NordicTrack Commercial VU19 Review

Our Rating

Rating: 93.5/100. Vivid colors, your favorite songs, social media… They’re all aboard the NordicTrack Commercial VU19. This upright exercise bike is tech-rich to enhance your exercise experience. One highlight is the 7″ full color touch screen, which not only shows workout data but also lets you browse the web. Some other perks are an iFit-enabled console for unlimited workout variety and extensive data tracking, a set of iPod-friendly speakers and lots of built-in bike workouts. That’s impressive for a $999 exercise bike! To keep the price low, NordicTrack has included a not-so-heavy drive and some other non-premium components, such as plastic housing (instead of metal housing) for the flywheel. The result is an affordable exercise bike that’s most suitable for beginners. It’s a good fit for many shoppers, but it’s not aiming to satisfy advanced cyclists.

Here are pros and cons to consider before choosing the NordicTrack Commercial VU19.

Pros:

• 19-pound drive (Good for beginners)
• Comfortable gel-cushioned seat
• Adjustable seat (Up/down, forward/backward)
• 32 built-in workouts
• Enabled for iFit (Shown on a full color touch screen)
• Tablet computer holder (Removable)
• iPod-compatible (Port and 2″ speakers)
• Wireless heart rate receiver (Chest strap included)
• OneTouch™ controls (No scrolling to change resistance)
• Workout fan
• Water bottle holder
• Low price ($999 on sale, $1,499 MSRP)
• Three-year parts warranty
• Practical size for most homes (Footprint is 60″ x 24.8″)

Cons:

• Not powerful enough for stronger cyclists
• Grip heart rate sensors aren’t accurate, but a wireless pulse monitor is included too
• Lower quality parts could break (Plastic flywheel cover, for example)
• NordicTrack customer service can be slow

Introduction

NordicTrack has packed lots of potential into the Commercial VU19. This upright exercise bike is equipped to train and entertain not-so-advanced cyclists. Time flies by with help from an Internet browser, iPod-compatible speakers and your own tablet computer. (A tablet holder is included.)

This bike has a 19-pound drive, which is light but not ridiculously light — a good choice for beginners who aren’t interested in paying for force they might never use. Workout training includes preloaded programs and the option to use iFit.

NordicTrack Commercial VU19 Workout Programs

Burn calories, build endurance and improve your overall athletic prowess. Training programs included on the Commercial VU19 help you make the most of each exercise session. There are 32 workouts to choose from. It’s quite a menu, but navigation is simple with the bike’s touch screen.

For literally unlimited workout variety, you can use this stationary bike with an iFit membership. Download a new and customized workout every day, train along with high definition videos featuring world-class personal trainers, and virtually bike any route that’s in the Google Maps™ system. As you ride along, the bike’s resistance will change to simulate the sensation of riding the terrain. An interactive Google Street View adds to the virtual touring experience.