ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 Exercise Bike Review – 2024

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Last Updated: May 1, 2023

We love a great exercise bike! In this review, we’ll take a look at the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22, which is a new bike from ProForm that just hit the market. Indoor cycling provides a calorie-burning low-impact workout that is quiet and can be done in the comfort of your own home. Cycling helps develop cardio efficiency, burns calories, and develops core, back, and leg muscles. The addition of 3lb weights also helps with upper body training. The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 is a fantastic option for anyone who wants to burn calories on a compact, lightweight bike with an attached touchscreen and subscription content.

ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 Review 2024

The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 has a compact design and similar features to bikes at higher price points.

The ProForm Studio Bike Pro has a 22” touchscreen, and silent, automated resistance with 24 resistance levels. Magnetic resistance is created with magnets inside the bike that oppose the motion of the flywheel. This does not cause friction and is silent when in use, so the Pro 22 is a good option for those who need something quiet. The bike also has a compact footprint of just 22” wide, 57” deep, and 54” high so it will work for riders who are space conscious. It is also relatively lightweight and has wheels on the front stabilizer so you can tilt and roll it when needed. The ProForm Studio Pro 22 indoor exercise bike has three adjustment points for comfort, flat pedals with cages, and included weights for strength training on or off the bike. The Studio Pro 22 is reasonably priced and includes iFit free for the first month with indoor training classes and outdoor routes all over the world. iFit also includes off-bike classes for strength training, yoga, stretching, and even meditation.

Check Best Price

Awards: Best Exercise Bike Under $1500

The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 holds the title of best exercise bike under $1500 on our best exercise bikes list. We appreciate that this affordable bike includes a 22” touchscreen that is enabled with iFit for interactive training. The construction is also impressive with its 32 lb inertia-enhanced flywheel, comfortably padded saddle, and toe-cage pedals that let you wear any kind of athletic shoe. Although priced much lower, the Pro 22 has a lot of the same features found on bikes priced much higher.

Why Trust Our Review Of The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22

When testing exercise bikes, we pull out comparable models to get a better idea of how a bike performs overall. This helps us bring you a full comprehensive review and highlight our experience using the bike. Our reviewers have a lot of knowledge when it comes to using indoor cycling bikes because we’re spin instructors and fitness experts ourselves. Our goal is to help you make informed buying decisions.

When testing the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22, we pulled out models we have on hand that compare. Some of these included the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike, Peloton Bike, and BowFlex C6.


Our Video Review


Pros
  • This bike is affordable but still offers many of the same features found on more expensive bikes
  • The multi-position handlebars have a light spongy coating that protects the bars and also makes them slightly more comfortable when you are riding
  • iFit is included free for the first 30 days so you can use and enjoy all the classes and content before you have to pay for a subscription
  • The Pro 22 is compact and lightweight so it is a good option for those in condos, apartments, or who want to use the bike in a shared space
  • Both indoor classes and outdoor routes provide lots of training options. There are HIIT rides, outdoor road rides, mountain bike rides, and trail/gravel rides.
Cons
  • The screen does not adjust forward or back
  • No QuickTouch buttons or resistance knob to adjust resistance
  • Pop pins can sometimes stick out so make sure to pull them out and adjust the lever so it’s not in your way

Bike FeaturesBike Specs
  • 22” Touchscreen
    • Fully integrated with the bike, the 22” touchscreen adds impressive functionality to the Studio Pro 22. You can adjust volume, screen brightness, and resistance levels all on the touchscreen. You also select your iFit or manual training program right on the screen.
  • Various handlebar grips both vertical and horizontal
    • Handlebars have a protective coating that keeps them sweat resistant and comfortable while riding. There are multiple hand positions for various riding styles.
  • Magnetic Resistance levels 1-24
    • Resistance is adjusted on the touchscreen. You have a total of 24 resistance levels on the Studio Pro 22.
  • Three adjustment points
    • Seat up/down and forward/aft, Handlebars up/down and forward/aft
  • Bluetooth enabled to sync with wireless headphones
    • You can now sync your wireless headphones with the Pro 22 to listen without disturbing those around you
  • 3lb weights, included
    • 3lb hand weights are easy to reach but still out of your way. These are tucked behind the saddle.

Construction:

  • Frame: Steel frame welded for stability
  • Stabilizers: Front and rear stabilizers hold the bike securely
  • Saddle: Light padding, racing-style seat
  • Pedals: Flat with cages
  • Flywheel: 32lb Inertia-enhanced weighted
  • Handlebars: Coated, multi-position
  • Footprint: 22” Wide x 57” Deep x 54” High
  • Max Weight: 250lbs
  • Bike Weight: 125lbs

Console:

  • 22” Touchscreen attached
  • Various handlebar grips both vertical and horizontal
  • Volume control and resistance control in touchscreen

Functionality:

  • Silent Magnetic Resistance
  • Digital Resistance levels 1-24
  • Three adjustment points: Seat up/down and forward/aft, Handlebars up/down
  • Bluetooth enabled to sync with wireless headphones
  • 3lb Weights included
  • Requires power source to activate console
  • Requires internet connection
  • Great for cardio training and weight loss
  • iFit includes programs for strength training, yoga and stretching as well

Warranty:

  • 10 years frame
  • 2 years electronics/parts
  • 1 year labor


Brief Summary

The ProForm Studio Pro 22 bike is a great option if you are looking for something affordable with extensive video content. We are impressed with the high-quality, low-impact training options on the Pro 22. You can enjoy cycling classes or opt for outdoor rides in any location all over the world. The bike itself features silent magnetic resistance so you should be able to ride it at any time of day or night without disturbing those around you. The Pro 22 works for those who live in apartments and are concerned about both space and noise issues. The Pro 22 will fit in pretty much any room and has wheels so you can tilt and roll it out of the way when needed. The automated resistance in iFit will automatically change for you so you can just ride hands-free as you would outside. Cycling is an exceptional cardiovascular exercise that conditions your lungs and heart as well as strengthens and tones your leg muscles with limited impact.

In-depth review of ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22

Construction

Frame

  • Steel 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.
    • This is a compact machine at just 22” Wide x 57” Deep x 54” High. It doesn’t generate any noise while riding.
  • Three Points of Adjustment
    • Seat raises up and down
    • Seat moves forward and aft
    • Handlebars lift up and down
  • Flat Pedals: Cage + Strap for athletic shoes
    ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 Toe Cage Pedal

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

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

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

    • 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.

32lb FlyWheel

ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 Flywheel

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

The 32lb 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, these bikes are designed with a weighted flywheel that gains and maintains inertia as it spins. If a flywheel is underweighted, 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 feeling 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.

Saddle

Comfort and Design

ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 Saddle And Weights

The ProForm Studio Pro 22 saddle is comfortably padded.

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 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.

Two Seat Adjustments
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.

Console/Controls

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. 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.

While 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!

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.

Accessories

3lb Weights Included

Two weights are included and sit behind the saddle. Personally, I like having the weights close by, but not in the way. Behind the saddle is slightly more difficult to reach than right in front of you, but 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’re not on my handlebars and in my face during every ride.

Water Bottle Cage

ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 Water Bottle Holder

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

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 size 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.

Functionality

Performance

The overall design and geometry of the Studio Pro 22 are impressive and I like the use of magnetic resistance. I found this bike to be comfortable and easy to use. I miss having a resistance knob, but the automated resistance in iFit makes it less necessary. Otherwise, the bike is very comfortable (this is one of the best seats I’ve used), it has plenty of span for riders of different sizes, and the screen is large, bright, and easy to see. I feel the ProForm Pro 22 is the perfect option for riders who want a touchscreen and good content, but don’t want an incline or leaning feature. The iFit instructors are professional and motivating. This didn’t seem like a watered-down knockoff of a competitor. My favorite element is the outdoor rides that are led by a professional cyclist. There are lots of road rides, gravel rides, and mountain trails all over the world. I find I default to these options most often.

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 of 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 you get lost in the small increments.

Resistance Controls

ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 Handle Bars

The handles offer plenty of grip options while riding.

The only issue I had with the Pro 22 is there is not a resistance knob nor are there any resistance buttons on the handles. All resistance is controlled via the touchscreen. The only issue with this is, if the touchscreen ever has a problem or glitches temporarily, you can’t control the resistance. The red knob just below the handles is only a brake – it does not control resistance. While I didn’t have any issues controlling the resistance via the touchscreen, an additional manual option would be nice as well.

Digital Resistance Levels 1-24
I do like that you have very targeted resistance levels. Unlike friction resistance, where users just turn up the knob until it gets harder, with preset magnetic levels, you can find and set the resistance to an exact setting each time. This precision makes it easier to get targeted training since you can challenge yourself with specific resistance increments. Magnetic resistance levels from 1-24 provide enough options to make the riding easy or very challenging.

Automated Resistance
When using iFit (as opposed to manual mode), the resistance is automated. If you are riding a class or outdoor route, the resistance will automatically adjust to match either the terrain of the route or whatever the instructor has set for the class. I love this feature because it makes it so you can ride hands-free, just like you would outside. When following a class, you can always turn the resistance up or down a level if the preset setting is too easy or challenging. The “follow trainer” icon in the lower left corner allows you to engage in the automated setting again.

Resistance Noise

ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 User Riding

The magnetic resistance makes no noise.

The Studio Pro 22 is silent when you are pedaling. The only noise that is generated is a “beep” that occurs just before the resistance readjusts to a new level. This is a safety feature that you can’t override. If you are riding a hilly course, you’ll notice the beeps occur more often as the resistance changes. This is something we’ve had users ask about and since it is a safety feature that has been integrated to let you know when the resistance is going to change, you can’t turn it off.

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. When buying an exercise bike with an attached screen, the main feature is the touchscreen and subscription content.

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 is included free for the first month with 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 (trails, gravel, road), and off-bike classes such as strength training, yoga, and stretching. You can even access TED talks and other Meditative classes. iFit provides enough 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. Some of the best features include:

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 climb, 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 also 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. But class participants are real people so you feel like you are part of a class. iFit will keep track of your stats for you, 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 not only watch from the perspective of the second rider, but 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 are filmed the same 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. A new selection of TED talks is also available.

Leaderboard
Like other subscription fitness programs, iFit has a Leaderboard that ranks users by speed and distance. You can adjust the filters to include riders who are taking the class at the same time as you, riders in the same age group, or friends you want to compete against. The Leaderboard can be swiped out of the way and ignored if you don’t want to see it.

Noise Level

As mentioned above, the ProForm Studio Pro 22 bike uses magnetic resistance which is very quiet. There is no noise while pedaling or braking. The only noise comes from the instructor talking on the screen and the quick beeps that let you know the resistance is changing or the class is over.

Storage / Folding

ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 Transport Wheels

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 it will reduce floor vibration and noise as well.

ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 Review

Bottom Line:

The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 is a well-built exercise bike that is affordable, and quiet, and provides the full library of iFit content free for the first month. 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 so it can be used 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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