NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle Review

Welcome to my NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle Review. If you are looking for a high-quality and interactive indoor cycling bike that comes with many innovative features such as a large 22-inch HD monitor that can be rotated, a built-in fan, connectivity with the iFit app, and especially the ability to automatically raise the entire structure of the bike by 20% and tilt it by -10% with the intention of simulating real cycling on different terrains, I think the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike is a perfect match.

All these, and many other special features, will allow you to experience an extraordinary cycling experience in your home. But before you make your final decision, read the full review to find out exactly what this amazing indoor cycling bike has to offer

Also, if you are interested in other options, you can check out my choice of the best indoor exercise bikes along with the buying guide here.

Our Verdict

The NordicTrack S22i is one of the best commercial studio cycles for professional home use. Actually, the NordicTrack S22i is a spin bike designed for professional athletes who have high demands on their sports exercise equipment. The S22i will immediately attract your attention and you will immediately realize that this is not an everyday spinning bike. Simply, this is an amazing product.

The bike is a visual experience for your eyes. First of all, you will immediately notice the 22-inch large and attractive HD Touchscreen that can be rotated 360 degrees and also tilted. Furthermore, this amazing model comes with an iFit fitness app that helps you achieve your fitness goals fast and efficiently.

With such an amazing screen, you will get a virtual cycling experience that is provided by virtual cycling instructors from the iFit application along with interactive Google Maps Street Views. The S22i is characterized by its unique feature of inclining and declining the bike at an angle to simulate cycling uphill and downhill.

Overall, the NordicTrack S22i is a commercial spin bike that can be digitally connected to a range of online workout applications to provide a set of different exercises to help you reach your goal more effectively.

NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle Review

In this review, I will explain in more detail all the key features as well as all its pros and cons, along with the most important things you need to know before making the final decision on whether the NordickTrack S22i will really suit your fitness needs or not. So let’s get started. The NordicTrack S22i is an upgraded version of its successful smaller brother, the NordicTrack S15i, which is offered as a commercial home study cycle for beginners.

For under $2,000, you get the ultimate and most memorable indoor cycling bike with a 24-level silent magnetic resistance, including a 22-inch colorful HD display that offers you the ability to rotate it 360 degrees, specifically designed to be used with the iFit fitness exercises. Moreover, the price of the S22i also includes a 30-day iFit Family Membership subscription, which really sets it apart from its competition.

The main differences between the S15i and S22i are that the NordicTrack S22i has a 22-inch monitor as opposed to the 14-inch offered on the S15, and the NordicTrack S22i offers 24-level resistance compared to the 22-level of the NordicTrack S15i.

Also, the S22i comes with a good 10-year frame warranty, a two-year parts warranty, and a one-year labor warranty. That’s quite reasonable compared to other models these days. However, everyone would like to get a lifetime warranty on what they buy.

The new S22i is designed with comfort in mind, and it comes with improved Bluetooth headset functionality, allowing bikers to better communicate with their iFit training group live or listen to their favorite music.

The NordicTrack S22i has a strong, industrial steel frame that can withstand riders weighing up to 350 pounds. It is undoubtedly at the higher end of its price range, but it brings quality and performance to your home.

I also, need to mention the most unique feature that offers you the opportunity to incline the bike for 20% up as well as decline it for 10% down. It perfectly synchronizes with the terrain of the iFit virtual world’s routes. This capability is complemented by an upgraded DC Incline/Decline motor along with welded stabilizers.

The ability of an indoor bike to incline and decline is a very rare feature. This feature, along with the iFit app’s virtual video classes, gives you an incredible cycling experience at your home gym. This will appeal to professional cyclists looking to ride uphill and downhill as well as off-road.

Quality Workmanship

NordicTrack has a reputation for producing high-quality equipment, and the model S22i looks to be no exception. Its overall durability can also be determined by the fact that it can withstand riders with a maximum weight of 350 pounds (158.7 kg).

The bike is made of high-quality commercial steel, and its dimensions are 60 inches in length, 22.01 inches in width, and 62.99 inches in height. For those cyclists looking for a highly usable indoor bike, they should be attracted by the fact that the S22i has a 22-inch Smart HD Touchscreen with full 360-degree rotation, which can also be tilted.

Thanks to the Smart HD Touchscreen with such capabilities, cyclists will be able to get off the bike and do exercises on the floor with three-pound weights (they come with the bike) or simply do stretching.

One of the main, as well as unique features that set the NordicTrack S22i apart from a number of indoor spin bikes, is that it allows you to ride the bike with a so-called angle of inclination. This feature allows you to realistically simulate mountain biking. You may choose the angle of inclination manually, and it can go up to a maximum of 20%, and you may also decrease it to -10%.

You will realize that this is a one-of-a-kind training experience. There aren’t many other spinning bikes that provide a similar option. Although adjusting the inclination makes some noise, it works wonderfully and is good for increasing the variety of your training!

So, thanks to the incline and decline functions, adjustable seat and handlebars, and the 22-inch HD screen with the ability to rotate and tilt, riders of any height and maximum weight up to 350 pounds (158.7 kg) can adjust the most ideal exercise setting in order to achieve the desired goal.

The bike is designed not only to have quality workmanship and great durability but also to offer comfort. It comes with an ergonomically padded saddle that can be moved vertically up and down as well as horizontally back and forth to comfortably accommodate riders of different heights.

This is followed by the non-slip, multi-position handlebars, which further make the S22i more comfortable and can be used by riders of all heights. You will be even more impressed by the AutoBreeze Workout Fan, which, together with the two digitally enhanced two-inch speakers will contribute to an incredible home cycling experience.

To keep you hydrated all the time while cycling, the new S22i has dual water bottle holders. It is also compatible with traditional pedals and road bike seats. Plus, on the front of the base, there are built-in transport wheels to make it easier to move around your home gym. This is all you will get by investing in the Nordictrack S22i.

Incline and Decline Capability

A lot of people are drawn to the bike’s 24 levels of magnetic resistance that can be set digitally, but the real magic is the incline/decline option. This feature is present in a small number of indoor bikes. Otherwise, this feature will allow you to decline the S22i by -10% and incline by + 20%.  The incline and decline can be done manually or can be done remotely by one of the professional instructors from the iFit community.

The bike can automatically adjust itself, whether you ride with pre-programmed settings or take part in one of the iFit online classes. With the help of this feature, you will experience the real sensation of riding on mountain trails or slopes.

But, to experience this amazing cycling experience in your home, the task has been assigned to the new, sophisticated, and quieter engine that uses the new Quiet Drive technology. It’s never been easier or more flawless to switch between the incline grades. All these angle adjustments on the bicycle can be made thanks to One Touch controls.

24 Levels of Magnetic Resistance

The S22i also features 24-level silent magnetic resistance that you can digitally customize to your liking. The magnetic resistance varies depending on the distance between the magnet and the flywheel.

If the magnet is closer to the flywheel, the resistance will be higher, and vice versa, when the magnet starts to move away from the flywheel, the resistance will start to decrease. Magnetic resistance is considered to be one of the quietest and smoothest types available.

Magnetic resistance, as opposed to conventional friction resistance versions, has proved to be the quietest and smoothest. The measurements of the bike indicate that it has a high level of stability. Regardless of your skill level, the 24 levels, along with the incline and decline settings, really guarantee you hard cycling and 100% calorie burning.

Usability

So one of the logical questions to ask is whether the NordicTrack S22i is as useful as it looks. Because beautiful looks are useless if the bike does not justify its purpose and does not function properly.

In terms of training possibilities, it provides a wide variety of programs. For example, you may select from 24 different levels of resistance. The transitions between these levels are smooth and seamless. The resistance adjustment is very imperceptible. So you can just keep cycling without worrying about it.

Because the S22i is a professional indoor bike, it is appropriate for intense use in any setting. Normally, the dimensions of this exercise bike allow you to place it anywhere you want, whether it is in a gym, attic, or living room.

Because the bike is lightweight, you may place it outside when the weather is great. So, you can enjoy not only the magnificent virtual classes on the screen, but also the entire environment around you.

22-Inch HD Touchscreen

The NordicTrack S22i has a 22-inch screen. The moment the screen turns on, you will see what quality it is. The vibrant colors provide a crystal-clear screen. Furthermore, the LCD of the S22i features a touchscreen, which is highly unusual for a fitness device.

On the display, you can view all of your training statistics, such as speed, power, training duration, calorie intake, and so on. The information can’t be missed on the 22-inch screen, which enhances the motivation when cycling.

The Racing Wheel

The handlebar not only looks excellent, but it also has adjustable knobs that allow you to modify both the resistance and the angle of inclination. This means you don’t have to touch the screen while cycling. It might be really inconvenient to constantly have to change your level of resistance or the angle of inclination by staring at the screen or pressing the resistance button. Fortunately, the designers took this into account when designing the S22i. This is a significant benefit, and I’m not sure why this feature isn’t available on every spinning cycle.

A lot of Training Possibilities

The S22i will also provide you with a lot of training choices. It comes with 50 pre-programmed cycle routines. This is certainly a remarkable and exceptionally high number. There are few other spinning cycles, or exercise equipment in general, that feature as many training programs like this one. The best feature is that there is a lot of variety among the 50 workout programs. This is undoubtedly one of the features that distinguish the NordicTrack S22i from others in its class.

Also, the resistance and inclination are automatically adjusted during the various routines. It is even possible to be guided by a virtual personal trainer while riding a bicycle. Therefore, spin lessons with an instructor will no longer be needed when using the NordicTrack S22i.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Because the bike supports Bluetooth, you can link it to a heart rate belt that you can wear around your chest. Training with your heart rate is quite beneficial. It allows you to track your workout progress more precisely. Even if you exercise for maximal fat burning or to improve your condition, training in the right heart rate zone is crucial.

Extra Feature: A Pair of Dumbbells

Also, you will get a free set of dumbbells, which is quite useful. This allows you to increase the intensity of your training sessions. When cycling, combined with strength workouts, you may put a lot of effort into both the upper body and the lower body.

The personal trainer you have on the S22i knows that you have these dumbbells. If you like, he would also let you do workouts with it. For some of these strength workouts, you will need to get off the bike. Because the screen is easily rotated and can be tilted, you may continue to watch your personal instructor and complete the workouts close to the S22i.

Compatibility with Applications

Although the S22i lacks built-in programs, you can use it in manual mode without the iFit Coach application. Alternatively, you can place it in front of a smart television or switch to another app. With this in mind, the iFit app appears to be rather helpful and effective.

This training application is included with any NordicTrack bike trainer. This means that the NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle also includes the iFit Coach app, which is compatible with any iOS or Android device. These apps can provide a lot of benefits, including excellent 24-hour health and fitness coaching.

Additionally, this type of software, when paired with an active portable tracker, can suggest daily calorie intake and automatically calculate and track calories burned as you walk, run, swim, and engage in other activities throughout the day. Even when you wake up in the morning, you can check approximately how many calories were burned while you were sleeping.

The iFit application contains hundreds of LiveCast fitness class videos, as well as thousands of simulated outdoor cycling exercises with street views from Google Maps. All iFit Coach exercise classes, including the cycle class videos, provide the ability to adjust the resistance and incline of the S22i to meet training objectives.

The extra widescreen HD quality lets you immerse yourself in studio cycling sessions or enjoy free cycling through the beautiful scenery with stunning Google Maps videos. Outdoor cycling with IFit Coach is really wonderful because it makes you feel like you are riding with a real cyclist in different areas around the world. The live instructor gives you tips on posture and speed, and he can also remotely adjust the settings of your bike.

Manual Cycling Mode

If you’re not in the mood to follow the guided cycling session or a live in-studio lesson, then you can choose to ride in manual mode. You can use the manual mode when the spin bike is offline. In this mode, you get standard data and a graph that shows how well you’re doing. This seems to be an excellent option, but it would be great to have even more “offline” training options that are provided on other spin bikes, such as hills, intervals, and so on.

Transportation Wheels

For better mobility, the Nordictrack S22i has transportation wheels, which is expected from such a high-quality indoor spin bike these days. The transportation wheels will help you easily move the bike to any location you like. After moving it to the chosen location, you can adjust the bike’s level again. This is all really simple and quick to perform, which is a huge advantage of this spin bike.

Alternatives to the NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Bike

In the competition of indoor exercise cycles, the NordicTrack S22i is definitely among the more expensive versions, but not the most. Its retail price is just under $2,000 and comes with a 30-day iFit family membership. If you like the NordicTrack brand and still find the S22i too expensive by your standards, then you should check out the new NordicTrack S15i, which sells as an entry-level model and is a few hundred dollars cheaper. It comes with a 15-inch HD display, 22 levels of magnetic resistance, and also includes a 30-day iFit family membership.

When it comes to competitors, there is also a spinning bike that you should consider, which in many respects has the same performance and features as the Nordictrack S22i, and quality workmanship at a much more affordable price, I would recommend the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22. For example, both bikes have an almost identical design, feature a 22-inch rotating touch screen, offer 24 levels of magnetic resistance, a set of three-pound weights, the same warranty, and a 30-day free iFit program.

But what differentiates the ProForm 22 from the Nordictrack S22i is the lack of an incline/decline feature as well as the maximum weight allowed for riders of 250 pounds (113.4 Kg) versus 350 pounds (158.7 Kg) on the S22i. So, the main deciding factors in favor of the Nordictrack S22i will be the incline and decline ability and the maximum weight allowed for athletes of 350 pounds.

Another great, more affordable alternative to the Nordictrack S22i that you might like is the MYX II Fitness Bike, which, instead of the iFit app, comes with its own unique fitness program that offers over 500 online classes. It offers a 21.5-inch rotating screen as well as a maximum user weight of 350 pounds, identical to that offered by the S22i bike.

But, one of the main differences between the two bikes is that the MYX II comes with a 41-pound flywheel, unlike the S22i’s magnetic resistance system. Also, the bike does not have an incline and decline function. Plus, the warranty offered by the MYX II Fitness Bike is 12 months, which is very different from that of the S22i, which is ten years for the frame, two years for components, and one year for labor.

But, if you’re considering purchasing a premium indoor exercise bike for yourself, then I would recommend the Keiser M3i, which is one of the best exercise bikes on the market. However, if you choose any of these options, you will need to invest not only in the bike but also in the accessories. So, the costs are getting higher. So keep this in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you use the NordicTrack S22i without a subscription?

Yes, you can use the bike in manual mode without using the iFit application. Even so, you can also place your S22i in front of a smart TV and take advantage of a variety of entertainment possibilities.

2. Can you watch TV on the NordicTrack S22i?

Yes, you can watch TV on the HD screen that comes with the NordicTrack S22i bike thanks to the built-in HDMI connector. Another alternative is to disable the iFit app and place the bike near your TV or use a tablet placed above the screen of the S22i.

3. Is the NordicTrack S22i a spin bike?

Yes, and it is specially designed for that purpose. You can enjoy manual cycling mode or follow online classes through the iFit app.

4. Is the NordicTrack S22i easy to assemble?

Yes, and for the whole process of assembling it, you will need about an hour. However, it is always easier with the help of a friend.

5. Is the NordicTrack S22i loud?

No, actually the NordicTrack S22i is a completely silent indoor bike because it features a Silent Magnetic Resistance system.

Conclusion

After reading this NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle review, the conclusion should be obvious: the NordicTrack S22i provides you with everything you are looking for in one premium indoor exercise bike. It is more than a spinning bike; actually, it is one of the most luxurious indoor bikes available on the market.

Every detail of this bike is superbly designed to give you the ultimate training experience. Plus, thanks to the beautiful large screen, you will never be bored while exercising, you will enjoy every moment to the maximum. Moreover, when you connect to a fitness application such as iFit, you will enjoy cycling in a virtual reality environment.

Despite the fact that the price of the Nordictrack S22i is a bit higher compared to the large number of exercise bikes that can offer a lot for much less money, the S22i is still the top sports equipment that every professional athlete should have.