Quick Summary
NordicTrack’s GX 3.5 Sport with chain drive is their entry level indoor cycle trainer. Its $399 online sale price is a decent match for the bike. The typical $1000 price tag is a bit ridiculous. Still, it offers lots of power and a realistic sense of road biking. Highlights of the GX 3.5 Sport are a 40-pound flywheel, pedals with toe cages and straps, and good saddle adjustability to fit a wide range of rider sizes. This is a decent option for an introductory or temporary trainer. Don’t expect anything more than the basics, but at least those are executed well.
Specifications
Model | NordicTrack GX 3.5 Sport |
Rating | 83.25% |
List Price | discontinued |
Best Price | $399 |
Resistance | Adjustable/Twist |
Resistance Type | n/a |
Type | Indoor Cycle |
Drive System | 40 lb. |
Frame | Welded Steel |
Seat | Padded & Adjustable |
Pedals | Toe Cages & Straps |
Programs | None |
Heart Rate | none |
Display | Backlit LCD |
Max. Weight | 250 lbs |
Dimensions | 49" L X 18.5" W X 39" H |
Accessory Tray | |
Speakers | |
Cooling Fans | |
Portable? | |
Warranty | Frame: 5 year Parts: 90 days Labor: 90 days |
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- 40-pound drive.
- Adjustable resistance.
- Adjustable saddle.
- Pedals with toe cages and straps.
- Welded steel frame.
- Water bottle holder.
- Transport wheels.
- Low price ($399 on sale).
- Compact size (Footprint is 49″ x 18.5″).
Cons:
- No heart rate monitor.
- Uncomfortable seat.
- Slow customer service.
- Braking system is higher maintenance.
- Very short parts warranty (90 days).
Full Review
The NordicTrack GX 3.5 Sport is very low-priced but has the heavy flywheel associated with more expensive indoor bikes. Its main selling points are the weighty flywheel, pedals with toe cages and straps, and adjustability to help anyone get the the right stride length. This bike is all about the basics. Don’t expect anything flashy or high tech.
Workout Programs
The GX 3.5 Sport, like many indoor cycle trainers, doesn’t have preset workouts. Instead, You can adjust the machine’s resistance with a knob as you ride. The resistance system uses contact brakes with felt. The only data shown on tbe small LCD monitor are time, speed and watts.
To get pro bike training sessions, you can park the GX 3.5 Sport in front of your TV or computer and use workout videos. You’ll have to upgrade to the GX 5.5 Sport if you want any workouts included with the product though.
Features
To keep you steady during intense cycling, this NordicTrack bike has pedals with toe cages and straps. It also has a saddle shaped like those on outdoor bikes. However, you might want to add a gel seat cover for better cushioning.
The 40-pound drive is competitive with that of other indoor cycles. (A 48-pound drive is used on most health club spin bikes and on the GX 5.5 Sport). Compared with many stationary bikes in this price range, it supports quite a smooth ride.
The bike’s frame is welded steel and can support up to 250 pounds. An integrated water bottle holder is included for hydration while riding.
Warranty & Guarantee
The NordicTrack GX 3.5 Sport upright bike warranty is rather short. It includes:
– Frame: 5 years
– Parts: 90 days
– Labor: 90 days
NordicTrack also provides a 30-day money back guarantee.
Conclusion
This NordicTrack cycle trainer offers a low-budget, yet realistic road biking experience indoors. It’s adjustable to fit most riders and meets a wide range of ability levels. It’s best fit is a shopper who is committed to spending $400 or less in the short term. The GX Sport 3.5 offers good basics but is a gamble for longterm use considering its short parts and labor warranty.
It’s not easy to find a bike with long warranty at this price point. If you can afford to spend more, you can get much better durability and value in an exercise bike. See the NordicTrack GX Sport 5.5 and other NordicTrack exercise bikes for comparison.
Rating: 83.25/100