For a pumped cardio workout, indoor exercise bikes are easily the favorite among many riders. To keep you even more hooked to your bike, many companies have now developed interesting and interactive workout apps. Here are the three favorites among many riders.
Hi there. Are you a fitness enthusiast or are you simply looking to keep fit? When I started a full-time job, I simply could not find time to go to the gym. That is how I ended up settling for an indoor exercise bike because I did not want to lose all the fitness gains I had made. After settling on a bike, I went on the hunt to find a fitness app that would suit me. That is how I came across the Peloton, NordicTrack and Echelon that I have really enjoyed and tested over the years. Because it would not make financial sense to have all three in your home, here is how to know which one is the best.
What are the key differences between Peloton, NordicTrack and Echelon?
Model |
Peloton |
NordicTrack |
Echelon |
Dimensions (mm) |
60†x 24†x 48†|
55†x 21.90†x 56.90†|
44†x 12†x 33†|
Weight |
135lbs |
200lbs |
120lbs |
Maximum user capacity |
305lbs |
350lbs |
300lbs |
Resistance |
0-100 levels of magnetic resistance |
24 digital levels |
32 levels of magnetic resistance |
Frame |
Steel |
Steel |
Steel |
Accessories |
21.5†1080p touchscreen, live and on-demand classes |
1 year iFit membership, 22†touchscreen |
1500 on-demand classes |
Availability |
Peloton vs. NordicTrack vs. Echelon – How do they differ?
Riding Experience
For the NordicTrack, it comes with a 22-inch HD screen to help you monitor your exercise. Peloton bikes, on the flipside come with the same sized screen but in LCD. With the console, you can access loads of on-demand workout classes as well as stream them live. You can also cast the screen to another device. Echelon on the other hand has a heart rate monitor that tracks your progress and connects with the Echelon Fit app. You also get a secure media holder for your phone or tablet.
As for their weight limits, Peloton has a weight limit of 305lbs, NordicTrack is 350lbs and Echelons can handle up to 300lbs. You get a stable ride with these bikes even though they are quite lightweight.
Peloton offers an unmatched riding experience thanks to its energetic trainers, good weight capacity and loads of programs to choose from.
Performance Â
With Peloton, you get up to 24 levels of resistance and a 30lbs flywheel. Its magnetic resistance delivers on a smooth and stable performance. Coupled with the adjustment knob, you can easily flick through the different levels depending on the workout you are up for. Nordictrack on the flipside has 22 digital resistance levels. It is designed with friction-free resistance that delivers on an ultra-quiet performance. Echelon is also rather impressive with its 32 levels of resistance that you can easily adjust using the knob that is right below the display console.
While both Peloton and Nordictrack deliver on a smooth and challenging performance, Echelon ramps it up with 32 levels giving you a wider range.
Accessories
NordicTrack comes with a 1-year membership to its fitness app. For Peloton, you can access its app at an additional cost of $39. Echelon bikes also work with the Echelon app. These bikes also come with handy water bottle holders to keep you hydrated even as you hit the pedal hard. Echelon even goes a step further and offers dual water bottle holders.
Peloton vs. NordicTrack vs. Echelon- A Comparison Overview
Peloton- Overview
The Peloton bike is a high-end indoor cycling bike that brings the pumped NYC fitness classes directly to your home. With this bike, you can access live fitness classes as well as those that are pre-recorded depending on. The 22-inch LCD screen helps you follow through with your workouts as well as track your progress. This bike displays the speed, distance, resistance and heart rate you are going at.
To keep you even more interested with your workouts, you can participate in many fun fitness challenges and earn badges as you hit your goals. You can even create your own playlist with your favorite songs that get you psyched up about cycling.
Pros
- Gives you access to countless workout classes
- 22-inch LCD screen helps you track your progress
- Comes with a complimentary access to the Peloton app
Cons
- You need to pay a monthly subscription fee for the app
- Quite pricey
NordicTrack- Overview
[amazon box=”B07TGQZGGZ” template=”horizontal” ]NordicTrack is a highly reputable brand with many quality indoor bikes under its belt. Some NordicTrack bikes include the S22i and S15i. Both these bikes deliver on an impressive cycling workout at the comfort of your home. To keep you interested in your cycling, NordicTrack bikes with a 1-year membership to the NordicTrack iFit app. With this membership, you can stream both on-demand and live fitness classes to keep you highly energized towards meeting your goals.
To add, this bike comes with all the high tech features. For instance, it is integrated with Google Maps to take you on rides wherever you want in the world. With this bike, you can also load up to four profiles for personalized workouts.
Pros
- Comes with a 1-year NordicTrack iFit membership
- 22-inch smart HD screen to track your progress
- Offers global cycling experiences
Cons
- You can only access the screen as long as your membership is running
Echelon-Overview
[amazon box=”B07PM89GG8″ template=”horizontal” ]Echelon is yet another reputable indoor cycling company. It has many quality bikes under its wing. Some of these are the Echelon EX3 and Echelon EX5. Whichever model you settle for, there a few Echelon features that cut across board. For instance, you can use the Echelon Connect app with these bikes to keep you interested with your workouts. You get the first year free with the purchase of this bike. With the app, you can scroll through the live and pre-programmed workouts to find which one best suits you.
Another winning feature of Echelon is that it comes with all these features at a significantly lower price compared to the Peloton and NordicTrack. If you are on a tight budget and you still want premium quality features, this is one of the best buys. For instance, it has both SPD clips and cages that make it highly compatible with right about any shoe. You will not have to go for branded shoes to get a comfortable ride with Echelon bikes.
Pros
- Sleek, stylish color combinations
- Compact sized and lightweight
- Comes with a secure digital holder for your tablet or phone
- Easy to use and customize
Cons
- Does not come with preset workouts
Conclusion: So, which is better- Peloton or NordicTrack or Echelon?
When it comes down to it, the Peloton bike is easily a favorite. It delivers on a smooth ride and comes with all the high tech features you would need from a bike. It also helps that the Peloton community is really tight knit and will have you even more excited to join the live classes to work out.
FAQ
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Do you pay any additional fees with these bikes?
Yes. Peloton, NordicTrack and Echelon need you to pay monthly subscription fees to access their fitness apps. Peloton, for example, costs $39 a month to access the live-classes through the app.
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How do you assemble the bikes?
They all come with clear instructions to help you assemble them right out of the box.