NordicTrack S27i vs. S22i: Comparison From A Spin Instructor

By Robbie Ferri CPT

CPT & Indoor Cycling Instructor

The Nordictrack range of interactive spinning bikes is incredible, but a common question we are often asked is, should I be buying the S27i or the S22i? In this article, we’re going to answer this question.

Quick Comparison Table

NordicTrack S27i Review

NordicTrack NEW S27i Studio Cycle

4.5

Nordictrack made the s22i years ago, and it has advanced consistently throughout the years. This advancement has ended up making the s27i which is just such an incredible machine, and we can highly recommend it as an excellent purchase.

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The NordicTrack S27i has been a popular contender amongst the top interactive spinning bikes on the market for a very long time. It’s got a sleek design and boasts some incredible technology. Starting with the internals, you have a magnetic resistance system that is completely frictionless, gives you 24 levels to challenge yourself on, and can be controlled by the bike automatically. 

Then you have the screen. It’s an incredible 27” high definition swivel screen that runs the iFit application. This is going to give you interactive classes where the instructor can adjust the resistance and incline/decline for you while you’re participating in a class. You also have the option for scenic rides with google maps integration and other types of classes too.

Then you have the bike‘s special features, and this is what sets this bike aside from its competition is the incline and decline feature which can drop the front of the bike from -10 to +20. It’s a great feature and adds a huge amount of value, especially in instructor-led classes. The fan on the screen is a nice touch, and we love how sporty this bike looks. Coming in at $2500, it’s a lot of bike for the money.

You can also read our full S27i Review to find out more details about this great bike.

Pros

• Bike looks amazing
• iFit application is great
• Incline Decline feature
• Large 27” touch screen
• Magnetic resistance system
• Google maps integration
• Weights

Cons

• Larger than other bikes
• Quite heavy
• No pre-programmed workouts
• iFit does cost

NordicTrack S22i Review

Nordictrack S22i (New Model)

4.4

The bike itself is an incredible machine and has an incline and decline feature, which means when you ride, a motor will raise and drop the front of the bike. The screen is 22” HD and uses an application called iFit for all your live and pre-recorded classes.

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The S22i has also been up there with the best when it comes to interactive spinning bikes. It’s another version of the NordicTrack spin bike and shares a similarly sleek design to it. It has a magnetic resistance system that is completely frictionless and very quiet. Like the S27i, you get 24 levels of resistance, challenging both a beginner and a professional spinner. 

Unlike the S27i, you have a 22” swivel screen hence the S22i name. It’s a high-definition screen that again utilizes the iFit application. You have the automatic resistance and incline and decline features to keep you entertained for endless hours on the bike. You also have scenic rides with google maps integration, where you can ride anywhere in the world.

The bike has some excellent features, such as the incline decline we spoke about on the S27i and also the automatic resistance. You also have twin water bottles and weights situated in front of you for an upper body workout if you want to step it up a notch. Coming in at $2000, it’s a lot of bike for the money; that’s why we rated the bike with 4.8 stars in our detailed S22i Review.

Pros

• Bike looks amazing
• iFit application is great
• Incline Decline feature
• Large 22” touch screen
• Magnetic resistance system
• Google maps integration
• Weights
• Good size

Cons

• Quite heavy
• No pre-programmed workouts
• iFit does cost

What are the differences between the S22i and S27i?

Although the S22i and S27i seem very similar on the surface, they are actually very different bikes. In this next section, we’ll explain everything that makes them different and which one should be the bike for you. 

Water Bottle Holders

The first thing to mention is the water bottles. On the S22i, you have a twin water bottle holder situated at the front of the bike. On the S27i, you have a single water bottle holder on the center of the frame between your legs. If you drink a lot, then the S22i system is probably better than the S27i as you can carry more. Though the S27i looks much more streamlined with the central bottle, it stays out of the way of your legs.

Climbing Motor

The next thing to mention is the climbing motor. This is what controls the incline and decline function. On the S22i, the motor is the original first motor they produced. The S27i has an updated motor. The S22i is noisier and takes longer to rise and fall. The S27i is quieter and much faster. If you live in an apartment block, the S27i motor would be much better. Although, we have been told that they are installing the newer motor in the latest S22i versions to leave NordicTrack. 

Fan and Speakers

The S22i and the S27i both have fans on the screen. The S22i fan is much bigger and much more powerful than the S27i. On the S27i, they reduced the fan size when installing larger speakers to improve the user’s volume and experience. 

Screen

The S22i has a 22” screen, and the S27i has a 27” screen. Both the screens are of an excellent size. They give you a great experience, and the high-definition touch screen makes it easy to use and a lot of fun. The best way to see it is the S27i, it is like a cinema, the S22i is like a large TV at home. 

Size and Weight

Although most people think the screen is the only difference between the S22i and the S27i, they actually differ greatly in their footprint and weight. The S22i is longer in size, being 61L x 22W x 58H, compared to the S27i, which is shorter but wider and taller at 61L x 22W x 58H. Then we have the weight, the S22i is 202lbs, and the S27i is 217lbs. 

Weights

Then we have the weights. On the S22i, the weights are kept on the front of your handlebars. On the S27i, they are kept on the rear in a cage behind the saddle. We prefer them on the rear as it makes the handlebar area much clearer. 

Price

The final difference you will find is the price; for many, this is one of the most important things. The S22i comes in around $2000, and the S27i comes in around $2500. You do get a lot of extra bike for the money. 

Which is for me?

This is a question many indoor cycling enthusiasts often ask us. Should I buy the S22i or the S27i? Obviously, this comes down to a few different things. You need to consider your budget, space, and screen size. If you have the budget, it is an extra $500, but the S27i is a much better bike for it.

The next thing is space. The S27i, although more technologically advanced, does come in a smaller package as far as floor print goes but is taller in height. Then finally, screen size. For a more immersive experience, the S27i does have a much bigger screen which on the scenic rides does give you more of a cinema experience. 

FAQs

Verdict

Should you get the S22i or the S27i? Although the S27i is a bit more money if you can afford we highly recommend spending a little more. You get a bigger screen and a better-designed bike, which will give you years of excellent riding. Many people go for the S22i and then upgrade later, which comes at an even higher cost.