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NordicTrack 2950 vs Rogue Echo bike [Article,Video]

Written by Pascal Landshoeft | Jun 10, 2020 4:00:00 AM

NordicTrack 2950 vs Rogue Echo bike

This is a comparison of the Nordictrack 2950 treadmill and the Rogue Echo bike. Follow the links for more detail.

Overview and review of the Rogue Echo bike

The Rogue Echo bike comes in at $750 - $795. In this article you will learn more about the product itself, its Pros and cons and alternatives you might want to consider. This article has originally been published in the overview "Which conditioning equipment to buy from Rogue".

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Overview of the Rogue Echo bike

 

The Rogue echo bike is built on a solid steel frame to give you one of the sturdiest fan bikes $800 can buy. It is probably the best value for money option for a cardio machine that you can get. The Rogue echo bike has the following specifics:
 
  • Color black 
  • Made in USA no
  • Weight 127LB
  • Length 58.875”
  • Width 29.875”
  • Height 52.75”
  • Footprint 44.5”x 23.75”
 
Fanbikes are ideal for interval training. If you want to burn as many calories as possible in the shortest amount of time this is a great tool to go for. 
 

Pros of the Rogue Echo bike

 
The pros of the Rogue echo bike are
 
  • Build 
  • Price 
  • Space 
 
As everything from Rogue, the Echo bike is completely overbuilt. In fitness, this is usually a good character trait. The echo bike will stay in place during your ride and not sway. It is also driven by a band instead of a chain which means less maintenance and noise. The computer which comes with it has good contrast so that you can see exactly what is going. Some other vendors provide computers which leave you guessing. 
 
The price of the Rogue echo bike is excellent for what you are getting. While most other fan bikes hug the $1000 mark you can get the echo bike and just about for a barbell into the $1000. 
 
Compared to treadmills, ellipticals, and rowers the echo bike takes up considerably less space. This is especially interesting for home gyms. 
 

Cons of the Rogue Echo bike

 
Cons of the rogue echo bike are
 
  • Not made in the USA
  • Specificity 
 
The Rogue echo bike is one of the exceptions from the Rogue portfolio and is not made in the USA. If you care about that you might want to find other options, although most of the fan bikes are assembled in the US at best.
 
Fanbikes are not that specific to any real sport. If you want to prepare your athletes with machines that are as specific as possible to the real world the TrueForm runner or concept 2 bikeErg might be better options for you. 
 

Alternatives to the Rogue Echo bike

 
Alternatives to the Rogue echo bike are: 
 
 
If you want a fan bike, but with a cooler looking fan, the Schwinn air bike might be the right choice for you. It is slightly more expensive than the Echo bike and has recently been used at CrossFit regionals. 
 
The TrueForm runner is the ultimate indoor running simulator. This is the best that money can currently buy if you want to simulate running for long distances on the pitch as closely as possible while being independent of the weather. 
 
The concept 2 bikeErg simulates the look and feel of a real street race with a bike as closely as possible. You will even have the switching of gears inbuilt. 
 

Summary for the Rogue Echo bike

 
The Rogue echo bike is probably the best option for your home gym to burn calories fast on a budget while not compromising on quality. This has been priced to sell in truckloads and it does. If you don’t want to think too hard about your purchase, this is the way to go. 
 

Overview and review Nordictrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill $2999 - $3599

This is a review of the Nordictrack commercial 2950 model which was originally posted in "Which Nordictrack treadmill to get". Follow the links for more details.

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Overview Nordictrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill $2999 - $3599

 
The 2950 is the top-end treadmill from Nordictrack without the big %40 incline option. The main features are the massive 22-inch touchpad and the foldable Running track. The full list of features is:
 
  • 22” Smart HD Touchscreen
  • 1-Year iFit® Membership Included ($468 Value)**
  • Auxiliary Music Port
  • Two 3” Digitally-Amplified Speakers
  • Runners Flex™ Cushioning
  • Dual AutoBreeze™ Workout Fans
  • 22” x 60” Commercial Tread Belt
  • 4.25 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus Motor
  • 0 - 12 MPH Speed
  • 0 - 15% Incline
  • 0 - 3% Decline
  • OneTouch® Controls
  • EKG Grip Pulse
  • 300 Lb. User Weight Capacity
  • 2.5” Precision and Balanced Non-Flex Rollers
  • SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
  • 40 On-Board Workout Programs
  • Integrated Tray
  • 79.5” L x 39.2” W x 66.6” H Footprint
  • 10-Year Frame Warranty
  • 2-Year Parts Warranty
  • 1-Year Labor Warranty
If you have some surplus money to spend and like the good things in life this is the treadmill for you. The incline options from Nordictrack technically have more bells and whistles if you only want the best, but I think you are more than covered with what the 2950 has to offer with the added bonus that it can be folded up. 

Pros of the Nordictrack 2950 

 
The pros of the 2950 Nordictrack treadmill are: 
 
  • Big screen 
  • Good folding mechanics 
  • Strong motor
  • High capacity and large belt 
 
This machine is a great option for a high-end home gym for which the owner does not want to spare any expenses without paying for unnecessary gimmicks which will be rarely used. If you work with the elderly are anyone that needs a big touch screen you will not be disappointed with the 2950. The same goes for if you need the extra size and cushioning because you are heavy or just like comfort. 
 

Cons of the Nordictrack 2950 

 
The cons of the 2950:
 
  • No Start stops possible 
  • High price 
  • Big footprint 
 
The Nordictrack 2950 is a great option when you have the necessary change in your pocket and space in your home or gym. Otherwise, it is a pretty bad choice. If you have to buy in bulk the price will escalate quite quickly. You also can not do Start-stop sprints that are relevant to many sports. 
 

Alternatives to the Nordic track 2950 

 
Alternatives to the 2950 are 
 
 
The X32i is the ultimate treadmill you can get from Nordictrack. It has a 32-inch touchscreen and goes up to 40% incline. If you want everything and can pay for it go for this model. I personally think that 40% incline is overkill unless you are an extreme Trail runner who wants to be able to train all year round. If you want to burn the maximum calories per minute there are cheaper options than an incline treadmill. 
 
The Nordictrack X22i has the same specs as the X32i. The only difference is that the screen is 22inch and you save $1000 because of that.
 
The true form runner is roughly in the same price range than the 2950. Rather than using an electrical motor, you propel the belt forward yourself. This is a better option when you train high performing athletes who need to do start and stop drills. Especially if you have limited space. It’s still not as good as training outdoors on the pitch, but the true from runner can be used all year round even when the pitch can not be accessed.
 
The Rogue echo bike is a great value for money option if your main goal is to burn as many calories as possible in a short amount of time. It is roughly priced at $700 and therefore for under most cardio equipment you can get for your home gym. In addition, it is also very space-efficient. 
 
The Versaclimber SM is the ultimate machine for getting you to sweat and burn calories in the shortest amount of time. This machine is not for beginners and therefore has a smaller range than the rest of the cardio equipment in this comparison. The big disadvantage against the echo bike is the higher price tag. If you are super fit, rich and value your time above anything else, get this machine to burn the calories fast before you go on set or in the boardroom. If you are a mere mortal with limited finances get the Rogue echo bike to burn calories. 
 

Summary for the 2950 

 
The 2950 treadmill is, in my opinion, the sensible wealthy treadmill for the home gym owner or the elite/boutique sensible option for a commercial gym. Anyone who enters your gym will be impressed and it will not look cheap. In addition, you get a plethora of functionality without going overboard with the 40% incline. For everyone else, more than 3000 is a lot of money to spend on one machine. You can get up to ten squat stands for that and open an Olympic weightlifting gym. Just the plates might eat your budget up, but that is another topic.