Nordictrack Grand Tour vs Echelon Bike – Which is Best For You?

 

Trying to compare the Nordictrack Grand Tour vs the Echelon bike?

Wondering which is best for you?

 

 

These are both popular, affordable training bikes that give you something completely different – the ability to stream fitness classes to your console.

This can take your training to a whole new level and add a lot of fun and challenge to your workouts.

 

 

However these two bikes are quite different in what they offer you.

How do they stack up?

This post will help you compare the Nordictrack Grand tour vs Echelon bikes to help you decide.

 

 

Nordictrack Grand Tour vs Echelon – Price

As of this writing the prices are pretty similar on these bikes. The Nordictrack Grand Tour bike runs around $999 with Free Shipping here.

And the Echelon bike runs around $999 with Free Shipping here.

 

 

 

Grand Tour Bike vs Echelon – Console

The console is where you see a huge difference between these bikes. The Echelon bike doesn’t actually come with a console as we think of consoles.

It comes only with a tablet holder. You then attach your own tablet (not included with the bike) or other device and connect with the Echelon Fit App through that to see your workout classes, workout stats etc.

 

 

The Nordictrack Grand Tour bike outdoes the Echelon bike as it does come with a full console AND a tablet holder.

You get a 7-inch, full-color, touch-screen, HD console on this bike as well as a tablet holder above the console.

So you can also attach your tablet and stream workouts this way (or just watch Netflix or YouTube videos as you ride).

 

 

The Grand Tour bike also comes with a cooling fan in the console that you don’t get with the Echelon. And you can also plug in your iPhone or similar device and play your favorite workout tunes through the console speakers.

So the Echelon bike doesn’t really give you a console whereas the Grand Tour bike gives you a full color console with speakers, tablet holder and cooling fan.

Considering that these bikes run around the same price, that makes the Grand Tour bike a much better value.

 

 

 

Streaming Classes

These two bikes use different streaming programs (both are a monthly subscription and similar in price).

The Echelon bike uses the Echelon App. You connect with your tablet and stream the classes through your tablet as you ride.

 

 

With the Echelon program, you can stream live classes to your bike from their studio in Tennessee. You can also stream on-demand classes if you don’t want to adjust your schedule to fit the live class schedule.

Another thing you can do with the Echelon Fit App is choose from a variety of world-famous trails to ride.

You can ride the streets of Singapore or the French countryside and watch the scenery pass you by as you ride for some virtual reality-style fun. Here’s a quick scene as an example:

 

 

The Nordictrack Grand tour bike uses something called iFit Coach for their streaming program. With iFit Coach you don’t get live classes.

However you do get thousands of on-demand cycling classes to choose from led by popular cycling instructors.

 

 

You can also ride famous trails all over the world – from the Swiss Alps to the Grand Canyon

You can ride alone and watch the scenery pass you by in the console window.

Or take a ride with a personal trainer coach who will motivate you and point out interesting landmarks along the way. This is something you don’t get with the Echelon bike.

 

 

Want to ride through an old neighbourhood?

You can also use the Googlemaps feature to map out your own trail anywhere in the world. Then ride through that neighbourhood as the scenery passes you by in the console window. This is another feature that is not available with Echelon.

As of this writing, the iFit workouts are a lot more advanced. If you compare the world trail graphics on the Echelon (see the pick above) vs the iFit graphics, you’ll see that the iFit world trails just look better.

 

 

Free Trial Period

Both bikes offer you a free trial of their streaming service. As of right now you get 2 weeks free with the Echelon bike.

And if you get the Grand Tour bike through the Manufacturer here, you can get 1 full year of the iFit Coach subscription included. So that’s quite a savings.

 

 

Incline/Decline

The Nordictrack Grand Tour bike also comes with up to 10% incline and 10% decline – giving you a more realistic training experience.

The bike will also incline and decline to match the terrain of whatever world trail you’re cycling in iFit – which is pretty cool.

The Echelon bike does not come with incline or decline.

 

 

Handweights

When comparing the Nordictrack Grand Tour vs Echelon bike, it also helps to see what else you get with the bike. The Grand Tour bike also comes with a pair of 3 pounds handweights that are included with the bike and fit in a holding tray in front of the console.

The Echelon bike doesn’t offer handweights as of this writing.

 

 

 

Resistance Levels

The Echelon bike comes with a knob or dial-turn resistance – you have to turn the knob to change the resistance.

The Nordictrack Grand Tour comes with digital power resistance – meaning you change it with the touch of a button on the console. You can also change it from the handlebar controls. So it’s a lot easier and more convenient to make fast resistance changes.

Plus, you have more control over exactly which resistance level you’re getting with the power resistance controls vs the dial-knob controls.

 

 

Bottom Line?

So what’s the bottom line when comparing the Nordictrack Grand Tour vs Echelon bikes?

Well, the Echelon bike does have some benefits. It’s affordable and you get live classes (which you don’t get on the Grand Tour bike).

If you really like the Echelon-style classes it might be the better option for you.

However the Nordictrack Grand Tour bike gives you thousands of on-demand classes, world trail rides as well as a full console with tablet holder, handweights, incline, decline, digital resistance and a full year of the iFit streaming program included.

So in terms of value for your money, the Grand Tour bike is the better option right now.

Want to learn more?

Click the links below for more on each bike.

 

Click Here for a Special Offer on the Nordictrack Grand Tour

 

 

Click Here for Free Shipping on the Echelon Bike

 

 

Related: Nordictrack Grand Tour Pro – A Good Buy for You?

Nordictrack Grand Tour vs Pro Bike Comparison – Which is Best For You?