Nordictrack S27i Bike Review (2024)
Overall Score 9.8
Get to know the Nordictrack s27i Exercise Bike
Is the NordicTrack S27i Bike the right exercise bike for you? The review experts at MYN (maybeyesno) point out key aspects, facts, and opinions about Nordictrack’s latest cycling addition to its Commercial Studio Bike Series, to help you decide. We start with 10 key points to know.
A recent Update to note is that in early October 2024, Nordictrack released the X24 Bike which has all the same ride features and functionality, the main difference being a 24-inch touchscreen with a new looking design.
Experience S27i Bike iFit Pro Workouts
Experience iFit on an Nordictrack Commercial in the Studio or on the trail
S27i Studio Bike 10-point Guide - Everything to Know
Dual-sides Pedals
To enable riders to clip in or to be able to use regular sneakers the S27i comes with dual-sided pedals that support both clip-in cycling shoes with SPD cleats on one side and toe cage pedals on the other, which will work with most sneakers. This is a good option if you have different riders using the bike. If you prefer to clip in with Delta look cleats or use other pedals you can easily swap them out. Follow this link to learn more about types of pedals and cycling shoe options, along with recommendations and tips.
2. Widest HD Bike Touchscreen Display
Currently, the S27i has the largest display of any indoor bike. This bike’s immersive 27-inch Full HD touchscreen can swivel (rotates) 360° degrees to give the best viewing angle for off-the-bike workouts but also can tilt up or down 40° for optimal rider adjustment. This feature allows you to stand beside or be in front of your bike without having to strain your neck when taking on-the-mat wellness workouts, like yoga, meditation, or more energetic iFit cross-training session like boxing and strength training.
Two 3-lb. dumbbells are included, located behind your saddle, for use during studio bike rides or for strength training workouts off-the-bike using its console swivel feature.
3. Forward Facing Sound
Dual 30-watt speaker soundbar is designed into the console and is forward-facing for a fuller amplified sound. Sound is always directed toward you when rotating the touchscreen. Or even better, use the Bluetooth option to easily connect your favorite wireless headphones or Apple AirPods. There are options to balance a trainer’s voice over or with music, you decide. Also built into the console is a dual-speed fan to keel you cool.
4. Handlebar adjustment Assist
The handlebars are gas-shock assisted. This makes it easy to lower or raise the screen and handlebars. (Similar to a good office chair that assists when adjusting seat height.)
5. Quiet Use
The S27i runs SUPER quiet. We were happy to see Its Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR) and flywheel operate virtually without any noise. The bike’s incline and decline feature is quick, but also extremely quiet as, especially when compared to earlier pre 2022 Studio Bike models you may have read about.
6. Great Connected Fitness Experience
The S27i bike is iFit enabled and supports the latest iFit Pro interactive features like AutoAdjust, and SmartAdjust, Trainer live-control for resistance, cadence, inclines, and declines. Meaning that you are challenged without having to make any adjustments during a workout, iFit learns then adjusts to improve your fitness. Together with your iFit-trainer, the bike will keep your ride in sync in either a studio class session or with the terrain you are cycling through while in a trainer-led destination workout. You can always manually make adjustments to match your comfort level and at any point rejoint the class.
We ran the latest IFIT Pro beta version on the S27i bike and it worked flawlessly.
7. Climbs + Descends
Unique to Nordictrack Studio Cycles is the bikes’ ability to incline 20% or decline by -10% to match workout terrain. This feature makes iFit trainer-led Destination workouts so much fun and can be set to extremely challenging or suitable for beginners, depending on the level of difficulty selected.
Powered by iFit the S27i syncs with terrain elevation and adjusting resistance for up-hill or down
8. Experience and Feel
The Nordictrack S27i indoor bike will strongly appeal to those riders who would like to replicate an outdoors riding experience, compared with other brand’s workouts like Peloton and the SoulCycle At-Home Bike. Also, for those cyclists who prefer the feel of a road or riding mountain bike trails.
The ride on an S27i bike can feel like you are actually climbing up a real slope or descending. This elevation feature is not a fancy gimmick, it gets your heart pumping, builds strength, stamina, and yes, your quads will burn at first, but then you are rewarded with the downhill, which is super cool, as the speed increases and the resistance decreases. There are rides perfect for recovery days where you can coast around Chicago or Bermuda and enjoy the sights.
9. iFit Pro
iFit trainers take you to so many diverse locations across all seven continents it’s hard to become bored – it is a fitness game-changer and provides a fantastic workout. This connected-fitness bike makes for good conversation, especially when you casually mention you were biking in Thailand this morning and are hitting the bike trails in New Zealand next. Learn more below under About iFit & Trainers.
[MYN PRO TIP:] Use the Pause Button as you need to. The PAUSE BUTTON on the S27i is one of the many handy iFit features – Useful if you need to attend to something immediately and stop for 10 minutes or just to catch your breath, and then resume where you left off.
10. Finance Option
You have the option to finance the S27i bike with a TD Fit Loan and pay 0% interest with 39 monthly payments of $65. The bike cost is $2,499 with 1 month of iFit included for FREE. ($33 value)
OUR TAKE on the S27i Bike
Nordictrack S27i Studio Bike
The S27i bike is addictive. Once you get through the first rides, you become really comfortable on the bike. It is sturdy and feels solid. There is a tray for your phone, water bottle holder and the handlebars are comfortable to grasp. The sharp crystal-clear screen displays incredibly good graphics. The console fan designed in is a welcome addition for tougher workouts. We turned it on halfway through a workout as a reward, half done, and incentive, only half to go. It can really make a difference.
GETTING STARTED
No matter the fitness level, after about four workouts on the NordicTrack Commercial S27i Studio Bike, you quickly appreciate the addition of indoor biking to your fitness routine/habit. The first couple of rides (Particularly if you are starting out) can seem tough-going - but it’s important to hang in there and not become discouraged, as you will see progress, and feel good, that you completed each session.
About iFit Pro & Trainers
The S27i bike’s wide 27-inch display pulls you in
We want to mention we found that iFit trainers are personable, encouraging, motivating, and provide good tips and guidance on technique, form, and breathing. With iFit, you will not be listening to what Kim Kardashian thinks, what Joe Jonas has to say, or what Ashton Kushner believes in during your S27i workout. Instead, you may be considering “How do I get up the next hill? Which country or destination would I like to work out in next? I AM doing a live bike race FOR REAL? “
Your iFit instructor seamlessly coaches you throughout, and occasionally points out landmarks or inserts a little history about them, the region, and friendly local encounters, as iFit uses a 1-take film production technique when filming — you never know who or what you may see along the way. This makes iFit destination workouts spontaneous, interesting, and fun — See puppy encounter video below.
iFIT Pro Training Philosophy
Two points consistently emphasized during a workout by iFit trainers are:
First, Show Up. Second, Finish any way you can. There's no judgment on how long, slow, or pretty the form is. The important part is to show up, start, and finish. Consistency is key. Repeat on a 3-a-week schedule, and you will achieve results and over time your goals.
Alex Gregory, Olympic Gold Medalist, and iFit trainer says “Even if you don’t feel like it, Get On and do 5 minutes. Every bit counts.” You will often hear John Peel, Elite iFit trainer, and other iFit trainers saying, “2 minutes left, everyone can do anything for 2 minutes, let’s finish.” After a couple of weeks, you believe in the process, you begin to have the confidence you can do it. It is all positive stuff.
“Two minutes left. Everyone can do anything for 2 minutes, let’s finish.” ”
Believe this when we say iFit is a different connected fitness program. The focus is on you and your success, where you are challenged, set the goals, and can participate in live race events.
iFit Trainers
It is easy to make riding your S27i bike a daily habit because iFit makes it fun. There are so many different trainers it is impossible not to find ones you like – they are all good just different personalities and approaches to choose from. You can always mix it up. One important point about iFit is no one is left behind. There are many beginner workouts that are designed to ease you into getting fit. And you can always manually adjust the challenge to where you are feeling comfortable but still challenged. Follow this link to learn more about iFit and how it enhances your exercise equipment.
If you are looking to begin a fitness program or add a bike for cross-training, the S27i is a recommended buy. It has all the features and a few splurges, and the surprising iFit workouts that are motivating. The bike is comfortable, sturdy – go for it! Let’s go biking.
Click on the Right-side of the image below to go through a Quick feature summary with some iFit video-clip experiences — click left side to go back slides.
Trust Our Reviews of Fitness Equipment
When testing and evaluating the Nordictrack S27i Studio Bike, we compared it to comparable models like the NordicTrack S22i, NordicTrack S15i, Peloton Bike and Peloton Bike+ and even the Schwinn IC4 Exercise Bike.
Discover more in our overview comparison of the best indoor exercise bikes.
maybeyesno has tested and published exercise equipment reviews for over ten years. Our review team understands what makes good fitness equipment — including indoor exercise bikes, rowers, strength equipment, and treadmills. If it’s good, it’s good — if it’s bad — then it’s bad, and we will tell you.
We get hands-on with gear and discuss overall design, tech, and function, including the feel, price, drilling down on components such as the flywheel, pedals, the screen display (if applicable), subscription content, adjustment features, ease of use, noise levels, warranty and durability.
Based on extensive use and testing, we discuss, summarize, and compare equipment to help you determine if this item is the one for you.
