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Horizon fitness Upright U bike vs Nordictrack 14.9i elliptical

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

Apr 16, 2021 9:00:00 AM

Horizon fitness Upright U bike vs Nordictrack 14.9i elliptical

This is a comparison of the Horizon fitness Upright U cycle and the Nordictrack 14.9i elliptical including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details.

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Overview and review of the Nordictrack Elite 14.9i $2499

This is a review of the Nordictrack Elite 14.9 model. You will learn about the specifics, pros, cons and alternatives of this elliptical to make a decision. This article was originally published in "Which elliptical to get from Nordictrack".
 

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Overview of the Elite 14.9i

 
The 14.9i is the flagship front-drive elliptical from Nordictrack. Its main features are a massive 15-inch flat-screen, 32-pound flywheel and up to 20% of incline. This front-drive elliptical leaves nothing to be desired for commercial use. The full list of features includes:
 
  • 7” Smart HD Touchscreen
  • 15” Integrated HDTV
  • 1-Year iFit® Membership Included*
  • Auxiliary Audio Port
  • Two 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers
  • Bluetooth® Smart Receiver for Heart Rate Strap (not included)
  • EKG Grip Pulse Heart Rate Sensors
  • AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
  • Multi-Position Upper-Body Grips
  • Oversized, Adjustable Cushion Pedals
  • Front Drive
  • 32 Lb. Effective Inertia-Enhanced Flywheel
  • SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
  • 20” Power-Adjustable Stride
  • 26 Digital Resistance Levels
  • 0-20% Incline
  • One Touch® Controls
  • Commercial Solid Steel Construction
  • Oversized Levelers
  • 375 Lb. User Capacity
  • Front-Mounted Transport Wheels
  • Water Bottle Holder
  • 80.25" L x 36" W x 70" H Footprint
  • 10-Year Frame Warranty
  • 2-Year Parts Warranty
  • 1-Year Labor Warranty
This is the ultimate front-drive machine for commercial use or home gym owners with a lot of space. You will have a hard time breaking this machine.
 

Pros of the 14.9i

 
The pros of the 14.9i are:
 
  • 32-pound flywheel
  • 15-inch TV
  • 20% incline
This machine is built to last. With the 32-pound inch flywheel as a front-drive, you have a predictable line of motion and a sturdy built which will last even in the toughest scenarios. If your gym clocks thousands of miles per machine, this is the one to get. Especially if your clients expect to have a massive screen while doing their exercises. 
 
The 15-inch tv is the crown jewel of this machine. If you want to get the full use out of the Ifit options of Nordictrack, this is the machine to get. You might need fewer instructors in your gym or just enjoy the big screen at home right in front of you to keep motivated. 
 
With up to 20% incline there is no limit to the number of different workouts you can do. Combined with the Ifit run simulations you can go all over the world and simulate any track you want.
 

Cons of the 14.9i

 
The cons of the 14.9i are:
 
  • Price
  • Size
  • Low-calorie burn
  • Limited variety
  • Shorter stride
 
For an elliptical, the 14.9i is quite pricey. You definitely need to ask yourself whether you really need that big screen or not. If you don't you can almost shave off $1000 from your purchase by going with the 12.9i which is the same model, except without the TV: If you are home buyer who does not want to fix a screen to the walls and needs the motivation and convenience of the multimedia station, this is a good option. Commercial buyers who want to make a statement in urban areas might also consider getting a fleet of these machines. If you have no to little competition in your local area, I do not see the reason to spend almost $1000 extra per machine just to get a massive screen. 
 
hile size is good for durability and creating clear lines of movement in a commercial gym, it can be a burden when space is limited. This machine is huge, so make sure that you check your space. Home gym owners might even fill their entire space just with this machine. As it can not be folded it will also be hard to move around. Be mindful when you purchase. 
 
As with all ellipticals, the calorie burn per minute is relatively low compared to treadmills and exercise bikes at similar intensity levels. If you want to maximize the calories burned per minute a VersaClimber or Rogue echo bike are probably better options for you. 
 
Compared to the free stride range from Nordictrack the 14.9i provides only a limited variety of exercises. You can only use it as an elliptical and not as a treadmill and steppers like the FS9i, Fs10i, and FS7i.
 
As the flywheel is in the front of this machine it limits the stride length to 20" compared to the 32" of the free stride machines, If you want to work with different stride lengths and you are a very tall athlete, you might want to look in the upper echelons of the Free stride range, 
 

Alternatives to the Elite 14.9i

 
Alternatives to the Elite 14.9i elliptical are:
 
The NordicTrack FS7i  is the most affordable version of the free stride range of Nordictrack to date. Compared to the 14.9i elliptical you will give up the 15-inch screen and gain the center flywheel with three in one technology. This is a good swap for home gym buyers who do not care about multimedia and have many family members using the gym.
 
The Nordictrack Elite 12.9 is basically the 14.9i without a TV. I think this machine is a great option for a commercial gym that wants to buy in bulk and still impress. Of course, if you are targeting very tech-savvy clients in urban areas with a high monthly subscription fee, the big ass screen might be a way to attract clients. Just make the calculations whether the $1000 more per machine justify themselves in terms of marketing opportunities and brand image. Only consider this if the competition is fierce and no gym in the area has screens on all their ellipticals.
 
The VersaClimber SM model is the commercial-grade machine from VersaClimber. This is the machine to get for anyone who wants to maximize calories per minute output. Home gym buyers might tend to go for the VersaClimber H/HP instead with limited warranties for home use. In the home, this is the right machine if the entire family are hardcore fitness nuts and already run outdoors. For commercial use, I would recommend these if you already have a fleet of ellipticals and want to attract more clients in a "hardcore" endurance corner of your gym.
 
The concept 2 rower is a great option for anyone who does not want to run because of their hips and also does not like bikes. This machine has been around for years and is reliable. You can choose between the model D and Model E which are targeted at different groups. The model E is more recreational while model D is lower to the ground and more for athletes.
 
My personal favorite for the home gym to burn calories fast and cheap is the Rogue Echo bike. It is competitively priced for a professional machine at $700 and minimizes footprint in your gym. It still delivers a hardcore workout and only falls a little short of the VersaClimber in this area.
 

Summary for the 14.9i

 
The 14.9i Nordictrack elliptical is the perfect machine for urban commercial gyms with stiff competition who want to attract tech-savvy clients. Especially if you do not want to run any classes in your gym to save labor costs, this is a good investment with the I fit subscription. Just unload the cost of the subscription per machine to your gym subscription and negotiate a god deal with Nordictrack on the commercial package. Home gym buyers might find this machine to be overkill unless they really want a big screen and can not fix it to a wall in their gym. For commercial gyms with ess competition or home gym owners who want an elliptical at a more reasonable price the 12.9i or 10.9i are better options.
 

Overview and review of the Horizon fitness Upright U bike

This is an overview of the Horizon fitness Upright U bike including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article was first published in Which Horizon fitness bike to get?

 

For the most up to date information and asking direct questions you can follow me on Instagram.

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Overview of the Horizon Comfort U upright bike $679

 
The Horizon Comfort U upright bike is a good choice for anyone who does not want to go hard at their workout and life prevents them to go outside to get exercise. This is the right bike for anyone who can not get out of the house to have a walk or cycle that often because you live in a very hot or cold area. If you live in an area where you rather not step outside at certain times because you feel vulnerable then this bike is also a way to get in your exercise anytime you want without making it too strenuous. A great alternative to sitting on the couch whilst watching TV or browsing through the internet leisurely as long as you do not lumbar support to do this. The full specifications of this machine are:
 
Frame Type: Upright
Pedal Type: Self Balancing pedals
Seat Type: Gel comfort seat
Seat Adjustment: Horizontal, Vertical
Resistance System: ECB Magnetic Brake
Heart rate: Handgrips, Polar wireless receiver
Extras: Built-in speakers, Energy saver mode, tablet rack, Water bottle holder
Max user weight: 300
Weight: 77lbs
Assembled dimensions: 65 x 26 x 53
Home Warranty - Frame: Lifetime
Home Warranty - Parts: 1 year
Home Warranty - Labor: 1 year
 

Pros of the Horizon Comfort U upright bike

 
The pros of the Horizon U upright bike are:
 
  • Simple design
  • Good tablet holder
  • Warranty
 
The Horizon U is simple in its design and therefore not intimidating to get on and off on or use. Just step on and start to cycle while watching your favorite streaming service on your own device. The tablet holder is in a good spot and makes a lot of sense to use. Nothing to fancy, but sometimes simple just wins. Compared to other options you can get for less money, especially on no-name Amazon resellers, you know that you will be covered by a good warranty from a company that specializes in exercise equipment.
 

Cons of the Horizon Comfort U upright bike

 
The cons of the Horizon Comfort U upright bike are:
 
  • Lightweight
  • Handle positioning
  • Console
 
The main con of this bike is that it is very light. If you are heavy or unstable you might want to opt for something with a bigger frame or a recumbent bike to feel safer. If you still can easily ride your own bicycle, go for this one.
 
The handle positioning of this bike can not be changed. Depending on how your body is shaped you might find it awkward to get into the cycling position and then you are stuck with that setting. Other bikes provide a little more flexibility with different handles or handles that can be adjusted more.
 
The last con of this bike is the console. If you prefer your multimedia options to be integrated into the console rather than using your own device, then this machine is not the best pick.
 

Alternatives to the Horizon Comfort U upright bike

 
 
The Horizon Comfort R is the Horizon recumbent bike with lumbar support. This means you get a full seat with this bike where you can rest your back against. If you can not sit upright on a bike yourself or if you are very heavy then this machine might be the better option for you.
 
The Nordictrack VU19 is another option on a comfortable upright bike from Nordictrack. If Horizon is out of stock and you want something fast, or if you just want to keep your options open, then have a look at the VU19 as an alternative.
 
The concept 2 skierg provides a moderate workout that can be scaled to very intense workouts on a small footprint. If you want a machine that you can easily fit into your home that can address all kinds of intensities without being too noisy then this is a good pick. The only downsides are that you have to be able to stand for the duration of your workout and that it mainly works your upper body instead of your lower body.
 
The Nordictrack VR25 is the recumbent bike alternative from Nordictrack to the Horizon Recumbent R. If you are buying for yourself you might want to give it a look before hitting buy.
 

Conclusion for the Horizon Comfort U upright bike

 
The Horizon Comfort U upright bike is a great option for anyone who wants to simulate a leisure bike ride at home because whether or surroundings do not allow for this. It is not designed for very heavy athletes or very intense workouts as the frame is rather light.

Topics: Cardio, Horizon, BIke