Nordictrack S15i vs Bowflex C6 Bike – How Do They Compare?
Trying to compare the Nordictrack S15i vs Bowflex C6 bike?
Wondering which is best for you?
You’re not alone – these are two very popular indoor training bikes, each with their own benefits.
They’ve also both been around for over 2 years now – a testament to each bike’s popularity (although both have been upgraded each year with the latest features).
Each bike gives you the ability to stream studio workouts to your home and ride trails all over the world for some virtual reality fun.
Another benefit?
Work in some upper body training with the free pair of 3-pound handweights included with either bike.
However, even with these similarities, these bikes are very different.
And depending on your needs, one bike will definitely be the better choice for you, because of these differences.
So how do you decide between them?
This post will break down the main differences between the Nordictrack S15i vs Bowflex C6 bike to help you choose your best option.
So let’s dive in:
Nordictrack S15i vs Bowflex C6 – Price
While prices do jump around a bit, as of this writing the Bowflex C6 is more attractive price-wise. It’s more of a starter bike than the Nordictrack – so it makes sense. It comes in around $500 less than the S15i – with Free Shipping here.
The Nordictrack S15i is more of a premium bike and offers you several higher-end features.
Hence it comes in a bit higher than the C6 bike. However you can save a bit and buy it direct from the Manufacturer and get Free Shipping here.
So is the Nordictrack S15i worth the extra money? Let’s find out.
Console Differences
The consoles are where you see a huge difference between the Nordictrack S15i and the Bowflex C6 bike. The Nordictrack S15i bike comes with a very impressive full color, HD, touch-screen sensitive console.
You can connect to iFit (Nordictrack’s streaming service) directly through the console and ride trails all over the world or stream fitness classes to your home:
The Bowflex C6 takes a different approach. The console is small and simple, giving you minimal information.
And instead of the quick-set, one-touch resistance buttons that the Nordictrack has on either side of the console screen, you get 2 simple up or down arrow keys. So you have to scroll through the resistance levels up or down to get the one you want.
However there is a tablet holder above the console.
So you can add in your own tablet to the Bowflex console and surf the net or watch shows as you ride.
You can also connect through your tablet to Bowflex’s streaming service JRNY.
From there you can also ride trails all over the world, take cycling classes or track your progress over time. And once you connect your tablet to the JRNY service, you’ll be able to see a more expansive view of your workout stats.
The downside of course is that you need your own tablet to do this – or you need to buy one.
Is one console better than another?
Well the Nordictrack console is obviously much more impressive. It’s like having a TV built into your bike. And you don’t have to do much but connect to iFit online and go.
The Bowflex C6 console is minimal at best.
But if you’re more of a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to adding a console (and you have your own tablet), then you might like the flexibility to connect to Bowflex JRNY or just watch Netflix videos as you ride.
One final note: The Nordictrack console also swivels. So you can continue your workout or cooldown off the bike if you want – which is pretty cool.
Nordictrack S15i or Bowflex C6? Stability
Coming in at almost double the weight, the Nordictrack S15i bike is going to feel more stable than the Bowflex C6 bike.
This is important if you plan on long or intense workouts and you want a bike that won’t shake or wobble when you pick up the pace.
The Nordictrack S15i bike comes in around 203 pounds whereas the Bowflex C6 is much lighter at 112 pounds.
So the advantage here goes to the Nordictrack S15i bike as far as stability.
On the other hand, if you want a bike that’s easier to move around, then the Bowflex C6 might be the better match for you.
Bowflex C6 vs Nordictrack S15i: Heart Rate
The Bowflex C6 comes with a wireless heart rate arm band included. So you can track your heart rate as you ride.
The Nordictrack S15i does not include a wireless heart rate option here. So if you want one you would have to buy one separately.
Nordictrack S15i vs Bowflex C6: Incline/Decline
The Nordictrack S15i also gives you more ways to train – with incline and decline. You get up to 20% incline and 10% decline!
This can help give you a more immersive, complete workout overall.
Plus, the Nordictrack bike works integrates with iFit.
It inclines or declines to match the terrain of the world trail that you’re riding. This alone can be a game changer and again, gives you a more immersive cycling experience.
The Bowflex C6 does not have this option.
Bottom Line?
So what’s the bottom line when comparing the Nordictrack S15i vs Bowflex C6 bikes?
It really comes down to what you want.
The Bowflex C6 is more of a starter bike with a great DIY option when it comes to the console and tracking. It’s also the most affordable option.
The Nordictrack is more of a premium bike with a much heavier, stable base.
You also get several added perks for a more immersive experience like the large, full-color, HD touch screen where you can watch world trails pass you by as you ride. You can also incline or decline for even more immersive training.
So it really depends on what you’re looking for.
Regardless of which option you choose, they’re both exceptional bikes that give you excellent value for the money in an overcrowded market.
Want to learn more? Check out the links below for more on either bike:
Click Here for A Special Offer on the Nordictrack S15i
Click Here for Free Shipping on the Bowflex C6
Related: Nordictrack S15i Studio Cycle Review – Worth Your Money?
