NordicTrack Commercial VU 19 Exercise Bike Review – 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 2, 2023

While NordicTrack manufactures a line of indoor exercise bikes designed for high-intensity workouts, the Commercial VU 19 bike is better suited for mid to low-intensity training. The Commercial VU 19 Exercise Bike has 32 onboard workouts, 24 resistance levels, and an upgraded entertainment console with a 7” touchscreen that allows you to read your emails, watch movies, or even work.

If you’d prefer to use your own device, you can secure it to the console using the built-in integrated tablet holder. With the complimentary one-month iFit subscription, you can tap into the full benefits of this bike with unlimited training from certified personal trainers at your fingertips. These programs offer variety to suit different fitness goals. So if you want to lose weight or build endurance, you’ll find something for yourself.

The NordicTrack Commercial VU 19 Exercise Bike Featuring A 7″ Touchscreen For iFit Content.

Check Best Price

With a 19-pound flywheel, you can expect a decent riding experience. This lighter flywheel will not bring the smoothest ride available, but it is suitable for riders looking for a low-to-moderate intensity workout. However, it won’t be ideal for high-level athletes looking for high-intensity activities.

We like the 325-pound weight limit. This will allow most family members to enjoy the NordicTrack Commercial VU 19 exercise bike.

We think the NordicTrack Commercial VU 19 Exercise Bike is a good value. Especially since it is equipped to provide an exciting and interactive training experience. We’ll see if this exercise bike is for you in this spec review.

Who The NordicTrack VU 19 Bike Is For:

• Want a low-impact workout and weigh up to 325 pounds.
• Want a full-body, interactive activity.
• Want a low-maintenance piece of equipment.

NordicTrack Commercial VU 19 Exercise Bike Review

Frame

The compact upright frame (43.6″ L x 24.9″ W x 59.4″ H) of the VU 19 gives you many options for where you can use it. It’s sturdy and stable but light, with a fully assembled weight of just a bit over 100 lbs, making it easy for one person to move.

Drive System

The 19-pound flywheel is relatively light. However, if you don’t plan to use it for a super high-intensity workout, it will be suitable. A heavier flywheel would allow for a more challenging training experience and make the bike feel more substantial.

The 24 digital resistance levels are quick and easy. And thanks to SMRTM Silent Magnetic Resistance technology, this is a quiet piece of equipment that can be used in shared spaces.

Console

The 7” Smart HD color touchscreen is undoubtedly the star of the console, giving you access to settings, controls, and all those stats you like to track. The wireless technology onboard allows the console to connect with iFit. iFit offers an endless library of workouts to choose from. If you are into creating your own workouts, you can do that too. The iFit platform easily allows you to access all your past workouts. If you aren’t into online workouts, there is a selection of 32 onboard workouts to choose from.

When you choose a workout, it will control the resistance of the pedals, making it easier for you to concentrate on the work and not making adjustments. If you choose manual mode, you will have free reign to adjust the resistance with the up and down resistance buttons.

A glance down to the console is all you need to get the vital feedback you need to succeed with your fitness goals. Using the integrated heart rate monitor in the hand grips or a Bluetooth chest strap (sold separately) to keep an eye on your pulse can be a game-changer for targeted programs.

A fun option the VU 19 offers is the ability to output the console screen to a TV or monitor. Simply plug an HDMI cable (not included) into the console port and then to your TV or monitor and make it easy to keep track of everything.

The Bluetooth®3 compatible speakers allow you to pair your portable devices to the console wirelessly. You can also access the speakers using a 3.5 mm male-to-male audio cable (not included) into the auxiliary music port.

Heart Rate Monitoring

The EKG CardioGrip monitoring system makes it easy to check your heart rate as you’re pumping away. Simply squeeze the handlebars where the EKG sensors are to get an idea of your current pulse. This information can help you when doing heart rate targeted workouts. You can also use the onboard Bluetooth technology to monitor your pulse using the NordicTrack iFit Bluetooth® Smart Chest Strap, sold separately.

On-board Stats

Having a touch screen is excellent with this bike because there is so much real-time and past workout data to browse. You can navigate through the different display modes, which will dictate which workout information you will see.

Automatic Trainer Control

When you’re giving it your all, the Automatic Trainer Control takes away the guesswork. When choosing select iFit trainer-led workouts, the resistance is controlled for you to mimic the crisp real-world terrain you see on your display.

Programs/Workouts

Few home use bikes come with 32 workouts already onboard. When you combine those with all the workouts iFit brings to the table, you’ve got endless options to keep activities fresh and inspiring.

It’s easy to get rolling with a workout. Simply access the training of choice with the touchscreen, and away you go. NordicTrack knows the benefits of keeping things fresh, so the featured workouts on your console will change regularly. If you really enjoyed a featured ride, you can select it as a favorite so you can come back to it another time.

Manual mode puts you totally in the driver’s seat as far as resistance and pace. And if you’re feeling creative and want to take manual mode to the next level, you can create a Draw-Your-Own-Map workout. Find the area on the map where you’d like to begin your ride and simply touch the screen to add the starting point. Do the same for your ending point, and you have just created a custom workout ride.

Workout Fan

The AutoBreeze™ workout fan has multiple speed settings–including an auto mode. The auto mode allows the speed of the fan to increase or decrease as your pedaling speed changes automatically. Press the buttons to adjust the fan speed manually or to turn it off.

Seat Post and Saddle

It has an oversized adjustable seat with vertical and horizontal seat adjustments. For comfort and effective exercise, the seat needs to be at the proper height. There should be a slight bend in your knees when the pedals are in the lowest position.

Extra perks

• Transport Wheels: This makes moving the VU 19 easy.
• Integrated Pivoting Tablet Holder: No struggling to position your tablet or phone.
• Auxiliary Music Port: Use devices that aren’t Bluetooth friendly; 3.5 mm plug sold separately.
• Accessory tray: Perfect for catching whatever is in your pockets so you can move freely.