NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle Review

NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle: The Value Proposition

The NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle picks up where the S15i leaves off as that brand’s entries into the race for home exercise bikes. A luxury ride equipped with a vibrant 22-inch 360-degree swiveling screen built to view iFit workouts, it also brings 24 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance to the home for $1,999. This price has to be considered along with the 30-Day iFit Family Membership which comes along with it. Given that, the S22i price stands tall amongst the competition. For those familiar with the S15i, consider this model as nearly identical except for the 22-inch screen as opposed to 14-inch, and 24 levels of resistance as opposed to 22. The S15i is priced at $1,599, less the 30-day iFit subscription. So for an extra $400, one gets eight inches of bigger screen and two more resistance levels.

Recently the MYX II Fitness Bike entered the category as a more affordable alternative at $1,399 (read the full review of the MYX II Fitness Bike here). We’d also suggest that the ProForm Studio Bike Pro at $1,299 offers a good comparison/contrast with the NordicTrack bikes. In terms of value, the S22i does bring a solid 10-year warranty on the frame, two-year guarantee on parts, and one year on labor. Compared to other models these days, that’s very respectable, although everyone would love to see lifetime guarantees across the board. Built with comfort in mind, the 2021 model also features new Bluetooth headphone capability so riders can better interact with their live iFit training community, or enjoy music. A solid, commercial steel frame with a maximum user weight of 350 pounds, the S22i is certainly at the upper end of its category in terms of price, but it is bringing quality to the counter.

One of the most unique value-added benefits of the S22i is the fact that it features a -10% decline and 20% incline option which works in conjunct with the iFit program. This feature is augmented by an improved DC Incline/Decline motor and welded stabilizers. For an inside studio bike to offer incline and decline is rare enough, but for it to work in conjunct with the trainer-controlled programming is quite impressive a feature. For serious riders seeking the hills and hollers of road bikes, this in and of itself may make the decision for them.

Bike Build Quality

NordicTrack brings a reputation for solid machinery, and in the case of the S22i that appears to be the case once more. The maximum user weight of 350 pounds serves as an indicator overall durability. Measuring 61 inches in length, the bike is 22 inches wide, and 58 inches high of commercial grade steel. A 22-inch Smart HD Touchscreen with tilting display and a full 360-degree rotation is also a big draw for the those seeking multiple uses of the bike. The tilt and rotation allow riders to hop off and perform floor work with the included three-pound dumbbells, or yoga, or simply stretching. The bike’s resistance is generated by way of Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR), and the 24 levels are digitally controlled. What this means is that as a magnet is drawn closer to, or pulled away from, the flywheel, the resistance changes. Magnetic resistance is rated as among the smoothest of styles on the market.

The bike is also built for comfort, equipped with an improved ergonomic padded saddle and vertical, as well as horizontal, seat adjustment. The non-slip, multi-position handlebar has also been upgraded for the 2022 model and ensures riders of varying heights can use the bike. The AutoBreeze Workout Fan is a nice touch, as are the two two-inch digitally amplified speakers. This model also features dual water bottle holders and is compatible with standard road bike pedals and seat. It’s also easy to move about the home gym by way of front-mounted transport wheels. This model also features Bluetooth headphone and heart rate connectivity and twice the RAM as in previous models. The 2022 model includes new 30W premium audio and hybrid SPD-plus-toe clips.  For the price offered, one does expect and receive these types of features with the S22i.

The Experience: Resistance and Ride

The 24 levels of digitally-controlled magnetic resistance is a big draw for many, but the real gem here is the bike’s incline/decline option. Not many bikes offer this feature, but the S22i sports a -10% decline and 20% incline, and this can be controlled from remote by the professional trainers of the iFit community. When participating in iFit classes of any kind, whether with live trainers or pre-programmed, the bike can auto-adjust accordingly. With this incline/decline function, riders get the real feel of mountains, trails, or hills. New Quiet Drive technology makes this function smooth irrespective of the degree of angling or intensity of the ride. All of this is managed easy with One Touch controls.

Unlike older friction resistance models, the magnetic resistance is considered by quiet and smooth. With the bike’s measurements, one can gauge its stability as high. Regardless of one’s level of ability, the 24 levels combined with incline and decline options, pretty well guarantee a well-earned burn. With the 22-inch screen’s ability to swivel and tilt, combined with the adjustable seat and handlebars, users of any height and weight up to 350 pounds should be able to hit the workout as hard as they want.

NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Bike Vs. The Competition

In the battle of the indoor bikes, the S22i is certainly among the higher-priced models, although not by much with all things considered. At $1,999, the purchase price comes with a 30-day iFit Family Membership. The other NordicTrack model, the S15i, is priced at $1,599 with the same iFit deal. For the extra $400, one gets an extra eight inches of screen and two additional levels of resistance.

We’d also mention the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 would serve as a comparison/contrast here. Priced at $1,299, the bike also comes with a 30-day iFit program, and in many ways, would seem like the same bike. Both offer 24 levels of magnetic resistance and a 22-inch screen which swivels, as well as other basic features. One big difference of course is the ProForm bike does not offer the incline/decline function, and instead of a 350-pound weight max, it offers 250 pounds. Both bikes even offer a set of three-pound dumbbells with the purchase and the warranty offered is the same. With this bike we’d say the big trade-offs would be the lower maximum weight and the fact that the S22i offers incline and decline in conjunct with the iFit program.

The MYX Fitness Bike is another lower priced alternative to the S22i (read the full review of the MYX Fitness Bike here). Priced at $1,399, the MYX II Fitness Bike brings its own proprietary workout app with more than 500 classes as opposed to the iFit community’s trainer-led workouts. The MYX II app is $29 per month, as opposed to iFit at $39 after the trial membership is up. Equipped with a 21.5-inch screen which swivels, its weight max is also 350 pounds. The big difference is in the resistance offered, as the MYX Fitness Bike uses a 41-pound flywheel, as opposed to magnetic. The warranty offered is also a big difference with one-year as opposed to the NordicTrack family’s 10 years for frame, two years for parts, and one year for labor.

Workout Programs

While the S22i comes with no built-in programs of its own, the bike can be used without the iFit Coach program in manual mode. Or, users could always park it in front of a smart television, or use another app. That said, the iFit program is successful for a reason.

With any NordicTrack cycle trainer, 24/7 personal training from iFit Coach is a highlight. The iFit Coach app is built into the NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle, and iFit can be downloaded to iOS and Android devices. The mobile apps offer a host of benefits, effectively providing ‘round-the-clock health and fitness coaching. For starters, upon waking each morning one can check an estimate of calories burned while sleeping. The app also provides a calorie intake suggestion for the day and automatically calculates and logs calories burnt for walking, swimming and other activities if it’s paired with a wearable activity tracker.

The iFit program includes dozens of LiveCast spin class videos, plus an unlimited number of virtual outdoor bike workouts with Google Maps street views. All iFit Coach workout files, including the bike class videos, can control the S22i resistance and incline to support the workout goals. With HD resolution this extra-wide display can help riders immerse in studio bike classes or take mini-mental vacations with scenic Google Maps footage.

The outdoor rides are excellent with IFit Coach as you are riding behind a real rider in various locations around the world. The live-streamed rider/instructor advises on posture, cadence, resistance, and can adjust the bike’s controls from remote.

Fitness App Compatibility

On an exercise bike already fitted with an integrated screen and iFit streaming, there’s no need to start looking at workout apps that focus on training instruction of any sorts. That said, if you’re looking for more in-depth training metrics to complement your fitness journey, we have some options for you. At top of mind, the Strava App has become a go-to for cardio enthusiasts of all sorts. Runners and cyclists alike will use the app for tracking rides and runs. This app is especially helpful if you also enjoy running outdoors (weather permitting), both because you can compile all of your workouts in one place, and because the community aspect of the app will help outdoor runners find new and challenging routes that have been shared by other users.

Read Our Strava App Review

In a similar vein, Google Fit—the simple fitness tracking software that’s compatible with countless Android smartwatches—could also prove useful to you. Use it to track your cardio and other workouts (yoga, strength, HIIT, and others), and maintain an easy-to-digest record of your progress. While both Strava and Google Fit are free, Strava does gatekeep some of its “premium functionality” for paid subscribers.

Read Our Google Fit Review

Features

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can you use NordicTrack S22i without a subscription?
  Yes, the bike does work without the iFit program by way of a manual mode. That said, riders can also park their bike in front of a smart television and enjoy any number of entertainment options.
• Can you watch TV on the NordicTrack S22i?
  Yes, one can get past the iFit program and into the broader Internet.
• Is the NordicTrack S22i a spin bike?
  Yes, and it’s built to provide spin classes by way of the iFit program and automatic trainer control.
• Is the NordicTrack S22i easy to assemble? 
  Yes, and the entire process should take about an hour. That said, it’s always easier when a friend helps.
• Is the NordicTrack S22i loud?
  No, thanks to the Silent Magnetic Resistance with which is operates, the NordicTrack S22i is quite silent.

What’s Changed for this Year

Each year manufacturers upgrade their models by adding more features, particularly to the tech and screen elements. This can be confusing for those shopping online. Occasionally one might see the same bike offered with different features, and this might be what’s occurring.

New for 2022 over 2021

• Better Pedals: Hybrid SPD+Toe Clips offer more comfort and footwear options.
• Improved Audio: The 30W Premium Audio addition improves interactive programming and music enjoyment.
• Improved Incline/Decline: An upgraded DC Incline/Decline Motor and welded stabilizers make the automatic switches much more smooth.
• More Comfort: Improved ergonomic padded saddle with vertical and horizontal seat adjustment, as well as new handlebar adjustment.

New for 2021 over 2020

• Better Screen: The 22-inch Smart HD Touchscreen features improved HD graphics and added processor cooling.
• Faster Connectivity: Improved dual 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi Connectivity make for faster performance, along with 2X more RAM.
• Improved Access: The 2021 model features improved Bluetooth headphones and heart rate connectivity.