NordickTrack Commercial VR21 Recumbent Bike

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Flywheel weight	Resistance	Console
NordicTrack VR21 Check Discounted Price	L:59" W:22" H:52"	275 lbs	20 lbs	ECB, 25 levels	32 programs, iFit enabled, Bluetooth

Although the NordicTrack VR21 recumbent bike is labeled as “Commercial”, it has a weight capacity a bit lower than most other commercial-grade trainers. So, we could say that it is more of a “Light-Commercial” bike. But nonetheless, the unit offers quite a sturdy construction and an impressive range of features, including Bluetooth and online connectivity.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 59L x 22W x 52H inches (150L x 56W x 132H cm)
• Assembled weight: 127 lbs (58 kg)
• Supported weight: 275 lbs (125 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 20 lbs (9 kg)
• Seat: 2-way adjustable
• Resistance: Motorized magnetic, 25 levels
• Exercise meter: 32 programs, Bluetooth enabled, iFit capable
• Amenities: Sound system, cooling fan, tablet holder, bottle holder
• Warranty: Frame 5 years / Parts 2 years / Labor 2 years

Frame construction

This NordicTrack exercise bike features a precision-welded steel frame, coated with a corrosion-resistant and scratch-resistant paint. The color used for the paint finish is black. However, most of the bike’s metallic frame is also sealed by ABS covers which not only provide extra protection for the frame and the internal parts, they also add an aesthetic touch. The only metallic part of the frame construction that is not made of steel is the adjustment rail of the seat. This part is aluminum-made.

The frame has a step-through design. Thus, it offers easy access to the seat, a great feature for any users with disabilities or elderly users.

As we’ve mentioned above, the NordicTrack Commercial VR21 recumbent bike, although classified as a commercial model, it has a rather lower weight capacity than most other commercial bikes. It can only support users up to 275 lbs (125 kg). But still, this is a pretty decent weight capacity.

This exercise bike excels in stability. There are large rubberized stabilizers on both its bases; the ones at the rear are also adjustable, allowing a perfect leveling for the trainer on any type of flooring. The unit is also fairly heavy. It weighs approx. 127 lbs (58 kg), which is more than twice the average weight of a road recumbent bike. This weight plays an important role in its stability.

Despite its weight, though, the unit isn’t too difficult to relocate once it is assembled. Its front base has large transport wheels while the rear base features a lifting handle. By using the front wheels to move the bike you will basically be handling less than half of its total weight.

In terms of dimensions, this recumbent exercise bike is fairly large. It’s 59″ (150 cm) long, and 22″ (56 cm) wide. However, NordicTrack recommends leaving at least two feet of clearance all around it for safe operation and ease of access.

Seat and handlebars

The NordicTrack Commercial VR21 is equipped with an adjustable seat. The seat attached to a durable aluminum rail which offers quite a bit of travel for it; you can lock it into position closer or farther from the pedals. Therefore, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ – 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm).

The seat integrates approx. 2″ (5 cm) of foam padding, providing optimal comfort. The backrest, on the other hand, is not padded; it’s made of flexible nylon material and features a ventilated design. Thus, it provides a firm and healthy lumbar support. In case you’re wondering, the backrest doesn’t recline. You cannot adjust it separately from the seat. Also, the whole seat assembly doesn’t have any angle-adjustability, such as the seat of the 3G Cardio Elite RB.

The NordicTrack VR21 features two sets of handlebars. One is attached to the console mast; these handlebars integrate pulse sensors. The other handlebar set is attached to the seat assembly and moves along with it on the adjustment rail. The seat handlebars don’t have pulse sensors, and this may be considered a minus. But on the other hand, the bike’s console is telemetric; it can read your pulse via an HR chest strap transmitter. Both handlebars have rubberized grips for additional comfort and optimal hand adherence.

Resistance and drive

The NordicTrack VR21 features an automatic eddy current resistance system. This means that the bike’s resistance can only be adjusted from the console, and in order to make the console operational, you have to connect the bike to a power circuit. A power adapter with several plug adapters for different types of plugs is included with the unit. 

The resistance system consists of a small servo motor and a magnetic brake. As you select a certain resistance level on the console, the motor will adjust the position of the brake in relation to the flywheel, increasing or decreasing tension. Also, the console features several workout programs, and by choosing to exercise by using one of those programs, the machine will automatically adjust its resistance.

This exercise bike offers 25 distinct levels of resistance. The first ones are fairly light, great for recovery training or warming up. The top resistance levels, on the other hand, offer the possibility to perform intense workouts that simulate a steep climb and provide a higher burn.

The main element to focus on with regards to the bike’s drive system is the flywheel. The NordicTrack VR21 features a mid-range flywheel with a balanced, perimeter-weighted structure. It weighs 20 lbs (9 kg) and delivers a smooth, steady motion, with a fairly consistent momentum.

Like most exercise bikes with a magnetic resistance, this one features a belt drive. It uses a durable, stretch-resistance belt, offering a silent, vibration-free motion. Also, as opposed to a chain transmission, it doesn’t require lubrication, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of removing and re-attaching the covers every few months.

The bike features a durable, 3-piece crankset. The crank arms are steel-made but have a plastic cover for extra protection and for an aesthetic touch. They’re equipped with weighted pedals which have adjustable straps in order to provide maximum foot stability during pedaling. The pedals have standard threads, so you can easily find replacements for them if needed.

The bike’s Q-Factor (spacing between the pedals) is not specified. However, it’s similar to the one of a road bike, offering a comfortable foot positioning, without generating extra lateral stress on the knees.

Control unit

The NordicTrack Commercial VR21 recumbent exercise bike features a console that offers an impressive array of features. It has a 5″ LCD display with LED backlight and large digits, easy to read. It tracks all the important workout metrics, including time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, and pulse. There are both metric and imperial unit settings for distance and speed. Also, when it comes to pulse reading, you can either use the integrated sensors or a wireless HR chest strap (not included), as the console is telemetric.

The console is iFit enabled. This means that you can sync it with your phone, tablet or laptop in order to communicate with the iFit app. This way, you can directly stream your workout data into your iFit account, to keep a better track of your progress. Also, the iFit app offers several other features that the console itself doesn’t have. In order to use iFit, you will need an active subscription, though, which is not included.

In case you don’t want to use iFit, the console still has 32 workout programs to keep you motivated. They’re divided into three main categories, for calorie burning, intensity, and performance. When using one of the preset workout programs, the console will auto-adjust the resistance. You can create your own programs or adjust the existent ones. Also, you can select goals for some of the workout metrics, such as distance, calories, or time.

The bikes console has several integrated amenities. To begin with, it has a sound system which is compatible with most smartphones, tablets or MP3 players. It has an audio jack to connect your device and play your music through the integrated speakers, which provide a slightly better sound than the average speakers of a tablet or phone.

The console also has a cooling fan and a tablet holder. The cooling fan is situated at the bottom of the console. It’s not an extremely large one, and won’t provide extreme cooling, but it’s enough for a recumbent bike workout. It has several speed settings to choose from. And finally, the tablet holder is placed above the resistance controls; it’s large enough to fit any tablet.

Assembly and Maintenance

The core of the bike is pre-assembled. However, there still are quite a few pieces to add. You will basically have to attach the main base tubes, the seat with its backrest and handlebars, the console mast, the front handlebars, the console, the pedals, and several covers. This may take more than an hour. Some of the tools required for the assembly are included, but you will also need a Phillips screwdriver and an adjustable wrench. Also, the manual provides very clear assembly instructions.

Since it’s a belt drive bike with a magnetic resistance system internal maintenance is almost inexistent. Unless an internal part sustains damage and requires replacement, you won’t ever need to remove the flywheel or pulley guards. As for the external maintenance, all you have to do is keep the bike clean, periodically check the bolts and other parts and re-tighten them if necessary, and keep liquids away from the console.

The Pros

• Durable, commercial-grade construction;
• Aesthetic design which can also be a motivation factor;
• Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
• Transport wheels at the front;
• Transport handle at the rear base;
• Cushioned and contoured seat;
• Flexible, breathable, and durable backrest;
• Adjustable seat;
• Pulse sensors in the front handlebars;
• Motorized magnetic resistance system with 25 settings available;
• Very smooth, almost silent belt drive;
• Balanced, perimeter-weighted, mid-range flywheel for a consistent momentum;
• Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
• Large LCD display with backlight;
• 32 preset programs for cardio, intensity and performance;
• The console is telemetric and iFit enabled;
• Countdown settings for time, distance, calories, and heart rate;
• Sound system included;
• Multiple speed cooling fan included;
• Tablet holder included;
• Bottle holder included;
• Basically maintenance free;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• HR chest strap is not included;
• A tablet placed on the tablet holder will cover the program controls;
• The cooling fan is not extremely powerful.

Summary

The NordicTrack Commercial VR21 is a motorized magnetic recumbent bike, offering 25 resistance settings, 32 workout programs, and an iFit enabled console. It also has several amenities including a sound system, cooling fan, and tablet holder. Although it doesn’t have an extreme weight capacity (only 275 lbs), it’s still a durable bike and offers great workout possibilities. It’s perfect for light to medium cardio training, muscle toning, intervals, and weight loss. You can burn up to 4-500 calories per hour on it. And finally, it’s not one of the most affordable trainers but does offer an excellent value for the price.