Peloton vs. NordicTrack S22i: Which Smart Bike is ACTUALLY Better for Your Home Gym?
Choosing between the Peloton Bike (or the upgraded Bike+) and the NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle is one of the biggest decisions in connected fitness. Both offer immersive screens, live classes, and magnetic resistance, but their core philosophies—and the riders they serve—are fundamentally different.
This is a comparison written by indoor cycling experts who have spent dozens of hours on both machines. We dive past the basic specs to compare long-term ownership costs, unique training features, and the ecosystem differences that will impact your long-term fitness journey.
Quick Verdict: Peloton vs. NordicTrack S22i
| If you prioritise… | Choose the Peloton Bike (or Bike+) | Choose the NordicTrack S22i |
| Studio & Community | You live for live classes, high-fives, and the competitive Leaderboard. | The social element is secondary to a more diverse, immersive ride. |
| Outdoor Simulation | You prefer a stable, high-tech indoor spin experience. | You crave the physical feeling of climbing and descending hills (incline/decline). |
| Total Cost | You want a sleeker app/interface and can tolerate the higher monthly subscription. | You want more value for the initial hardware cost (often bundled with iFIT membership). |
| Auto-Resistance | Both the S22i and the Peloton Bike+ feature automatic resistance changes. | Both feature auto-resistance, but the S22i also auto-adjusts incline/decline. |
| Value-Added Extras | Sleeker design, highly responsive screen/software. | Hybrid Pedals, Inclined Frame, 3lb Dumbbells. |
Experience and Ecosystem Deep Dive
This is where the two bikes fundamentally diverge, driven by their respective platforms: iFIT (NordicTrack) and Peloton All-Access.
The Classes: Studio vs. Terrain
| Feature | Peloton Classes (Studio Focus) | iFIT Classes (Terrain Focus) |
| Core Experience | High-energy, beat-based indoor cycling classes led by fitness celebrities. | Immersive global rides filmed on real terrain (Alps, Patagonia, etc.). |
| Trainer Control | Bike: Manual resistance control. Bike+: Auto-Follow resistance within a user-set range. | S22i: Full SmartAdjust control of resistance, incline, and decline. |
| Live Class Quantity | Industry-leading number of daily live classes. | Fewer live classes, but a vast and diverse library of on-demand content. |
The Technology: Auto-Follow vs. Auto-Incline/Decline
The S22i’s unique selling point is the motorized frame that physically tilts up to $20\%$ incline and down to $-10\%$ decline. This feature, combined with iFIT’s world-renowned filming, creates the most immersive outdoor riding simulation available.
The Peloton Bike+ counters this with Auto-Follow Resistance and a swiveling screen (which the S22i also has). For pure studio classes, the Bike+’s auto-resistance and its integration with Apple Watch’s GymKit provide a seamless, metrics-focused workout.
Technical Specifications & Niche Details
Addressing the high-intent questions that buyers often search for after comparing the headline features.
| Specification | NordicTrack Commercial S22i | Peloton Bike (Original/Bike+) |
| Pedal Type | Hybrid: SPD clips on one side, toe cage on the other. | Delta Look: Requires a specific shoe/cleat setup. |
| Cleat/Shoe Cost | None required (can use gym shoes) or $\approx \$40$ for SPD cleats. | Required Delta Cleats and Compatible Shoes ($\approx \$130$+). |
| Max User Weight | $350$ lbs | $297$ lbs |
| Warranty (Frame) | 10-Year Frame (Superior coverage) | 5-Year Frame |
| Console Size | $22”$ Smart HD Touchscreen | $21.5”$ or $23.8”$ (Bike+) HD Touchscreen |
Connectivity & The Ecosystem Wall
- Can you do Peloton classes on NordicTrack S22i? Yes, but it requires a workaround. You can often ‘side-load’ the basic Peloton Digital App onto the S22i’s Android operating system, but you lose the integration features (like auto-resistance and metrics).
- Can you use iFIT on Peloton? No, the Peloton screen is a closed system that only runs the Peloton All-Access content.
Which Bike is Right for Your Home Gym?
Both bikes are premium pieces of equipment that will transform your fitness routine, but the winner depends entirely on your training style:
The Winner for the Outdoor Cyclist: 🏆 NordicTrack S22i
If your goal is to replicate outdoor cycling, trail riding, or triathlon training, the S22i is the superior choice. The Incline/Decline feature physically changes your riding posture and activates different muscle groups, delivering an immersive experience no other bike offers. The iFIT library excels at beautiful, coach-led outdoor rides all over the world.
The Winner for the Studio Spinner: 🏆 Peloton Bike / Bike+
If you thrive on community, competition, music, and high-energy studio classes, Peloton is unmatched. Its Leaderboard and extensive live schedule provide an addictive, interactive fitness experience. For the ultimate seamless experience and the best integration with off-bike content, the Peloton Bike+ (with Auto-Follow and Apple GymKit) is the premium studio choice.
Final Verdict: Choosing Your Ultimate Home Cycling Experience
The decision between the Peloton Bike/Bike+ and the NordicTrack Commercial S22i ultimately boils down to which type of rider you are. Both deliver world-class connected fitness, but they guide you toward different goals.
- Choose the NordicTrack S22i if you are an Outdoor Rider, a Scenic Adventurer, or a Budget-Conscious Family. The S22i’s defining feature—the physical incline and decline—provides unparalleled terrain simulation, making iFIT’s global rides feel truly immersive. The included hybrid pedals and often-bundled subscription offer superior overall hardware value.
- Choose the Peloton Bike (or Bike+) if you are a Studio Fanatic, a Competitive Rider, or a Social Motivator. Peloton’s ecosystem remains the gold standard for live studio classes, its competitive Leaderboard, and its massive, highly-produced content library. The Bike+ provides the technological edge with auto-resistance and better audio/connectivity.
Your Next Step:
Before making the final purchase, determine which ecosystem’s training style excites you more—the high-energy, beat-based studio spin (Peloton) or the adventurous, coach-led outdoor terrain rides (NordicTrack). Whichever you choose, you are investing in a machine that will transform your home fitness journey for years to come.