NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle S15i | A Superior Experience

The NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle S15i, an indoor cycling bike, is engineered and produced with commercial-gauge welded steel and enhanced corrosion resistance construction to last. The S15i has a maximum user weight capacity of up to 350 lbs. But to give you 100% assurance of durability, the company offers a 10-year warranty on the frame.

The S15i bike has a magnetic resistance system. It allows you to experience a smooth, frictionless, and silent ride. Featuring innovative Electromagnetic resistance, the S15i allows the iFit coaches and the programs (workouts) to automatically change the resistance to simulate the type of terrain you ride.

The NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle includes a “smart incline and declines” adjustment. So, like the resistance, when the coach in a spin video on the iFit app changes their incline/decline, your bike will automatically adjust these settings to match the coach’s intensity and incline. I can’t think of any exercise bike in this price class that would offer such an innovative interacting system.

The S15i features a 15″ large HD touchscreen display, making it easy to go about your workouts and see what’s going on, regardless of your workout intensity or speed. The console keeps track of your RPM, Watt, Calories, Heart Rate, Distance, Speed, and Time. In addition, the console has wifi and Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with Bluetooth HR straps (straps sold separately).

Learn more in my complete review below!

Product: NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle S15i

Price: For a great deal on this bike, merely go here on Amazon

Warranty: Frame 10 years / Parts 2 years / Labor 1 year

My rating: 8.5/10

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate Program participant, I earn commissions on purchases made through links in this post. Full disclosure

Details 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: 15″ HD smart touchscreen display, wireless connectivity, iFit enabled
• Extras: Dumbbell set, sound system, cooling fan
• Warranty: Frame 10 years / Parts 2 years / Labor 1 year

  

S15i Frame Construction

The NordicTrack Commercial S15i Studio Cycle features a heavy-duty steel frame to support 350 lbs (158 kg) users. In addition, 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, 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 advisable to leave two ′ (0.6 m) of clearance around it for ease of access, or even more, to have all the necessary space for the spin workouts that repeatedly require mounting and dismounting.

Although its exact weight is not specified, the NordicTrack S15i weighs more than 150 lbs (68 kg). This weight delivers extra stability. Plus, both bike bases are equipped with adjustable stabilizers, allowing you to level them perfectly on any floor.

Due to its weight, its transport and assembly should require two people. However, its relocation can be done quickly via the wheels integrated into its front base bar once fully assembled.

Seat and handlebars

The S15i includes a race-type saddle designed for optimal comfort. It integrates a cushioning layer and has a contoured top to provide extra breathability. In addition, it has a standard, collar-based attachment system; therefore, if you ever need to replace it, compatible options are widely available.

The bike’s seat offers four-way adjustability (up, down, forward, backward). In addition, its vertical post provides multiple adjustment positions, while its horizontal slider also makes 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.

The bike’s handlebar only offers two-way adjustability (up, down) instead of the seat. Its adjustment post provides a few inches of vertical adjustment. The handlebar and the seat have large adjustment knobs and are easy to grip, pull, and turn. Therefore, adjusting the bike to your dimensions takes less than a minute.

The handlebar features a multi-grip design. It has two more extended side grips and one small loop bar in the middle, which allows you to adopt a close-grip position. In addition, a layer of rubber foam material covers the whole grip area 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.

S15i Incline system

One of the most notable features of the NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle S15i is its incline system. Most other spin bikes, commercial or not, do not have this feature. In addition, this incline system is motorized.

Therefore, the bike requires an external power source to adjust its incline. However, it also means that the console can adjust the slope automatically, depending on the program or virtual route.

The bike’s incline system consists of a motor above the rear base, an internal lift, and an adjustable front fork. The motor lifts or lowers the frame as you adjust the incline, extending or reducing the fork’s two arms’ length. Moving between incline grades has never been this seamless. Equipped with an improved incline & decline motor, the new S15i adjusts quickly and quietly for an even more immersive experience.

Unlike an elliptical or treadmill slope, the bike’s incline doesn’t necessarily add difficulty to the ride. Indeed, it 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 20 levels of incline and ten 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 system

The S15i comes equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system. However, you must plug your bike into a wall outlet to adjust the resistance.

You can change the resistance manually from the right handgrip’s gradual controls or the quick selection keys on the console’s right side. Also, the console can adjust the resistance automatically, depending on the program or route.

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

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

A mechanical emergency brake is also (included) on the bike. It consists of a push-down knob on the mainframe bar and a brake pad in contact with the flywheel. Therefore, if you are pedaling at high speed and need to stop, you can instantly stop the wheel by pressing this button.

S15i Drive system

The NordicTrack Commercial S15i indoor cycling bike comes equipped with an inertia-enhanced flywheel. Its exact weight is not specified, but this shouldn’t matter much due to the magnetic resistance.

Like 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 to fit better with 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 supports any spin workout. It features heavy-duty crank arms, holding users up to 350 lbs (158 kg) with no problem, even in standing-up positions. The pedals are aluminum alloy and 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 compatible options are widely available if you ever want to replace them.

Console

The NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle S15i has an advanced console that offers a wide array of intelligent features. To begin with, it has a full-color, 15″ LCD with an LED backlight for superior visibility.

This reimagined luxury display has an enhanced graphics card and faster WIFI connectivity. Stream your live and on-demand workouts to this rotating touchscreen right in your home. It also has touchscreen technology, so navigating its menus, selecting a program, or creating a training track is easy.

Cycle from Maui to Switzerland like you’re right there with the new HD graphs. Added processor cooling enables improved graphics performance and seamless streaming so that you stay motivated, engaged, and entertained through every workout.

It tracks all the essential workout metrics, including time, distance, speed, calories, RPM, watts, and pulse. Speed and distance are either in 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. In addition, it is compatible with iFit and includes a 30-day trial of iFit membership.

Therefore, you get full access to all the interactive iFit spin workouts, create your map workout, compete with other users, and track your progress online.

The wifi connectivity also allows you to download software updates for your console, if available, to keep it up.

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

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

Amenities

I must mention three other notable features regarding the unit’s console: the sound system, new Bluetooth headphone connectivity, and cooling fan. The unit’s sound system consists of two integrated speakers. In addition, the console has an audio input to connect your smartphone, tablet, or MP3 player via AUX cable, to listen to your music through the console.

Quickly link your Bluetooth-enabled headphones (not included) to the Commercial S15i Studio Cycle and enjoy high-quality in-ear audio. This way, you can listen to your iFIT Trainer without any outside distractions.

The cooling fan is at the bottom of the unit. It’s not extremely powerful but provides decent cooling during a more intense workout.

S15i Assembly and Maintenance

The bike’s mainframe with the flywheel, incline system, and resistance system comes pre-assembled. So 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 the bike cables to the console.

Therefore, it may take more than an hour of your time, but it’s far from being a complicated task. The manual provides clear assembly instructions and illustrations. Also, a set of assembly tools comes with the bike.

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

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;
• Electronic 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;
• Upgraded 15″ Rotating 360-degree HD Touchscreen Display and LED backlight;
• Improved HD graphics performance;
• Faster wifi connectivity;
• Quick controls for incline/decline and resistance on the console;
• iFit membership (30-day) included;
• Plenty of onboard programs if you don’t want to use iFit or your membership expires;

  

• The sound system included;
• New Bluetooth Headphone Connectivity;
• Workout fans included;
• Dumbbell set (3 lbs each) included;
• Reasonably easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance is required;
• Excellent warranty.

Cons

• Bluetooth HR chest strap or armband does not come with the bike;
• The handlebar is only up/down adjustable.

NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle S15i Summary

The NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle S15i is an indoor cycling bike 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. In addition, it includes a smart console featuring a 15″ HD smart touchscreen, iFit enabled, and many onboard programs. It’s a superior cycle made to provide an immersive riding experience.

Moreover, it’s great for users of all levels, allowing them to perform light to intense cardio and interval workouts, build stamina and lose weight. And finally, even though it’s not the most affordable spin bike, it offers excellent value.

I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Would you please speak up if you have anything you’d like to share on the topic or any opinions about my website? I look forward to your comments, questions, and the sharing of ideas.

Please remember that you should consult your physician to determine if you have any medical or physical conditions that could risk your health and safety or prevent you from using the equipment properly. In addition, your physician’s advice is essential if you are taking medication that affects your heart rate, blood pressure, or cholesterol level.