Quick Summary
Offering an indoor “street bike” experience, the NordicTrack GX 5.5 Sport is equipped with a 48-pound flywheel, pedals with toe cages and straps, adjustable handlebars with elbow pads, and manual resistance control.
Unlike some indoor sport cycles it provides workout data too. Sale priced at just $799 with a two-year parts warranty, this NordicTrack is among the most affordable spin bikes for home use.
Read on for FitRated’s complete NordicTrack GX 5.5 Sport review.
Our Rating
Rating: 72.9/100. A heavy drive, toe cage pedals and race-style handlebars all matter to serious cyclists. All are featured on the NordicTrack GX 5.5 Sport — and for just $799, that’s a competitive offer. This indoor sport cycle can train everyone from beginners to the most experienced bikers. The ride is comfortable too thanks to a gel saddle, an adjustable seat, adjustable handlebars with padding, and the security of pedals with toe cages on one side and straps on the other. But is it your best sport cycle option? Here are pros and cons to consider about bringing home the NordicTrack GX 5.5 Sport.
Pros:
- Steel frame
- Compact frame (Footprint is 46.8″ x 19.5″)
- 48-pound drive
- Manual resistance control
- Quick-stop braking
- Comfortable gel-cushioned seat
- Adjustable seat (Up/down, forward/backward)
- Adjustable non-slip handlebars
- Elbow pads on handlebars
- Pedals with toe cages and foot straps
- Chain drive adds to the street bike sensation
- LCD data monitor
- Chest strap for wireless pulse monitoring
- Includes DVD with a cycling class for weight loss
- Water bottle holder
- Transport wheels
- Low price ($799 on sale)
- Two-year parts warranty
Cons:
- Computer monitor sometimes turns on when the bike’s not in use, which drains batteries
- NordicTrack customer service can be slow
Introduction
NordicTrack makes it affordable to get the spin class experience at home. Their steel-framed GX 5.5 Sport is built to feel like an outdoor bike with its combo of a heavy flywheel, manual resistance controls, racer handlebars and chain drive.
Read on for details about its workout support and other features.
Workout Programs
Indoor sport cycles, unlike traditional upright and recumbent exercise bikes, are rarely equipped with training programs. Generally the customers interested in this sort of bike are self-directed. Still, the
GX 5.5 Sport arrives with a workout DVD. The DVD presents a cycling class much like those offered in health clubs. This workout is focused on cycling for weight loss. Thanks to the bike’s monitor, you can get a good estimate of how many calories you burn.
Sport Bike Features
A heavy drive is the hallmark of any indoor sport cycle. This NordicTrack bike has a 48-pound flywheel to let anyone get a smooth ride. In contrast, exercise bikes for less serious training have flywheels weighing half as much, if that! For tailored intensity you can control the resistance with a knob. And no matter what speed you achieve, you can quickly stop with the 5.5 Sport’s quick-stop braking system.
Comfortable seating matters a lot to riders, of course, but not every spin bike is designed with this basic truth in mind. The GX 5.5 Sport comes through with a gel cushioned seat that you can adjust vertically and horizontally.
Handlebars on this bike likewise cater to comfort. They’re ergonomic, adjustable and have non-slip grips. Elbow padding is included too.
Two options are provided for pedal use. Choose from foot straps and, for extra security, toe cages.
Data monitors aren’t always included with indoor sport cycles, but the NordicTrack GX 5.5 Sport lets you track your speed, distance, time, calories and pulse. The monitor is backlit for easy viewing by day or night. (Earlier versions of this bike didn’t have backlighting.) A wireless chest strap is included to help you stay on track toward goals.
Keeping hydrated during workouts is made convenient by the GX 5.5 Sport’s integrated water bottle holder.
Warranty & Guarantee
The NordicTrack GX 5.5 Sport warranty is a good match for the bike’s $799 sale price. It includes:
– Frame: Lifetime
– Parts: 2 Years
– Labor: 1 year
NordicTrack also provides a 30-day money back guarantee.
Conclusion
When you’re after the sensation of riding a street bike, the NordicTrack GX 5.5 Sport is a top choice. This bike meets the high standards of competitive cyclists and is also a fine choice for less experienced riders. It can support goals of weight loss, cardio training and building strength. Performance, comfort and data monitoring combine into a nicely priced unit.
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