The Nordictrack S15i is regarded as one of the best recent exercise bikes for interval training. The exercise bike has a rear stabilizer mounted motor that can create a 20% incline or 10% decline for a more challenging riding experience. The digital resistance system has 22 levels with manual control via the extension grips or touchscreen.
The 14” touchscreen has a wide bevel with quick touch controls for the incline/decline and resistance. This indoor exercise cycle offers a lot of functionality at a fair price and we will take a closer look at some of the key features in this brief guide.
The Nordictrack s15i Basics
The Nordictrack commercial studio cycle is designed to fit in the gap recently vacated by the now discontinued Nordictrack S10i. But, this is not a simple name change, there are some significant upgrades and these have been made without a huge price bump. The first key difference that S10i owners will notice is the addition of the 14” interactive coaching touchscreen. This screen comes with a 1-year Nordictrack iFit Coach membership which offers in-home personal training for your workout sessions.
The next key feature is the incline matching tech that offers the aforementioned incline and decline with live powered control over the resistance settings. These are great features to have on your indoor exercise bike because you can vary the ride to an amazing degree. The bike allows the user to stream live classes for unlimited indoor cycling workouts when they’re ready to ride.
After the 1-year trial membership period, many people opt for a new subscription because they find this to be very helpful. Finally, the Nordictrack S15i has a pair of 3 lb dumbbells built into the frame. This allows the user to add an upper body workout into their daily exercise rides to build strength.
Standout Features of the Nordictrack S15i
1/ A System to allow you to feel like you are Outdoor Riding
One of the truly standout features of this bike is the +20% incline which can go down to a -10% decline. This is not a feature that you find on spin bikes and the design of this system is well implemented. There is a motor on the rear stabilizer and a motorized arm located under the crank lift near the pedals. These systems tilt the exercise bike in an incline or decline to simulate an outdoor riding experience.
This system works well with the magnetic resistance system which has 22 levels to choose from. Control over the speed, resistance, incline, and decline can present some interesting cycling challenges to help you achieve your fitness goals.
The aforementioned magnetic resistance system will introduce wear on the flywheel because it’s digitally calibrated. During cycling, this system is silent and the resistance is translated into specific wattage that is accurate. In real terms, this means that you can be assured that a set resistance will always be virtually identical to the settings.
The resistance can be adjusted on the touchscreen or manually via the handlebar controls. When you use an onboard training program or the iFit system the resistance is adjusted for the rider automatically. But, if you need a change there is an automatic override using either the touchscreen or the handlebar controls as needed.
2/ Quick Touch Screen Controls
The 14” touchscreen has a set of “Quick Touch” controls located on the right of the screen. Although the larger screen found on the S22i has only touchscreen controls due to the extra screen real estate these dedicated controls work well. The touchscreen really becomes useful when you use the iFit workout database and free access is included for the first month only.
After the intro period, you can get access to iFit at $15/month for a single profile and this rises to $33/month for up to four dedicated profiles. To run iFit you will need a Wifi connection.
3/ Exercise Bike Seat Adjustments
The seat has three adjustment points which are adjusted with the carriage knob. To get the optimal fit the span should be set between the saddle tip and the handlebar grip. The distance between these two points should be approximately the length of your forearm. The saddle stem can then be moved vertically and if you stand next to the bike the best position is hip height.
The S15i has an angled stem post, when the stem is raised the saddle will tilt back slightly. This will lengthen the distance between the handlebars and saddle and some minor adjustments may be needed.
For taller riders, this will not be necessary and the potential for knee tension issues is reduced. The handlebars height can be adjusted with the post knob and matching this to the saddle works for most people.
If the handlebars are set too low, it can cause diaphragm restriction and lower back problems. Most people set the height of the saddle first and then adjust the handlebars to match. This may seem complicated but every post is clearly marked with inch measurements in orange which makes it easy to find the positions again.
4/ How much Space will you need for this Exercise Bike
The Nordictrack commercial studio cycle is 56” long and 61” high and it takes up less space than other home gym equipment such as a home treadmill. If you don’t have sufficient space for a permanent exercise bike location, this is easy to move. There are four wheels mounted on the frame and you can pivot the bike and move it as needed.
Pros and Cons of the Nordictrack Commercial Studio Cycle
Pros:
- There are 22 magnetic resistance levels that are consistent to gauge your resistance training accurately.
- Magnetic resistance system is smooth and silent.
- The 14” touchscreen is an ideal size for the iFit system and it tilts for shorter or taller riders.
- Incline and decline will adjust automatically during the ride which means you can concentrate on following the directions of your trainer.
- There are multiple speed, resistance, inclined, and decline variables for a varied workout.
- Nordictrack has a great warranty on the frame, parts, and labor.
- This exercise bike has a compact footprint and it’s easy to move.
Cons:
- Despite the extensive seat adjustment options, it may feel a little too firm for some riders. The seat can be swapped out if needed but this is an optional extra purchase.
- The console speakers are located at the rear of the touchscreen which can be distracting at times.
Who is the Nordictrack s15i Best Suited For?
This bike offers a great workout experience and the iFit compatibility adds a lot to the functionality. The Nordictrack S15i is a great and affordable studio bike with onboard tech that you will find on a more expensive bike.