NordicTrack Commercial S22i: The Ultimate Connected Cycling Studio Experience

The 22-Inch HD Rotating Touchscreen

The centerpiece of the S22i is its massive 22-inch HD touchscreen—significantly larger than Peloton's screen and most competing bikes. This expansive display immerses you in classes and routes with clarity that makes you feel like you're actually riding through the Alps or following an instructor in a boutique studio.

Rotating Display Innovation

The screen rotates 360 degrees, pivoting to face you whether you're on the bike or standing beside it for strength training, yoga, or stretching. This versatility transforms the S22i from a cycling-only machine into a complete fitness hub supporting diverse workout modalities.

Take a cycling class, then rotate the screen and follow a 20-minute core workout or yoga session—all through the same equipment and membership. This multi-modal capability provides exceptional value.

Automatic Incline and Decline Technology

The S22i's revolutionary feature is automatic incline and decline adjustment from -10% to +20%. During iFIT rides, the bike automatically adjusts grade to match the actual terrain of routes filmed worldwide. Climb Alpine passes and your bike tilts up to 20%. Descend mountain roads and it tilts -10% downward.

Why Incline/Decline Matters

Most indoor bikes offer resistance adjustment but can't simulate actual climbing and descending. The S22i's tilt mechanism creates authentic cycling experiences—your body position changes exactly as it would outdoors, engaging different muscle groups and creating realistic training stimulus.

Climbing at 15% incline while the instructor guides you up Alpe d'Huez creates metabolic demands and muscle activation identical to actual hill climbing. The descents provide active recovery while training eccentric muscle control.

Silent Digital Resistance

Twenty-four levels of digital resistance combine with the incline system to create infinite difficulty adjustments. The magnetic resistance operates in complete silence—no friction, no noise, just smooth power adjustment from easy recovery spins to brutal hill climb simulations.

iFIT Interactive Training Platform

The S22i includes one-year iFIT membership providing access to an extraordinary fitness ecosystem:

Live Studio Classes

Join live cycling classes broadcast from iFIT studios throughout the day. Elite instructors lead energetic sessions with real-time leaderboards showing how you rank against other participants worldwide. The competitive element and instructor energy create engaging workouts that make time fly.

Global Riding Experiences

Ride routes filmed worldwide—Tour de France stages, Pacific Coast Highway, New Zealand mountain passes, Tokyo streets. The bike automatically adjusts incline/decline and resistance to match actual terrain, creating immersive experiences that make you feel like you're actually there.

The video quality is exceptional—4K filming that showcases stunning locations while the bike responds to every climb, descent, and flat section exactly as the real route does.

Automatic Trainer Control

During iFIT workouts, trainers control your resistance and incline automatically. When they say "we're climbing now," your bike tilts upward and resistance increases without you touching any controls. This hands-free training keeps you focused purely on the effort rather than making adjustments.

Cross-Training Content

Beyond cycling, iFIT provides thousands of strength training, yoga, stretching, and cardio classes. The rotating screen makes following these workouts practical. Take a 45-minute ride then rotate the screen for a 15-minute core class—complete training in one session without leaving your home gym.

Premium Build Quality

The S22i weighs approximately 200 pounds fully assembled—this substantial mass creates exceptional stability during maximum-effort sprints or out-of-saddle climbing. There's zero rocking or wobbling even during the most intense intervals.

Commercial-Grade Frame

The welded steel frame is powder-coated for durability and supports riders up to 350 pounds. This robust construction means the S22i handles daily use from multiple family members without degrading.

Adjustability for All Riders

The seat adjusts vertically and horizontally via simple lever mechanisms. The handlebars adjust vertically and fore/aft, creating a wide range of fit options. Riders from approximately 4'10" to 6'6" can achieve proper biomechanical positioning.

Dual Pedals

The included pedals feature SPD clips on one side for cycling shoes and toe cages on the other for regular athletic shoes. This dual design accommodates beginners using regular shoes and experienced cyclists who prefer clipless pedals.

Additional Features

Built-in Sound System

Dual 2-inch speakers deliver class audio clearly. While not audiophile quality, they're sufficient for instructor cues and music without needing separate speakers or headphones. Bluetooth connectivity allows pairing better speakers or headphones if desired.

Cooling Fans

Dual fans mounted near the console keep you cool during intense efforts. The fans adjust to multiple speeds, providing gentle airflow during recovery or maximum cooling during hard intervals.

Device Holder and Bottle Holders

A tablet holder allows placing your own device for entertainment or secondary apps. Two water bottle holders keep hydration accessible during workouts.

Who Should Buy the NordicTrack S22i?

Perfect For:

• Serious Cyclists: People logging 100+ miles per week who need commercial-quality equipment
• iFIT Enthusiasts: Those wanting the most comprehensive connected fitness platform
• Multi-Modal Trainers: Athletes wanting cycling plus strength, yoga, and cardio in one system
• Immersive Experience Seekers: People motivated by riding global routes with automatic terrain matching
• Competitive Types: Those who thrive on live class leaderboards and challenges
• Peloton Alternatives: Riders wanting similar experience with more versatility and lower cost
• Multi-User Households: Families where different members want different workout types

Consider Alternatives If:

• Budget is limited (Schwinn IC4 offers good value around $900)
• You dislike subscription-based fitness
• Space is extremely limited (S22i is substantial)
• You prefer non-connected simple bikes
• You want Peloton's specific brand community

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Massive 22-inch HD touchscreen—largest in class
• Screen rotates 360° for off-bike workouts
• Automatic -10% to +20% incline/decline
• 24 levels of silent magnetic resistance
• One year iFIT membership included
• Thousands of live and on-demand classes
• Global riding routes with terrain matching
• Automatic trainer control of resistance and incline
• Commercial-grade 200-pound construction
• 350-pound weight capacity
• Adjustable for riders 4'10" to 6'6"
• Dual pedals for shoes or clips
• Built-in fans and speakers
• Cross-training content beyond cycling

Cons:

• Premium price at $1,999+
• iFIT subscription required after first year ($39/month)
• Heavy at 200 pounds—difficult to relocate
• Substantial footprint requires dedicated space
• Assembly required (2-3 hours for most)
• Some users prefer Peloton's instructor style
• Requires Wi-Fi for full functionality

Long-Term Ownership Experience

I've trained on my S22i for three years, logging hundreds of cycling classes and cross-training sessions. The build quality has proven excellent—the frame remains rock-solid, the touchscreen operates flawlessly, and the incline mechanism functions as smoothly as day one.

The iFIT content library keeps training fresh and engaging. I never get bored because there's always new classes, new routes, and new challenges. The automatic terrain matching makes virtual rides genuinely engaging rather than just watching videos.

Final Verdict

The NordicTrack Commercial S22i delivers the most comprehensive connected cycling experience available. The combination of massive rotating touchscreen, automatic incline/decline, premium construction, and extensive iFIT content creates a training platform that rivals or exceeds bikes costing significantly more.

For Americans seeking elite connected fitness without Peloton's premium pricing, the S22i represents exceptional value. At $1,999 versus Peloton's $2,500+, you get a larger screen, automatic incline/decline Peloton lacks, screen rotation for cross-training, and access to iFIT's extraordinary global content.

This is premium equipment that performs at the highest level whether you're training for competitive cycling or maintaining general fitness. The investment pays dividends through years of engaging, effective workouts that maintain training consistency and deliver real results.