NordicTrack is a popular exercise bike brand. It’s popular because it comes with one of the best controllers on any bike—certainly for a sub-$1,000 machine. But, is it a good machine overall, what type of user does it appeal to, and what types of rating do customers give NordicTrack exercise bikes? The answers you get depend on the machine model.
Most people can’t afford or justify paying over a thousand dollars on a LifeCycle or Schwinn exercise bike. The largest market for this type of fitness equipment is around $500 and that’s where NordicTrack exercise bikes fall.
The most popular model is the AudioRider U300 bicycle; It’s also the cheapest, retailing at around $400. It’s a stand-alone model, and for its price, you’re getting a lot of features. As you would expect, it is magnetically resistant and operates smoothly and quietly. The console is really the big plus point about this device. It’s large in size, well organized, and easy to use; Someone described it as being like the dashboard of your car, which is a very good analogy. It displays the usual feedback data for time, speed, distance, resistance, pulse, rpm, carbohydrates burned, and calories burned. The handlebars have handlebar sensors to monitor heart rate and the seat is well padded. Another great feature is the AutoBreeze Workout Fan, which automatically adjusts airflow to match your speed.
To access the most important features, you get 20 built-in workouts; 18 Personal Trainer Workouts and 2 Heart Rate Workouts. The personal trainer will automatically adjust your speed and resistance during your workout to maintain the best settings for your aerobic exercise, weight loss, or performance goals.
Many, especially beginners, need motivation. It is now common for all types of exercise equipment to be equipped with iFIT card technology. Each card is designed by a certified personal trainer and plugs directly into the bike’s console. During the exercise, the coach’s voice can be heard over the loudspeaker, helping you achieve your set goals. You can also download iFIT programs from the Internet.
The bike also comes with the Interactive Audio CrossTrainer, an interactive fitness trainer that verbally and visually prompts you to perform a variety of strength training and calorie-burning exercises.
The AudioRider U300 is a great piece of kit but it’s really designed for casual or novice users. Those serious about bike training may find this device lacks teeth. For example, the position of the seat and the handle bars lead to the position of sitting and begging. For a more demanding workout, many prefer a trapezoidal stance with hips up and shoulders down.
The AudioRider U400 is the same as the U300 except it’s a recumbent exercise bike. The features and workout programs are pretty much the same. It costs an additional $100. These reclining bikes are proving increasingly popular as they are more comfortable for those with lower back problems or those who are overweight.
Finally, there’s the NordicTrack SL710 recumbent exercise bike. It retails for just under the U400. Personally, you’d be better off spending more and getting the U400. You only get 8 programs instead of 10 and user weight capacity drops from 300lbs to 250lbs. The biggest purported benefit of this bike is the Step-In design – this is where the center of the bike is designed to be as close to the ground as possible making it easier to get on and off the bike. The only reason to buy this model is because you find it difficult to get in and out of a more traditional recumbent.
In conclusion, NordicTrack bikes are great value for money. If you are a first-time user or need something with a lot of motivational features, then you should take a closer look at these devices. However, if you are a seasoned professional, you should look for something more substantial like the Schwinn exercise bike.
