NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle S15i

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Decline/ Incline	Resistance	Console
NordicTrack S15i Check Discounted Price	L:55.75" W:22" H:61"	350 lbs	-10% +20%	Magnetic, 22 levels	14" display, iFit enabled, WiFi, Bluetooth

The Commercial Studio Cycle S15i is one of the top indoor cycling bikes provided by NordicTrack. Not only that it has a construction that meets the requirements of a commercial fitness club, but it also comes with an automatic incline system that most other spin bikes don’t have and also features an advanced touchscreen console with iFit connectivity. For reference, this is the NordicTrack part number NTEX05119.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 55.75L x 22W x 61H inches (142L x 56W x 155H cm)
• Supported weight: 350 lbs (158 kg)
• Seat: 4-way adjustable
• Handlebars: 2-way adjustable
• Pedals: With toe cages
• Drive: Belt
• Resistance: Automatic magnetic, 22 levels
• Incline/Decline: Automatic, 20%, -10%
• Console: 14″ LCD touchscreen display, wireless connectivity, iFit enabled
• Extras: Dumbbell set, sound system, cooling fan
• Warranty: Frame 10 years / Parts 2 years / Labor 1 year

Frame construction

The NordicTrack S15i Studio Cycle features a heavy-duty steel frame designed to support users up to 350 lbs (158 kg). It has a triangular design with ovalized tubes for improved sturdiness and aesthetics. All the steel parts in the frame construction are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this NordicTrack exercise bike.

The bike is a bit larger than most other models. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 55.75″ (142 cm) long, and 22″ (56 cm) wide. It is also recommended to leave 2′ (0.6 m) of clearance all around it for ease of access, or even more, in order to have all the necessary room for the spin workouts that require to repeatedly mount and dismount.

Although its exact weight is not specified, the NordicTrack S15i weighs more than 150 lbs (68 kg). This weight delivers extra stability. Plus, both bases of the bike are equipped with adjustable stabilizers which allow you to perfectly level it on any type of floor. Due to its weight, its transport and assembly should be done by two people. However, once it is fully assembled, its relocation can be done with ease via the wheels integrated into its front base bar.

Seat and handlebars

The NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle includes a race type saddle designed for optimal comfort. It integrates a layer of cushioning and has a contoured top to provide extra breathability. It has a standard, collar-based attachment system, therefore, in case you will ever need to replace it, compatible options are widely available.

The bike’s seat offers four-way adjustability (up, down, forward, backward). Its upright post offers multiple adjustment positions while its horizontal slider also makes available a few inches of front to back adjustment. Therefore, the bike can accommodate with no problem users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm) allowing a complete leg extension.

As opposed to the seat, the bike’s handlebar only offers two-way adjustability (up, down). Its adjustment post offers a few inches of vertical adjustment. Both the handlebar and the seat have large adjustment knobs, easy to grip, pull, and turn. Therefore, it takes less than a minute to adjust the bike to your own dimensions.

The handlebar features a multi-grip design. It has two longer side grips and one small loop bar in the middle which allows you to adopt a close-grip position. The whole grip area is covered by a layer of rubber foam material to provide optimal comfort.

The bike’s handlebar doesn’t integrate pulse sensors, but the console does have a pulse reading function; it can communicate with any Bluetooth HR chest strap. The side grips feature incline/decline and resistance controls. Plus, the front section of the handlebar assembly has a dumbbell rack that holds the two included 3 lbs (1.3 kg) dumbbells, just like the Schwinn IC4.

Incline system

One of the most notable features of the NordicTrack S15i is its incline system. Most other spin bikes, commercial or not, do not have this feature. This incline system is motorized. This means the bike requires an external power source in order to adjust its incline. It also means that the console can adjust the incline automatically, depending on the program or virtual route in use.

The bike’s incline system consists of a motor situated above the rear base, an internal lift, and an adjustable front fork. As you adjust the incline, the motor lifts or lowers the frame, extending or reducing the length of the fork’s two arms. As opposed to the incline of an elliptical or treadmill, the bike’s incline doesn’t necessarily add difficulty to the ride but certainly does provide a more immersive and natural sensation especially if you follow a virtual route, as it will automatically adapt to all its climbs and dives.

The bike makes available 20 levels of incline, and 10 levels of decline within a range of -10% to 20%. The incline increments are 1%. The left grip of the handlebar features controls for gradual incline adjustment (- / +) while the left side of the console has quick incline controls for the -10, -6, -3, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 20 levels.

Resistance and drive

The NordicTrack Commercial S15i is equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system. Just as for the incline, in order to adjust the resistance you will have to plug-in your bike to a wall outlet. You can adjust the resistance manually from the gradual controls in the right handgrip, or from the quick selection keys on the right side of the console. Also, the console can adjust the resistance automatically, depending on the program or route in use.

The bike’s resistance system consists of a servo motor and a magnetic brake. As you adjust the resistance, the motor changes the position of the magnetic brake so that it can cover a smaller or larger portion of the flywheel, which leads to more or less pedaling difficulty.

There are 22 distinct resistance levels. The first level delivers a very light pedaling difficulty, great for a light workout. Conversely, the 22nd tension level provides quite a consistent training setting, great for a high-intensity cardio workout, or a steep climb simulation.

A mechanical emergency brake is also included. It consists of a push-down knob situated on the main frame bar and a brake pad that comes in contact with the flywheel. Therefore, in case you are pedaling at a high speed and you need to stop, you can instantly stop the flywheel by pressing this button.

The NordicTrack S15i indoor cycling bike is equipped with an inertia-enhanced flywheel. Its exact weight is not specified, but due to the magnetic resistance, this shouldn’t matter that much. Similar to other spin bikes with a magnetic resistance system, the flywheel has a composite construction. The center disc features a perimeter-weighted design, while the outer disc is slim, in order to fit better to the magnetic brake.

The bike’s drive system uses a poly-v belt. This type of transmission comes with several advantages. First of all, it doesn’t require lubrication, and second of all, it generates less vibration than a chain drive while the pedaling motion is smoother and quieter.

Finally, the bike’s crankset is designed to support any spin workout. It features heavy-duty crank arms which can hold users up to 350 lbs (158 kg) with no problem even in standing up positions. The pedals are made of aluminum alloy, also very durable. They feature adjustable toe cages but do not have SPD clips for spin shoes. However, their threads are standard (9/16″), so in case you will ever want to replace them, compatible options are widely available.

Console

The NordicTrack S15i is equipped with an advanced console which offers a wide array of smart features. To begin with, it has a full-color, 14″ LCD display with LED backlight for superior visibility. It also has touchscreen technology, so navigating through its menus, selecting a program, or creating a training track is done with ease. It tracks all the important workout metrics including time, distance, speed, calories, RPM, watts, and pulse. Speed and distance can be set either to metric or English units. While for the pulse reading, you can pair it with any Bluetooth HR chest strap or armband.

The console has wireless connectivity and can connect to your home’s WiFi hotspot. It is compatible with iFit and also includes one year of iFit membership. Therefore, you get full access to all the interactive iFit spin workouts, create your own map workout, compete with other users, and track your progress online. The WiFi connectivity also gives you the possibility to download software updates for your console, if available, in order to keep it up to date.

The console has its own list of preset workout programs. Therefore, if your iFit membership expires and you don’t want to renew it, it still has you covered. The onboard programs cover a wide array of workouts featuring interval layouts, fat-burning layouts, or stamina development layouts. There also are HR-based workouts.

It’s important to mention that whether you use an onboard workout, an iFit workout, or a custom map trail, the bike will auto-adjust its incline and resistance accordingly, depending on the layout of the program. This way, you will always benefit from a superior and natural riding experience.

Two other notable features that we must mention here with regards to the unit’s console are the sound system and cooling fan. The unit’s sound system consists of two integrated speakers. The console has an audio input to which you can connect your smartphone, tablet or MP3 player via AUX cable, in order to listen to your music through the console. The cooling fan is placed at the bottom of the unit. It’s not extremely powerful but does provide decent cooling during a more intense workout, if needed.

Assembly and Maintenance

The main frame of the bike with the flywheel, incline system, and resistance system, comes pre-assembled. You only have to attach the two base bars, the seat post, the seat, the pedals, the handlebar post, the handlebar with the dumbbell support, the console mount, the console, and connect the bike cables to the console. This may take more than an hour, but it’s far from being a complicated task. The manual provides very clear assembly instructions and illustrations. Also, a set of basic tools is included.

Once the bike is assembled, its maintenance doesn’t require much. All you have to do is keep it clean and periodically check for loose bolts and parts.

The Pros

• Sturdy steel frame – can support users up to 350 lbs;
• Aesthetic design;
• Bases with adjustable, rubberized levelers;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• 4-way adjustable seat;
• Race-style saddle with a contoured and padded top;
• 2-way adjustable handlebar, with a multi-grip design;
• Automatic SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance with 22 levels of adjustment;
• Automatic incline/decline system with a range between -10% and 20%;
• Resistance and incline/decline controls integrated into the handlebars;
• Inertia-enhanced flywheel for a smooth pedaling motion and solid momentum;
• Heavy-duty crank made for spin workouts;
• Aluminum alloy pedals with adjustable toe cages;
• Smooth and quiet belt drive, great for apartment use;
• Touchscreen console with a full-color, 14″ LCD display and LED backlight;
• Quick controls for incline/decline and resistance on the console;
• iFit membership (1 year) included;
• Plenty of onboard programs in case you don’t want to use iFit or membership expires;
• Sound system included;
• Workout fan included;
• Dumbbell set (3 lbs each) included;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• Bluetooth pulse band is not included;
• Handlebar is only up/down adjustable.

Summary

The NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle S15i is an indoor cycling bike designed for spin workouts. It features a heavy-duty frame with a capacity of 350 lbs, an automatic incline/decline system with a range between -10% and +20%, and a motorized-magnetic resistance system with 22 levels. It includes a smart console featuring a 14″ LCD display which is iFit enabled and has a plethora of onboard programs as well. It’s definitely a superior exercise made to provide an immersive riding experience. It’s great for users of all levels, offering the possibility to perform light to intense cardio workouts, interval workouts, build stamina, and lose weight. And finally, even though it’s not the most affordable spin bike, it definitely offers excellent value for the price.