Bowflex VeloCore vs NordicTrack S22i
The Bowflex VeloCore vs NordicTrack S22i comparison is one of the most interesting matchups that I have done.
Both bikes are sophisticated and packed with advanced technology and impressive performance specifications.
But when it comes to features, they have some key differences and there are many ways that these two bikes differ from one another.
In this NordicTrack S22i vs Bowflex VeloCore review, I will guide you through a comprehensive comparison of all the specifications and features that the Bowflex VeloCore and NordicTrack S22i indoor cycles have to offer.
So keep reading this Bowflex VeloCore vs NordicTrack S22i comparison review to find out which one is best suited for your home.
Bowflex Velocore vs NordicTrack S22i – Quick Verdict
And the winner is… the amazing Bowflex VeloCore!
This bike truly stands out with its innovative design and exciting features.
With a whopping 100 resistance levels, direct access to entertainment apps, and above all, the awesome leaning feature, the VeloCore takes your workout experience to the next level.
While both bikes have their strengths, the VeloCore’s unique leaning ability and exceptional quality make it a clear winner.
Don’t miss out on this incredible exercise bike—get the Bowflex VeloCore and enjoy a fun and effective fitness journey!
Who are Bowflex and NordicTrack?
Bowflex and NordicTrack are two well-established and highly regarded names in the world of home fitness. With decades of experience, both brands have made significant contributions to the evolution of fitness machines.
Bowflex initially gained recognition with its patented power rod gym systems and has since expanded its product lineup.
While they still offer a variety of gym equipment, it’s their cardio machines that have been grabbing the spotlight in recent years.
Bowflex has continued to innovate in the fitness industry, introducing products like their SelectTech weights, HIIT Trainers, and Treadmills.
On the other hand, NordicTrack made a splash with their game-changing invention: the ski machine.
While you may not remember these machines depending on your age, they provided an effective workout and are still available today for those in the know.
NordicTrack has expanded its offerings over the years and now provides a wide range of cardio machines, many of which are equipped with HD screens and designed for streaming workouts.
Now, let’s dive into the comparison of two popular models: the VeloCore from Bowflex and the S22i from NordicTrack.
These exercise bikes offer distinct features that set them apart, making this comparison an exciting one.
To begin, let’s first explore the performance aspects of these bikes before delving into the more intriguing features.
NordicTrack s22i vs velocore 22 – Resistance
When researching an exercise bike, the first aspect I always like to explore is the resistance system.
This is of utmost importance to me because a high-quality bike should offer a smooth and challenging workout experience.
One crucial factor in determining the quality of the resistance system is the weight of the flywheel.
Flywheels are typically located at the front of the cycle although rear-mounted flywheels are becoming more common and the Velocore has its flywheel at the back.
The flywheel spins as you pedal, generating resistance.
The flywheel plays a significant role in creating the resistance and overall feel of the bike, and most spin bikes are designed with heavier flywheels for a reason.
The added weight of a heavier flywheel builds momentum, reducing any undesirable lag between pedal strokes and resulting in a smoother workout.
With this in mind, let’s compare the flywheels of the VeloCore and the NordicTrack Commercial S22i.
The VeloCore features a rear-mounted, 33 lb flywheel, while the S22i has a front-mounted, 32 lb flywheel. In terms of weight, these flywheels are nearly identical.
Regarding the mounting position (rear or front), there aren’t any significant advantages, except for cosmetic preferences (although a rear-mounted flywheel is less likely to be affected by sweat).
Both indoor cycling bikes have flywheels just over 30 lb, which means they offer enough resistance to ensure smooth pedaling action.
While flywheel weight is essential for the bike’s feel, the actual resistance system is equally important.
Most high-end spin bikes nowadays employ magnetic resistance systems due to their smoother operation and lower maintenance requirements compared to friction brakes.
The VeloCore and the S22i both utilize magnetic resistance systems.
However, there is a notable difference in the number of resistance levels offered by each bike.
The VeloCore provides 100 resistance levels that can be adjusted by turning a dial, whereas the S22i offers 24 resistance levels controlled through buttons on the handlebars.
Having a higher number of resistance levels is generally advantageous as it allows for more precise control over the intensity of your workouts, enabling smaller incremental adjustments.
Personally, I appreciate the 100 micro-level resistance setup used by the VeloCore and find the dial control to be highly convenient for quickly increasing the resistance.
Therefore, despite the flywheels being similar in weight, the VeloCore surpasses the S22i when it comes to the number of available resistance levels.
For this reason, the VeloCore emerges as the winner in this category.
>>> Read more customer reviews at Bowflex.com
NordicTrack S22i vs Bowflex VeloCore – Frame
When evaluating the frame of an exercise bike, it’s advantageous for it to be large and heavy.
While this may make the bike slightly less portable (although the inclusion of built-in transport wheels mitigates this inconvenience), it ensures a sturdy and stable feel during workouts.
Heavier bikes offer increased stability, particularly when standing and working with higher resistance levels.
A practical way to assess the “heavy-duty” nature of a bike is to consider its assembled weight. Again, a heavier weight is a positive attribute.
In terms of assembled weight, the VeloCore weighs 158.3 lb, while the S22i weighs approximately 200 lb.
Both bikes can be classified as heavy-duty, but the S22i significantly outweighs the VeloCore.
Examining the maximum weight capacity is another method to gauge frame integrity.
Higher weight limits indicate a bike’s ability to accommodate heavier users. The VeloCore has a weight capacity of 325 lb, while the S22i boasts a weight limit of 350 lb.
Therefore, the S22i Studio bike, being heavier and possessing a higher weight limit, wins in terms of frame attributes. It is important to note that heavier bikes often correlate with higher weight capacities.
>>> Read over 100 5-star reviews of the S22i at NordicTrack.com
Bowflex VeloCore vs NordicTrack S22i – Features
Now it’s time to delve into the exciting features offered by each bike.
The standout feature of the VeloCore is its frame unlock capability, allowing you to lean on it while pedaling, simulating the sensation of turning on a road bike.
It’s reminiscent of those motorcycle games at arcades where you controlled your character by leaning on the bike.
This feature adds difficulty to your workouts as it requires engaging your core muscles to control and maintain the lean.
It’s worth noting that the lean function is optional, and you can also perform stationary workouts by easily locking or unlocking the frame with the push of a button.
Bowflex VeloCore features
The standout feature of the VeloCore is its frame unlock capability, allowing you to lean on it while pedaling, simulating the sensation of turning on a road bike.
It’s reminiscent of those motorcycle games at arcades where you controlled your character by leaning on the bike.
This feature adds difficulty to your workouts as it requires engaging your core muscles to control and maintain the lean.
It’s worth noting that the lean function is optional, and you can also perform stationary workouts by easily locking or unlocking the frame with the push of a button.
Other features of Bowflex Velocore:
- 22″ or 16″ HD touchscreen display
- Fully adjustable seat
- Dual-sided pedals
- Included Bluetooth arm band heart rate monitor
- Bluetooth speakers
- Included pair of 3 lb dumbbells
- Multi-grip handlebars
- Access to entertainment apps (Netflix, Prime, Hulu, Disney+) with JRNY membership
- Instructor-led workouts and scenic rides with JRNY membership
- 2-month JRNY membership included
- Media rack
- Water bottle holders
While the VeloCore boasts an array of impressive features, it’s important to note that access to many of them requires a JRNY membership.
Without the membership, you can still use the bike in manual mode but won’t be able to access the workouts or apps.
NordicTrack Commercial S22i features
The Nordictrack S22i does not lean but the standout feature of the S22i is its incline and decline function.
This works with the automatic trainer control to set the incline and resistance levels during workouts (though manual adjustment is possible too).
Unlike the VeloCore, the S22i pedals are not compatible with cleats, but they can be easily swapped if desired.
The S22i does not include a heart rate monitor, so you would need to provide your own if interested.
Similar to the VeloCore, the S22i requires a streaming service (iFit) to fully enjoy its features.
NordicTrack includes a free one-year subscription to give users ample time to try it out. iFit offers thousands of workouts, including non-cycling activities like strength training, yoga, and Pilates.
iFit provides a wider range of workouts compared to JRNY.
Other features of the S22i:
- 22″ HD touchscreen display with rotation capability
- Incline adjustment ranging from -10% to 20%
- Fully adjustable seat
- Bluetooth compatibility for headphones and heart rate monitors
- Toe cage pedals
- Multi-grip handlebars
- Included pair of 3 lb dumbbells
- AutoBreeze fan
- 1 year of iFit included with purchase
- Unlimited instructor-led workouts through iFit
- Trainer-controlled incline and resistance during workouts
- Scenic rides
- Water bottle holders
velocore vs s22i – Warranty
Ah, the warranty — perhaps not the most exciting topic, but undoubtedly one of the most crucial considerations.
A good warranty not only provides peace of mind but also reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability.
After all, a manufacturer wouldn’t offer an extended warranty for something they knew wouldn’t stand the test of time.
While a bike’s warranty might not be the single most important specification, it certainly ranks high in my opinion.
Bowflex supports the VeloCore with the following residential warranty:
- 2 years for the frame
- 2 years for parts
- 1 year for electronics
- 1 year for labor
NordicTrack provides the following warranty for their Commercial S22i:
- 10 years for the frame
- 2 years for parts
- 1 year for labor
There’s an evident disparity between these two warranties.
To be frank, the frame warranty for the VeloCore is lacking. A 2-year guarantee is relatively short for a bike in this price range.
For comparison, Peloton offers a 5-year frame warranty, and I still find that to be insufficient considering the bike’s cost and quality.
My assumption is that Bowflex, with the inclusion of the leaning frame, may have reservations about its long-term durability under regular use.
On the other hand, NordicTrack’s warranty for the S22i is notably more generous.
While a lifetime frame warranty would be ideal, it’s rare to find such coverage in the streaming cycle market. Therefore, a 10-year frame warranty is among the best available.
The S22i undoubtedly triumphs in the warranty competition.
Bowflex VeloCore Bike vs NordicTrack S22i Bike – Price
It’s essential to keep in mind that prices can vary slightly depending on promotions and the time of year.
At the time of writing, the retail prices for these bikes were as follows:
Bowflex offers a smaller screen option for those on a tighter budget, which is a nice choice to have.
Comparing the 22″ VeloCore to the S22i, the VeloCore is approximately $200 more expensive.
Both bikes require a monthly subscription fee to access their top features. The costs are as follows:
- JRNY membership: $19/month
- iFit membership: $39/month
It’s worth noting that iFit offers different membership options, and the quoted price above is for the Family Plan.
iFit also offers an Individual Plan for $180/year, and you can save some money on both memberships by opting for annual subscriptions.
Overall, the costs associated with these bikes are quite similar.
The VeloCore has a slightly higher upfront cost for the purchase of the bike, but it offers a slightly cheaper monthly subscription.
On the other hand, the S22i is a bit more affordable initially, but its monthly subscription cost is slightly higher.
Ultimately, your preference for features and pricing will depend on your personal taste and budget.
Both bikes offer technologically advanced features with HD touchscreens and streaming services, providing a wide range of workout options to keep you engaged and motivated.
Bowflex VeloCore vs NordicTrack S22i Comparison Table
| Bowflex VeloCore | NordicTrack Commercial S22i | |
|---|---|---|
| | |
| Resistance | 33 lb flywheel 100 resistance levels | 32 lb flywheel 24 resistance levels |
| Frame | 158 lb assembled weight 325 lb weight capacity | ~200 lb assembled weight 350 lb weight capacity |
| Warranty | 2 year frame/parts 1 year electronics 1 year labor | 10 year frame 2 year parts 1 year labor |
| Features | Leaning frame 16″ or 22″ HD touchscreen Access to entertainment apps Streaming workouts through JRNY | Ability to incline/decline 22″ HD touchscreen Instructor controlled intensity Streaming workouts through iFit |
| Price | $1699/$2199 JRNY membership: $19/month | $1999 iFit membership: $39/month |
Bowflex VeloCore vs NordicTrack S22i – Final Thoughts
And there you have it, the ultimate comparison between the Bowflex VeloCore and NordicTrack S22i.
I have to say that I commend both bikes for their innovative designs. It’s clear that neither bike is ordinary or lacking in creativity.
But there has to be a winner and after careful consideration, the winner is…
It was a challenging decision because these bikes share many similar specifications.
They both feature heavy flywheels and robust frames. However, I must admit that I prefer the VeloCore’s 100 resistance levels compared to the S22i’s 24.
I also love the VeloCore’s ability to directly access entertainment apps through its console, a feature currently not available on the S22i.
Ultimately, what tipped the scales in favor of the VeloCore is its unique leaning feature, which I find more exciting than the incline/decline functionality of the S22i.
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