These are the top three bike manufacturers that have been making waves with their awesome interactive bike models. Which of the three is the best in performance?
My name is Chris and I am a big fan of indoor cycling. I’ve never been one to go out cycling in public so when the spinning classes and stationary bikes turned more interactive, I got sucked in to the glory of it all.
I have spent tons of hours researching and riding different bike types and brands and this gives me the knowledge to spot unique traits that each bike features regardless of how similar in appearance they are.
Peloton, Echelon and NordicTrack bikes have some similarities but they are not as many as their differences. Read on to see how these bikes differ in technical specifications, features, and accessories to help guide your decision on which bike performs best.
What’s the difference between the Peloton, Echelon and NordicTrack?
Peloton |
Echelon |
NordicTrack |
|
Handlebars |
Movable |
Movable |
Movable and control resistance |
Pedals |
Clip-in design cycling shoes |
Toe-cage design- sports shoes |
Toe-cage design- sports shoes |
Flywheel |
30 pounds |
29 pounds |
32 pounds |
Resistance |
Magnetic with up to 100 levels |
Magnetic with 32 levels |
Magnetic with 24 levels |
Weight Supported |
297 lbs |
300 lbs |
350 lbs |
Training App |
Peloton |
Echelon Fit |
IFit |
Screen |
22-inch LED |
21.5-inch HD |
22-inch HD with inbuilt fan |
Price |
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Peloton vs Echelon vs NordicTrack: How do they compare?
Design
All three bikes are built of corrosion-resistant steel which guarantees you a lifetime of use. NordicTrack’s flywheel is 32 pounds, Echelon carries a flywheel weighing 29 pounds and Peloton’s weighs 30 pounds which is not much of a difference.
The pedals are quite similar for all bikes. Echelon and NordicTrack’s pedals are 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.
Peloton spots special pedals with three clip-ins on them meaning that you must incur an extra cost of buying cycling shoes with three cleats to clip into the pedals for a secure footing. With the other two, any sports shoe will do.
The pedals on all these bikes could be swapped for other alternatives if you have a specific type of pedal that you like to cycle on. Peloton supports a weight of up to 297 pounds, Echelon stands at 300 pounds while NordicTrack can hold up to 350 pounds.
In terms of design and efficiency, the NordicTrack and Echelon bikes have a leg up over Peloton because they have versatile pedals that do not require special cycling shoes to ride as compared to the Peloton which requires cycling shoes with cleats to clip into its pedals.
Comfort
Both Peloton and NordicTrack bikes feature a 22-inch screen that displays vital information and help the user connect with the virtual trainers and spinning classes available. Both bikes feature a camera attached to the screen with speakers at the back.
Echelon bikes on the other hand stand out from the crowd with their 21.5-inch screen that features other training workouts besides cycling like yoga, Pilates, and weight training with the dumbbells.
Anti-grip handlebars and seats on all three bikes are easily and conveniently adjustable adding to the riding comfort.
NordicTrack has the added benefit of a cooling fan in-built into the console which is something that Echelon and Peloton lack. Other than that, they are all very comfortable bikes to cycle on.
Functionality
All three bikes use magnetic flywheel resistance. However, the resistance on the NordicTrack can be automatically controlled based on your cycling intensity by using the button controls on your handlebar. Peloton and Echelon bikes have a control knob on the bike’s frame for manual adjustments.
Their differently weighted flywheels do not give much difference in performance but Peloton has 100 levels of adjustable resistance which is sure to keep even the most experienced cyclist on toes. Echelon and NordicTrack provide users with 3-pound dumbbells but you need to purchase them for Peloton.
In performance, Echelon has beaten both Peloton and NordicTrack bikes because its screen can be flipped 180 degrees giving the user a chance to get off the bike and complement their cycling with other workouts.
Peloton vs Echelon vs NordicTrack: A Comparison Overview
Peloton Overview
This bike’s 32-pound wheel runs on magnetic resistance with 100 levels to adjust to. This adjustment is done manually or through the touchscreen.
The pedals on this bike may be problematic and present an extra cost to anyone who does not already own a pair of cycling shoes because they use the clip-in mechanism. This is ideal because, with a securely locked-in footing, you can then pull up in the cycling motion much easier which is great for glutes and hamstrings.
Peloton bike is fixed and does not move meaning there is no chance to incline or decline the bike for a more exciting cycling experience.
Pros
- Ergonomic handlebars
- Light in weight
- Comfortable seat
- Engaging App with live classes
- Can sync with Bluetooth
Cons
- Adjustment knob is not accurate
- No incline or decline
- Adjustments are done manually
- Doesn’t give you weights
- Needs new training shoes with 3 cleats or Replace pedals
- Need to buy a heart rate monitor which has a problem pairing
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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.
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.
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 off the bike and flipping the screen, you can proceed to try out other workout techniques such as yoga meditation, and Zumba.
Pros
- 180 degrees flip touchscreen
- Durable steel frame build
- Compact and transportable
- Magnetic resistance with 32 adjustable levels
- 29-pound flywheel
- Handlebars of the Aero system provide great movement
- Statics visible while training even without a 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” ]A Steel metal build with handlebars that are not only anti-grip but also have a coating that is sweat resistant.
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 handlebar 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 shoes because they have toe cages. This bike allows for a 20% incline and 10% decline which enhances your experience.
Pros
- More features than Peloton but is 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 is a little heavy
- No Bluetooth Sync
Verdict and Conclusion: So, which between the Peloton, Echelon, and NordicTrack Bikes performs the best?
Echelonbikes, in my opinion, have the best performance in resistance and versatility. For a home gym bike to include more than just cycling programs, be usable with any sports shoe, and have automatically adjustable magnetic resistance, it is a total package deal.