Nordictrack VR23 Recumbent Bike Review

02/01/201618/10/2017 FitnessEquipmentGuide best buys, nordic track, recumbent, under $1000

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Nordictrack VR23 Recumbent – A Good Buy For You?

nordictrack-commercial-vr23-recumbent — Nordictrack VR23 Recumbent Bike

The Nordictrack VR23 recumbent bike is one of the most popular recumbent bike models for under $800.

With an easy step-through design, it’s simple to get on and off. And the heavy 23 pound flywheel helps to anchor the machine for smoother rides.

Plus it comes iFit LIVE compatible – so you can add new workouts or track your progress online over time.

So is the Nordictrack VR23 bike a good buy for you? How does it measure up?

Here’s a rundown of what you should know before you buy:

Basics:

Price: $799 + Free Shipping

Resistance: 26 Levels

Built-In Workouts: 32

User Weight Capacity: 300 lbs

Footprint: 61.2″L x 23″ W x 68″ H

iFit Compatible

iPod Dock

Warranty: Lifetime Frame & Brake, 3 year parts, 1 year labor

Nordictrack VR23 Recumbent Bike Review – Pros:

Easy Step-Thru Design

The Nordictrack VR23 comes with a simple step-through design, meaning there’s not large barrier to trip over when you get on the bike – as you sometimes get with other recumbent models. This makes it a lot easier to get on and off the bike.

Large, Bright Backlit Console with Racetrack Display

The console window is quite large (7 inches across) and easy to read. There’s a scrolling message board to lead you through the different workouts and a constant display of your resistance, time, distance, pulse and calories burned.

There’s also a built-in console fan that adjusts to match the speed of your workout – so you can stay cool as you pedal.

Padded Mesh-Back Style Seat For Cooler Workouts

The seat on the VR23 bike is made for extra comfort. It is molded with extra padding on the bottom and offers lumbar support to support your lower back.

It’s a mesh-type back style which lets the air circulate in and around your back to keep you cooler when you’re working out.

It’s also easily adjustable so you can find the right pedal distance for your height.

Tablet Holder

There’s a built-in media shelf in the console to hold your tablet (or a magazine or a book). So you can watch your favorite shows or movies as you workout.

iFit LIVE Compatible

iFit is a one-of-a-kind fitness training feature that basically turns your bike into your own personal fitness entertainment studio. It gives you a lot of ways to reach new goals and fight exercise boredom.

iFit basically connects your bike to the Internet. From there you can plot out new paths to cycle using Googlemaps or ride pre-planned routes as well.

You can also download new weight-loss workouts from Jillian Michaels where she coaches you through your workout through the built-in speakers.

You can also track your fitness activity online to set new goals and see how far you’ve come. Basically there’s a lot you can do with iFit that you just can’t do with other bikes.

23 lb Flywheel For Smoother Ride

Heavier flywheels tend to give you a smoother ride – especially during the transitions between resistance levels or slowing down. You don’t get that jumpy start-and-stop motion you sometimes get with cheaper bikes.

The Nordictrack Commercial VR23 recumbent gives you a 23 pound flywheel which helps to give you a smoother feeling ride. At this price point you don’t usually find such a heavy flywheel – which is probably another reason this bike is so popular.

Resistance Controls On Side Handrails

The Nordictrack VR23 bike also comes with resistance controls on the side handrails – so you don’t have to reach up to the console to do it. There’s also hand grip pulse sensors beside your seat which make it easy to take your heart rate as you cycle.

Nordictrack Commercial VR23 Recumbent Review – Cons

If you want to try iFit LIVE, you’ll need an iFit LIVE subscription (around $99 a year as of this writing). You don’t need iFit to use the bike (there are 32 built-in workouts plus an iPod dock for entertainment).

But if you tend to get bored easily and want more challenges, you may want to try it out to see if you like it.

And while the console is bright and easy-to-read, it’s only dual color. If you want a multi-color console (with web browser) you may want to upgrade to the Nordictrack VR25 bike (console seen below)

nordictrack VR25 Recumbent Bike Review — Nordictrack VR25 Bike Console

Bottom Line?

If you’re looking for an affordable, stable recumbent bike with a heavy flywheel and commercial gauge steel construction, you’ll definitely want to consider the Nordictrack VR23 exercise bike.

It doesn’t come with some of the bells and whistles of the VR25 model – but it does give you comfortable, adjustable seat, smooth ride and the option to add iFit LIVE if you wish.

There’s also other options to make your workouts more enjoyable and fun – like the ipod dock, 32 built-in workouts and the media shelf for your tablet. Overall, for under $800, it’s an excellent value.

Where to Buy and Save:

You can get the Nordictrack Commercial VR23 by going direct through the Manufacturer here. Plus they are also offering Free Shipping which can save you about $150.