7 Differences between a Nordictrack Peloton Exercise Bikes
7 key features only found on the NordicTrack bikes not on Peloton
Peloton now cost less than a Nordictrack S22i Studio Bike but has fewer features with a significantly different approach to the workout experience and content.
This article covers key differences between the Original Peloton Bike and the latest NordicTrack S22i (including the New S24 Bike, and the New X24 Bike - both new for 2025) We also touch on additional options with the Peloton Bike+ model available on Amazon, which sells at a higher price point of up to $1000+
Nordictrack X24 Bike iFIT enabled for realistic trainer-led destination rides
RECENT NORDICTRACK UPDATES:
Enhancements Update Summary to the latest NordicTrack S22i & S24 Studio Bike Series and X24 Bike generation.
The S22i bike console was redesigned with two forward-facing, speakers for a fuller sound. An upgraded touchscreen with improved graphics and a more powerful processor, so it's faster and more responsive.
With the introduction of the X24 Bike and S24 Bike in late 2024, the console design now feels and looks lighter with a thinner bezel around the display. Also, with the elimination of fan buttons fan speed control which is now managed via the new and improved iFIT UI (user interface).
The latest S22i and S24 Studio bikes, and the X24 Bike all ship with Dual-Sided Pedals on one side for cycling shoes with SPD cleats and a toe cage for riders who prefer to ride with regular sneakers on the other side. You can easily upgrade/swap out pedals if you wish — see pedals and shoes recommended in the S22i FAQs article.
WiFi connectivity is improved now much faster and very reliable.
Bluetooth 5.0 improved support for headphones and heart rate devices.
iFIT instructors' live control for hill incline, declines, and resistance all improved and are now referred to as AutoAdjust.
The incline/decline motor is much quieter, quicker, and more accurate.
The phone holder between the weights now ships standard. For S24 Studio Bike, dumbbell weights are placed behind the bike's saddle like Peloton.
Improved Stability when power-riding out of the saddle
A USB-C charging port was added for the New X24 and S24 Bike Models but is not currently on the S22i or S27i studio bikes.
MAIN DIFFERENCES OVER PELOTON
S22i / X24 bikes have a +20% incline & -10% decline
To experience a more realistic road or trail-like simulation. iFIT trainers can dynamically adjust cadence (speed) and resistance as you ride. This feature, referred to as SmartAdjust, allows you to focus on your workout and not worry about making any adjustments to sync with trainer cues.
The Nordictrack S22i and later X24 Bike, can incline and decline to match the terrain on a trail, road, or mountain ride, – SmartAdjust supports Realtime Trainer Coaching. With a simple touch on the screen or handlebar quick touch buttons you can make your own changes, you can always opt out, then rejoin the-trainer workout later.
If the current rides’ incline/resistance is proving too easy or too difficult you can make a change, which will then be preserved for the rest of the session, but you still remain in AutoAdjust mode.
The Exception is the NordicTrack New S24 Studio Bike, where the Incline and decline feature is not an available option as this bike model does not have the rear motor to control this functionality and as such is priced lower.
Incline - Decline feature available for S22i and X24 Bike not included with the S24 Studio Bike model
Not a Gimmick
We thoroughly enjoyed using the SmartAdjust incline feature, you really feel the climb or decent as if you’re climbing on an actual hill. The elevation incline feature is not a fancy gimmick, it gets your heart pumping in or out of the saddle, builds strength, stamina, and yes, your quads and calves will burn at first, but then you are rewarded with the downhill, which is super cool, the speed increases and the resistance fades, you speed past taking the lead from your trainer. The MYN review team agreed this alone is an exceptional standout option of the Nordictrack S22i, X24 and S27i bikes.
Nordictrack 2025 New X24 Bike Model powered by iFIT
S22i Studio Cycle powered by iFIT where your trainer will let you know when it’s time to climb that hill and the bike inclines or the resistance increases to match the terrain. Real-time Trainer Control for a more exciting RealWorld bike experience
2. Nordictrack Bikes have trainer-led destination rides
Besides on-demand studio classes, you can ride with actual champion cyclists who curate, coach and guide you through mountain paths, trails, and exciting road races with a huge selection of outside trainer-led destination rides – your choice. (checkout short video below)
iFIT trainers are outstanding and dedicated to helping you hit your goals. They are a world-class group of selected athletic professionals chosen from across the globe. iFIT Trainer-led rides can be on the trail, in the studio, and on the road plus include cross-training workouts off-the-bike.
Experience iFIT - Trainer-led Destination rides. Life is better with a coach. Watch this short video clip above
…. on the trail
….. in the studio
….. on the road
3. Touchscreen Full Rotates 360° degrees
We found this to be a practical option if you hop off your bike for floor exercises without straining to keep your eye on your trainer. A useful feature overlooked by the original Peloton Bike but was added to the Peloton Bike+ where you can swivel and pivot the touchscreen for a better viewing angle. Peloton originally stated the swivel can be 180° degrees left or right, but we were able to swivel the full 360° with a S22i Studi Bike. Speaking of practical options, one that came out this year on the S22i Studio Cycle is a redesign of the weights-holder that now provides a handy spot to place your phone and things. See below.
NOTE: S24 Studio Bike Model. If you are considering the Nordictrack S24 you will notice that the weights are placed behind the saddle and not in front as with the S22i and X24 bikes, the X24 and S24 Bike touchscreens are 2 inches than the S22i exercise bike, but and unlike the S22i Studio bike swivel 180° degrees left or right and can tilt in up and down directions.
SCREEN SWIVELS
Redesigned weight holder for NordicTrack S22i Studio bike with tray for a smart phone or airPod holder. Use quick touch buttons to change incline, cadence or you can use the touchscreen - your preference
4. iFIT trainers can change resistance & speed
For true interactive training AutoAdjust– this standard feature on Nordictrack Studio Bikes (including the X24 Bike) leaves you totally free to focus on your workout and the ride! Trainer-led classes allow for the instructor to digitally sync and adjust your resistance, and cadence so you don’t have to worry or even think about it. Peloton Bike riders recently stated this option was one of the top items requested on their wish list. The Peloton Bike+ now offers an auto-follow feature where trainers can change resistance but, you will pay over $600+ more than for a Nordictrack S22i bike with Peloton workouts being mostly studio based.
SMARTADJUST
Adding to iFIT’s hi-tech integration with the Nordictrack Exercise Bikes is the new released SmartAdjust feature. For instance, if you’re finding a segment of a ride a little difficult or too easy you can make your own resistance adjustment, and iFIT will apply this change across the entire session while remembering the percentage change for future training. As you become stronger and fitter, iFIT SmartAdjust will start to take this into account and increase resistance over time — you always have the option to disable SmartAdjust anytime. You will need version 2.6.70 of iFit or later to use SmartAdjust (iFIT will prompt you to update at the end of a ride)
5. One-touch resistance controls on handlebars
The Nordictrack S22i and X24 Bike both provide easy access on both handlebars to make changes to cadence (speed) and resistance or incline. The one-touch controls are much more precise than turning a knob. OneTouch controls are not available for the Nordictrack S24 Studio Bike model.
Another often overlooked on all Nordictrack exercise bike feature, that riders love, is the auto-breeze fan – nicely tucked beneath the display it can be set to adjust automatically to your workout intensity to keep you from overheating or you can select one of three fan speed settings.
As a note: Peloton charges for the pair of weights which are included with all these 3 Nordictrack Exercise Bikes. The Weights can be used in trainer-led cross-training class segments on and off-the-bike.
Nordictrack S22i Studio Bike and the X24 Bike have easy access one touch controls on the handlebars. Plus, unlike Peloton, Nordictrack’s Exercise bikes include a set of weights in the price
6. iFIT Enabled and Workout Content
COST
While the monthly cost is comparable with Peloton, iFIT is $5 to $11 less per month. NordicTrack gives you an option to pay $39/month or if you pay in full, the cost comes to $33/month – you save $72. Peloton costs $44 per month for Peloton All Access, that is $528 per year. vs. $396 nearly just $1 per day. iFIT also offers discounts to members for renewals throughout the year and provides special pricing for purchasing multiple years at once.
WORKOUT CONTENT
The content of the workout classes is not the same. In our opinion, iFIT is the special ingredient that makes the S22i, and S24 Studio Bikes and X24 Bike stand out from the pack, and not just Peloton.
First, the trainer-led content and variety are excellent, both in the studio but especially in real world outside locations across the globe. These trainer-led destination rides are streamed directly to your bike's touchscreen. You will find many excellent trainers and challenges to experience and will not become bored. This is a major content and training difference compared with Peloton, where the majority of workouts experienced are mostly in a studio setting.
Nordictrack S22i bike iFIT road workout screen shot
Second, NordicTrack is committed to expanding iFIT interactive training. The huge library offers one of the best ranges of bike-riding workouts to keep you challenged, with new sessions added regularly. There are also monthly and progressive challenge series with rewards for reaching milestones!
Third, Technically, iFIT is constantly adding new features and app updates regularly that are tightly integrated with the bike, like SmartAdjust and App connectivity to improve your exercise experience.
In addition to studio classes and off the bike cross-fit training, iFIT goes well Beyond the Ride offering its S22i and S24 or X24 bike riders a wide range of one-on-one trainer-led destination experiences through fascinating locations, from trail to road races across the globe
7. S22i and X24 Bike warranty is superior to Peloton
Nordictrack Bike warranty offers 10 years on the frame, 2-year parts (includes screen) and 1 year labor. Whereas Peloton offers 5 years on its frame, 1 year on the screen, parts and labor.
The Nordictrack S22i offers a better warranty over Peloton. For more read the Peloton Bike vs. S22i Studio Cycle article or Get the Best Deal. Weights are also included with the S22i Bike
Newly released is the NordicTrack X24 Bike which has an impressive 24-inch HD touchscreen. See a quick visual S27i bike Update Features - Story to see highlights and how it also compares with Peloton –most feature comparisons apply to the S22i Studio bike as well.
