Peloton Bike+ vs NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle - Comparison Review

In our initial video comparing the NordicTrack S22i with the original Peloton Bike, we pointed out several issues with the Peloton Bike. The new Peloton Bike+ has upgraded nearly every one of those features. We want to give props to Peloton to responding to customer feedback and upgrading some key features that really enhance your experience on this new Bike+.

NordicTrack has made a few minor improvements to the s22i, but not nearly as many as Peloton. The incline/decline motor has been enhanced so it is quieter and faster, and the processor speed and tablet functionality was improved for less buffering time and higher graphics on the s22i. However, aside from that, the s22i remains largely unchanged from the original model.

Where Peloton Excels:
Peloton has always led the industry with their indoor studio rides and this continues to be the case. The instructors are engaging and have become minor celebrities on their own, mostly due to the right assembly of personalities and teaching styles

Peloton also leads with music selection. I’ve taught indoor cycling classes for years and music is key. Peloton classes are designed around the music. You pick up your speed and intensity during the chorus and then ease off a bit during quieter segments. Also, the music is current and engaging.

Personally, I love the Auto-Follow “Range” aspect. Rather than be locked into a single level, you can kind of select where you want to be in a range of difficulty and the bike will hold you there.
I love 100 levels of resistance. This just makes sense.

The design of the bike and overall aesthetic is impressive. It doesn’t feel clunky or plastic. Aside from the slightly flimsy water bottle holders, it is very solid and you don’t have any screen wobble.

Where NordicTrack S22i Excels:
iFit has always had superior outdoor routes and that continues to be the case. If you enjoy riding outdoors, you’ll love the s22i. The graphics are impressive, videography is professional, and the incline/decline feature makes the ride feel very realistic.

Outdoor rides all over the world take you to beautiful places and locations. There are routes to trail ride, gravel ride, road ride, and even professional cycling routes are broken into stages.

The incline/decline feature is unique. I’ll admit, this is something I’m torn on. I feel like the automated incline/decline makes the rides more fun and more realistic. However, I also feel like having a motor under a bike makes it heavy, a bit clunky, and it is one more thing to break. When it works, it’s great.

I appreciate the specific resistance and speed buttons. On the Peloton the knob feels nice and I like the auto-follow range option, but your kind of guessing when you turn the knob as to where you’ll end up. The s22i is very specific with preset resistance and incline levels that make it easy to adjust up/down and easy/hard.

0:00 - NordicTrack S22i vs Peloton Bike + Intro
0:33 - NordicTrack vs Peloton Bike Similarities
2:00 - Peloton Bike + Overview
6:05 - NordicTrack S22i Overview
8:22 - Screen Comparison
9:15 - Warranty Comparison
9:25 - NordicTrack S22i Functionality
11:42 - Peloton Bike + Functionality
13:26 - iFit vs Peloton Digital
17:48 - Conclusion

#peloton #nordictrack #pelotonvsnordictrack

[charlesredick]

Have the new 2022 S22i. On/off switch. Better sound w fan integration. Much quieter motor for incline/decline- hardly noticeable now. Bottom support beams integrated and come all together. Easier assembly. Better looking now too. Slightly more road bike like saddle. Pedals now dual w cage and clip. Hope you review it.

[rickchandler]

Great video. I think your conclusion is spot on. I've had 2 Pelotons and end up selling them because I don't like studio classes. Just recently purchased the Nordictrack because I love the outdoor content that I get with the x32i treadmill from Nordictrack

[brandonlovestech]

I bought the Peloton Bike+ a month ago. I wasn’t entirely sold on the classes and thought they were gimmicky/cheesy, but I was so wrong! The classes are amazing and really keep you motivated to push through when you feel like quitting. The build quality on the bike is also solid with no wobbling or anything. Auto resistance and apple watch integration are amazing as well. I ride almost every day and my conditioning has improved tremendously.

[nok_f]

The new peloton sounds like it just copied the features over from original Nordic Track s22i. The price is nuts for Peloton and I'd worry about it being supported as it is with its stock price taking more than a $100 dive. The new peloton looks better for sure, but I appreciate the incline heavily on the s22i. Aesthetics would matter more if this were a car, but it isn't. Function over aesthetics, IMO.

[bluestilling]

Wow, that was a great review, and really helped me decide between the two bikes which one I will purchase. I am also reading reviews on the two ( a lot of major concerns what owners are saying), so I will check out your written review as well.

[Tamaradrummer]

I feel like that both bikes missed with the screen reflection, matte screens are much better cause it won’t reflect background lights. For that price, I also expect pretty decent monitor.

[therusticcrust]

Wow amazing review thank you so much! I just ordered the NC and wanted to make sure I was making a good choice!

[miamimc]

Purchased the Bike Plus back in June 2021. For the past couple of months I’ve been experiencing pedal crank noise & wobbly handlebar issues. I contacted Peleton tech support, sent them uploaded videos and I was told that replacement parts were going to be ordered and shipped directly to me, a third party vendor is going to contact me to schedule an appointment to replace the parts. Frankly, I didn’t spend nearly $3K for the bike & extended warranty to have a third party vendor come out to troubleshoot. I’m not too happy about that. It makes me feel like PELETON is no different than Nordictrack. So keep that in mind before you spend your hard earned money.

[jogger]

I hope they improved the seat on the Nodictrak bike as the seat is slightly facing down and I keep sliding off and there is no way to raise the seat up to avoid this as you can change the position but you cannot adjust the seat to go upward .

[aryviriato]

Very instructive video. It will be great to have comparation with diamond 910ic and Nordic s22

[Woot-Zee]

I would love to see a review on Yesoul s3 from you! :) They are kinda new, and the reviews that are around are nowhere near as detailed as you do them, :)

[bluestilling]

I heard that I cannot use 3rd party apps such as Strava, Garmin Connect, etc. Does anyone know of a good quality indoor cycle system with an incline that allows 3rd-party apps? Update: I checked out your best bike review and I am turning my attention towards the BowFlex C6 cycle. It allows 3rd party apps. That is a huge incentive in my opinion, as long as the bike is quality. Of course things may change by the time I finish reading other reviews of other cycles.

[matthewclarke]

Is the highest resistance on the Nordicktrack higher than the highest resistance on a very good air resistance bike?

[imstelios]

I ordered a STAGES SC3 but they have been delaying delivery sighting a parts shortage. What night be a compatible option for me a rookie thats 300+ riding to lose lbs and get fit? Thanks!

[lespaul]

I think it sounds like you're sponsored a little by Peloton but, hey thats just my opinion. I have the S22i and it is quite simply, "brilliant"!!
Does the Peloton even have incline and decline on? I can't see one on the frame and you sort of brushed past that... Thats is a huge function on the S22i. I guess its like anything, people favour, usually, what they know. I do thing the Peloton des lot ascetically better though.

[karenmatos]

how can the resistance be compared between the two bikes?

[jdawgsbbq]

Does this updated S22i still have an hdmi port?

[shaunm]

On the new s22i bike, are the screen speakers still on the back and also is the wireless integration seamless or do you still need a receiver?

[scottpratt]

I wish one of these companies would realize that the handlebars need to slide forward. and backward. The body position for the rider is way off on both bikes. The riders butt and pedals need to be closer in line and the riders arms need to move forward. Leg to butt angle is just wrong. They seem to be designed whereas the rider is always standing up. Please add handlebar adjustment option.

[fcnyc]

The first one to open their system WINS. The future is app content like Zwift.