The NordicTrack Commercial VR25 Recumbent is one of the flagship indoor fitness bikes in the brand's range, and is particularly well-placed to help beginners upwards get to grips with this form of home workout. It's made by one of the best exercise bike brands in the world, so we have high hopes for this feature-rich indoor bike.
From built-in workout programs available via that gorgeous color touchscreen, through to the silent running (so no, it won't annoy everyone in your house), the Commercial VR25 has a lot going for it. But is it the right bike for you? Well, if you want the support and comfort of a recumbent exercise bike, then yes. Here's why...
NordicTrack Commercial VR25 Recumbent review: overview
The NordicTrack Commercial VR25 is recumbent, which means you not only get back support, but also a wide and comfy seat that makes your resting position a lot more comfortable. The bike also comes fitted with a large touchscreen display that's backed by iFit, so you can access live guided workouts as well as Google Maps-supported real-world style rides. There are lots of resistance levels, each delivered smoothly through the flywheel's magnetic resistance.
You also get a 10-year frame warranty for extra reassurance.
Design: Recumbent
Workout modes: 35
Supported weight: 350 lbs
Warranty: Up to 10 years
The bike comes with an EKG Grip Pulse detector for heart rate workouts and wireless chest strap. But if you want your data somewhere outside of the iFit system, you might be a bit stuck. If that's what you want then you could combine this with one of the best fitness trackers to really free your training.
NordicTrack Commercial VR25 Recumbent review: design
The NordicTrack Commercial VR25 feels solid, with its 25lbs flywheel and support for riders who weigh up to 350lbs. The bike is made from commercial-grade solid steel, but the stand-out design feature has to be that ergonomic recumbent seat. It's designed to offer lumbar support with its curved shape, but also breathability thanks to the mesh material. It's fully adjustable with a sliding lower seat to enable you to find the ideal leg extension on the bike. The seat is also cushioned for comfort while still offering enough support for a solid riding position.
While the entire bike takes up a 68-inch length, this isn't bad when you consider it's a recumbent model. It also comes with transport wheels that make it easy enough to lift and move around your home. The pedals are extra wide and feature adjustable straps to keep your feet locked in place throughout the ride, enabling you to both push and pull for a full leg workout.
The 25lb flywheel is inertia-enhanced, and works with the company's Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR) tech to offer a super-quiet ride with a very smooth power delivery.
NordicTrack Commercial VR25 Recumbent review: features
The NordicTrack Commercial VR25 Recumbent might not be cheap, but then most recumbent bikes of this high quality aren't. At least in this case you're getting a great brand name – NordicTrack has a good pedigree in home exercise equipment, and also makes some of the world's best treadmills. Don't forget, there's also a generous warranty 10-year frame warranty.
The bike comes with 26 levels of resistance and a series of built-in workouts. Thanks to that 7-inch Wi-Fi connected HD touchscreen, you also get a whole world of iFit workouts, though you have to pay for a subscription to access these. If you are prepared to pay for a subscription, you'll be able to participate in live instructor led training that not only works your legs but also uses upper body weights to give a more complete workout. New workouts are added daily.
You also have Google Maps access, via which you can ride along routes as if you were training in the real world. The included wireless chest strap enables you to work with your heart rate (zone training) so that you know you're making an impact during each workout, and getting closer to your fitness goals.
NordicTrack Commercial VR25 Recumbent review: performance
That NordicTrack Commercial VR25 Recumbent exercise bike is as comfortable as it gets. The seat is cushioned and wide, making for a very supportive indoor training session. The back, with its ergonomic shape, continues that support up your spine while maintaining comfort and breathability thanks to the mesh covering. The StepThruTM design is also a nice addition, enabling you to easily hop on and off.
Our only gripe is that the screen is quite high up and can't be tilted. Since you can adjust the chair slide to get your legs in the ideal position, depending on your height, you may find your neck is less comfortable. There is a mount for attaching one of the best tablets for watching shows while working out, but this is even higher.
The bike itself performs excellently with a very smooth power delivery and super-quiet running action, so you won't cause any noise disturbance in your home. That frame feels solid, with nothing moving or flexing, giving you the confidence to truly go for it when your workouts.
The iFit app works on the bike and enables you to track your workouts, the data from which can then be accessed on your smartphone, so you can get a clear picture of how you're progressing.
Should I buy the NordicTrack Commercial VR25 Recumbent?
The NordicTrack Commercial VR25 is a superb recumbent exercise bike from a top brand that offers an impressive frame warranty. We like the large touchscreen, and the variety of workouts, including the option for live coaching , plus Google Maps rides to keep workouts fresh and interesting. The bike itself is solid with a smooth and silent drive system, topped off by a comfy and supportive seat and back.
The lack of angle adjustment for the screen may annoy smaller or taller riders, but it's no deal breaker for us. While this isn't a cheap exercise bike by any stretch, but for a recumbent bike of this quality, it's well priced and worth the investment for your home gym.
If you aren't sold on whether a recumbent exercise bike is right for you, we'd also suggest taking a look at the NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle, the Assault AirBike Classic, and the Schwinn IC4
