An often overlooked exercise bike is the upright bike. These bikes are the in-between of recumbent and indoor cycling bikes. You aren’t sitting in a chair like a recumbent bike, but you aren’t as tipped forward in the saddle as a spin bike. This makes upright bikes a good compromise.

And when it comes to upright bikes, I’m not just saying the NordicTrack VU 29 is one of the best on the market for anything. It has many of the same features as NordicTrack’s other kinds of bikes on a high-quality upright frame.

The 14” touchscreen with iFIT is one of the standout features of this bike. iFIT is an all-around training platform with trainer-led workout classes. The workouts are filmed primarily outdoors in areas all over the world.

In addition to iFIT, the 325-lb weight limit, and oversized cushioned seat make the VU 29 appropriate for most people. But what level of fitness is this bike best suited for? Keep reading to find out.

NordicTrack VU 29 Exercise Bike Review: Bottom Line

Star Rating
PriceMSRP: $999
ManufacturerNordicTrack
TypeUpright Bike

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This upright bike has a standard design, adjustable saddle, compact dimensions, and streaming from iFIT with a subscription.

Rating MatricOur Rating

Workout Experience
7
Specs / Features
8
Dimensions / Storability
7
On-Board Workouts & Apps
9
Build Quality
8

Upright bikes are good for those with back problems that prohibit them from sitting forward on a spin bike and for those who need a step-up from a recumbent bike. The upright positioning on the saddle still requires balance but is less strenuous than an indoor cycling bike or air bike.

The NordicTrack VU 29 has a compact footprint, wide, padded saddle, and standard pedals that make a circular pedal rotation. This bike will primarily work your lower body while keeping you entertained and engaged with iFIT.

iFIT requires a subscription but will enhance your overall experience on the VU 29. We really like the weight limit and saddle adjustability. This bike should be comfortable for most builds and good for beginners and those with limited mobility for a spin bike.

But before you consider taking this one home, you should know all of the ins and outs, including the components that aren’t visible in a product image. We’re here to help you decide if the NordicTrack VU 29 Upright Bike is for you, so let’s get into all of the details.

What We Like

14” HD color touchscreen for interactive workouts
Comfortable oversized cushioned seat
Workout fan
24 digital resistance levels
325 lb max user weight – great for a wide range of users
Upright, easy-to-use bike frame
Connect headphones via Bluetooth
Lightweight and easy to move when needed
Auto trainer control
Silent while in use – silent magnetic resistance

Areas for Improvement

Lighter flywheel compared to other home exercise bikes
The handlebars don’t adjust

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We Specialize In All Kinds Of Exercise Bikes

Here at TRG, we’re indoor cycling instructors and exercisers who spend a lot of time in the saddle. The types of saddles we sit in range because of the different kinds of bikes we ride and test.

We’ve also been testing bikes from NordicTrack for over a decade. Although we don’t have the VU 29 in our studio for testing yet, we feel confident in creating this review because of our experience using their bikes over the years. We know exactly what iFIT is about from direct experience, too.

Editor’s Note, 8/15/24: This review was updated to include our latest review standards and our comparison chart to help consumers find the right exercise bike for them.

NordicTrack VU 29 Exercise Bike vs. Similar Exercise Bikes

Here is a quick overview of how the VU 29 compares to other exercise bikes.

	NordicTrack VU 29	Sole R92	NordicTrack R35	Sole SB1200	NordicTrack S22i
Price (MSRP)
Star Rating
Bottom Line	This upright bike has a nicely padded saddle, compact footprint, and streaming from iFIT to keep your workouts engaging.	This recumbent bike brings an uncomplicated, low-impact, and accessible experience for all ages.	A comfortable and enjoyable low-impact workout is available to all fitness levels on the R35.	The SB1200 is a heavy-duty bike that offers streaming from Netflix, has screen mirroring, and includes trainer-led workout videos.	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 VU 29	Sole R92	NordicTrack R35	Sole SB1200	NordicTrack S22i
Workout Experience	7	8	8	9	9
Specs / Features	8	7	9	8	9
Dimensions / Storability	7	7	6	8	8
On-Board Workouts & Apps	9	6	9	9	9
Build Quality	8	8	8	8	8
Overall Score	75	75	80	83	90
# of Onboard Workouts	2	10	2	Hundreds	2
Paid Programming - Cost	$39/month	N/A	iFIT - $39/month	N/A	iFIT - $39/month
Netflix / 3rd Party Apps	Netflix, Prime (in beta-testing)	N/A	Netflix, Prime Video (Beta Testing)	YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Peacock, Hulu, Spotify, ESPN, CNN, Audible, Kinomap	Netflix, Prime Video (Beta Testing)
Display	14” HD touchscreen	9” Backlit LCD	14” HD touchscreen	10.1” Android-powered touchscreen	22” rotating HD touchscreen
Dimensions (In Use)	41.49” L x 24.86” W x 55.29” H	56” L x 29” W x 60” H	68.22” L x 24.69” W x 53.42” H	57” L x 21” W x 63” H	61” L x 22” W x 58” H
Pedal Type	Flat with adjustable top straps	Flat with adjustable top strap	Flat with adjustable top strap	Hybrid	Hybrid
# of Adjustment Points	2	1	1	3	3
Bike Weight	115 lbs (in box)	130 lbs	192 lbs (in box)	127 lbs	205 lbs (in box)
Weight Capacity	325 lbs	300 lbs	350 lbs	330 lbs	350 lbs
Flywheel Weight	19 lbs	20 lbs	25 lbs	35.27 lbs	32 lbs
Max Resistance	24 levels	20 levels	26 levels	35.27 lbs	24 levels
Resistance Type	Magnetic	Eddy current brake	Magnetic	Magnetic	Magnetic
Warranty	10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor	Lifetime frame, 2-year parts and wear items, 1-year labor, 90-days cosmetic items	10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor	Lifetime frame, 2-year all other components, 1-year labor	10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
Additional Features	AutoAdjust, water bottle holder, multi-setting fan	Pulse grips, 2 cup holders, adjustable device rack	AutoAdjust, Google Maps, fan	Adjustable device rack, weight cages, adjustable leveling feet	20% incline and -10% decline, two 3 lb weights included, storage tray

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Dimensions/Storability

The NordicTrack VU 29’s compact upright frame (55.29 ” H x 24.86″ W x 41.49″ L) makes finding a place for it easy. Its small footprint is great for users who don’t have much space in their homes for workout equipment.

This bike is sturdy and stable but not very heavy. It weighs 115 lbs in the box, so it shouldn’t be very difficult to move when needed.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

Any equipment that has a touchscreen most likely includes subscription training content. NordicTrack equipment is enabled with iFIT. Here is what you can expect with a subscription to the VU 29.

iFIT

iFIT is a complete training platform that’s filled with thousands of trainer-led workout classes. There are over 17,000 workouts in a variety of disciplines. For exercise bikes, there are indoor classes on studio cycles and outdoor filmed workouts on paved roads, gravel, and mountains.

The outdoor workouts are what sets iFIT apart from other training apps and platforms. A camera follows the instructor across every continent.

Another cool feature of iFIT is Google Maps. This is where you can draw routes on a map, and then, during your workout, Google Images will be displayed to show the location. This is nice for when you want to do your own thing.

My favorite iFIT feature is AutoAdjust. On the VU 29, the resistance will adjust to match the format of the iFIT workout. So, if the instructor says to add more resistance, or if they’re riding up a hill or mountain, the resistance will adjust accordingly to match the intensity.

Music plays in the background through a radio-like feature. There are different stations to choose from with preset songs. iFIT has a lot of features that will make the VU 29 interactive and fun to ride.

Onboard Workouts

You can use the upright bike without a subscription to iFIT. Manual mode is available and a featured iFIT workout.

Keep in mind that you can listen to iFIT’s music with a subscription, and without a subscription, you can’t connect your phone to play music of your own through the bike’s speakers.

Console

The 14” HD color touchscreen is a nice size. It gives you access to settings, controls, and stats for the current workout and past rides, as well as iFIT with a subscription.

The screen doesn’t pivot, but it tilts up and down slightly, so users should get a good view of the screen.

The adjustment buttons are straightforward. There aren’t any quick-adjustment buttons for going from low to high resistances, but the bar on the screen should be easy enough to jump around with your resistance.

I think the positioning of the screen should be within reach for most people. It doesn’t adjust forward or backward, unfortunately.

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Build Quality

The NordicTrack VU 29 Upright Bike has a typical upright design. It handles up to 325 lbs, so it should work for most people.

Frame

There are two steel stabilizers that support the base of the bike. There is also a steel upright to hold the console and a steel saddle post. These components should make the bike feel really solid to use. It looks like the four feet under the stabilizers are adjustable, which will help plant the bike on the floor if your floor is a little uneven.

Drive System

A belt connects the pedals to the flywheel, making this a smooth and quiet bike. The pedals are flat, with an adjustable top strap for your feet. Regular tennis shoes will work well with these pedals.

Seat

The oversized seat with vertical and horizontal seat adjustments allows you to be as comfortable and natural as possible. For effective exercise, the seat needs to be at the proper height, and its adjustability should work for most heights.

The saddle also looks to be nicely padded. It’s wider than studio bikes, which gives it a good base of support when riding. Since the upper body is positioned a little more upright, this saddle complements it well.

It also has nice contouring for your tailbone.

Handles

The handles are fixed on either side of the touchscreen. They extend upright, like most upright bikes. Even though they don’t adjust, they should be within reach for most people. It would be nice if they adjusted or extended a little further toward the saddle. I think if they had a front horizontal bar that extended in front of the console, it would be helpful for shorter users and give people more grip options.

In a future update, it would be nice to see the handles be updated to be adjustable and/or available with more grip options.

Flywheel

The 19-lb inertia-enhanced flywheel is on the lighter end of what we like to see on exercise bikes, which can be somewhat limiting for those who want challenging workouts. Heavier flywheels open up the option for those types of workouts and make the bike feel more steady, so if you don’t plan on using the bike for extreme workouts, it will be suitable for you.

Resistance

The 24 digital resistance levels should be smooth and quiet to adjust. Magnetic resistance is common on indoor exercise bikes because it is smooth, quiet, and low-maintenance. I assume this bike will be very quiet, if not practically silent, so it should be good for most homes.

Twenty-four levels of resistance are pretty standard for NordicTrack. It should make for plenty of tension.

Warranty

The VU 29 includes NordicTrack’s standard warranty of 10 years for the frame, two years for parts, and one year for labor.

Should You Buy the NordicTrack VU 29 Exercise Bike?

The NordicTrack Commercial VU29 upright stationary bike has great appeal for the beginner to the intermediate exerciser. Its best feature is the iFit-enabled 14” touchscreen.

The lighter 19-pound flywheel means this bike isn’t for serious trainees looking to replicate the experience of gym training at home. Novice or intermediate athletes who enjoy an interactive experience and entertainment will find this bike very enjoyable. The 24 resistance levels mean most users will be challenged.

The sturdy, silent VU 29 will easily accommodate bigger users up to 325 lbs and has a comfortable oversized seat that is easy to adjust. You won’t have to worry about disturbing your family or roommate with the noiseless operation. This light, manageable bike is easy to move if needed.

We love the 14” HD color touchscreen and feel it makes the bike a step above. Connect with headphones via Bluetooth. The handlebars are slightly awkward for some users, but otherwise, it’s a comfortable exercise bike that everyone in your household can use and enjoy.

We give the NordicTrack Commercial VU29 a thumbs up for beginner or intermediate athletes needing a low-impact workout but requiring a large touch screen console and entertaining interactive exercise to stay motivated.

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NordicTrack VU 29 Exercise Bike Q&A / FAQ

What is the weight limit on the NordicTrack VU 29?

It handles up to 325 lbs.

Are NordicTrack bikes good?

NordicTrack has some of the best exercise bikes on the market. We consider the S22i to be the best because of its quality, features, and iFIT streaming. The VU 29 should be a great upright bike. It’s well-priced, has excellent construction, and a nice touchscreen with iFIT.

Is this a paid review?

We were not paid to write this review. We test equipment from NordicTrack to compile these reviews, and we also write spec reviews of equipment to help consumers know what to expect. We have affiliate links which is where we make commissions. This allows us to write reviews and help consumers in their search.

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NordicTrack VU 29 Exercise Bike Review: Upright With iFIT

NordicTrack VU 29 Exercise Bike Review: Bottom Line

We Specialize In All Kinds Of Exercise Bikes

NordicTrack VU 29 Exercise Bike vs. Similar Exercise Bikes

Dimensions/Storability

Onboard Workouts & Apps