NordicTrack Commercial VR25 Elite Bike Review

Quick Summary

The steel-framed Commercial VR25 Elite is NordicTrack’s premier recumbent bike. Upgraded in 2016 with a touch screen and web browser, this solid trainer mixes modern electronics with comfortable lumbar support and a smooth ride.

Its $1299 sale price seals the deal for many shoppers. Read our review to learn if it’s the right bike for you.

The NordicTrack Commercial VR25 Elite Recumbent Bike boasts a comfortable chair-like seat, a 25-pound drive, many built-in workout programs, iFit technology, a 7″ touch screen with Android browser and other great specs.

Get the details from our full Commercial VR25 Elite bike review below….

Specifications

Model	NordicTrack Commercial VR25 Elite
Rating Our custom rating considers all of the bike's features, specs, warranties, and 100's of user & expert reviews, to save you time!	95%
List Price Suggested retail price, typically higher than the price you'll pay with our recommended retailers.	$1,499
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.	$1299
Resistance The flywheel in an exercise bike is what creates resistance. You can choose the level of resistance to increase your workout intensity.	26 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
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.	25 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.	Extra Wide Ergonomic
Programs Bike Programs allow you to complete a workout with changing speeds and inclines, without changing anything manually.	35
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" Smart HD Touchscreen
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).	61.2" x 23" x 68"
Accessory Tray Some bikes include an accessory tray for holding items such as water bottles, wallets, keys, or MP3 players like iPods.
Speakers
Cooling Fans
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.
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 & Brake: Lifetime Parts: 3 Years Labor: 1 Year (In-Home)

Our Rating

Rating: 95/100. The Commercial VR25 Elite is NordicTrack’s top recumbent bike. It’s among the most comfortable recumbent exercise bikes on the market and is loaded with options for workout variety and digital entertainment. Although elite cyclists might find a better fit elsewhere, this trainer can be ideal for just about anyone else.

Pros:

Commercial steel frame
Step Thru™ frame design (Easy on, easy off)
Cushioned and ventilated seat
25-pound drive
35 built-in workouts
iFit-enabled
Smartphone-compatible
7″ touch screen
Android web browser
Wireless heart rate monitor
Convenient handlebar-based controls
Workout fan
Generous warranty

Cons:

NordicTrack’s customer service is often criticized

Introduction

The Commercial VR25 Elite exercise bike lets you enjoy cycling’s many benefits while avoiding the back pain and joint stress that’s sometimes associated with upright biking. It’s sturdy enough to hold a 350-pound trainee and is feature-rich to help make exercise sessions effective and enjoyable.

This recumbent bike has a Step Thru™ design; by eliminating the traditional bike base, NordicTrack’s engineers have made the VR25 Elite easy to mount and dismount.

The Commercial VR25 Elite has a well-engineered 25-pound flywheel. You can choose from 26 resistance levels and easily make adjustments by using controls on the handlebars. The bike’s speed and resistance can also be controlled automatically by 35 preset workouts.

For even more training variety the console is iFit-enabled. This feature offers iFit members literally infinite workout variety. iFit memberships cost $99/year and each allows four user profiles.

Other perks include an iPod-compatible port, 2″ speakers, a tablet holder and a 7″ web-enabled touch screen.
The Commercial VR25 Elite has a competitive warranty package (see below).

At the sale price of $1299, this recumbent bike can be a great value for people seeking workouts that are gentle to the body.

NordicTrack Workout Programs

Train with guidance from 35 built-in workout apps. Expertly designed by a certified personal trainer, the programs fall into three categories: calorie burn, intensity and performance.

The NordicTrack Commercial VR25 Elite is also iFit-enabled. With an iFit membership you can access the platform’s unlimited workout programming in two ways: with the bike’s full-color touch screen or your own mobile device. A tablet computer holder is integrated with the console.

Some possibilities with iFit include downloading customized workout programs, automating your data tracking, and designing interactive Google Maps workouts. iFit’s Google Maps feature lets you virtually experience any real-life route that Google has charted. Your bike will automatically adjust to simulate the sensation of riding over the terrain, and a Google Street View makes the workout truly immersive.

VR25 Elite Features

Special features on the VR25 Elite help maximize the efficiency and fun of indoor cycling. Such extras are typical of NordicTrack fitness machines and are a key to the brand’s popularity.

Exercise is most efficient when you work out in your target heart rate zone. The Commercial VR25 Elite bike provides two options for monitoring your pulse. It has grip sensors on the handlebars and is delivered with a chest strap for wireless heart rate monitoring.

If you’re motivated by music, you’ll like how this exercise bike lets you ditch your ear buds. It has an iPod-compatible port and 2″ speakers.

Exercise programs and workout data are shown on a 7″ touch screen. This full color display also has an Android web browser. The Commercial VR25 Elite has a shelf for your tablet computer too.

To keep you cool a fan is built into the console. It automatically adjusts to your workout intensity.

Warranty & Guarantee

The NordicTrack Commercial VR25 Elite recumbent bike warranty includes:

– Frame: Lifetime
– Parts: 3 Years
– Labor: 1 year

NordicTrack also provides a 30-day money back guarantee.

Conclusion

The NordicTrack Commercial VR25 Elite is among the best exercise bikes you can bring home for just over $1,000. It’s durable, comfortable and loaded with features. For people at most training levels it’s a FitRated.com best buy.