NordicTrack Commercial VR Exercise Bike Review

Properties

Model	NordicTrack Commercial VR
Rating Our custom rating considers all of the bike's features, specs, warranties, and 100's of user & expert reviews, to save you time!
List Price Suggested retail price, typically higher than the price you'll pay with our recommended retailers.	$1,299.00
Best Price Since prices change daily, this link goes to our preferred retailer for the current best price. Note: MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.	$699.00
Resistance The flywheel in an exercise bike is what creates resistance. You can choose the level of resistance to increase your workout intensity.	24 Levels
Resistance Type The type of resistance shows what kind of flywheel is being used (if any), and its weight if the manufacturer provides it.	Balanced Flywheel
Type Type refers to the style of the ride: Recumbent bikes allow you to lay back, while Upright bikes are more like road bikes (lean forward).	Recumbent
Visit Site After carefully evaluating each online retailer that offers this bike, this is the website we recommend purchasing from.
Drive System The bike's drive system is how your pedaling interacts with the rest of the bike (flywheel) to give you a good workout.	23 lb. Flywheel
Frame It's important to choose an exercise bike that will last, and the material of the frame determines how durable the bike is.	Heavy-Duty Steel
Seat The most important part for comfortability during your workout, the seat should be adjustable and have ample cushioning.	Adjustable w/ Lumbar Support
Pedals Pedals are the driving force for an exercise bike, and should be comfortable, adjustable, and easy to control without slipping.	Traction-Controlled
Programs Bike Programs allow you to complete a workout with changing speeds and inclines, without changing anything manually.	32
Heart Rate Heart Rate programs allow you to track how many times your heart is beating per minute (bpm), and some control the workout for you.	Pulse Grips & Wireless Chest Strap
Display Display refers to the screen you'll look at to monitor workouts. LED and LCD displays are similar to TV screens.	7" Backlit Display
Max. Weight Max. User Weight is the amount of weight, in pounds (lbs), that the bike can safely support, which can represent durability.	350 lbs
Dimensions Dimensions are included to help you figure out if this treadmill will fit properly (Length x Width x Height and Height x Depth).	58.5" x 27.25" x 55.25"
Accessory Tray Some bikes include an accessory tray for holding items such as water bottles, wallets, keys, or MP3 players like iPods.
Music Ready Bikes that are music ready allow you to plug a music-playing device (iPod, smartphone, etc.) directly into the machine.
Sound System Bike that include a sound system allow you to listen to your MP3 player/iPod through built-in speakers.
Cooling Fans Exercise Bike Cooling Fans are designed to help keep you cool during an intense workout.
Portable? Some exercise bikes can fold up and/or have wheels that make it easy to roll them around for convenience and to save space.
iFit iFit is an online service that lets you map and simulate rides from anywhere in the world, and track your progress wirelessly!
Warranty The warranty is a very important part of your investment. The longer the warranty, the longer you can get free/discounted repairs by the manufacturer.	Frame: Lifetime Parts: 3 Years Labor: 1 Year (In-Home)
Best Deal We do not sell anything; we are a free Exercise Bike Reviews service. This link goes to our top-rated retailer for the NordicTrack Commercial VR

16 Comments

1. Bob

   October 9, 2012

   Your review of the “NordicTrack Commercial VR Exercise Bike” states that “For under $600 you get: Balanced Flywheel Resistance etc. etc.”. Where do I get this bike for under $600?

2. Kyle

   October 9, 2012

   Hi Bob,

   Thanks for the comment!

   The 2013 VR is currently on sale, though as of writing this the price has gone up a bit to $699.

   I just updated the review to reflect the price change.

   Thanks!
   Kyle

3. marty weiss

   November 4, 2012

   My friend just bought this bike and loves it. She said the bike came with the iFit but she she needs a USB cord. What does the USB cord attach to? I have a spare USB cord with micro to mini attachment ends that is used to attach cameras to a computer. Is this the correct one? If so I can give it to her.

   Also, is there an online instruction book I can download? The bike did come with one but she’s not very techno savvy so if I can see the booklet I can help her.

4. Rhonda Ward

   November 4, 2012

   My friend posted on your site and I told him to include me on your list. Please add my e-mail to your list so I can eceive comments and reviews and possible ways to make best use of my new bike.

5. Kyle

   November 5, 2012

   Hi Marty,

   That’s great! I’m glad she likes it. The VR is an excellent bike to choose.

   I think the USB cable needs to be “mini” on both sides (the micro might be too small). If so, Radio Shack or Amazon will have a standard USB cable for really cheap.

   To get the manual, go here for the PDF.

   Hope that helps! Have a great day,
   Kyle

6. Kyle

   November 5, 2012

   Hi Rhonda,

   Glad to hear you’re happy with the VR!

   When you submit a comment, if you check the boxes to be notified of comments and new posts, you will automatically be emailed.

   If you didn’t check those boxes, feel free to submit another comment and check them to subscribe.

   Thanks! Have a good day,
   Kyle

7. Julia Bankson

   November 17, 2012

   How well is this with arthritic knees, having trouble just walking and trying to get back into a shape other than round or is the tread climber better?

8. Kyle

   November 18, 2012

   Hi Julia,

   That’s a great question! Honestly, I would say it depends on which motion you would prefer, based on where the pain is.

   I would try leaning back on a couch with your feet slightly off the floor, and make a pedaling motion to see if that hurts.

   If not, it’s likely that since there’s so little impact on the “ground” (i.e. the pedals) with a recumbent bike, you would probably be better off going that route.

   The motion of the TreadClimber is unique, and though it has very little joint impact, your knees will still be moving in a way they’re not used to.

   I would probably go with the VR or the Sole R92.

   Hope that helps!
   Kyle

9. Marsha

   December 5, 2012

   Hi Kyle,

   When trying to make a decision to purchase either a treadmill or an exercise bike, what should be considered. Does one piece of equipment burn more calories than the other? Thanks for your help.

   Marsha

10. Kyle

    December 5, 2012

    Hi Marsha,

    Excellent question!

    It definitely depends on your goals, and the type of bike or treadmill you choose.

    For example, a recumbent bike is very different from an upright bike, and some treadmills are designed for running on an incline, while others are best for walking.

    That said, most people would agree that a treadmill has the potential to burn more calories if it’s used primarily for running (especially with inclines and interval training).

    Personally, I prefer running on a treadmill, though my wife and I are thinking about getting an exercise bike to mix up our workout routines.

    Sorry to be vague about the calorie burning, but it’s kind of a gray area with a lot of variables.

    Let me know if you have any other questions. Always happy to help!
    Kyle

11. Art

    January 7, 2013

    Using your review among others, I purchased the VR and am pleased with the quality of the bike. It is extremely smooth and well built. What I am not pleased with at all is the Ifit live option that I was so looking forward to using with its link to Google maps. It doesn’t work. Period. Going on both Nordic Track and Ifit sites, the generic statement is they are working on it. There is no time frame. Many users have been dealing with this for months and when requests for credit because the service doesn’t exist, there is no response. How do we get these guys to simply provide the service they sold to us and we paid for?

12. Kyle

    January 7, 2013

    Hi Art,

    Thanks for pointing this out! I don’t have iFit, and you’re the first customer to bring this to my attention.

    I just found a thread on their support forum discussing the server issues they’re having with the new version, and it looks like they posted an update a few days ago that’s fixing the problem for some people.

    I hope this gets fixed for you ASAP. If you get a chance, please keep us posted on how this goes for you!

    Have a good day Art,
    Kyle

13. Marty

    January 7, 2013

    My friend purchased the bike and loves the bike itself. This was back in November. One of the features she used to make this decision to buy this bike was that it supported iFit. She then bought and installed the iFit and it hasn’t worked from day one. (Same problem as the previous person who wrote you.) I am trying to help her and called iFit. They said to go to a live chat techie support they have : ifitlive.com then look for the red button at the bottom of the screen that says support. Click that button and you should be able to get a live chat with a techie. She hasn’t tried this yet but I will report back if she solves the prpblem.

14. Kyle

    January 7, 2013

    Great advice, thanks for the comment Marty!

15. Bryan

    January 29, 2013

    After owning my bike for 3 weeks it started making a clicking noise, I tried to set up a service call, they wanted me to take off the sides. this went on for weeks. after 5 weeks it started making a knocking noise, I updated the service company.. They still wanted me to take it apart and tell them what the problem was. I finally said if someone didn’t come out to look at it, I would dispute the charges with my credit card company. Then they setup a service call for me.. The tech came out yesterday and advised me that it takes a special tool to remove the pedal.. So why did the service company harass me about taking it apart? The service tech had to order bearings, a flywheel and a couple of other parts.. When I asked him why the parts went bad so quickly, he stated they were made in China and were poor quality.. As far as the bike itself I really like it, but if it’s going to need service every 6 weeks, it’s not worth the money..

16. Kyle

    January 29, 2013

    Thanks for the feedback Bryan!

    I hope they take care of it quickly for you.

    Have a good day,
    Kyle

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