NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike Review UK

Supplements

First Impressions & The Grand Unboxing

There’s no getting around it: the NordicTrack S22i is a serious piece of kit, and you'll realise that the moment it arrives. When the delivery drivers roll up, you’re looking at a pretty hefty box, weighing in at roughly 70-80kg. This isn’t something you’ll be waltzing in by yourself, so make sure you’ve either got an extra pair of hands or you've paid for a white-glove delivery service if you’re not keen on the lifting. For most UK users, standard delivery means kerbside, so factor in getting it into your home.

Assembly: A Bit of a Project

Now, for the assembly. NordicTrack does provide tools (a multi-wrench and some Allen keys), but if you’ve got your own ratchet set, it’ll definitely speed things up and make it a bit less fiddly. The instructions are generally clear, with decent diagrams, but it's not a quick 20-minute job. I’d set aside a good 1.5 to 2 hours, especially if you’re taking your time. The main frame comes largely pre-assembled, which is a blessing. The biggest tasks involve attaching the base stabilisers, the seat post, handlebars, pedals, and of course, the star of the show: that rather magnificent 22-inch HD touchscreen. Connecting the screen requires careful handling of cables, so a steady hand is recommended. There are some parts that are a bit awkward to manoeuvre solo, particularly lifting the main console into place, so having a second person for this stage is highly advisable. Once assembled, you're left with a bike that feels incredibly solid and well-built. There’s no creakiness or wobble, even when you’re really giving it some beans during a sprint. The matt black finish, chrome accents, and that large, imposing screen give it a premium, studio-grade aesthetic. It certainly doesn't look out of place in a modern home gym setup. My initial thought was, "Right, this means business." And it truly does.

Key Features & The Tech That Makes It Tick

This isn't just a fancy exercise bike; it's a smart piece of engineering designed to immerse you fully in your workout. The S22i is absolutely brimming with features, and it's the integration of hardware and software that really sets it apart.

The 22" HD Interactive Touchscreen

Let's start with the obvious: that huge, beautiful 22-inch HD touchscreen. It's the central hub of your entire S22i experience. The screen is vibrant, responsive, and sharp, making the scenic rides genuinely breathtaking and keeping the trainers crystal clear during studio sessions. It swivels and tilts, which is a huge bonus if you're planning on doing off-bike workouts (like yoga, strength training, or stretching) as part of your iFit subscription – you can angle it perfectly so you don't have to crane your neck. This often gets overlooked but it's a massive win for versatility. The touchscreen operates on an Android-based system, making navigation relatively intuitive. You swipe, tap, and select your way through iFit's vast library. While generally speedy, there can be a slight lag now and then when jumping between menus, but it's rarely an issue during a workout itself. Wi-Fi connectivity is crucial for this, obviously, and a strong, stable connection will ensure your streaming is smooth and uninterrupted.

Automatic Trainer Control: The Genuinely useful

This, for me, is the true star feature of the S22i and what elevates it above many competitors. The bike doesn't just display resistance levels; it *automatically* adjusts the resistance *and* the incline/decline to match the terrain or the trainer's instructions in real-time. * Resistance Levels: The S22i offers 24 digital resistance levels, driven by SMR (Silent Magnetic Resistance). This system is incredibly smooth and, as the name suggests, very quiet. When a trainer tells you to dial up the intensity, you feel it instantly as the bike adjusts. You can, of course, override the trainer control at any time using the manual resistance buttons on the handlebars, which is handy if you're having a particularly tough day or feel like pushing harder. * Incline/Decline: This is where the magic really happens. The S22i can physically tilt from a -10% decline to a +20% incline. Pedalling uphill on a virtual route, and actually feeling the bike physically raise beneath you, creates an incredibly immersive experience. Conversely, descending a virtual hill with the bike tilting downwards is uncanny and adds a whole new dimension to indoor cycling. It engages different muscle groups and genuinely mimics the sensation of outdoor riding in a way static bikes simply can’t. It’s not a gimmick; it’s a fundamental part of the immersive iFit experience. This automatic adjustment means you don't have to constantly fiddle with controls; you can simply focus on your effort and the workout. It’s easy and highly effective at tricking your brain into believing you’re genuinely riding through a mountainous landscape or battling a steep climb.

iFit Membership: Your Personal Training Hub

The S22i is intrinsically linked with iFit, NordicTrack’s subscription-based fitness platform. While the bike works perfectly well without iFit (you can access manual mode), it’s really designed to be used *with* it. Think of the S22i as the hardware and iFit as the software and content that brings it to life. * **Vast Content Library:** iFit boasts a massive and ever-growing library of workouts. We're talking thousands of on-demand sessions, from high-energy studio cycling classes with motivating trainers to incredible global rides filmed in breathtaking locations across all seven continents. Beyond cycling, iFit also offers strength training, yoga, Pilates, mindfulness sessions, treadmill workouts, elliptical workouts, and more. If you own other NordicTrack or ProForm equipment, your iFit membership covers all of them, which is a huge bonus. * **World-Class Trainers:** The iFit trainers are a diverse and genuinely inspiring bunch. They're knowledgeable, engaging, and push you when you need it. Their commentary during global rides often includes snippets of local culture, history, and geography, making the experience not just a workout but also a bit of an educational virtual holiday. * **Workout Varieties:** * **Global Workouts:** Cycle through Paris, climb the Alps, explore the Chilean Patagonia, or ride along the stunning coastlines of Hawaii. These are often multi-part series, allowing you to follow a journey over several weeks. The incline/decline matching the actual terrain is what makes these so special. * **Studio Workouts:** High-energy, instructor-led classes just like a spin studio, but in your home. These focus on power, cadence, and endurance. * **Strength & Cross-Training:** Use dumbbells or bodyweight for off-bike sessions. The swivel screen is essential here. * **Live Workouts:** Regularly scheduled live classes where you can join in real-time. * **Progress Tracking & Personalisation:** iFit tracks all your workout metrics (distance, calories, watts, heart rate, elevation gain) and stores them in your profile. It also offers personalised recommendations based on your fitness level and goals. An iFit Family Membership typically costs around **GBP 349 for a year** or **GBP 33 per month**. A single-user Individual Plan is also available at a slightly lower rate. The S22i usually comes with a 30-day (sometimes 1-year, depending on promotions) free trial, which is fantastic for really sinking your teeth into the platform before committing. Is it worth it? If you're buying an S22i, absolutely. It's the engine of the bike's immersive experience.

Resistance & Drivetrain

As mentioned, the bike uses SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance. This means no friction pads to wear out and an incredibly quiet operation. You'll hear your own heavy breathing and the fan (if you have it on) more than the bike itself. The inertia-enhanced flywheel provides a smooth, consistent pedal stroke, making the ride feel natural and fluid.

Comfort & Adjustability: Ergonomics for Everyone

NordicTrack has clearly put thought into making the S22i adaptable to a wide range of riders. * **Seat:** The padded saddle is reasonably comfortable for shorter rides, but like most standard bike saddles, if you’re doing longer sessions, you might want to consider some padded cycling shorts or even swapping out the saddle for a gel seat cover or your preferred bike seat. The seat is fully adjustable both horizontally (fore/aft) and vertically (up/down) with easy-to-use levers. * **Handlebars:** The multi-position handlebars also adjust vertically and horizontally, allowing you to find your optimal riding position whether you're climbing, in an aero tuck, or just cruising. The grip is comfortable, even when sweaty. * **Pedals:** Out of the box, the S22i comes with