# NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike vs Echelon Connect EX-5: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike (NordicTrack) and Echelon Connect EX-5 (Echelon) among exercise bikes. Echelon Connect EX-5 is the cheaper of the two at $899.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike | Echelon Connect EX-5 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $1999 | $899.99 |
| Brand | NordicTrack | Echelon |
| Released | 2020 | 2020 |
| Bike type | indoor | indoor |
| Resistance type | SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance | magnetic |
| Resistance levels | 24 | 32 |
| Touchscreen (in) | 22 | — |
| Flywheel (lb) | — | 28 |
| Max user weight (lb) | 350 | 300 |
| Subscription required | Yes | No |

## Key differences

- Resistance type: NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance vs Echelon Connect EX-5 magnetic
- Resistance levels: NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike 24 vs Echelon Connect EX-5 32
- Max user weight (lb): NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike 350 vs Echelon Connect EX-5 300
- Subscription required: NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike Yes vs Echelon Connect EX-5 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.)

**Echelon Connect EX-5** — Two whitelisted testers cover the base EX-5 (no built-in screen); BarBend and Garage Gym Reviews both frame it as a strong-value bike with 32 magnetic-resistance levels and a 180-degree flip device holder, dinged for no touchscreen and a short 12-month warranty. Neither page published hands-on measured figures — BarBend explicitly hadn't ridden the EX-5 and extrapolated from the EX-8s, and touchscreen EX-5s variants were excluded. (2 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike: https://www.nordictrack.com/exercise-bikes/s22i-studio-bike (nordictrack.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Echelon Connect EX-5: https://echelonfit.com/collections/connect-bikes (echelonfit.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/exercise-bikes/nordictrack-s22i-vs-echelon-ex-5/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike ($1999) vs Echelon Connect EX-5 ($899.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/exercise-bikes/nordictrack-s22i-vs-echelon-ex-5/
License: CC BY 4.0.