ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 Review: Studio Cycling At Home

Dimensions/Storability

This is a compact machine at just 22″ Wide x 57″ Deep x 54″ High.

The transportation wheels allow the bike to be moved when needed.

The Studio Pro 22 bike does not fold up. There are wheels under the front stabilizer so you can tip the bike and gently roll it out of the way. REMOVE ANY WEIGHTS BEFORE DOING THIS! We made the mistake of rolling the bike without removing the weights first, and they came tumbling down towards the screen and our toes.

A bike mat under the bike will keep it secure on the floor (so it doesn’t walk) and reduce floor vibration and noise as well.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

Manual Mode

Manual Mode is available on the Pro 22 and can be accessed with or without an iFIT subscription. However, there is limited functionality if you don’t use iFIT.

Honestly, if you are looking for a bike that doesn’t require a subscription, we’d recommend considering the Bowflex C6 or Sole SB900 bikes. These also have magnetic resistance and an LCD console that will display basic ride metrics, but they don’t require a subscription. The main feature of a smart bike is the touchscreen and subscription content.

The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 is a great fit for most users, but might be limiting for taller riders.

You cannot watch TV, access the internet, or use other apps on the Pro 22 screen. The screen is designed to default to the iFIT app. Some users buy fitness equipment with an attached screen, thinking the screen is just like a TV. Unfortunately, that is not the case. This screen — like most others on fitness equipment – is designed to work in conjunction with the features of the bike.

iFIT Subscription

iFIT supports up to five profiles. iFIT has an impressive database of classes and content that is constantly updated. You have access to on-demand classes, outdoor routes, and off-bike classes such as strength training, yoga, and stretching. iFIT provides options to keep you engaged and will help users gain and maintain whole-body fitness. It is not just a cycling app.

If you have other ProForm or Nordictrack equipment (such as a rower, treadmill, or elliptical), you only need one subscription for all your machines. We are impressed with iFIT’s constantly expanding library of content and classes.

Personal Trainer-Led Cycling Classes

These classes are filmed in a studio with a trainer on a bike in front of you and other participants riding alongside. Class options include a range of options such as intervals, HIIT, hill climbs, calorie burn, sprint sessions, etc. Trainers are engaging, and the bike will automatically adjust to whatever the trainer is doing. If you begin a hill climb, your bike will automatically incline for you.

Resistance is automated in iFIT. You control your speed. Manual controls on the screen or handlebars will override automation at any time should you need to adjust it. These classes are not live like they are in Peloton; iFIT classes are pre-recorded, and music is pre-set. However, class participants are real people, so you feel like you are part of a class.

iFIT will keep track of your stats, but there is no real-time Leaderboard.

Outdoor Routes all over the world

This is where the Pro 22 really shines. No other program can compete with the extensive iFIT rides all over the world. 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 videography on these rides is impressive. You can watch from the perspective of the second rider, and iFIT will also occasionally add a drone shot or overhead view of the city or landscape while you ride.

Peloton has a handful of outdoor routes, but they are filmed from a drone, not a cyclist. They do not include direction from a trainer, and there is no accompanying sound.

Cycling & Strength 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.

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.

Streaming Apps

iFIT is currently beta testing, including apps for Netflix and Prime. You’ll need your own Prime or Netflix account to use these streaming services.

22″ Touchscreen

This large touchscreen is the same size as on the Peloton Bike+ and NordicTrack s22i. This is about the largest screen we see on exercise bikes — and certainly all you’ll need. We like touchscreens because they have several benefits. A touchscreen reduces cockpit clutter from buttons, dials, etc.

The 22 inch screen on the Pro 22 is impressive.

All the bike functionality is pretty much embedded in the touchscreen. This keeps the handlebars clean and reduces the likelihood of sweat dripping down on electronic controls, etc.

You select your iFIT program, adjust volume and screen settings, and other info all on the touchscreen. A white metric bar at the top of the screen displays your ride stats like time, distance, calorie burn, wattage, heart rate, cadence, etc. iFIT also includes a Leaderboard and other features that connect riders to each other.

We love how the touchscreen incorporates so much functionality into the bike. We’d also like to see a resistance knob or quick-touch resistance buttons on the handles if possible. This adds another way to control resistance so you don’t have to reach forward and touch the screen every time.

Tablet Holder

There is no tablet holder on the Pro 22. The bike is designed to only use the touchscreen, so there’s really nowhere to place a tablet.

Bluetooth Enabled for Wireless Headphones

The Pro 22 touchscreen will sync with Bluetooth headphones. This is a relatively new update from iFIT that we absolutely love!

Accessories

Two 3-lb weights are included and sit behind the saddle. Personally, I like having the weights close by, but not in the way. The area behind the saddle is more difficult to reach than the area right in front of you. However, since most riders will only occasionally use the weights, I prefer to have them out of the way. I can grab them when needed, but they don’t interfere with my ride.

Water Bottle Cage

The ProForm Pro 22 has a water bottle cage at the base of the frame. It isn’t super large, but it will hold an average-sized water bottle. It’s nice having it within reach, but it may impede your step-through height if you have a bottle there. Just make sure you don’t knock it with your foot when getting on or off the bike.

The water bottle cage is located below the handles in front of the saddle.

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Build Quality

Frame

The ProForm Studio Pro 22 consists of a steel frame with welded junction points, front-mounted wheels, a plastic drive cover, and steel handlebars coated with a spongy grip material. The bike weighs 125 pounds, which is impressively lightweight. It can support up to 250 pounds and feels very stable while riding. It doesn’t generate any noise while riding.

The bike has three points of adjustment: the seat raises up and down, the seat moves forward and aft, and the handlebars lift up and down.

The handles offer plenty of grip options while riding.

Geometry

The ProForm Studio Pro 22 bike is designed like a road bike with the saddle roughly in line with the handlebars so riders hinge at the hips and lean forward. The saddle also sits directly above the pedal cranks and the handlebars are just above the flywheel.

This “square” design makes for a very evenly spaced fit that feels much like an outdoor road bike. Users should find the design of the Studio Pro 22 to be familiar and easy to use.

Pedals

The Studio Bike Pro 22 has flat pedals with cages to hold your shoe securely. These pedals will work with any athletic shoe — you don’t need a special cycling shoe.

The toe cages adjust to hold your feet to the pedals.

Plug

The ProForm Studio Pro 22 requires a power outlet to operate. The plug has an adapter and will work with any standard wall outlet. The only thing to consider is you have to be close enough to a wall outlet for the cord to reach. Once you are done riding, you can unplug and store the cord elsewhere for safety if needed.

The plug is located on the rear stabilizer of the bike.

Flywheel

The 32-lb flywheel on the Studio Pro 22 creates a smooth pedal stroke and fluid motion while riding. Since an indoor studio bike does not have any external momentum to keep the wheel spinning, it is designed with a weighted flywheel that gains and maintains inertia as it spins.

The flywheel is positioned on the front of the bike and makes riding feel similar to riding a bike outside.

If a flywheel is underweight, it can lag on the backend without enough momentum to pull it through the full rotation. Less expensive bikes typically have lighter flywheels, which may translate into a jerky pedal motion. The 32lb flywheel on the Studio Bike Pro 22 is a good weight, and the inertia-enhanced design keeps it fluid and smooth throughout the pedal stroke.

Weighted flywheels also provide more support (due to the added weight) when standing out of the saddle. For those riders who like to stand up, having a weighted flywheel helps in this position as well.

Incline / Decline range

There is no incline or decline built into the Studio Pro 22 bike. The NordicTrack s22i and s15i offer incline and decline, but the ProForm bike sits firmly on the ground. It will not create any incline while riding.

Resistance Levels

Magnetic resistance is frictionless and the type of resistance most often found on high-end bikes because it is quiet, there are no friction points, and therefore less wear and tear on the flywheel and brake pads. Since there is no contact, you don’t feel or hear any squeaking or rubbing noise when pedaling — regardless of resistance level.

You can occasionally hear the magnets as they move forward and back away from the flywheel, but this is a very subtle sound you’d have to listen for.

I like having 24 levels – this is enough to break it down, but not so many that you get lost in the small increments.

Saddle

The saddle doesn’t look super padded, but it’s surprisingly comfortable. Wide padded saddles can lead to an increased risk of saddle sores and raw spots, while an overly slim saddle with minimal padding will obviously be uncomfortable for most riders.

The ProForm Studio Pro 22 saddle is comfortably padded.

The saddle on the Pro 22 is preferable for long rides since it reduces friction points on the inner thigh and groin area and reduces sweat and/or moisture build-up. If you are new to indoor cycling, the saddle may feel a bit uncomfortable at first, but after a few rides (and increased glute definition), you will get used to it. You can always add a gel seat cover if desired.

You can raise and lower the saddle as well as move it forward and aft. Ideal positioning keeps a gentle 25-35 degree bend in the knee with the foot flat on the pedal. The seat adjustment on the Pro 22 is adequate. There are measurements on both the seat tube and saddle carriage, so you can find the right setting each time. This is especially helpful for households with multiple riders.

The Pro 22 uses pop-pin levers to adjust the seat up and down and has a knob to move the saddle forward and aft. Once you have adjusted your saddle height where you want it, pull the pin out, and you should be able to twist the lever back out of the way so it doesn’t graze your leg while riding.

Should You Buy the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22

The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 is a well-built exercise bike that is affordable and quiet. This bike is a good option for anyone who wants something quiet, comfortable, and low-impact.

Since it uses magnetic resistance and doesn’t take up much space, the Pro 22 is a good choice for anyone who lives in an apartment or other shared space and wants something compact.

iFIT offers cycling classes, outdoor routes, and off-bike classes such as strength training, stretching, and yoga for full-body conditioning. If you want to avoid the gym and exercise on your own time and in the comfort of your own home, the Studio Bike Pro 22 is a great place to start.

We love the updated 22″ touchscreen! Take a look at the Studio Bike Pro 22 today if you are in the market for a tech-enabled bike that is reasonably priced but has similar functionality to the Peloton or NordicTrack exercise bikes.

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ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 Q&A / FAQ

Can you use ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 without iFIT?

Yes, you can use the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 without iFIT. Without a membership, you can access the manual training mode and the resistance levels. You need a free iFIT account and a Wi-Fi connection to take one free featured iFIT class, too.

Which is better: NordicTrack or ProForm exercise bikes?

NordicTrack exercise bikes like the S22i and S27i have incline and decline features. They feel more premium but are also heavier and more expensive. The ProForm exercise bikes are usually more affordable and give you access to all the same iFIT features with an active membership.

What is the warranty on the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22?

The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22’s warranty is a 10-year frame warranty, a 2-year parts warranty, and a 1-year labor warranty.

How much does the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 weigh?

The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 weighs 125 lbs.

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