminates the need for clipless cycling shoes (meaning clip-in shoes that attach your foot to the pedal itself). If you do prefer to tackle indoor bike workouts with niche footwear, you can quickly swap out the pedals for a more accommodating setup.

Engaging iFIT Workouts

Like the best NordicTrack treadmills, rowers, and other fitness equipment, the Commercial S22i is compatible with the iFIT app for on-demand digital workouts. The workout library features over 17,000 modules, including sessions outside of just indoor cycling for keeping things fresh as you work through your fitness journey.

This iFIT integration also gives you the power to virtually cycle across the globe thanks to the Google Maps-powered scenic rides. “I really enjoy having both virtual rides and studio classes at my disposal, as it makes the entire training experience more engaging,” says our tester who rated the dynamic programming at 5 out of 5. “You can essentially escape to some of the world’s most beautiful locations and pedal through the scenery without leaving your abode.”

Another component to the iFIT compatibility is the AutoAdjust technology. This feature automatically toggles your resistance, incline, and decline settings for you rather than having you pause your on-screen workouts to make changes accordingly. We appreciate this convenience since it allows athletes to focus more on their output and performance rather than worrying about their bike’s settings mid-workout.

While we do think highly of iFIT, having named it one of the best fitness apps on the market, we do recommend ensuring your Wi-Fi network is strong enough to support a new device before getting the S22i delivered to your doorstep. Our tester did note that spotty networks can be troublesome when streaming workouts, leading to the occasional lag and annoying glitch.

Also, be sure to account for the $39 monthly charge when budgeting — the S22i’s manual mode is rather underwhelming, so we wouldn’t recommend purchasing it without an iFIT subscription.

Strenuous Assembly Process

Okay, so we don’t doubt the effectiveness and enjoyment at play with the Commercial S22i’s training capabilities … but getting to the point of actually using one of the best cardio machines is an effort in itself given the lengthier assembly process.

We rated the entire building procedure at 4.5 out of 5 because rather than attaching just a few components, NordicTrack individually wraps every piece, such as the bike seat, frame, handlebars, and console, meaning there are more steps in the process overall.

Our tester did state that assembly is accomplishable on your own, but having an extra set of hands makes the entire process more approachable. “Some of the components, like the 22-inch display, are heavy and cumbersome,” they noted. “Having a helper can make the entire process go much smoother, especially when trying to run the wiring from the base of the bike up to the console.”

For those less confident in their handyman skill set, NordicTrack offers an in-home assembly package starting at $199. With this service, NordicTrack professionals will deliver the Commercial S22i exercise bike to your room of choice, assemble it entirely, and remove all included packaging materials. This team can also haul one piece of old home gym equipment away for an extra $99.

What to Consider Before Buying the NordicTrack Commercial S22i Exercise Bike

Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer, states, “Cycling brings an impressive collection of health benefits to the table: cardiovascular health, endurance, stamina, muscular endurance are all improved with cycling, to name a few.” As such, you want to ensure that the bike you choose is right for your specific fitness goals and training space. Below are a few factors we recommend thinking over before adding an exercise bike like the NordicTrack Commercial S22i to your online cart.

Product Dimensions

Cycling indoors, according to studies, can be excellent for improving your cardiovascular health without the need for high-impact movement. (2) However, in order to take advantage of this indoor training discipline, you need to get the machine through the door in the first place. Take some measurements of your available space and be sure that your chosen exercise bike’s dimensions fit comfortably across your home gym flooring.

The NordicTrack Commercial S22i takes up roughly 9.31 square feet, which is slightly larger than an average coffee table. (1) We also recommend leaving a little wiggle room across the sides of the bike in order to get in and out of the saddle more comfortably.

Available Programming

You should also consider the programming available with your exercise bike. These workouts are typically available in the form of preset programs built into the machine itself or on-demand and live classes streamed directly across the console (or your personal smart device) through some of the best online workout programs. These digital modules can be excellent for creating an interactive training experience that has you following along to on-screen instructors or developed challenges.

If you’re looking at the Commercial S22i as a possible indoor bike, you’ll be happy to find that the machine is compatible with the iFIT platform, offering over 17,000 on-demand workouts catering to multiple fitness disciplines.

Capritto notes, though, that exercise bikes with integrated screens and streamable training modules often carry with them a higher price tag. You’ll need to pay extra for the more robust console and will oftentimes need to shell out more for content through a monthly or yearly subscription plan.

Portability

If your home fitness aspirations don’t necessarily feature an ample amount of space, you’ll need to look for fitness equipment that can be easily moved in and out of position for easier storage. Unlike other cardio machines, like the best ellipticals and rowing machines, exercise bikes feature a smaller silhouette that can be more manageable within your floor plan. However, they can still be robust and cumbersome, especially if your machine isn’t equipped with portability features, like transport wheels or a foldable frame.

This Commercial S22i studio cycle from NordicTrack does come with front transport wheels, but we recommend taking your time when transporting this profile in and out of storage. For one, there is no back handlebar for better control during movement, so you’ll need to keep a firm grip across the rear base to ensure it doesn’t fall out of your hands. Additionally, the large 22-inch HD touchscreen can be tricky to maneuver around corners, so be careful when wheeling this bike around to best prevent damage to your console.

Resistance Type

Finally, you’ll also need to consider how resistance is built across your exercise bike. In general, you have three options: magnetic, friction, or air. Magnetic bikes can be excellent for high-intensity training needs and the system doesn’t create a ton of noise as the flywheel spins. Friction-based exercise bikes can also be relatively quiet, although the flywheel rubbing against the friction component (oftentimes a rubber or leather pad) can generate some buzz.

Air bikes can be a great challenge for fitness enthusiasts and often feature longer arms for more upper body engagement. However, given that the flywheel is basically a giant fan, air bikes are often the loudest stationary bikes on the market.

The NordicTrack S22i studio cycle features an inertia-enhanced flywheel that operates with the brand’s Silent Magnetic Resistance system. Resistance settings are toggled through quick-adjust buttons along the display or automatically mid-workouts thanks to the AutoAdjust features available through iFIT.

NordicTrack Commercial S22i Exercise Bike Vs. The Competition

We’ve continuously held high praises for the NordicTrack S22i studio bike, routinely placing it at the top of our leaderboard thanks to its impressive durability, high-quality programming, and versatile use for off-bike workouts. That said, there’s always room for comparison, so here are three similar stationary bikes worth your time when considering the Commercial S22i for your training space — the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 14, Echelon Connect EX-8s, and the Peloton Bike.

Like the Commercial S22i, the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 14 operates with iFIT, includes dual 3-pound dumbbells for upper body engagement, and features Bluetooth headphone connectivity for better audio experiences during training. The Studio Bike Pro 14 is also cheaper at $1,404. However, that lower cost translates to fewer adjustable metrics — this ProForm offering does not offer incline or decline settings — as well as a lower weight capacity.

With more magnetic resistance levels to choose from and a larger HD touchscreen, the Echelon Connect EX-8s can also be worthwhile for athletes wanting an efficient, high-quality workout experience at home. We also appreciate the lighter frame weight that makes this bike more maneuverable than the Commercial S22i. The major difference between these silhouettes lies in the price point, though, with the Connect EX-82 coming in $1,000 more than the NordicTrack. For more information, be sure to read our Echelon Connect EX-8s review.

Finally, the Peloton Bike is synonymous with indoor spin classes, and the Peloton app is a close competitor to the iFIT platform. Looking at the costs of each profile, you’ll pay more for the Commercial S22i machine ($1,999 compared to $1,445) but access to the digital training platform goes in favor of iFIT ($39 monthly as opposed to $44 monthly).

The Peloton Bike also does not feature incline or decline adjustments, meaning those wanting to mimic on-road conditions or add different layers of intensity to their sessions will be better suited with the NordicTrack offering. For more details, read our Peloton Bike review.

Places to Buy the NordicTrack Commercial S22i Exercise Bike

The Commercial S22i is available online directly from NordicTrack. You can also find this high-quality exercise bike at select third-party retailers, including Best Buy, Amazon, Target, and others.

Customer Experience

When ordering the NordicTrack Commercial S22i, the process is rather simple. Prior to checkout, you can upgrade your iFIT membership agreement for year-long or multi-year coverage. Doing so can also save you some money over the month-to-month billing cycle. NordicTrack offers the following packages for iFIT:

• One-year iFIT Membership: $396 ($72 in savings)
• Two-year iFIT Membership: $699 ($237 in savings)
• Three-year iFIT Membership: $899 ($505 in savings)

You can also choose your shipping package, of which NordicTrack offers three different options:

• Standard Delivery (Free): Your exercise bike will be delivered to the first location safe from inclement weather (if possible) with no assembly assistance.
• Room of Choice Delivery and Assembly ($199): Your exercise bike will be delivered to any room you choose. White glove professionals will assemble your equipment and remove any packaging.
• Delivery, Assembly, and Disposal of Old Equipment ($298): You’ll receive room-of-choice delivery and white glove assembly. Plus, one piece of old fitness equipment will be removed from your home along with any packaging materials.

After our experiences setting up this Commercial S22i, we feel the in-home assembly is worthwhile if you can afford it. Some of the components, including the 22-inch HD touchscreen, can be difficult to maneuver into position, especially if you’re trying to tackle this endeavor on your own. If you do opt for the standard delivery, we strongly suggest having a partner assist with getting the bike built.

Warranties

NordicTrack offers a standard warranty package featuring 10-year coverage for the frame, two-year support for parts, and one-year coverage for labor. The brand offers three- and four-year extended warranty coverage plans for an additional fee that can help you stay protected for up to six years on parts and five years on labor, too.

You also have the option of purchasing NordicTrack’s three-year maintenance plan, which extends your parts and labor coverage and features an annual 15-point maintenance check.

Company Information

NordicTrack has been a staple in the home fitness category for nearly 50 years, producing some of the best treadmills, rowing machines, exercise bikes, and ellipticals we’ve tested. Many NordicTrack silhouettes are also compatible with the iFIT digital training platform, as both brands are owned by the ICON Health and Fitness Group.

For customer service needs, you can contact NordicTrack in multiple ways. NordicTrack support staff is available at 1-833-680-4348. A live chat is also available on the brand’s site.

In Conclusion

Across multiple tests and trials, the NordicTrack Commercial S22i exercise bike has continued to impress us, proving that it’s deserving of its top billing amongst connected exercise bikes. The expansive iFIT library is fantastic for on-bike and off-bike sessions, and we appreciate how NordicTrack appeals to this versatility through the swiveling HD touchscreen for easier viewing. Yet still, the brand doesn’t miss the meat and potatoes of indoor cycles by giving athletes a sturdy frame and worthwhile warranty package in case things were ever to go awry.

If you’re considering adding the Commercial S22i to your home gym layout, you should first think about your preferred training method. This exercise bike caters directly to those that want to stream their workouts rather than build their own programming. Plus, make sure your budget can support the $39 monthly iFIT charge on top of the machine’s $1,999 price tag. The Commercial S22i (and its supporting content) are expensive, indeed, but as we’ve found, this is a definite “get what you pay for” situation.

NordicTrack Commercial S22i Exercise Bike FAQs

References

1. The Ultimate Guide to end table & coffee table sizes. Wayfair. (n.d.). https://www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and-advice/guides/the-ultimate-guide-to-end-table-coffee-table-sizes-T12889
2. Chavarrias, M., Carlos-Vivas, J., Collado-Mateo, D., & Pérez-Gómez, J. (2019). Health benefits of Indoor Cycling: A Systematic Review. Medicina, 55(8), 452. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6722762/