Being two of the world’s renowned sporting companies, Echelon and NordicTrack continue to set trends and stand out from many industry players. Which between the two bike brands have the more superior bike?
Hello, I’m Bradley and even for pro athletes like myself, it is sometimes confusing to tell apart one heavy weight over the other because both brands have some of the best designed bikes in the market.
Built with comfort, versatility and endurance in mind, the bikes are meant to last the test of time and the wear of intense workout routines.
When a fan asks you for a review on the features and benefits between them that make one bike better or more advanced than the other, you jump on the next available opportunity to do it. So, here’s mine.
What are the differences between Echelon and NordicTrack S22i bikes?
 |
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 vs NordicTrack S22i – How they differ
Design
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.
Handlebars coated with firm rubber grip are built into both bikes and while Echelon’s bars are Aero powered meaning more flexible NordicTrack’s bars are sweat resistant. You get a great riding experience regardless of whichever bike you choose.
The pedals of both Echelon and NordicTrack bikes are fitted with toe cages. The S22i has the alternative for flipping over to a flat pedal just like you would find on an outdoor bike and the Echelon flips over to an SPD compatible pedal requiring clip-ins and cleats to lock a secure footing.
The S22i can also hold up 50 ponds more in weight compared to Echelon.
Both bikes have unique and functional designs. If you are over 300 pounds, you’d need the NordicTrack but if your concern is for SPD compatible pedals, your ideal pic would be the Echelon.
Riding Experience
Because both bikes have versatile pedal, you shouldn’t have a problem keeping your foot on either bike which will help you maximize your effort in training. NordicTrack features a 32-pound flywheel on magnetic resistance offering the rider up to 24 levels of resistance to choose from.
What’s more is that the adjustment of this resistance is automated by the push buttons built into the S22i’s handlebars. The weight of the flywheel smoothens out the ride and matches resistance to the pressure or energy exerted.
Echelon bikes on the other hand also feature magnetic resistance with a flywheel weighing 29 pounds, that has up to 32 levels of resistance to adjust to. Unfortunately, however, with Echelon, the adjustments ae manually done by use of a knob.
The screens on either bike gives vital information regarding the rider’s health, cycled distance, calories burned among other information. NordicTrack stands out once again with their in-built fans which help keep the rider cool.
Echelon EX5S on the other hand, has the ability to flip the screen in a 180-degree angle allowing the user to take part in off the bike cross-training exercises that add some spice to your work out regimen.
If you don’t like the seats on either bike you can change them and have a more padded option fitted. NordicTrack is more convenient with its automated adjustments.
Performance
To get you heart rate monitored while using the Echelon, you will need to buy a Bluetooth compatible heart strap that will connect with your equipment and display the statistics on your 21.5-inch HD screen. The Echelon Fit programs provided are limited in comparison to NordicTrack’s endless options online and offline.
When using Echelon with no active subscription, they will allow you to see your vitals while you are on the bike training. These statistics are not available beyond that and cannot be saved into the database. If, however you are on NordicTrack, your subscription is billed yearly and you have full access to their thousands of channels of pre-programed workouts.
NordicTrack has greater variety in thousands of training programs compared to echelon’s limited catalogue.
Echelon vs NordicTrack S22i – A Comparison Overview
Echelon – 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.
Handlebars on the EX5S use the Aero system which allows for more movement for enhanced comfort and performance. 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” ]The pedals on this bike require no special cycling shoe because they have toe cages. This bike’s 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.
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.
Pros
- 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 Echelon and NordicTrack S22i is more superior?
NordicTrack S22i is more superior than Echelon in terms of versatility of use, comfort and performance. This is evident through its incorporation of extras such as a strap-on Bluetooth enabled heart monitor, a cooling fan built-in to the 22†monitor and the availability of unlimited and cross-training exercises all year round. NordicTrack presents options no cyclist would ever want to pass on.