NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle Review

Quick Summary

If you’re in the market for a well-built exercise bike, you’ll definitely want to take a look at the NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle. Part of NordicTrack’s new iFit package, the bike essentially comes free with the purchase of a four-year membership to the iFit app.

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This S15i comes with all the bells and whistles one needs to both be fully challenged by their workout program and feel as comfortable as possible. One of the new upgrades for the 2021 model is the addition of Bluetooth headphone connectivity, meaning one has more options when it comes to listening to live trainers, music, or other forms of entertainment. From the large 14-inch HD Touchscreen to the inertia-enhanced flywheel, this bike stacks up well with the competition.

The NordicTrack S15i is unique in that it does have incline and decline capabilities, so this will give you a ‘real road’ type of feel. For anyone who is training for an actual road race, that will make this bike enjoyable. Buyers should know in advance that purchase of the bike requires a four-year commitment to iFit at $39 per month. The good news is, that’s the only price they have to pay for the bike. They do have the option of making that one-time payment of $1,872 up front or paying the $39 monthly. Normally, one would have to pay both the $39 monthly fee plus the bike cost. Read our full review below to get a feel for whether this bike warrants a spot in the home.

Specifications

Model	NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle
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.	$1,872
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.	$1,599
Resistance The flywheel in an exercise bike is what creates resistance. You can choose the level of resistance to increase your workout intensity.	22
Resistance Type The type of resistance shows what kind of flywheel is being used (if any), and its weight if the manufacturer provides it.	SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance
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).	Indoor
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.	Inertia-enhanced 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.	Commercial Grade Steel Construction
Seat The most important part for comfortability during your workout, the seat should be adjustable and have ample cushioning.	Padded and adjustable
Pedals Pedals are the driving force for an exercise bike, and should be comfortable, adjustable, and easy to control without slipping.	Standard
Programs Bike Programs allow you to complete a workout with changing speeds and inclines, without changing anything manually.	no
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.	no
Display Display refers to the screen you'll look at to monitor workouts. LED and LCD displays are similar to TV screens.	14” 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.	350lbs
Dimensions Dimensions are included to help you figure out if this treadmill will fit properly (Length x Width x Height and Height x Depth).	55.75” x 22” x 61”
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: Lifetime Parts: 3 years Labor: 1 year

NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle: The Value Proposition

This bike really shines. At $1,872, which is just the cost of four years with iFit, it’s hard to say no unless you’re looking for just a basic indoor bike. When considering that into the equation, the consumer is looking at a very reasonably priced bike. It also comes with a pair of three-pound dumbbells, which might not be a deal-breaker, but given the variety of exercise programming afforded by the iFit community, they’ll come in handy for sure.

The bike matches up well with the MYX Fitness Bike priced at $1,299, which comes with many comparable features, although that bike brings a 21.5-inch screen to the match versus the S15i’s 14-inch. Like other connected bikes, the MYX Fitness Bike requires a monthly user fee of about $30 to access its programming. Meanwhile, the S15i does offer the NordicTrack warranty of 10 years on the frame, two for parts, and one for labor. The MYX Fitness Bike only offers a one-year warranty, and when considering value, that’s certainly a point worth mentioning.

Probably the next big question is cost of programming, and here the S15i is a clear winner. Whereas other bikes require purchase plus the monthly fee, the NordicTrack deal nearly cuts that in half. The bike can be used without the iFit program of course, but one of the big selling points with that program is the connectivity with live trainers who can control the bike’s resistance and speed. With this enabling, live trainers can control the bike’s resistance while participating in any of thousands of different workouts around the world.

Bike Build Quality

NordicTrack makes good machines and has a well-earned reputation for quality. Measuring 60 inches x 22 inches x 58 inches, the welded steel frame can support up to 350 pounds in user weight. Maximum user weight is typically a good indicator of overall bike durability, and with this model the commercial steel frame is demonstrably strong.

The bike utilizes Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR) supported by an inertia-enhanced flywheel. Comparatively speaking, the MYX Fitness Bike also supports up to 350 pounds in user weight, but instead of SMR it has a whopping 41-pound flywheel. The S15i comes built with front-end transport wheels, an ergonomic padded saddle, and AutoBreeze Workout fan. A non-slip, multi-position handlebar augments the vertical and horizontal seat adjustment so riders of all heights can use it with ease.

Warranties offered are also a good indicator of overall machine quality, and while some manufacturers offer lifetime guarantees, 10 years for the frame is respectable. Other points in the bike’s favor are its enhanced corrosion resistance and large diameter adjustable leveling feet.

The Experience: Resistance and Ride

The NordicTrack Commercial S15i brings Silent Magnetic Resistance to the home. With 22 levels of digital resistance, the ride is bound to be smooth. With this type of bike, resistance is generated by way of a magnet adjusted in relation to the flywheel. The closer the magnet is moved by the digital controls, the greater the resistance. Magnetic resistance is one of the smoothest forms in that there’s little friction involved.

The 22 levels of resistance offered is key, but one of the biggest points in this model’s favor is its offering of a -10% decline as well as 20% incline. New, quiet drive incline technology makes this easier than ever. Riders looking for a real smooth burn can certainly find it climbing up and down those degrees as if on a mountain trail. This will come into play with the iFit Coach program’s compatibility with Google Maps and its ability to take one anywhere in the world virtually. The fact that the 2021 model brings Bluetooth headphone connectivity bolsters the iFit program as one can interact directly with the trainers with much more clarity.

In terms of comfort, the S15i features an ergonomic padded saddle, vertical and horizontal seat adjustment, an AutoBreeze Workout Fan, and a non-slip multi-position handlebar. These features allow riders to focus on the ride itself and not have to worry about fussing about with the bike itself. When using the iFit app, this bike brings enhanced trainer controls which allow the professional trainers leading classes to adjust resistance and incline along with the class.

NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle Vs. The Competition

The world of indoor cycles with streaming capabilities is a crowded one indeed, but when looking at price points, it’s a littler easier to comparison shop. The MYX Fitness Bike, the Stryde Bike, and the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22, come in as close rivals here. The biggest drawback to the S15i in this crowd frankly is the screen size. At 14 inches, it seems a little small relative to the 21.5- and 22-inch versions on these rivals. Aside from the MYX Fitness Bike and it’s 41-pound flywheel and friction resistance, the others all feature magnetic resistance. Where the S15i really stands out is the -10% decline and 20% incline offered, added to the fact that this works in conjunct with the iFit programming. This is pretty rare amongst bikes and for hard-core riders it could be a decision point.

The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22’s only big drawback is the 250-pound maximum user weight capacity which, when compared to the S15i seems a bit weak. That said, it does offer 24 levels of magnetic resistance compared to the S15i’s 22. Both of these bikes offer the exact same warranty, and at $1,499 the Pro 22 does seem to offer a few more bells and whistles when compared to the S15i, hence it’s higher ratings. We still respect the higher user weight capacity of the S15i for a number of reasons aside from the rider’s own bodyweight as this is an indicator of stability.

Meanwhile, we have to note that the Stryde Bike offers a five-year warranty on the frame, while the MYX Fitness Bike only offers a one-year warranty. In terms of overall value, warranties certainly matter. When making this decision, we feel the S15i offers a good comparison/contract to the competition as it has a better warranty for the price than Stryde and MYX, a better user maximum weight than the Pro 22, but a smaller screen than any of the above. In the end, decline and incline option might be the biggest plug in its favor. The Stryde Bike and MYX Fitness Bike seem close to the S15i price-wise but they don’t offer the machine in exchange for four years of their respective apps, which all cost about $30 per month.

Pros:

Comes with a large 14-inch Smart HD Touchscreen
Bluetooth headphone connectivity
Buyers effectively get a free bike in exchange for four years of iFit.
Comes with free weights, which you can use when you are off your bike to perform strength training exercises with.
The screen will swivel around so you can easily follow along with your other cross training workouts used from the iFit membership.
Use the Google Maps feature on this bike to ride anywhere around the world that you please. The large touchscreen makes this process extra enjoyable
Has 20% incline and -10% decline capabilities – which is a rare feature that you don’t often see
Provides 22 digital resistance levels to choose from, ensuring that no matter how fit you are, you can still be fully challenged by this exercise cycle
A tilting display so that you can adjust the screen to your own comfort level. This will help prevent any unwanted neck strain that could potentially leave you with a neck ache
Has one touch controls so you can control your workout session with the quick click of a button. There will never be any unwanted interruptions in your workout routine.
Comes with frame mounted transport wheels
Has a silent magnetic resistance feature, so you can ride in complete silence as you go about your sessions
The inertia enhanced flywheel provides a smooth and steady ride, giving you maximum user comfort

Cons:

While the bike does come with three-pound dumbbells to perform your strength training sessions with, this is not going to be nearly enough to challenge most individuals.
The four-year commitment to iFit is required with purchase and that might rub some customers the wrong way.
The bike comes with no pre-programmed options so if you don’t continue on with iFit, you will have to design your own programming
The one-year labor warranty is a bit short, but quite standard for the industry

Workout Programs

The NordicTrack Commerical S15i does not come with any pre-built workout programs and is designed to work with iFit program. That said, the bike will work without that app if users opt against renewing after the four-year membership is complete. Like other machines within the NordicTrack family, a manual mode is available and will display key metrics. Users can always incorporate a different app of their choice and perhaps use a tablet, phone, or park the bike in front of a smart television.

Keep in mind though there’s a reason for the iFit program’s continued success. Live trainers can control the machine’s resistance as users keep up with classes that fit any interest. This is particularly key with the S15i because it offers an incline/decline function which can work with the iFit program. In addition to a growing library with thousands of routines and routes, new programs and live classes are created daily. Users can speak directly to their trainers and classmates as a live leaderboard displays results. In addition to global biking adventures by way of Google Maps, users can also engage in yoga or mindfulness sessions. This means the iFit app can also travel on another device to commercial gym, or a hotel while on vacation, and the programs aren’t limited to biking. For more information about the program, check out our review “Everything You Need to Know About iFit” here.

NordicTrack Commerical S15i Studio Cycle Features

The S15i comes equipped with a 14-inch HD touchscreen which does swivel. This is key for those exercise fans who like to throw in some floor work with the included three-pound dumbbells, practice yoga, or stretch. Wi-Fi connectivity is powered by dual 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz and the bike is Bluetooth-enabled. One Touch Controls make switching among the 22 digital resistance levels easier, and there’s no question users enjoy the smooth feel of Silent Magnetic Resistance. The bike also includes a fan, dual water bottle holders, and comes with two three-pound dumbbells.

Made from commercial-grade steel, the bike sports front-mounted wheels and is easy to transport for storage. One of the more unique elements is the fact it offers both -10% decline and 20% incline, and this works in conjunct with the iFit program.

The bike itself measures 60 inches x 22 inches x 58 inches and fits easily in most home gym spaces.

Warranty & Guarantee

This bike comes with a 10-year warranty on the frame, a two-year parts warranty, and a one-year labor warranty.

Is It Worth It?

Overall, there’s not a lot more you could ask for in a bike, making the NordicTrack Commercial S15i an excellent choice for just about everyone. It’ll be well suited to a beginner and advanced exerciser alike, so no matter where you are, you’ll love what you’re getting.

The bike offers unique features such as the incline and decline capability that you just don’t see on bike’s elsewhere that often, so that really sets it apart and will certainly attract many buyers who want this feature.

If you were planning to get use training app anyway – and it’s hard to imagine you wouldn’t if you’re shopping for a bike like this – then the four-year iFit membership deal makes it a clear winner. When you invest in the Commercial S15i Studio Cycle, you can feel like you are making a wise purchase.

What’s Changed For This Year

Each year, manufacturers upgrade their line with new goodies. Larger screens and upgrades to the tech are most common additions. It can be a bit confusing to the consumer if shopping about the websites. Below are the new upgrades to the NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle.

New for 2022

Free machine with four years of iFit: This year’s upgrades a free machine with the purchase of a four-year iFit membership.

New for 2021

Faster Wi-Fi Connectivity: This year’s upgrades include dual 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity.
Bluetooth Headphone Connectivity: Another new upgrade is the ability to list to the iFit trainer, or any other form of entertainment, by way of Bluetooth headphones.
New mobile app: An upgraded iFit mobile app has been developed and now comes with the package.
Enhanced tech: The 2021 model comes with an enhanced series of automatic trainer controls when used with iFit.
Improved graphics: The 14-inch HD screen has been augmented with an improved graphics package and processor cooling.