Last Updated on August 18, 2022 by Jeff
NordicTrack S15i Review:
The NordicTrack S15i is a great entry into the connected indoor cycling bike market. First off, there’s the 14-inch HD, Interactive Coaching Touchscreen that is the heart and soul of this powerhouse. An included 1-year membership to the NordicTrack iFit Coach brings in-home personal training to your workouts. Next up is the 20% Incline-Matching Tech with 10% Decline and LIVE powered resistance control. Decline feature is great to have and unusual to see on an indoor bike.
Unlimited indoor cycle workouts and the ability to stream live classes are some of the most attractive features of this model. That said it’s important to note that these features are only available to those users with a subscription to iFit, NordicTrack’s membership site. Luckily, this spin bike comes with a 1-year membership to iFit. To top all of this off, NordicTrack includes two 3 Lb. dumbbells for integrating some upper body exercise into your workouts.
Can indoor cycling get more realistic? Introducing: iFit Interactive Training
One incredible feature is iFit program where if you join a trainer-led class, the instructor will automatically adjust your incline, decline, and resistance level. You do the workout and the instructor handles the challenge level. We’re getting ever-closer to a virtual cycling experience and this is the cutting edge.
So whether you want to ride with a personal trainer or a class, you’re going to get a great workout. Overall, the NordicTrack S15i Bike is a high quality, high tech indoor bike that many indoor cyclers, seasoned or beginner, will love.
What We Love About the NordicTrack S15i Studio Cycle:
14” HD Touchscreen
We would be remiss not to highlight the 14-inch, high definition screen on the NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle. This screen is beautiful and comes along with a speaker system to amplify your sound. To make the most of the screen, however, its best to subscribe to iFit which is NordicTrack’s membership program. And, if you purchase directly from NordicTrack, you’ll get the first year free.
With an iFit subscription, you’ll have access to over twelve thousand workouts created by world class trainers, live streaming of spinning classes, the option to use Google Maps Street View for your workouts, easily track and record your stats, and more. The iFit subscription can have a huge impact on making the most of this equipment as well as ensuring you get results.
Price: NordicTrack S15i Studio Cycle vs Peloton Bike
If you want to compare the S15i Studio Cycle to the Peloton Bike price-wise, this indoor bike comes in around $600 less than the Peloton. Like the Peloton, you’re getting a zillion workout options on an excellent piece of fitness equipment but the S15i comes with a big discount. It’s worth considering.
Uphill And Downhill Training
The NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle comes with a power incline of -10% for simulating downhill sections, up to a steep 20% for uphills — the downhill feature being a lot less common to see on indoor bikes. This is one of the key traits that makes this model more advanced than other cycling models from NordicTrack. The addition of the decline also infinitely multiplies your potential workout variety by introducing a new way to adjust your intensity and train for specific goals.
Other considerations:
The NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle is a quality indoor bike, and it comes with a 1-year subscription to the NordicTrack iFit system. However, to get the most out of this model, trainees should be prepared to invest in the subscription long-term. If you don’t renew membership, you’ll have a limited number of iFit workouts and can always use your bike in manual mode.
Set-Up
Some users have reported that set up for the NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle is challenging and requires the help of another person. It is estimated to take a couple hours to finish assembly.
How the NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle compares to the NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle:
The NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle is the more affordable option compared to the NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle. The main difference in models is the screen size: the NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle has a 14-inch screen, whereas the NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle has a twenty-two-inch screen.
Down to brass tacks (the technical info):
Dimensions:
- Height: 55.75”
- Width: 22”
- Length: 61”
- Max user weight: 350lbs
Top Features:
- Inertia-enhanced flywheel with SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance provides a smooth and quiet workout experience.
- Power incline and decline drive allow for -10% to 20% adjustability so you can control the intensity of your workout seamlessly.
- 22 digital resistance levels available for targeted training.
- OneTouch Controls provide a quick and easy way to manage your workout without any interruption.
- Two 2” digitally amplified speakers, including an auxiliary port, to listen to your favorite music or podcasts while you work out.
- Autobreeze Workout Fan keeps you cool and comfortable for the duration of your workout.
- Two 3 lb dumbbells included with your purchase to keep arms and shoulders strong and fit.
- Adjustable, customizable seat and handlebars.
- Compatible with standard road bike pedals and seat.
Computer Features (the brains of the operation):
- 14” Smart HD touchscreen for entertainment and workout program needs.
- The Smart HD display tilts and rotates 360 degrees.
- Watts Power Readout
- Includes one-year membership to NordicTrack iFit, giving you access to unlimited streaming on-demand workout programs.
- Display readouts and user feedback include:
- Total calories burned
- Resistance
- Distance
- Heart rate
- Time
- Speed
Warranty info (if something goes wrong):
14″ Touchscreen swivels 360 degrees
- Frame: 10 years
- Parts: 2 years
- Labor: 1 year
Shipping and assembly (get it together):
Shipping for the NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle is usually free from NordicTrack.com. Click here to check it out the latest deal.
The NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle comes with a step-by-step assembly manual. Without professional help, it’s going to take you a little time to get together.
Final Word on the NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle:
The bottom line is the NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle represents a new era of technology that allows you to participate in live streamed workout classes. This is a major win for the NordicTrack, but for the user it does require an iFit subscription through NordicTrack. Other highlights for this model are the LIVE Interactive Training, the power incline and decline, as well as adjustability of the bike. Overall, this is a high-tech, interactive, challenge-packed model that will not disappoint. Highly recommended. Rating: 95/100
See the S15i Studio Bike on NordicTrack.com