Information on how to run faster, lift stronger and think deeper

Horizon fitness Upright U bike vs Nordictrack X22i treadmill

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

Apr 22, 2021 9:00:00 AM

Horizon fitness Upright U bike vs Nordictrack X22i treadmill

This is a comparison of the Horizon fitness Upright U cycle and the Nordictrack X22i treadmill including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details.

If you want the most up to date news or ask direct questions, then you can follow me on Instagram.

Click for Instagram

 
 
 
 

Overview and review Nordictrack Commercial X22i $2999 - $3999

This is a review of the Nordictrack X22i. The original was published in "Which Nordictrack trwadmill to get". Follow the links for more details.

 

Related Articles

 

Overview Nordictrack Commercial X22i $2999 - $3999

 

The X22i is the little brother of the Nordictrack 32i. It has the same specs and bells and whistles except that the touch screen is 22 instead of 32 inches. Downsizing the screen by this much saves you about $1000 on the purchase to spend on other things for your home gym. The specifications for the X22i are:
 
  • 22” Smart HD Touchscreen
  • 1-Year iFit® Membership Included ($468 Value)**
  • Bluetooth® Audio Capabilities
  • Two 3” Digitally-Amplified Speakers
  • Reflex™ Cushioning
  • 22” x 60” Commercial Tread Belt
  • Dual AutoBreeze™ Workout Fans
  • 0 - 40% Incline
  • 0 – 6% Decline
  • 0 - 12 MPH Speed
  • One Touch® Controls
  • 4.0 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus Motor◊
  • 2.5” Precision and Balanced Non-Flex Rollers
  • iFit Bluetooth® Chest Strap Included
  • 300 Lb. User Capacity
  • 50 On-Board Workout Programs
  • 70.2” L x 39.6” W x 71.6” H Footprint
  • 10-Year Frame Warranty
  • 2-Year Parts Warranty
  • 1-Year Labor Warranty
 
All things being equal this is a good option for a home gym that has been given a good budget or professional facilities that want the best and still be able to buy in bulk. The 32i might be a better option in facilities that work a lot with clients who are visually impaired in some way to give them a bigger screen to look at. 
 

Pros of the Nordictrack X22i

 
The X22i has the benefits of all of the high-end incline Nordictrack treadmills which includes:
 
  • Great cushioning
  • Big range of inclines
  • High rate finish
  • Wide belt
  • Powerful motor 
  • High weight capacity
 
This treadmill has been built for professional use. It has the right cushioning and can take up to 300 lbs of weight. In addition, you can go up to 40% of the incline in various increments. The finish is immaculate and combined with a great digital package to round up the experience. This is not the Mayback, but still the Mercedes E class of NordicTrack treadmills. 
 

Cons of the Nordictrack X22i

 

The cons of the Nordictrack 22i are:

 
  • Smaller screen compared to the 32i
  • Can not be folded 
  • Price 
  • Overkill
 
If you are already looking at incline treadmills with touch screen chances are high that you not that much of a budget-conscious buyer. These treadmills usually start around $3000 and go upwards from there. If you are already willing to invest that much into a treadmill, why get the smaller screen? Yes, $1000 is a good argument compared to the 32i, but to be honest, if you comparing the X32i and the X22i based on price, I think you went in at the wrong end of the portfolio. But that is just my opinion. 
 
This treadmill uses the same base as the X32i and is, therefore, the biggest frame Nordictrack provides. This treadmill can not be folded and has a wider belt than most standard treadmills. If you have limited space in your home or want to fit as many treadmills as possible into a small space, this is not the right option for you. 
 
As this treadmill provides the best of everything you also pay one of the highest prices for a treadmill from Nordictrack. In most cases, you will not make use of most of the incline options and other bells and whistles and not get your full value out of them. Less is more with most gym equipment as the fancier the use case, the less likely it is that you will actually use what you are paying for. Unless being fancy is part of your brand strategy or what you like. But that relates to Status which this treadmill also can represent. 
 

Alternatives for the Nordictrack X22i

 
Alternatives to the Nordictrack x22i are:
 
 
The True Form Runner is an alternative to the Nordictrack 22i which plays in the same price range. The True Form runner has no screen or incline and works without a motor. The main concept is that this treadmill runs on bearing. Therefore it is the better fit for fast interval training and sprints with a lot of acceleration. Basketball players, football players, and other team sport/sprint related athletes might get more use to increase performance out of this machine. 
 
The NordicTrack 2950 is the top of the line model which costs $1000 less. You get 15% of incline and a 22-inch screen with about the same bells and whistles otherwise. I still think this is more than enough for running indoors and lets you get 3 instead of 2 treadmills against $10.000. If you want luxury but don't want to go crazy on spending, go with this one. 
 
The Rogue Echo Bike is a very compact low price option at about $700 if you want to keep your knees safe and still get a good workout in. It is robust, easy to store and you can get a whole fleet of them for the price of two X22i. If your gym has not a lot of space or you want to maximize it, this is a solid option. In terms of comfort do not expect too much as this bike does not have any fans and screens or digital gadgets attached to it.
 
Now currently the ultimate holy grail in calories per second is probably a Versaclimber. The footprint is low, the calories per second very high. The only downside the Versaclimber's have compared to the Rogue Echo bike is that they at least are double the price. More likely in the $3000 - $4000 range.
 

Summary of the X22i

 
If you want the best of everything but can not afford the 32i, go with the X22i. I am still not a fan of compromising when I am willing to fork out more than $1000 on fitness equipment, but that is up to the individual. If it was for me and I ad decided that I need a touch screen and 40% inclined I might as well wait for a little and put some extra money for the X32i aside and be proud of myself. 

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.

Related Articles

Which Horizon fitness treadmill to get?
Which Horizon fitness bike to get?
Which Horizon fitness elliptical to get?
 
Which Nordictrack treadmill to get?
Which Nordictrack elliptical to get?
Which Nordictrack bike to get?
 
Which Cardio Equipment to get from TITAN?
Which conditioning equipment to get from Rogue Fitness?


 

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