 Stationary bikes are some of the best inventions of the fitness world today and Echelon and NordicTrack are top fitness brands. If you have to pick one over the other, here is a quick guide to picking the better choice.
Hi, I’m Max and I’m a cyclo-cross fitness instructor in the State of California. As a cycling fan, you guess already that I have the industry knowledge about these top brands because they are a staple for every gym.
Designed to compete against each other, the bikes share a lot in common. It takes an experienced eye to draw out their unique and significant differences.
What are the differences between Echelon EX5S and NordicTrack S22i?
Bike Model |
Echelon EX5S |
NordicTrack S22i |
Handlebars |
Movable |
Movable and control resistance |
Pedals |
Toe-cage design- sports shoes |
Toe-cage design- sports shoes |
Flywheel |
29 pounds |
32 pounds |
Resistance |
Magnetic with 32 levels |
Magnetic with 24 levels |
Weight Supported |
300 lbs |
350 lbs |
Training App |
Echelon Fit |
IFit |
Screen |
21.5-inch HD |
22-inch HD with inbuilt fan |
Price |
Echelon EX5Svs NordicTrack S22i – How do they compare?
Construction
Both the Echelon and NordicTrack S22i are built of corrosion resistant steel which guarantees you a lifetime of use. While the S22i carries a flywheel weighing 32 pounds, the Echelon weighs 29 pounds which is not much of a difference.
Handle bars on the Echelon can be adjusted along the frame by forward or backward motion to make room for various body proportions and provide varying levels of comfort. This is possible on the NordicTrack as well.
The pedals are quite unique for both bikes, the NordicTrack is easily set up with two-way pedals meaning you can either use the side with the toe-cage or, if you prefer to, you may opt to flip the pedal to ride on the flat surface like on an outdoor bike.
On the Echelon feature a toe-cage option and a clip-in option when flipped. This makes it convenient for you to use your normal gym shoes or a pair of cycling shoes.
Experience
Here both bikes feature a screen that display vital information and help the user connect with the virtual trainers and spinning classes available. NordicTrack features a camera attached to the screen with speakers at the back.
NordicTrack S22i has the ability to screen cast the bike to an external screen using a HDMI port located on each side of the screen for ease of connection.
A cool factor about Echelon’s screen is its ability to flip to a 180 degree which allows you to get off the bike and make use of the other training workouts provided like yoga, Pilates and weight training with the dumbbells.
Echelon EX5S features a 21.5-inch flip screen that gives you a clear picture of the training programs and on-demand live streaming classes while with NordicTrack you get a cool 22-inch LCD screen.
Functionality
Both bikes use a magnetic flywheel resistance. However, the resistance on the NordicTrack S22i can be automatically controlled based on your cycling intensity by using the button controls on your handlebar.
NordicTrack can also raise and lower the incline and decline simulating outdoor cycling better but makes bike bulkier.
Echelon’s 29-pound flywheel is run by magnetic currents that provide a smooth and quiet yet powerful riding experience. The resistance can be adjusted effortlessly with the knob that is placed right below the monitor or screen.
There are up to 32 levels of resistance on Echelon and 24 on NordicTrack for you to choose from to keep giving yourself new and exciting challenges.
Echelon EX5S vs NordicTrack S22i – A Comparison Overview
Echelon EX5S – Overview
[amazon box=”B07XGN9G8W” template=”horizontal” ]This bike rides on a magnetic resistance mechanism to push a 29-pound flywheel with 32 levels of adjustable resistance. To make resistance adjustments, use the knob provided that is easy to operate and easily accessible mid-training.
it is built on a sturdy steel frame with a sophisticated design finish and powder coated. This frame holds up a 6-inch lever style adjustable seat built with as much comfort as is found on race bikes.
Pedals are both compatible with SPD shoes and they are designed to flip over to the other side which is fitted with toe cages to secure any size footing. To track your performance, vitals and progress in training, you must connect the bike’s Echelon App to your mobile phone to see that information.
Handlebars on the EX5S use the Aero system which allows for more movement for enhanced comfort and performance. A device mount is featured as well as water bottle holder just underneath for quicker access mid-training.
Unique to the EX5S is its provision of a touchscreen holder that can swivel 180 degrees and is filled with more workouts other than cycling. By getting of the bike and flipping the screen, you can proceed to try out other workout techniques such as yoga meditation and Zumba.
The speakers are inbuilt but they are not compatible with your device to play any of your favorite music. The 21.5-inch touchscreen of Echelon only works if you are under subscription and cannot stream any other material other than from the Echelon Fit program.
Pros
- 180 degrees flip touchscreen
- Durable steel frame build
- Compact and transportable
- Magnetic resistance with 32 adjustable levels
- 29-pound flywheel
- Handlebars of Aero system provide great movement
- Statics visible while training even without subscription
- Pedals are SPD compatible and fully adjustable
Cons
- Limited Functions with the Echelon Fit subscriptions
- No other apps are compatible other than Echelon Fit
NordicTrack S22i – Overview
[amazon box=”B07TGQZGGZ” template=”horizontal” ]This is a fine work of art that is also price friendly as compared to the Peloton. The steel frame is classic and holds securely a 30-pound heavy flywheel with magnetic resistance which is ideal for a steady and silent cycling experience at home.
The handle bars on the S22i are not only anti-grip but also have a coating that is sweat resistant. They also have control panels on either handle, one for adjusting the resistance and the other for the incline and decline alternatives.
Virtual training on this bike is made easy because the 24 resistance levels are digitally preset and can be controlled by the buttons on the handle bar or through the touchscreen. Because programs are preloaded, the bike automatically adjusts to whichever program you are on currently and is able to take you on scenic drives virtually anywhere in the world.
The pedals on this bike require no special
cycling shoe because they have toe cages. This bike allows for 20% incline and 10% decline which enhances your experience.
Pros
- More features than Peloton but more affordable
- Supports 350 pounds
- Toe cage with reversible flat pedal
- Doesn’t need special cycling shoes
- Swap out pedals on the bike optional
- 3-pound weights provided
- Heart rate monitor provided
- Digital resistance is on handlebars with 24 levels
- S22i has a knob that can stop the flywheel
Cons
- Bike frame a little heavy
- No Bluetooth Sync
Verdict: So, which between the Echelon EX5S and NordicTrack S22i is a better option?
The outright winner is the Echelon EX5S. Based on the number of versatile things you can do on this bike, there is no chance the NordicTrack S22i can outdo it.
The ability to flip the screen and use it off the bike to spice up your training with pre-programmed training sessions like Yoga, Pilates, Zumba among others is priceless.