NordicTrack Commercial S15i
The NordicTrack Commercial S15i is presented as the best-in-class upright studio bike thanks to a premium build, immersive connected workouts and a large rotating HD touchscreen that outclasses most rivals on this list. It commands a higher price than the Schwinn, Echelon and Nautilus models but justifies that premium with superior interactive training, steeper incline/decline and a smoother, more durable drive system for users prioritizing a fully coached experience. For buyers who want the most advanced tech and a studio-style ride at home, the S15i is the technical leader among these upright exercise bikes.
Rotating HD screen — cinematic
iFit live classes — virtual coach
Rotating HD screen — cinematic
iFit live classes — virtual coach
Review Summary
"Users praise the NordicTrack Commercial S15i for its solid build, large touchscreen and immersive iFit workouts; a few report occasional software issues and frustration with subscription costs."
Commercial frame — rock-solid
Large HD touchscreen with iFit interactive studio classes and metrics.
Commercial frame — rock-solid
Large HD touchscreen with iFit interactive studio classes and metrics.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The NordicTrack Commercial S15i is presented as the best-in-class upright studio bike thanks to a premium build, immersive connected workouts and a large rotating HD touchscreen that outclasses most rivals on this list. It commands a higher price than the Schwinn, Echelon and Nautilus models but justifies that premium with superior interactive training, steeper incline/decline and a smoother, more durable drive system for users prioritizing a fully coached experience. For buyers who want the most advanced tech and a studio-style ride at home, the S15i is the technical leader among these upright exercise bikes.
Rotating HD screen — cinematic
iFit live classes — virtual coach
Commercial frame — rock-solid
Large HD touchscreen with iFit interactive studio classes and metrics.
Smooth magnetic resistance and wide resistance range for varied training.
Rotating HD screen — cinematic
iFit live classes — virtual coach
Commercial frame — rock-solid
Large HD touchscreen with iFit interactive studio classes and metrics.
Smooth magnetic resistance and wide resistance range for varied training.
$1,500-2,000 CAD
Schwinn 170 Upright Bike
The Schwinn 170 Upright Bike is a market-leading value option that balances solid hardware, a reliable resistance system and a user-friendly console at a noticeably lower price than the top-tier NordicTrack. Compared with the Echelon and ProForm alternatives it often delivers comparable workout programs and Bluetooth connectivity while remaining a more budget-friendly, no-frills choice for steady cardio training. Its affordability and dependable build make it a go-to for buyers who want strong performance without the subscription-first focus of some competitors.
25 resistance levels — fine-tune
Bluetooth sync — gadget-friendly
25 resistance levels — fine-tune
Bluetooth sync — gadget-friendly
Review Summary
"Owners like the Schwinn 170's smooth ride, sturdy frame and wide resistance range, though assembly can be time-consuming and some have minor display/reliability complaints."
Compact footprint — space-saver
Bluetooth-enabled console with multiple workout programs and device pairing.
Compact footprint — space-saver
Bluetooth-enabled console with multiple workout programs and device pairing.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Schwinn 170 Upright Bike is a market-leading value option that balances solid hardware, a reliable resistance system and a user-friendly console at a noticeably lower price than the top-tier NordicTrack. Compared with the Echelon and ProForm alternatives it often delivers comparable workout programs and Bluetooth connectivity while remaining a more budget-friendly, no-frills choice for steady cardio training. Its affordability and dependable build make it a go-to for buyers who want strong performance without the subscription-first focus of some competitors.
25 resistance levels — fine-tune
Bluetooth sync — gadget-friendly
Compact footprint — space-saver
Bluetooth-enabled console with multiple workout programs and device pairing.
Multiple resistance levels for progressive training and steady performance.
25 resistance levels — fine-tune
Bluetooth sync — gadget-friendly
Compact footprint — space-saver
Bluetooth-enabled console with multiple workout programs and device pairing.
Multiple resistance levels for progressive training and steady performance.
$600-800 CAD
Echelon EX-15
The Echelon EX-15 positions itself as a connected mid-tier upright bike that emphasizes live and on-demand class access and community features at a lower entry cost than the NordicTrack. Technically it competes well with the Schwinn 170 for connectivity and with the ProForm Carbon CX on compact design, offering a good blend of streaming content and space-efficient hardware for apartment-friendly setups. For users seeking social, instructor-led riding without paying the top-tier premium, the EX-15 is a strong compromise between price and connected features.
Live studio rides — energy
Smooth belt drive — whisper-quiet
Live studio rides — energy
Smooth belt drive — whisper-quiet
Review Summary
"Reviewers appreciate the Echelon EX-15's compact design and live/studio classes, but many note the app subscription is essentially required and connectivity can be spotty."
Sleek tablet mount — binge-ready
Integrated large display for live and on‑demand Echelon classes and metrics.
Sleek tablet mount — binge-ready
Integrated large display for live and on‑demand Echelon classes and metrics.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Echelon EX-15 positions itself as a connected mid-tier upright bike that emphasizes live and on-demand class access and community features at a lower entry cost than the NordicTrack. Technically it competes well with the Schwinn 170 for connectivity and with the ProForm Carbon CX on compact design, offering a good blend of streaming content and space-efficient hardware for apartment-friendly setups. For users seeking social, instructor-led riding without paying the top-tier premium, the EX-15 is a strong compromise between price and connected features.
Live studio rides — energy
Smooth belt drive — whisper-quiet
Sleek tablet mount — binge-ready
Integrated large display for live and on‑demand Echelon classes and metrics.
Quiet magnetic resistance with easy adjustments for interval and steady rides.
Live studio rides — energy
Smooth belt drive — whisper-quiet
Sleek tablet mount — binge-ready
Integrated large display for live and on‑demand Echelon classes and metrics.
Quiet magnetic resistance with easy adjustments for interval and steady rides.
$900-1,300 CAD
ProForm Carbon CX
The ProForm Carbon CX serves as an affordable performance-oriented upright bike that delivers many of the core technical benefits of higher-end models—sturdy frame and responsive resistance—while undercutting the NordicTrack on price. It is a practical alternative for buyers who value a solid workout platform but are willing to trade away the largest screens and some advanced interactive features; compared with the Schwinn and Nautilus it aims to offer a bit more polish in ride feel without a big price jump. The Carbon CX is best for cost-conscious riders who still want a club-like ride quality at home.
iFit compatibility — coach-access
Heavy flywheel — solid feel
iFit compatibility — coach-access
Heavy flywheel — solid feel
Review Summary
"Buyers find the ProForm Carbon CX to be an affordable, comfortable upright with adequate resistance, but the console/app integration is limited and a few users report durability concerns over time."
Adjustable seat — marathon-ready
Tablet/console-ready design with compatibility for interactive workout platforms.
Adjustable seat — marathon-ready
Tablet/console-ready design with compatibility for interactive workout platforms.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The ProForm Carbon CX serves as an affordable performance-oriented upright bike that delivers many of the core technical benefits of higher-end models—sturdy frame and responsive resistance—while undercutting the NordicTrack on price. It is a practical alternative for buyers who value a solid workout platform but are willing to trade away the largest screens and some advanced interactive features; compared with the Schwinn and Nautilus it aims to offer a bit more polish in ride feel without a big price jump. The Carbon CX is best for cost-conscious riders who still want a club-like ride quality at home.
iFit compatibility — coach-access
Heavy flywheel — solid feel
Adjustable seat — marathon-ready
Tablet/console-ready design with compatibility for interactive workout platforms.
Solid resistance system and flywheel feel aimed at performance training.
iFit compatibility — coach-access
Heavy flywheel — solid feel
Adjustable seat — marathon-ready
Tablet/console-ready design with compatibility for interactive workout platforms.
Solid resistance system and flywheel feel aimed at performance training.
$1,000-1,500 CAD
Nautilus U618
The Nautilus U618 is positioned as the budget-friendly, reliability-first upright bike in this comparison, offering straightforward performance, strong warranty coverage and lower total cost of ownership than the connected leaders. It lacks some of the immersive streaming and large-screen advantages of the NordicTrack and Echelon models, but its simple, durable design and typically lower price make it attractive for users who prefer low-maintenance equipment over subscription-driven features. For buyers prioritizing value and dependability for regular cardio workouts, the U618 is a practical choice.
29 resistance levels — granular
Ergonomic seat — cloud-comfy
29 resistance levels — granular
Ergonomic seat — cloud-comfy
Review Summary
"Customers like the Nautilus U618 for its comfortable seat, Bluetooth connectivity and solid warranty, while some mention the console is basic and resistance can feel limited at very high intensities."
Built-in programs — no guesswork
Bluetooth connectivity and a range of pre-set programs for varied workouts.
Built-in programs — no guesswork
Bluetooth connectivity and a range of pre-set programs for varied workouts.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Nautilus U618 is positioned as the budget-friendly, reliability-first upright bike in this comparison, offering straightforward performance, strong warranty coverage and lower total cost of ownership than the connected leaders. It lacks some of the immersive streaming and large-screen advantages of the NordicTrack and Echelon models, but its simple, durable design and typically lower price make it attractive for users who prefer low-maintenance equipment over subscription-driven features. For buyers prioritizing value and dependability for regular cardio workouts, the U618 is a practical choice.
29 resistance levels — granular
Ergonomic seat — cloud-comfy
Built-in programs — no guesswork
Bluetooth connectivity and a range of pre-set programs for varied workouts.
Sturdy build with comfortable ergonomics suited for daily use.
29 resistance levels — granular
Ergonomic seat — cloud-comfy
Built-in programs — no guesswork
Bluetooth connectivity and a range of pre-set programs for varied workouts.
Sturdy build with comfortable ergonomics suited for daily use.
$800-1,100 CAD