NordicTrack
NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike
$1999
Released 2020
Best Exercise Bikes · head-to-head
NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike vs Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console)
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) is cheaper at $1299. Every spec and price links to its source.
Bowflex
Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console)
$1299Cheaper
Released 2021
Which is better: the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike or Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console)?
The Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) is the cheaper at $1299. The Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) both leads on specs and costs less — the straightforward pick.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| 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 |
| Release | 2020 | 2021 |
Sources — NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike: nordictrack.com (verified 2026-06-15). Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console): bowflex.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike and Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console)?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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 true vs Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) false
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
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.)
Praised: Engaging iFit interactive programming plus Google Maps scenic rides make workouts fly by; Unique +20% incline / -10% decline with AutoAdjust auto-follow simulates real road rides; Sturdy frame with an above-average 350 lb weight capacity.
Flagged: Lengthy, fiddly assembly with many individually-wrapped parts; two people recommended; Stiff, minimally-padded stock seat gets uncomfortable on longer rides; Expensive (~$1,999) and effectively requires the $39/mo iFit subscription to be worthwhile.
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.)
Praised: Side-to-side lean mode is fun and engages the core; Large, vivid 22-inch touchscreen with plenty of ride metrics; Sturdy, stable build that stays put even in lean mode (supports 325 lb).
Flagged: Difficult assembly with unclear instructions; Uncomfortable seat / lacks padding; Sub-par, short warranty for a premium-priced bike.