NordicTrack S27i Exercise Bike Review

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First Things First

If you are new here, I have reviewed a lot of indoor cycling bikes. This includes a lot of iFIT products including two different versions of the NordicTrack S22i, the ProForm Studio Pro 22, iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells, and now the S27i NordicTrack. My reviews have always started with a disclaimer when it came to iFIT products and it went a little something like this "There is a lot to like about this product but I have a hard time fully recommending it because there is too much I don't like". There were always concerns about the product such as poor build quality, poor screen responsiveness, poor load times or failures, buffering, and more. Well, the last two products I have tested make me feel like it has put a lot more effort into the quality of their products (iSelect Dumbbells & this S27i Bike). I am very happy to report that I feel much more confident with iFIT products and I hope this is a trend that continues. 

Full Nordictrack S27i Review

Bike Hardware

This bike seems like it is built better, built strong, and meant to last. It feels strong under you and gives you the feeling of a high-quality product. It is very stable so as you exercise and throw your body around, you never question your safety because of how the bike holds up to you and your movement. This is coming from a 6'3" 220 lbs. guy. The front does move a little but this is because of the incline\decline system and a little movement is expected. I am very impressed with how well this bike handled someone my size, especially when I compare to previous models I tested.

Resistance

Up with the leaders of the pack. I feel the resistance on this bike is phenomenal. It is smooth, offers good feedback, and rotates well. Nothing worse than when a bike hooks or is difficult to keep the pedals rotating. The resistance of this bike supports you while completely challenging you. The top-end resistance is also top-of-the-line. Not all bikes can achieve this as they have a hard time getting to the point where you really have to work for it. They reach a point and sort of say "this is all I got". Not this bike, if you want to completely fight for each pedal stroke while still having smooth resistance, this bike can provide it. Last is range, meaning this bike has the ability to go from very easy to very hard with a lot of steps in-between. You are going to be able to dial in exactly what you want while never saying I wish it was a little harder or a little easier. It can dial in what you are looking for. Resistance gets a gold star from me.

 Other Features & Functionality of NordicTrack S27i

This bike has a lot of things going for it. The motor that controls incline\decline is improved meaning it is smoother and makes a lot less noise compared to early S22i models. The pedals have cages and clip-ins so all users serious or casual are supported. The screen is massive but offers great colors, detail, and visuals as you take on those amazing scenic locations. It can also swivel which allows you to do off-the-bike exercises and get more out of your investment than only riding. The speakers can get loud and have good clarity but do lack that bass that tends to pump you up. Buttons are located right on the handlebar to make it easy to control resistance and incline, but if you don't feel like it, the automated instructor-controlled program can take care of that. Last, is that it does have a fan centered under the screen blowing right on you. While this seems minor, having a little bit of air movement while you are working hard and heating up can be a very nice feature.

User Interface

It is iFIT. All iFIT products are largely the same so if you have used one, you basically already know what you are getting. Typical of most connected fitness bikes, you get a layout that shows you the basic categories and allows easily move among them. Options include a home screen, map your own route tab, a content selection tab that includes filtering to find the perfect ride, live rides, and ride history. The main thing here is that it is easy to use and is going to help you get to what you want to get to.

Content

iFIT content has a mixture of studio and instructor-led scenic rides. The studio rides are fine but instructor-led scenic rides are what make these bikes special. Everyone gravitates to different content types which can include a studio and super motivating instructor, more clubish ride with lights and music, and dance vibe where you are bouncing around the bike. So it is important to identify what works for you, but if being transported to somewhere magical on this beautiful planet would be your ideal ride... this is likely your match. The content is well built out and the instructors do a good job of providing quite time, motivating you, telling you a bit about the location, and making it feel like you are on a ride with a friend. Throw in the automatic resistance and incline\decline changes and you forget you are on a S27i NordicTrack and get completely immersed in the experience and location... while getting that exercise that is the whole point!
Lets not forget that they have a library of off the bike content including yoga, strength training, and cross-training. Just swivel that monitor and get even more out of your investment.