NordicTrack GX 4.7 Recumbent Exercise Bike

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Flywheel weight	Resistance	Console
NordicTrack GX 4.7 Check Discounted Price	L:56.8" W:25.4" H:49.8"	300 lbs	15 lbs	Eddy current, 22 levels	iFit capable, 24 programs

NordicTrack has released several versions of the GX 4.7 recumbent bike over the years. In this post, we’re going to address the NordicTrack GX 4.7 part number NTEX73915, the model released in 2015. This is an exercise bike equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system and an iFit capable console. As opposed to the NordicTrack VR21, this model is for home use only, not for commercial use.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 56.8L x 25.4W x 49.8H inches (145L x 65W x 126H cm)
• Flywheel weight: 15 lbs (6.8 kg)
• Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Seat: 2-way adjustable
• Resistance: Motorized magnetic, 22 levels
• Exercise meter: 24 programs, iFit capable
• Amenities: Sound system, cooling fan, tablet holder, bottle holder
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Brake lifetime / Parts 1 year / Labor 1 year

Frame construction

The NordicTrack GX 4.7 features a steel frame, combining ovalized, rectangular, and cylindrical tubes in its construction. All the steel bars are coated with a durable paint finish which is resistant to abrasion and corrosion. However, several parts also have ABS covers for extra protection. For example, the drive and resistance elements, as well as the base frame of the seat are concealed by ABS parts.

The bike has a step-through design. This being said, it promotes an easier entry and exit, an aspect which can be quite important for users with certain disabilities or elderly users.

Compared to other exercise bikes, the NordicTrack GX 4.7 is fairly large. With the seat extender all the way back, it is approx. 57″ (145 cm) long, and 25.4″ (65 cm) wide, while its highest point is given by the top of the console which reaches approx. 50″ (126 cm) above floor level. Also, NordicTrack recommends leaving at least two feet of clearance all around the unit for safe usage and ease of access.

The fully assembled bike weighs over 100 lbs (45 kg); all this weight is reflected in its overall stability. But on the other hand, the unit is not too difficult to move. Its rear base features a lifting handle while its front base is equipped with transport wheels. Plus, its rear base has a set of adjustable stabilizers with rubber pads.

Seat and handlebars

This NordicTrack exercise bike features a seat designed for comfort. Its bottom part and its backrest are both padded with 2″ of foam material. Also, their upholstery is made of durable vinyl material designed to last for many years of use.

The seat is adjustable. It is attached to a rail system and can move forward or backward. Its adjustment system is lever-based. This means you can easily adjust its position while you are seated by simply pulling the lever on its right side.

The slide rail of the seat offers a decent adjustment range. In other words, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm). Also, the seat is durable enough to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg).

The backrest cannot be adjusted independently from the rest of the seat; it doesn’t recline and its height cannot be adjusted as for the backrest of the Diamondback 910SR bike.

The bike is equipped with two sets of handlebars. One set is attached to the seat assembly. It offers standard, rubberized grips; the distance between them is approx. 18″ (45 cm). The other set of handlebars is attached to the console assembly. It offers several positions of angle adjustment. Also, due to the position of the console mast, the front handlebar comes pretty close to the user, so using the front grips does not result in an awkward posture.

The front handgrips integrate metallic EKG sensors. This being said, if you hold on to them, the console can monitor your pulse. It’s important to mention that the console is not telemetric; in other words, it cannot track your pulse through a wireless transmitter, only through the sensors integrated into the front handgrips.

Drive and resistance

The NordicTrack GX 4.7 is equipped with a 15 lbs (6.8 kg) flywheel. It has a balanced construction, made to deliver a consistent momentum and a smooth pedaling motion. The bike’s internal drivetrain uses a poly-v, heavy-duty rubber belt. Therefore, you don’t have to go through the hassle of lubricating it every month. Also, the pedaling motion is almost completely silent and vibration free.

The bike features an automatic eddy current resistance system. This means that the bike’s resistance can only be adjusted from the console, and the unit requires an external power source. A US standard power adapter is included with the bike.

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 bike’s console has several internal programs, so when using one of these preset programs, the bike auto-adjust the resistance.

There are 22 resistance levels available. 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.

Last but not least, the bike is equipped with a heavy-duty crankset featuring solid steel crank arms and large, non-slip pedals. Each pedal has a weight-element which enables it to always turn face-up when you remove your foot from it. Also, both pedals have adjustable straps.

Console

This NordicTrack exercise bike includes a console which offers a wide array of features. First of all, it has a 5″ LCD display with integrated blue LED backlight for superior readability. The display tracks all the important workout metrics, including time, distance, speed, calories, resistance, and pulse. Speed and distance can be set to either imperial or metric units.

The My Trail function available with many other NordicTrack consoles is also included; this application shows the distance as a 1/4 mile (400 m) track and counts all the laps that you have completed. Plus, you can select goals for time, distance, and calories.

As we’ve mentioned above, the console is not telemetric. This means it can only track your pulse through the integrated pulse sensors; it cannot communicate with any Polar or ANT wireless HR chest strap transmitters.

The bike’s console is iFit capable. This means you can opt for a wireless iFit module which can be connected to the console. With an iFit module and an iFit membership, you can connect your bike to your WiFi network in order to stream your workout into your iFit account. This allows you to track your progress online. Also, iFit makes available various other features. The list includes custom programs, workout programs based on virtual GoogleMaps trails, and the possibility to compete with other users.

A USB port is also available on the console. Therefore, you can save your workout data on a flash drive and export it into your iFit account without an iFit module.

On the other hand, if you choose not to opt for an iFit module, the console still has you covered. It has 24 preset workout programs. Each program has its own specific. Some are interval oriented, others aim to help you burn more calories or maintain a constant pulse rate, while others focus on intensity and performance. Needless to say, when using one of the onboard programs, the console will auto-adjust the resistance.

The console has several integrated amenities. To begin with, it has a sound system which consists of two speakers placed at the top of the unit. This sound system 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.

There is also a cooling fan and a tablet holder. The cooling fan is situated at the bottom of the unit. It is fairly large so it provides decent cooling. It has several speed settings to choose from. And finally, the tablet holder is placed right above the fan; it’s large enough to accommodate any tablet.

Assembly and Maintenance

The main body of the bike with the resistance elements and the seat adjustment system comes pre-assembled. Therefore, you only need to attach the front and rear base bars, the console mast, the seat cushions, the handlebars, the console, the pedals, and several small covers. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. The included manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions, and a basic toolkit is also included.

Maintenance doesn’t require much. All you have to do is wipe the perspiration that may fall on the bike with a piece of cloth, keep liquids away from the console, and periodically inspect the bike for loose bolts and parts.

The Pros

• Heavy-duty frame can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Aesthetic design which can also be a motivation factor;
• Step-through frame;
• Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
• Lifting handle on the rear base;
• Transport wheels at the front base;
• Cushioned and contoured seat;
• Lever-based, quick adjustment mechanism for the seat;
• Integrated pulse sensors;
• Motorized magnetic resistance system with 22 settings available;
• Very smooth, almost silent belt drive;
• Balanced, 15 lbs flywheel for a consistent momentum;
• Weighted pedals with adjustable straps;
• Large LCD display console with backlight;
• The console is angle-adjustable;
• 24 preset programs;
• USB port;
• Sound system included;
• Multi-speed fan included;
• Tablet holder included;
• Bottle holder included;
• Little maintenance required; 
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• The console is not telemetric;
• An iFit module is not included;
• iFit membership is not included;
• A tablet placed on the media holder will cover most of the console controls.

Summary

The NordicTrack GX 4.7 is a recumbent bike designed for home use. It features a motorized magnetic resistance system with 22 settings and an iFit capable console with 24 preset programs. It has a durable frame with a weight capacity of 300 lbs. It’s a mid-range exercise bike, great for various types of training, including recovery, light to medium cardio training, muscle toning, building stamina, and for losing weight. And finally, even though it is not exactly the most affordable trainer, it still is at least a few $100 cheaper than all gym-grade models, offering excellent value for the price.