# NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike vs Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console): specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike (NordicTrack) and Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) (Bowflex) among exercise bikes. Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) is the cheaper of the two at $1299.

## Side by side

| Spec | NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike | Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $1999 | $1299 |
| Brand | NordicTrack | Bowflex |
| Released | 2020 | 2021 |
| Bike type | indoor | indoor |
| Resistance type | SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance | magnetic |
| Resistance levels | 24 | 100 |
| Touchscreen (in) | 22 | 22 |
| Flywheel (lb) | — | 33 |
| Max user weight (lb) | 350 | 325 |
| Subscription required | Yes | No |

## Key differences

- Resistance type: NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance vs Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) magnetic
- Resistance levels: NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike 24 vs Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) 100
- Max user weight (lb): NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike 350 vs Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) 325
- Subscription required: NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike Yes vs Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) No

## What reviewers say

**NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike** — Three hands-on testers (Garage Gym Reviews, BarBend, Reviewed) rate the S22i a top Peloton alternative, praising engaging iFit programming with Google Maps scenic rides, unique 20% incline / -10% decline auto-follow, quiet magnetic resistance, and a sturdy above-average 350-lb-capacity frame. Complaints are split across testers rather than unanimous: lengthy individually-wrapped assembly needing two people (GGR, BarBend), a stiff, minimally-padded stock seat on longer rides (GGR, Reviewed), and the ~$1,999 price plus near-mandatory $39/mo iFit fee (GGR, BarBend). No source published instrument-measured lab numbers; RTINGS-style data unavailable. (3 sourced reviews.)

**Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console)** — Three hands-on reviewers — Tom's Guide, BarBend, and Garage Gym Reviews — recommend the 22-inch VeloCore as a fun, stable Peloton alternative whose signature side-to-side lean mode engages the core. Reviewers flag difficult assembly, an uncomfortable seat, and a sub-par warranty. Reviews were qualitative; none published lab-measured numbers. No Wirecutter or RTINGS body found. (3 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike: https://www.nordictrack.com/exercise-bikes/s22i-studio-bike (nordictrack.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console): https://www.bowflex.com/product/velocore-22-exercise-bike/100914.html (bowflex.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/exercise-bikes/nordictrack-s22i-vs-bowflex-velocore-22/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike ($1999) vs Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) ($1299) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/exercise-bikes/nordictrack-s22i-vs-bowflex-velocore-22/
License: CC BY 4.0.