As an exercise bike reviewer, I sometimes feel like if I’ve seen one studio exercise bike, I’ve seen them all. There are only so many different ways you can design an exercise bike, and a lot of brands have relied on the distinctness of their subscription training programs to differentiate from others. The NordicTrack S27i doesn’t have this problem—it’s even more innovative.
I’ve been cycling for years and occasionally supplementing my indoor training with outdoor rides. I figured hills were strictly for the outdoors, but the NordicTrack S7i proved me wrong. Though I was skeptical at first, and I don’t blame you if you are, too, the S27i is pretty cool.
Before you set yourself on the NordicTrack S27i, you should learn about how the incline and decline feature works. You’ll also want to read about the resistance, build quality, and just how stinkin’ heavy this bike is. Keep scrolling to learn more!
NordicTrack S27i Exercise Bike Review: Bottom Line
NordicTrack S27i vs. Similar Exercise Bikes
Here is how the S27i compares to other popular exercise bikes.
 NordicTrack S27i |  Peloton Bike+ |  Bowflex VeloCore |  CAROL Bike |  NordicTrack S22i | |
| Price (MSRP) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | The largest touchscreen we’ve seen on a bike meets an inclining and declining frame for a challenging and fun ride. | The Peloton Bike+ builds upon the Peloton heritage with improved tech features and automatic resistance adjustments while keeping the much-loved trainer-led content. | The Bowflex VeloCore is a unique spin on exercise bikes with a unique leaning design. Along with streaming content, this is a fantastic bike. | The CAROL Bike uses AI-powered resistance adjustments to get you the best workout in the shortest amount of time possible, but its offerings are not limited to those included in its subscription service. | FIT and the inclining and declining frame make this an extremely interactive and fun exercise bike. |
| Awards Earned | |||||
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Product | NordicTrack S27i | Peloton Bike+ | Bowflex VeloCore | CAROL Bike | NordicTrack S22i |
| Workout Experience | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 |
| Specs / Features | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 |
| Dimensions / Storability | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 |
| On-Board Workouts & Apps | 9 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 |
| Build Quality | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
| Overall Score | 88 | 85 | 85 | 86 | 90 |
| # of Onboard Workouts | 2 | 1 | 9 | 7 | 2 |
| Paid Programming - Cost | iFIT - $39/month | $44/month | JRNY – $19.99/month | $19.99/month | iFIT - $39/month |
| Netflix / 3rd Party Apps | Netflix, Prime Video (Beta Testing) | Netflix, Disney+, Max, YouTube TV, NBA | Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, Max 22" or 16" immersive HD touchscreen | Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Peloton, Kinomap, Zwift, Rouvy, BKOOL, FulGaz, CNN, Fox, NBC | Netflix, Prime Video (Beta Testing) |
| Display | 27” rotating HD touchscreen | 24” touchscreen | 22" or 16" immersive HD touchscreen | 11.5” touchscreen | 22” rotating HD touchscreen |
| Dimensions (In Use) | 57” L x 28” W x 65” H | 59” x 22” x 59” | 59.8" L x 24.1" W x 55.3" H | 45.5” L x 22” W | 61” L x 22” W x 58” H |
| Pedal Type | Hybrid | Delta | Flat or SPD Clips | Hybrid toe cages and SPD | Hybrid |
| # of Adjustment Points | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Bike Weight | 217 lbs (in box) | 140 lbs | 158 lbs | 120 lbs | 205 lbs (in box) |
| Weight Capacity | 350 lbs | 297 lbs | 325 lbs | 330 lbs | 350 lbs |
| Flywheel Weight | 32 lbs | 30 lbs | 33 lbs | 22 lbs | 32 lbs |
| Max Resistance | 24 levels | 100 resistance levels | 98 levels | AI-controlled | 24 levels |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| Warranty | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | 5-year frame, 12-month parts and labor | 10 years frame, 1 year labor, 3 years parts | 5-year frame, 1-year parts and labor | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor |
| Additional Features | 20% incline and -10% decline, two 3 lbs dumbbells included, AutoAdjust | Automatic resistance adjustments, live and on-demand classes, leaderboard | Side-to-side leaning feature, 3 lb weights included, easy to lift and move | AI resistance, 3rd party app controls, science-backed workouts | 20% incline and -10% decline, two 3 lb weights included, storage tray |
Dimensions/Storability
The NordicTrack S27i has dimensions of 57″ L x 28″ W x 65″ H. It weighs 217 lbs (in its box). It’s one of my least favorite exercise bikes to move around. The screen is so bulky, and the bike is so cumbersome that I don’t like to move it often. It may be doable for many users, but it is a hassle.
Onboard Workouts & Apps
iFIT
iFIT includes Indoor Studio Rides & Outdoor Routes all over the world. This is where the S27i really shines. You can select a route in Bangladesh, London, or even just the mountains of Southern Utah. A trainer rides a bike ahead of you while another cyclist rides behind with a camera. You follow along from this perspective so you can see and hear what the trainer is doing. Again, incline and resistance are automated on the bike to match the terrain and grade of the ride.
The NordicTrack S27i studio bike, paired with the iFIT subscriptions, makes for a very immersive experience.
Studio-Based Combo Classes: These include options where you ride for part of the time, get off the bike and do weights or plyometrics, and then ride again. They were filmed in the same way as the all-bike classes, with other participants and background music.
Studio-Based Classes for off the bike: Other classes such as strength training, yoga, stretching, or even classes for pregnant mothers can be accessed through iFIT and watched on your screen or from any computer or tablet for convenience.
iFIT has recently started beta-testing apps for Netflix and Prime. Not everyone has been accepted into the beta program. Hopefully, NordicTrack will roll out full support for these apps soon. You will need a subscription to iFIT and these apps to access them.
Console/Controls
The console has a 27″ HD Touchscreen. The screen rotates side to side and pivots up and down so you can find the right height and angle. The new S27i has an upgraded display using the Android 9 OS system and HD graphics. We look forward to evaluating the size and graphics of this screen in the coming weeks!
The S27i includes 30-watt front-facing speakers on the base of the screen that direct volume toward the rider. This is an improvement over the s22i, which had speakers on the back of the screen.
The impressive 27″ touchscreen on the S27i can pivot and tilt for off-the-bike workouts.
Accessories
Two 3-pound weights are included with the bike. These rest on a tray in between the handlebars and the screen.
There is a small storage tray in front of the handlebars to hold a phone or other small item. The water bottle holder consists of a single cage on the downtube.
Build Quality
Frame
The base, stabilizers, and posts on the S27i are all steel.
The frame on the S27i is very stable and solid, with extra supports on the front and back.
There are three adjustment points on the S27i to help different-size riders find proper bike fit: Forward/backward adjustment on the seat carriage moves the saddle forward and back; up/down adjustment via the stem post lifts and lowers the seat carriage; and up/down adjustment in the handlebar post lifts the handlebars to the appropriate height.
You can tilt the seat slightly up or down by loosening the bolt on the seat carriage. Retighten when you find the right angle. This adjustment requires a wrench.
Handlebars
The handlebars adjust up and down. The handlebars have a horizontal grip bar, tri-position resting loop, and grip bar extensions that angle up gently on either side. This allows users different options while using the S27i so they can find the most comfortable spot while riding.
The handlebars on the S27i offer several different positions for rider comfort.
The handlebars are coated for comfort and moisture protection. The overall design and comfort of the handlebars facilitate good position while riding.
Saddle
The upgraded saddle on the S27i is a nice addition, and Nordictrack is advertising it as significantly more comfortable than the previous model.
The seat on the S27i Studio Bike has been upgraded and is comfortable for riding.
Our one caveat with the s22i is the seat was a bit uncomfortable. The seat is definitely upgraded compared to the original seat that came on the NordicTrack S22i bike. It’s still not the most comfortable seat out there; that’s something we wish NordicTrack would really try to fix, but it is a step in the right direction.
SPD Hybrid Pedals
We are pleased to see upgraded pedals on the S27i Studio Bike. Previously, NordicTrack only included toe cages attached to a flat pedal on their bikes. But they have now included a hybrid pedal that allows users to use one side of the pedal with a toe cage, or they can clip in with an SPD clip on the other side.
This is a nice addition because we know a lot of cyclists out there like to use their shoes and clip in while riding. This allows riders to really push and pull while riding and get a more engaged workout on the bike. We are really impressed with this included feature.
The hybrid pedals on the NordicTrack S27i have a flat side with a toe cage as well as an SPD clip on the other side.
Incline / Decline range
A motor on the rear stabilizer lifts and lowers the bike frame to simulate actual hills and descents. The new S27i features AutoAdjust so the bike will automatically change resistance and incline to match the displayed terrain.
Incline & Decline make the ride feel more realistic – especially the outdoor rides. Incline/Decline enhances calorie burn when combined with resistance because it makes the workout more challenging. You will get more metabolic stimulus in a shorter amount of time when incline is combined with resistance.
The incline and decline feature on the S27i is very impressive.
Resistance Levels
24 Resistance levels provide enough range on the S27i (but not too much). By the time you get to level 24, the magnetic resistance creates heavy push-back on the pedals. Magnetic resistance is a significant benefit because it is consistent and accurate, reduces noise, and doesn’t cause any friction or wear on moving parts.
Resistance can be adjusted using the QuickTouch control on the bar grip or on the touchscreen.
Noise Level
As with previous Nordictrack bikes, the S27i features magnetic resistance, so it should be relatively silent when in use. The updated incline motor also reduces overall noise output, making this a great option for those who need to ride quietly at home.
Should You Buy the NordicTrack S27i
The S27i has impressive features that make this Nordictrack’s flagship bike! The S27i features an automated 20% incline and 10% decline with AutoAdjust, so you can ride hands-free. In this review, we will look at the new S27i to give you the scoop on all the new upgrades!
We are impressed with the new 27″ touchscreen, generous iFIT workout library, automated incline/decline, smooth flywheel, and comfort features. We love that the S27i features a fan, hybrid pedals, an upgraded seat, and multi-grip handlebars!
NordicTrack S27i Studio Cycle Q&A / FAQ
What is the weight limit on the S27i bike?
The NordicTrack S27i Studio Cycle has a weight limit of 350 lbs.
Do you need a subscription for the NordicTrack S27i bike?
An iFIT subscription is not required to use the NordicTrack S27i bike, but it is strongly recommended. Without a subscription, you cannot access the training content. The screen will only show the manual training screen, or one featured iFIT class (if you have a free account and Wi-Fi).
Is NordicTrack like Peloton?
NordicTrack is like Peloton in that a subscription is recommended for its equipment. Instead of Peloton, you’ll subscribe to iFIT for trainer-led on-demand classes. NordicTrack’s classes are primarily filmed outdoors compared to Peloton’s largely indoor studio classes. Peloton has curated playlists, while iFIT subscribers can choose from a few genre radio stations.
Are NordicTrack bikes good?
NordicTrack bikes are excellent for cyclists who want an incline and decline training feature. They are also especially good for cyclists who want guided training content from iFIT (or already own other iFIT equipment). The build quality is nice, and it feels very sturdy.
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