Are you looking for a good indoor bicycle to take your workouts to the next level? The NordicTrack Commercial VR21 Recumbent Bike is the one for you!
As I got busier at work going to the gym five days a week was getting more tiresome than enjoyable. I decided to try home workouts that would take less time. With so many indoor bicycles available in the market finding the right one was no easy task. Getting an affordable recumbent bike would be great for my home workouts.
I bought the NordicTrack VR21 recumbent bike which was a great choice. It is a comfortable low-impact exercise bike meant great for home workouts. The bike is strong and has an impressive range of features including timers, Bluetooth connectivity, and a cooling fan. It is a quality and durable bike for home workouts.
The NordicTrack Vr21 Recumbent Bike review and breakdown
[amazon box=”B002KV1MJU” template=”horizontal” ]The NordicTrack VR21 is a quality, low priced exercise machine by NordicTrack. Recumbent bikes are designed with back supporting seats with the pedals out in front for comfortable home workouts. This design is to reduce unnecessary joint and back stress by having the trainer lean back and pedal with their legs extended in front of them. The NordicTrack VR21 comes in black which is stylish enough to blend into your home.
The bike’s console has 32 inbuilt work out programs designed by certified trainers. It has a weight limit of 300lbs and a 25 resistance level to burn the most fat in a short time. The NordicTrack VR21 comes with a 23-pound effective flywheel, integrated tablet, and water bottle holders. It has transport wheels mounted on the frame that let you easily move it. The bike also comes with a warranty.
What we liked:
- The VR21 comes with 32 built-in workout programs designed by certified by personal trainers to help you reach your goal.
- This bike comes with a tablet holder so that you can use your phone or tablet while working out.
- It is compatible with a Bluetooth chest strap for wireless heart-rate monitoring.
- The Auto Breeze workout fans that automatically adjust to your workout intensity to keep you cool and comfortable.
What we didn’t like:
- The name is misleading since the NordicTrack Commercial V21 bike is not a commercial bike instead it is a residential bike fit for home gyms.
- Customer service from the bike’s manufacturer is poor which can be a problem if you need parts replaced or professionally repaired.
- The wireless chest strap used for heart monitoring is bought separately.
NordicTrack Commercial VR21 Recumbent Bike specifications
Description |
Specification |
Weight |
149lbs |
Dimensions |
61.10×24.20×54.60 inches |
Resistance level |
25 |
User weight capacity |
300lbs |
Flywheel weight |
19.8lbs |
Price |
NordicTrack Commercial VR21 Bike Features
Design
The NordicTrack VR21 recumbent exercise bike features a sturdy, steel frame coated with Black scratch-resistant paint. The steel frame is sealed by ABS covers for extra protection. It has a step-through design that offers easy access to the seat. The NordicTrack VR21 has large rubberized stabilizers on both bases that ensure perfect leveling for your body on any type of flooring.
The bike weighs approximately 149lbs which do not make it too difficult to relocate once put together. There are transport wheels at the front base of the bike that makes handling easier. The NordicTrack Commercial V21 comes with a large tablet holder found above the resistance controls.
Seat and Handlebars
The NordicTrack Commercial VR21 comes equipped with an adjustable foam padded seat. The backrest has a ventilated design and is made of nylon to provide firm support. However, the backrest does not recline or adjust with the seat. The vents on this seat provides proper aeration during intense sessions.
There are two sets of handlebars in the NordicTrack Commercial VR21, one attached to the console that integrates pulse sensors. The second handlebar is attached to the seat assembly. For additional comfort, the handlebars have rubberized grips. These grips reduce chances of blisters and palm pain from riding for long hours.
Resistance
The NordicTrack Commercial VR21 features an automatic resistance system that includes a small servo motor and magnetic brake. The bike offers 25 distinct levels of resistance with the first ones being great for warm-ups and the top ones for intense workouts. The OneTouch Controls make changing the resistance level easy and quick.
When you select a certain resistance level on the console, the motor adjusts the position of the brake to the flywheel which either increases or decreases your tension. This recumbent bike has a 20lbs flywheel that delivers smooth and steady motion with consistent momentum.
The NordicTrack Commercial VR21 bike has a stretch-resistance belt that offers a silent, vibration-free motion. There is a 3-piece crankset made of steel and covered by plastic for extra protection. They are equipped with weighted pedals that have adjustable straps for maximum foot stability. You can burn up to 500 calories per hour while exercising on the NordicTrack VR21 bike.
Control Unit
The NordicTrack VR21 has a 5†LCD console with LED backlights and large digits making it easy to read. The console tracks time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, and pulse. The bike uses integrated sensors or wireless Heart Rate chest strap for pulse reading
The console is IFit enabled to sync with your devices so you can track your workout data and progress. The iFit app offers several features not found on the console but you need to pay for a subscription to begin. There is also 32 inbuilt work out programs to keep you fit as you start working out.
The NordicTrack VR21 console also comes with a sound system that is compatible with most devices for your entertainment during training. It also has a cooling fan at the bottom of the console that is small but provides cooling during your home workout.
Assembly
The NordicTrack Commercial VR21 comes pre-assembled with only a few parts to be fixed. There is a manual that clearly states the tools needed and how to fix the parts to the pre-assembled parts. Some of the parts include the main base tubes, the console mast, the front handlebars, the console, and the pedals.
Assembly of the NordicTrack Commercial VR21 can take up to two hours then you can start using the bike. With proper care, this bike can be used for a long time with little maintenance needed. You just need to ensure that it is cleaned regularly.
Who is it the NordicTrack VR21 Bike best suited for?
The NordicTrack Commercial V21 is a magnetic recumbent bike that is perfect for home workouts. The bike is best matched for riders looking for on-board training guidance and perfect for beginners to intermediate-level trainees.
The bike is good for cardio training, muscle toning, and weight loss. It can accommodate users between 5’0†– 6’5â€. It is suitable for a large number of users since the weight capacity is 300 lbs. If you are looking for a durable exercise bike to achieve your fitness goals this is a good choice.
Are there any alternatives to the NordicTrack Commercial VR21 Recumbent Bike?
Yes, the Marcy Recumbent Exercise bike and the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent bike are good options similar to the NordicTrack VR21. They are affordable indoor bikes good for home workouts and training.
Features of alternatives to the NordicTrack VR21 Recumbent Bicycle.
Model |
Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike |
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent bike |
Weight |
61lbs |
91lbs |
Dimensions |
55.50 x 25.00 x 37.50 inches |
60.00×25.50×52.00 |
User weight capacity |
300lbs |
350lbs |
Resistance level |
8 levels |
8 levels |
Price |
Verdict: Should you get the NordicTrack Commercial V2R1 Recumbent Bike?
The NordicTrack Commercial VR21 is one of the best recumbent bikes you will find at affordable prices. The bike has a quality build, step-thru design good for many riders, and impressive features for your cardio needs. It has an easy to use display that with 32 built-in workout programs.
This bike has a 25 resistance level so that you get the most out of each session. Despite the bike’s size it is easily movable due to the transport wheels and sturdy to last over a long period. The NordicTrack Commercial VR21 bike is an affordable option if you are looking for an indoor bike to achieve your fitness goals.
Frequently Asked Questions.
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Is this bike ideal for a first time user?
Yes, the NordicTrack Commercial V21 is easy to use for anyone looking to get a good workout. The bike has 32 preset workout programs fit for beginner to intermediate-level trainees. The resistance levels helps beginners train and work towards more intense workouts.
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Does the NordicTrack V21 bike have speakers?
Yes, it has a sound system that is compatible with most phones, tablets, or mp3 players.
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Does this bike make a lot of noise when you exercise?
No, the NordicTrack VR21 comes with a strong stretch-resistant belt drive that offers smooth and silent motion. You don’t have to worry about a noisy operation.