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Last Updated: January 1, 2023

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The NordicTrack VR21 recumbent bike is the ideal bike for anyone looking for low-impact training on a comfortable, recumbent bike. With a padded seat and vented backrest, you can work hard and still stay cool and reclined.

Who It’s For: Riders looking for comfortable, low-impact conditioning with lumbar support

The VR21 is designed for users who:

• Prefer to sit reclined rather than upright while they ride
• Are looking for extra lumbar support
• Want a padded seat with extra-wide pedals
• Desire a well-rounded conditioning and recovery option
• Want something stable that won’t rock while pedalling
• Need equipment that is easy to get on and off

In-depth Review of NordicTrack VR21 Bike

Construction

Steel Frame with protective overlay

The VR21 frame is sturdy. It will not rock when placed on a level floor. Support bars are all steel with plastic molding over the drive belt and flywheel for protection.

Two Sets of Handlebars

Vertical upright bars wrap the console and horizontal bars flank the saddle. All handlebar grips are powder-coated black with molded plastic hand-holds that are sweat and germ resistant. Handlebars won’t absorb moisture and can easily be wiped off when you are finished. EKG sensors on the upright handlebars send a readout of your heart rate to the screen. The upright bars are connected to the console. Both handlebars and console can be raised or lowered via the orange knob on the forward post. Saddle handlebars are attached to the seat, so they move in line with the position of the seat.

Saddle

The VR21 has an innovative saddle design. A wide, padded base ensures maximum comfort with no saddle soreness from riding. The vented backrest allows for airflow so even as body temp increases during riding, you don’t end up leaning against a sweaty backrest. The backrest and seat are also smooth and germ-resistant, so they clean up easily and won’t harbour bacteria.

Console/Controls

5” LCD Screen

The 5” LCD screen has a dark background with bright white digital numbers. The screen is easy to see and navigate using the console controls.

Console Layout

The LCD screen is at the top of the console. Buttons just below the screen manage onboard programs and resistance levels. Speakers sit just below this button array. You can place your phone or tablet on a thick ledge just below the speakers. A large tablet may block the number array and the lower part of the screen, but you will still be able to see most of the numbers. This ledge has an external lip on it to hold your device securely. There are also controls for speakers and fan along with numbered resistance buttons. The fan is at the bottom of the console, sitting at roughly chest-height.

Speakers

Using an auxiliary port on the side of the console, you can plug in your phone to play music through the speakers. None of the onboard programs have any sound. The speakers offer a nice option so you can ride hands-free without headphones. Volume control is on the console display.

Storage

There is a single cup-holder secured to the front post just above the flywheel. It should hold most water bottles snugly and is within easy reach.

Functionality

Benefits of Recumbent Riding

Often recumbent bikes are viewed as less challenging that upright bikes. However, when in a recumbent position, riders are working several important muscle groups.

• • Strengthen Heart and Lungs (Cardiovascular system): The heart is a muscle, so any exercise that increases heart rate strengthens the heart. Aerobic exercise also improves lung capacity, which can decrease heart rate and blood pressure.

• Develop Balanced Leg Muscles: The four large muscles that make up the front of your thigh are called “quadriceps.” (Quad meaning four.) These muscles are important in knee flexion and extension. Recumbent riding engages and strengthens the quads gently without creating tension or pressure on the knee joint. Hamstring muscles which line the back of the thigh work in conjunction with quadriceps to create a full pedal stroke. Calf and shin muscles are also engaged when riding and these help with the motion and stability of the ankle.

Noise Level

The VR21 offers a quiet, smooth ride. The flywheel provides just enough resistance to really get your heart rate up while not generating too much noise. A protective casing over the flywheel and drive belt limits sound as well. Digital resistance — as opposed to friction resistance — is nearly silent, so you can ride the VR21 at any time of day without disturbing those around you.

Storage / Folding

The VR21 does not fold, but it has large wheels on the front stabilizer so you can tilt the bike forward and roll it out of the way when needed.

Items of Note

Recumbent bikes have a distinct design. As a result, the saddle and footprint of the VR21 is slightly wider than standard upright bikes. This width ensures stability and easy step-over. I recommend trying out a recumbent bike before you buy one since they do have a different feel than other bikes. Recumbent bikes offer excellent benefits and are a good low-impact option.

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