Peloton Bike and Bike +
The Peloton Bike and Bike + offer live and on-demand lessons, as well as several other features that set them apart from other exercise bikes.
Equipped with digital magnetic resistance and an HD touchscreen for streaming workout classes, it’s easy to see why Peloton bikes are preferred by so many people and considered the cream of the crop.
Besides the price, the main differences between the Peloton Bike and the Bike + are the audio system, the storage capacity and the quality of the camera.
The Bike + also comes with a larger spinning touchscreen, as well as Auto Follow technology, which adjusts your resistance to match that of your instructor during workouts.
In addition, Peloton offers three package options that include additional cycling accessories, such as a bike mat, resistance bands, yoga block and strap, and cycling shoes, which is especially important as the Peloton bikes require Delta compatibility rather than SPD, crampons.
MYX II and MYX II Plus
With a sleek and interactive touchscreen tablet, Polar heart rate monitor, access to thousands of course options, and the ability to pair with Apple Watch, it’s easy to see why the MYX bike is a popular Peloton alternative.
Believe it or not, the MYX II exercise bikes are slightly more expensive than the Peloton at retail, although they are frequently promoted on the MYX Fitness website.
MYX offers two bike options: the MYX II and the MYX II Plus.
Although the design of the bike is the same, the MYX package includes a white colored bike, while the MYX II Plus bike is available in dark charcoal and white.
The other main difference is that the MYX II Plus includes additional training equipment for a full body workout including:
- a 6 piece set of weights with a kettlebell
- an exercise mat
- a foam roller
- a resistance band
- a stabilizer mat
NordicTrack s22i studio bike
The NordicTrack Commercial s22i Studio Cycle is a smart exercise bike option that is less expensive than the MYX II and Peloton Bike +.
Yet despite its lower price, the bike is packed with unique features, making it an option that should be on your radar.
In addition to 24 digital resistance levels, it comes with built-in speakers and a wide range of live and on-demand classes using iFit.
It is also one of the few exercise bikes on the market to offer multiple levels of incline and descent, as well as automatic trainer control.
Curious which bike is the best? Read on to find out which one reigns supreme.
Size, weight capacity and material quality
Although they are all about 22 inches (55.88 cm) wide, the NordicTrack is by far the longest of the three bikes.
Meanwhile, the MYX II beats the Peloton as the most compact option.
In terms of weight capacity, the MYX II and s22i support users up to 350 pounds (159 kg), while the Peloton bikes have a lower capacity of 297 pounds (135 kg).
As all three bikes are made with high quality materials, the cheaper NordicTrack s22i stands out as the winner. Still, the MYX II is right behind, as it’s a better option if you’re short on space.
Winner: NordicTrack s22i
Pedals and saddle
While the NordicTrack s22i’s padded ergonomic saddle trumps the standard MYX bike seat, the s22i’s seat is still quite firm and not as comfortable as the Peloton’s ergonomic sport-style saddle.
Likewise, the Peloton has better quality aluminum pedals, but you will need to purchase a set of cycling shoes as the pedals are only compatible with Delta cleats.
Meanwhile, the NordicTrack s22i is equipped with standard toe clips.
The MYX II’s double-sided pedals are the most versatile, as they allow you to use SPD clips or your standard athletic shoes.
Overall, Peloton wins. However, the MYX II’s double-sided pedals are a definite plus.
Winner: platoon
Display screen and speakers
All three bikes are equipped with similarly sized touch pads.
The Peloton Bike + is the largest at 24 inches (61cm) and it rotates 360 degrees, although the s22i’s screen is only 2 inches (5.1cm) smaller and also rotates.
All three have built-in speakers and Bluetooth capabilities for pairing with your workout headphones.
Winner: NordicTrack s22i
Classes
One of the main draws of these smart bikes is the ability to stream courses on their respective apps, including iFit for the NordicTrack s22i, MYXFitness Connected Fitness for MYX II bikes, and the Peloton app for Peloton bikes.
Peloton and iFit are two popular fitness apps, differentiated primarily by the fact that iFit tends to focus more on personal coaching, while Peloton is known to offer better music and a more group-oriented community.
Both apps also have leaderboards that allow you to see your performance and compare your stats to those of other users.
During this time, MYXfitnes Connected Fitness does not offer live or on-demand classes.
However, MYX Fitness recently partnered with Openfit, allowing MYX users to join Openfit LIVE rides. However, you’ll need an Openfit subscription, which costs $ 29 per month.
Another important factor to consider is application compatibility.
Although the NordicTrack s22i is powered by iFit, it is also compatible with the Peloton app. Likewise, the MYX II can be used with MYXfitness Connected Fitness and Openfit.
Peloton is the most limited, as it is only compatible with the company app.
One thing to note is that the iFit Individual plan is an annual subscription that costs $ 180 per year, which comes down to $ 15 per month.
Offering excellent value and variety, NordicTrack is once again the winner, giving you the best of both worlds with the ability to stream from two of the most popular fitness apps.
Winner: NordicTrack s22i
Additional accessories
The Peloton Bike and Bike + base set doesn’t include any accessories, but if you splurge for an upgraded set, you can get cycling shoes, headphones, bike weights, a heart rate monitor, and more.
Meanwhile, the NordicTrack s22i comes with a set of weights and the MYX II offers a Polar heart rate monitor.
The MYX II Plus is the best option if you are looking to fill your home gym, as it includes free weights, kettlebell, foam roller, resistance bands, exercise mat, and stability mat. .
As a result, the MYX II Plus is the big winner with the NordicTrack s22i being a good option in second place.
Winner: MYX II Plus.
Price (including cost of bike, app subscription, shipping and assembly)
When comparing the cost of these machines, it’s important to factor in the price of the bike itself, as well as any add-ons, such as shipping costs, monthly app subscriptions, and required accessories.
Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with each bike:
Now keep in mind that these companies often offer discounts.
For example, the MYX II and MYX II Plus are currently reduced to $ 1,399 and $ 1,599, respectively.
Likewise, Peloton is offering its original bike for $ 1,495.
Yet even with these discounts, the NordicTrack s22i is hard to beat because you don’t need to invest in cycling shoes, and your purchase includes a free 1-year iFit subscription.
Winner: NordicTrack s22i
Guarantee and return policy
The NordicTrack s22i offers a 10 year warranty on the frame, as well as a 2 year warranty on parts and a 1 year warranty on labor.
The MYX II offers a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty, while the Peloton offers a 12-month limited warranty.
All companies include a 30 day return policy.
Offering the most extensive warranty, the NordicTrack s22i is once again in the lead.
Winner: NordicTrack s22i
