Peloton Vs. Nordictrack Bike: Similarities and Differences

NordicTrack and Peloton are both prominent companies in the world of indoor workouts. Before Peloton, NordicTrack reigned the market. With Peloton in the market, NordicTrack experienced the toughest possible competition. And it is with reason; both bikes have a lot in common.

From two bike options that vary in superiority to built-in workout apps, Peloton and NordicTrack are the closest in similarities that indoor bikes could be. Nevertheless, the two still have their differences, ensuring that each stands out in its own way. 

Let’s take the two bikes head on head, laying out the differences and similarities between them;

A Summary Table for Peloton vs. NordicTrack Bikes

Similarities between NordicTrack and Peloton Bikes

Peloton and NordicTrack have so much in common that the differences are fewer. Let’s dig into these similarities;

1. Models

It is interesting how the competition between NordicTrack and Peloton is so real. Even their models are almost the same. The Peloton started with a Peloton bike, then went on to advance to the bike plus. The bike plus features all the desirable features that a peloton user would have dreamt of, from a large rotating screen to auto-resistance and much more.

On the other hand, NordicTrack started with S15i, which has a screen that is 15 inches. Then, it went on to advance to S22i, which currently boasts of a screen that is 22 inches. Both NordickTrack screens have a full rotation. Moreover, the resistance is digital on both bikes, which makes it easy for the instructors to adjust it for the users digitally.

With both Peloton and NordicTrack, the original bikes are cheaper than the later versions and less advanced in comparison.

Therefore, when comparing the two bike companies, the peloton bike goes hand in hand with the NordicTrack S15i, while Peloton bike plus is best compared to NordicTrack S22i. 

2. Cost

The peloton bike costs $1445, while NordicTrack S22i costs $1499. The peloton bike plus costs $2495, while NordicTrack S22i costs $1999. In the first instance, the two bikes are almost similar in cost. 

The Peloton bike is $500 more expensive than the second model, but it comes with free delivery and installation. On the other hand, you will have to pay more to get the high-cost NordicTrack home. Therefore, you end up paying almost the same amount for either bike, with negligible differences.

3. Subscriptions

Both companies have in-built workouts in their bike touchscreens. Therefore, the users use these tablets to stream live and on-demand classes from their respective apps.

The cost for Peloton unlimited subscription is $39 per month. With this subscription, you get access to unlimited accounts.

In the same way, iFit, which is the app that NordicTrack bikes come with, costs $39 per month. At this cost, you get access to a maximum of five accounts on the bike. However, you have the advantage of a cheaper cost, which is $15 if you use the bike with a single account.

Whether you are using Peloton or iFit, you get access to live and on-demand workouts. You also get your metrics recorded, including cadence, heart rate, calories burned, distance, and time. You also have access to the Leaderboard, where competition becomes part of your spinning motivation.

Other than the equipment subscriptions, the workout apps have cheaper alternatives that suit both equipment and non-equipment users. The subscriptions are not as interactive as the $39 per month subscriptions, but they give you access to all the library and live workouts the apps offer.

The only challenge that you get with the subscription without a piece of equipment is that you lack the interaction that the app offers. You can neither be on the Leaderboard nor have your metrics record on the class board.

Anyway, you can also use these subscriptions on Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, and even on your phone or tablet. Peloton charges $12.99 for the digital app subscription per month, while iFit charges $15 per month for the non-equipment subscription.

Nevertheless, you have the option to pay for a yearly subscription with iFit. A family subscription costs $396, while an individual subscription costs $180.

Read Also: iFit Vs. Peloton App

4. Classes

Online workout classes are a primary reason these two bikes have maintained top positions in the field of indoor workouts.

While most other spinning bikes and apps offer on-demand classes, these bikes offer a different treat.

The on-demand classes are in thousands so that it will be impossible to exhaust them. And probably you could still exhaust the on-demand classes that you found on the apps, but they increase each day. Every live class in a single day is put on the on-demand library, hence increasing the library even more.

Then there are the live classes, which give you the exact gym feeling that you have probably been long for some time now. The instructors are so live, and with the large screens, you can almost feel everyone in the workout with you.

Whether in live or on-demand classes, you have access to the Leaderboard, where you will see how you are faring against others in the workout.

Other than the spinning classes, both apps provide for off-bike classes, which are strength, yoga, meditation and iFit also includes live global scenic walks. The off-bike classes are the main reason why the rotating touchscreen is a great idea so that you can easily stream on any location away from the bike.

With either bike, you have the option to ride without any payment. However, the rides are limited as opposed to subscription rides and workouts.

5. Resistance

Both bikes use magnetic resistance, which is more advanced and easy to use.

6. Console Features

Both bike companies have luring console features. They both come with large enough touchscreens, and though they are different in size, the difference is not much.

Moreover, the touchscreens are Bluetooth and Ant + compatible, allowing them to easily connect to heart rate monitors, speakers, and wireless Bluetooth headphones. Better still, they have a headphone jack that is 35mm, suitable for most standard headphones.

7. Payment Plans

Both bikes have payment plans that ensure users are able to get the bike after paying in installments. With either bike, you get a payment plan of 18 months, after which you get your bike delivered right to your doorstep. Of course, the delivery is free for the Peloton.

Differences between NordicTrack and Peloton Bikes

While the similarities are almost what you really want in a fitness bike, there are differences between the two bikes that will make your choice easier. Ready for the list?

1. Resistance

Though both bikes use the same type of resistance, the feature is also a major difference between the two bikes.

Firstly, NordicTrack uses digital resistance, and the instructors have the ability to adjust the users’ resistance to suit the workout. Therefore, it is almost as if the user has no control over their bike resistance. Nevertheless, it is still a great way to push you harder.

On the contrary, the Peloton bike has a manual resistance feature. Peloton bike plus has manual and digital resistance, but the instructors don’t manipulate the resistance even with the digital resistance. However, the bike plus users have an auto-follow feature, which allows the resistance to auto-adjust within a specific range.

Secondly, Nordictrack bikes have a resistance that is lower than that of Peloton bikes. For example, the S15i has 22 resistance levels, while the S22i has 24 resistance levels.

Thirdly, Peloton resistance may be manual but proven more precise than the NordicTrack resistance, making it more reliable.

2. Pedals and Shoes

Peloton pedals are clipless in the Look Delta system. Therefore, you should use Look-Delta or SPD-SL 3-hole cleat shoes. This pedal system ensures that you use shoes with optimal power transfer, hence faster and longer cycling results. The impact is also more motivating than when you are using other pedals.

On the other hand, NordicTrack uses clipped pedals, which come with toe cages. Thus, you can use any casual non-cycling shoes on the bike. The best part about these pedals is that anyone can use them, even if they are only guests. It also saves you approximately 100 bucks for cycling shoes.

Nevertheless, in this case, Peloton wins, as you can easily get toe clips to suit onto the Peloton pedals. And without the toe clips, you have a chance of accomplishing your cycling goals without pushing too hard.

With the NordicTrack, you have to work hard to get to your cycling goals, and if you want to change the pedals for cycling shoes, you will have to change the pedals. Unfortunately, this interferes with your warranty, which is essential, especially during the first year.

3. Accessories

Peloton bike and bike plus come with no accessories at their cost, unless you take another more expensive package to get other accessories.

However, NordicTrack comes with a 3-lb pair of dumbbells already in place without additional costs, saving you a few bucks.

4. Live Global Tours

NordicTrack really beats Peloton on the live global tours. The instructors on NordicTrack take tours around the globe, for instance, the March 2021 Mt. Everest hike, which casts live on iFit.

Other than the tours, the app has a Google Map feature that allows you to choose an outdoor path where you can ride. With the bike featuring incline and decline features, you will easily ride naturally, depending on your chosen terrain.

Peloton has scenic rides that are really amazing, but it does not have customized options like the NordicTrack iFit app.

5. Warranty

Both bikes come at friendly warranties. However, NordicTrack has more attractive bike frame terms, as the warranty lasts ten years. On the other hand, the bike frame on Peloton has a warranty cover of 5 years.

However, other parts and labor have the same warranty duration, which is twelve months.

So, NordicTrack or Peloton Bike?

Both are excellent options, and there is no running away from the cost in both options. 

When your target is a bike with digital resistance that instructors use to push you harder, NordicTrack wins. Also, if you feel more overweight, NordicTrack accommodates a higher weight than Peloton.

The same is the case when you want a rotating screen but the bike plus too expensive. So finally, if nature and a tour around the globe will make up for failing to travel for so long, NordicTrack is a winner.

Nevertheless, if you are looking for resistance that you can control on your own, depending on the challenge, Peloton is your best option. And when you want one that has both digital and manual resistance controls, you can specifically go for Peloton bike plus.

Peloton also gets the trophy for professional cyclists who want to take advantage of the clipless pedals. As a result, you can achieve higher on the challenges and get better results in the long run. 

Lastly, there is a comfort that comes with knowing that the only cost you pay for a product is all you need to pay. Peloton guarantees this, hence a winner over NordicTrack.

Final Thoughts

Peloton vs. NordicTrack? It is always confusing when you encounter two spinning bikes with commendable quality and features, yet almost the same price. You are lost on which bike you should actually consider, and if it is worth the choice. This is the predicament Peloton, and NordicTrack bike lovers face.

Nevertheless, Peloton has a few unique features that NordicTrack hasn’t met yet, and vice versa. Therefore, look into these unique features, and your puzzle will be in the open. As a result, you can finally make a choice between NordicTrack S15i and Peloton bike or NordicTrack S22i and Peloton bike plus.

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