NordicTrack
NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike
$1,999
Released 2020
Best Exercise Bikes · head-to-head
NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike vs Echelon Connect EX-5
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Echelon Connect EX-5 is cheaper at $899.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Echelon
Echelon Connect EX-5
$899.99Cheaper
Released 2020
Which is better: the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike or Echelon Connect EX-5?
The Echelon Connect EX-5 wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Echelon Connect EX-5 is the cheaper at $899.99. The Echelon Connect EX-5 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 |  Echelon Connect EX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $1,999 | $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 |
| Release | 2020 | 2020 |
Sources — NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike: nordictrack.com (verified 2026-06-15). Echelon Connect EX-5: echelonfit.com (verified 2026-09-28).
What's the difference between the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike and Echelon Connect EX-5?
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 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 true vs Echelon Connect EX-5 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.
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.)
Praised: Strong value — skips paying for a built-in screen while keeping the Echelon Fit app and a quality build; 32 levels of magnetic resistance give a wide range; Device holder flips 180 degrees for off-bike workouts.
Flagged: No built-in touchscreen/monitor — you must supply your own tablet or phone; Short 12-month warranty (5 years only with a paid Echelon Premier membership); Relatively light 28-pound flywheel.