NordicTrack S27i Bike vs Peloton Bike+ Comparison – 2024

*TreadmillReviewGuru helps consumers find the best home fitness products. When you buy a product we recommend, we may earn a commission.

Last Updated: May 4, 2023

NordicTrack and Peloton are two of the top fitness brands on the market. They have a lot of similarities, such as interactive subscription programming led by world-class instructors, touch screens on their equipment, and high-quality machines. When choosing between the NordicTrack S27i Studio Bike and Peloton Bike+, know that these premium bikes include all of this and more. So, it can definitely be a hard choice to choose between them. In this comparison review of the NordicTrack S22i and the Peloton Bike+, I’ll guide you through everything these exercise bikes have to offer as well as which one we recommend.

The NordicTrack S27i (left) and Peloton Bike+ (right) are two of the top exercise bikes on the market.

Check Best Price

Why You Should Trust Our Comparison/Review

Our reviewers consist of spin instructors and exercise enthusiasts who love working out and using exercise bikes. We test all kinds of exercise bikes, and part of that process is getting familiar with the subscription content if a bike comes with any. Along with detailing our experience on each bike, we’ll guide you through the content as well to help you better determine which one is for you.

Our NordicTrack S27i vs Peloton Bike+ Video Comparison

Pros & Cons of NordicTrack S27i

Pros & Cons of Peloton Bike+

Check Best Price

Recommendation: NordicTrack S27i vs Peloton Bike+

In this head-to-head comparison, our pick is the NordicTrack S27i Studio Bike. While both bikes are on our list of best exercise bikes, the S27i has more to offer. First, the screen is 3” larger, and you can tell when you’re riding. It’s huge and makes you feel like you’re in all of the remote outdoor locations where iFit films classes. Peloton is growing their library of outdoor rides, and they’re of excellent quality as well, but iFit’s library is considerably larger.

While we do prefer Peloton’s indoor classes because each class has a curated playlist as well as top-notch instructors, the NordicTrack S27i has more features. The bike has a motor mounted on the back to pivot the frame up and down. This makes it feel like you’re riding outside. The Peloton Bike+ offers a standard indoor riding experience with a sleek design, but frankly, the S27i is a bit more fun to ride. The S27i is also more affordable since it comes with hybrid pedals and 3 lb weights. Peloton requires using specific cycling shoes in order to clip into the pedals, which are sold separately. Their 3 lb weights are sold separately, too.

In-Depth Comparison of NordicTrack S27i and Peloton Bike+

iFit App vs Peloton App

iFit and Peloton has a lot of similarities and differences. To start, they both come with touch screens attached with subscription workout programming. You have to subscribe to their memberships in order to access the full library of classes.

We recommend subscribing to the content on either screens to get full access to the screen’s functionality.

Both bikes also feature resistance automation. This is where the bike adjusts with the instructor’s cues and/or with the outdoor terrain of the class, so you don’t have to worry about adjusting the bike yourself. The S27i and Bike+ offer this feature when you subscribe to their respective memberships.

Without a subscription, you can do more on the S27i’s touch screen. iFit has a free version of the platform that allows you to use manual mode and see your workout metrics, as well as access some onboard workouts and even a featured iFit class led by an instructor. The Peloton Bike+ can be ridden without a subscription, but the functionality of the touch screen is extremely limited without one.

iFit App

Starting off with iFit on the NordicTrack S27i. iFit has an impressive library of over 16,000 classes. Classes are on-demand to be taken anytime and more are added regularly. In addition to cycling classes, there are treadmill, rowing, elliptical, strength, yoga, and mindfulness classes such as guided meditations and TED Talks. Compared to the Peloton App, iFit offers a wider variety.

In our opinion, iFit stands out with its outdoor classes. They’re offered in the variety of disciplines I listed. When on the S27i, you can use the browse section and filter your search for a specific class by types like road cycling, mountain biking, as well as races. The races are of real-life events like the Gran Fondo 55-Mile Race.

The main format of iFit’s outdoor classes is you follow the instructor through the landscape.

iFit also has indoor studio classes that feature the instructor in front of the screen on an exercise bike. These are high-quality as well, however, we wish music was integrated into these classes to make them feel more like typical studio spin classes. Music is a huge part of these classes because they help add energy. Our only knock with iFit really is the music. It features Feed.FM with preselected playlists of music that are split into different genres. It is nice to be able to change stations throughout the class, however, the music can get a little stale at times.

Another favorite part of iFit that we enjoy is the SmartAdjust feature. This is where the S27i automatically adjusts for you while riding. You can of course bypass this and adjust the grade and resistance yourself, but this comes in handy when you’re taking an outdoor ride with a bunch of hills. iFit calculates an appropriate resistance and grade range depending on previous classes you’ve taken. If the resistance and/or grade is too much or too little, iFit takes that into account when you adjust the bike yourself.

When you want to take a break from trainer-led classes, iFit has a Google Map feature that lets you create your own in areas all over the world. Once you draw your route, Google images are shown of the area as you ride.

You create your own routes by drawing them on the map.

Peloton App

Peloton has really made a name for itself largely due to its content. Peloton features a lineup of star-studded instructors.

You’ve probably heard their instructor names like Robin Arzon and Cody Rigsby, to name a few.

Peloton offers live and on-demand classes, as well as indoor and outdoor classes. Although, their indoor class list is considerably larger than their outdoor classes offered. Plus, the number of outdoor rides they have pales in comparison to iFit’s outdoor library. The indoor classes are where the platform really shines. They feature the instructor on the bike in front of the camera. Sometimes there are class participants in the background, as there are with iFit indoor classes, too. You can take cycling, treadmill, audio outdoor runs and walks, strength, yoga, boxing, and meditation classes. All classes feature a leaderboard to compete against other members and even give and receive virtual high-fives.

Peloton really stands out with its music. The instructors curate playlists for the classes so users hear each song along with the trainer. This is typical with studio spin classes. Peloton also has classes that feature specific genres and even artists.

Peloton has automation that lets you follow along with the instructor’s cues as well. This is only available on the Peloton Bike+. When switched on, this feature adjusts the resistance for you based on the structure of the workout. That way you can ride hands-free if you want.

Another fun content choice is Peloton Lanebreak.

Lanebreak is Peloton’s gaming feature that displays a wheel that moves down multiple lanes to collect points. The object is to stay in a specific lane by adjusting your resistance, power, and cadence to certain levels.

NordicTrack S27i Console vs Peloton Bike+ Console

The console on both of these bikes primarily consists of rotating touch screens.

The NordicTrack S27i has the largest screen on an exercise bike at 27”. It tilts up and down and pivots to each side so you can take iFit classes on and off the bike. The Peloton Bike+ has a 24” touch screen that tilts and rotates side to side for those mat classes, too. They have some similarities and differences, so let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

NordicTrack S27i Console

I will say that this 27” touch screen is next level. It is so large that it makes me feel like I’m with the iFit instructor. It definitely makes using iFit feel more interactive. Navigating the screen and iFit is also pretty straightforward. The screen can shake some but with proper form, this can be minimized.

The NordicTrack S27i has front-mounted speakers that are clear and plenty loud. There are also adjustment buttons to adjust them below the screen, as well as on the touch screen. A fan is also fixed between the speakers and provides ample airflow while riding. This is a nice touch that we appreciate having on the S27i. The Bike+ doesn’t have a fan.

Below the fan, in between the handlebars is a tray to place your phone or whatever personal item you need nearby.

This tray fits my iPhone just fine and keeps it within reach.

Below the handles is a flat resistance brake that stops the pedals when they’re moving. There is also a plastic cupholder that is a little flimsy. We do wish the cupholders were more stable like they are on the NordicTrack S22i.

Peloton Bike+ Console

The 24” touch screen on the Peloton Bike+ is clear and really lovely to use. The graphics are crisp and using the screen within the Peloton app is easy. The screen is very slim and remains steady, but it can feel a little too close when you’re standing out of the saddle in position three.

The front-facing sound bar sits at the top of the screen and the speakers are loud and clear, as well. Apart from the two cupholders below the handles though, there isn’t any storage on the Bike+.

The cupholders hold water bottles just fine, but they’re plastic and flimsy.

Both bikes have cages for the weights behind the saddle, however, the Bike+ offers the weights at a separate price.

Construction Quality / Durability

Overall, both of these exercise bikes have excellent construction and are smooth and stable to ride. They’re both suitable for users of all abilities and of most sizes. The NordicTrack can handle up to 350 lbs versus the Bike+ weight capacity of 297 lbs, however.

NordicTrack S27i vs Peloton Bike+ Frame

The Peloton Bike+ is lighter and has a sleeker look than the NordicTrack S27i, however, it doesn’t have as many capabilities. The NordicTrack S27i has a motor attached to the rear stabilizer and weighs 217 lbs compared to the 140 lbs that the Bike+ weighs.

The S27i has a stabilizer at the front and rear of the bike, as well as one that’s under the bike that runs from the front to the back.

This design creates a very sturdy ride and allows the frame to pivot up and down when the grade percentage is changed. The Bike+ has a more classic design with a stabilizer on the front and back.

The Peloton doesn’t incline or decline but offers a standard riding experience instead.

NordicTrack S27i vs Peloton Bike+ Flywheel

An indication of a well-built home exercise bike is the flywheel. A heavy flywheel of over 20 lbs points to a hearty bike that’s smooth to ride. This is true for both the Bike+ and S27i. Their flywheels are very similar in size and only weigh about 2 lbs different. The S27i has a 32 lb flywheel, while the Bike+ has a 30 lb flywheel. When pedaling, we don’t notice a difference between the two. Both flywheels are inertia-enhanced, so they maintain consistently smooth pedal strokes.

Each of these bikes also uses magnetic resistance. Magnetic resistance is smooth and doesn’t cause wear and tear on the flywheel like friction resistance. The magnetic resistance is practically silent. The incline/decline motor on the NordicTrack S27i is also very quiet and quick to adjust, so it’s suitable to use in pretty much any home space.

NordicTrack S27i vs Peloton Bike+ Drive System

The Peloton Bike+ and NordicTrack S27i use belt drive systems, which help contribute to how quiet these bikes are. Along with the heavy flywheel, this is a factor that aids in making the pedal stroke so smooth.

On the S27i, we are thrilled to see hybrid pedals.

One side of the pedal is a toe cage that allows users to wear any type of athletic shoe while riding. The other side has an SPD clip, so you can wear compatible cycling shoes and ride clipped in. This makes the NordicTrack more accessible and accommodating to a wider variety of riders. SPD cleats are pretty common among indoor cyclists so it’s easy to find a relatively affordable pair at most sporting goods stores.

The Peloton Bike+ comes with less common Delta-compatible clip-ins. Since they’re not as common, you’ll most likely need to purchase Peloton’s cycling shoes at a separate cost just to use the Bike+.

There is also an option to add toe cages to these pedals, like on our Bike+ here, but these are at an additional cost, too.

NordicTrack S27i vs Peloton Bike+ Handlebars/Cockpit

The Peloton Bike+ does have thoughtful handlebars.

The horizontal bar on the Bike+ offers multiple grip options and gives a little bit more comfortability when riding with your hands in the second position. The rounded handles on the S27i feel a bit too narrow, especially for users with broader shoulders. We wish they were more of a horizontal bar like on the Bike+.

The handles on the S27i have adjustment buttons that make changing the resistance and incline/decline easy.

The buttons on the right adjust the resistance which includes 24 levels, and the buttons on the left control the incline up to 20% and decline to -10%. The Bike+ uses a resistance knob that’s placed just below the handlebars. With 100 levels of resistance, it is harder to land on a specific increment with this knob. It feels nice in your hand, but it is pretty sensitive.

Performance & Functionality

When testing these exercise bikes, our reviewers are able to hop back and forth between the models to directly compare how they compare and differ. Overall, each of these bikes performed as expected. They’re both of high quality and as I mentioned earlier, NordicTrack and Peloton offer well-constructed equipment.

The NordciTrack S27i is fun and engaging to ride.

The Bike+ is comfortable to ride.

Because the NordicTrack S27i Studio Bike and the Peloton Bike+ have large, attached touch screens, they only offer three adjustment points. The seat adjusts up/down, and forward/back, while the handles only adjust up and down. This is pretty standard on exercise bikes that come with attached screens. Although this can be unfortunate when users try to get a perfect bike fit, we found that both of these bikes offer plenty of adjustability. The seat and handles offer a wide range of adjustability. All of our reviewers who range from 5’0” to 6’5” fit well on both exercise bikes.

The saddles on the Bike+ and S27i are narrow with slight contouring to support your tailbone. The narrow design makes them perfect for long-distance riding because you’re less prone to developing saddle sores. The cushioning on the S27i’s saddle feels stiffer and less forgiving than the Peloton, although it can be swapped out for a different seat.

As far as storing these exercise bikes, something to make note of is that they don’t fold up, which is common for most indoor cycling bikes. They do have front-mounted transportation wheels so you can lift up the back ends and wheel them around when needed. Because the NordicTrack is heavier, it can be a little harder to maneuver, but both are transportable.

Warranty

When comparing the warranty packages, NordicTrack offers more coverage. The S27i comes with a 10-year warranty for the frame, a 2-year warranty for parts, and a 1-year warranty for labor versus the Peloton Bike+ comes with a 5-year warranty for the frame and a 12-month warranty for the touch screen, pedals, labor, and other components.