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

Nordictrack Grand Tour Pro vs concept 2 model E

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

Feb 10, 2021 9:00:00 AM

Nordictrack Grand Tour Pro vs concept 2 model E

This is a comparison between the Nordictrack Grand Tour Pro and the concept 2 model E including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details.

Click for Instagram

Overview and review of the concept 2 model E

The Concept 2 Model E comes in at $1100. 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".

Related articles

Overview of the Concept 2 model E

 
The concept 2 model E tower is one of the top of range rower options from concept 2. The main difference to other rowers is the seat height and protection of the chain. Think of this as a beefed up version of towers that you can easier get on and off. 
 
Concept 2 also delivers the PM5 Monitor with the Model E rower. This computer gets very good feedback a across the board in the industry. It enables you to link multiple rowers together to have a race. Whatever you get, make sure that it has a function to store your times and race against yourself. That is very satisfying and useful. The concept 2 model e rower comes with the following specifications: 
 
  • 54” monorail length
  • 20” seat height 
  • 5-year warranty frame parts
  • 2-year warranty all part
 
The concept 2 Model E is a great option to beef up your existing rower assortment or to directly start with a model that has been perfected over time.
 

Pros of the concept 2 model E

 
The pros of the model E rower are: 
 
  • Static arm 
  • Higher seat 
  • PM5 monitor
  • Bulkier frame 
 
The PM5 monitor is fixed on a status arm compared to other rower models. This makes it easier to keep it in place and the material is less likely to fail. Even though the adjustable arms seems nice they actually cause more trouble than extra value. Over time you have to tighten the screws and take care so that monitor will not be all over the place during a challenge challenging workout. A static arm is much preferred in my opinion as long as it fixed at a height that makes sense to do the readings.
 
A higher seat has several advantages. If you have very big athletes or someone who can not get on the lower seat option from other rowers, than this is the solution. It is also great if you want to switch between workouts quickly in circuit training. 
 
The PM5 monitor is also an advantage of other models. This monitor is becoming standard across the concept 2 range but just check before purchase whether it is really on or you need to select another option. I hear a lot of good about this monitor. 
 
The bulkier frame will make it possible for the model E to take more of beating if your intention is to use it in a gym setup. 
 

Cons of the concept 2 model E

 
The cons of the concept 2 model e are 
 
  • Price 
  • Specificity 
  • Space requirements 
 
The price of the model E is quite a bit higher than for most other rower options. If you only want to row you might be able to save the worth of a barbell or a couple of plates by going for a different option.
 
Rowing is not very specific to most sports except CrossFit and rowing itself. If you are building a team that competes in some kind of major league you will still need treadmills besides the rowers. In addition, the higher seat is also less specific to actual rowing. The Olympic rowing boats are tiny and you sit very closely to the ground. 
 
The last disadvantage of a rower is the space requirement. Compared to a bike, especially for a home gym, the length of the unit can turn into a real headache. 
 

Alternatives to the Concept 2 model E

 
Alternatives to the concept 2 model E rower are
 
 
The concept 2 model d rower would be the logical choice if you want to save some money. It is basically the same machine, just with slower seat and less fancy. If you want to row and be budget conscious this might be the option for you.
 
The Rogue echo bike is a solid alternative for the home gym to kick your butt. It costs considerably less than the model E and delivers a challenging, maybe even better impact on your cardiovascular system.
 
The air assault runner is the budget option for self-propelled running. It is still a lot triple the price of the model E. If you are running an establishment to produce the best you probably need a rower and one of these self-propelled machines. 
 

Summary for the Concept 2 model E

 
The model E is a sound upgrade on the model E aimed at rehab or big boys. It is also one of the best things money can buy from concept 2. Is it worth the extra money compared to the model D? Probably not if you care more about the budget than having the best things in life.
 
 
 
 
 

Overview and review of the Nordictrack Grand tour pro 1499 (US)

This article discusses the pros, cons, and alternatives for the Nordictrack Grand Tour Pro.This review was originally posted in “Which Nordictrack bike to get”. Follow the links for more details.

Related articles

The Grand tour pro bike from Nordictrack is the flagship in spinning bikes from this brand. The main features of this machine are its 10-inch touch screen, freewheel clutch, and 10% incline. the full list of features covers the following points:
 
  • 10” Smart HD Touchscreen
  • Includes 1-Year NordicTrack iFit® membership**
  • Integrated Tablet Holder
  • Auxiliary Music Port
  • Two 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers
  • Upright Articulating Cycle
  • 3 Piece Crank
  • Freewheel Clutch
  • SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
  • 26 Digital Resistance Levels
  • -10° to 10° Incline and Decline
  • OneTouch™ Controls
  • Oversized Levelers
  • 375 Lb. User Capacity
  • CoolAire™ Workout Fan
  • Oversized Cushion Seat
  • Vertical Seat Adjustment
  • Horizontal Seat Adjustment
  • Extra-wide, Ergonomic Foot Pedals with Adjustable Strap
  • 2–3 Lb. Integrated Dumbbells
  • Integrated Handle Controls for Incline and Resistance
  • Front-mounted Transport Wheels
  • Water Bottle Holder
  • 57.5" L x 23.5" W x 62" H Footprint
  • 10-Year Frame Warranty
  • 2-Year Parts Warranty
  • 1-Year Labor Warranty
This is a solid bike to take your spinning classes home and connect to the trainer via a 10-inch touchscreen. If you like to work out at home and keep engaged, this is the machine for you. 
 

Pros of the Nordic track Grand tour pro

 
  • 10% incline
  • 10-inch screen
  • Freewheel clutch
Compared to the S10i and S15i you get a reasonably balanced bike at a good price point including an incline. It is up to you whether you prefer the experience of a freewheel clutch or an inertia flywheel. If you like spinning classes over usual bikes on the gym floor, go with the Grand tour range. 
 
The 10% incline will enable you to follow the Ifit instructors on various tracks around the world and the incline will automatically adjust according to where your ride takes you. This keeps the experience and fun and you engaged to stay fit and healthy.
 

Cons of the Nordic Track Grand Tour pro

 
The cons of the Grand tour Pro are:
 
  • Price
  • Storage of dumbbells
  • Ifit subscription
If you wanted to buy in bulk or do not need the fancy extras, because there is already a big screen on your home gym for youtube videos, then the price is high. You can get goof spinning bikes for under 1000  without these bells and whistles if they do not appeal to you. 
 
The storage of the dumbbells can rattle or they fall off. Unfortunately there is no click-in system for the dumbbells to keep them in place. This is a minor annoyance as you can easily store 3lbs dumbbells somewhere in the room you train in. Still worth mentioning when you invest $1500. 
 
The Ifit subscription will cost you somewhere between $10 to $30 a month depending on which subscription you will choose. Not everybody likes to pay infinitely to use all of the features of their home gym equipment. Still, there are plenty of workouts available in the free library, but you will not have access to the live content and latest releases. 
 

Alternatives to the Grand tour pro 

 
The alternatives to the Grand tour pro are
 
The Nordictrack Grand tour is the little brother of the Grand tour pro. It comes in with a smaller screen that is 7-inch across to save you $200. If you do not care about big screens you can save the $200 to get a nice pair of shoes with the Grand Tour to start your new exercise regimen.
 
The Nordictrack 6.5 SI treadmill is another option in the same budget bracket as the Grand Tour Pro. This is a solid treadmill for walkers, joggers, and runners alike. Runners should just take care that the treadmill is not necessarily designed for high speed pounding over a prolonged period of time. Do a moderate long-distance run or short sprints. If you are very heavy, fast and can run for a long time you might want to a little more upmarket in the Nordictrack portfolio.
 
The Nordictrack SE7i elliptical can be a good compromise to accommodate many different clients or family members when space is limited. Ellipticals are machines that usually appeal to a wider audience than bikes. Not everybody likes to sit on a saddle for half an hour to get their daily burn in. Ellipticals leave you with more options as long as you have enough clearance to the ceiling.  
 
The concept 2 model D is the classic option for indoor rowing. You can not go wrong with this model and you can even hang it on the wall after you finished your workout to save some space. It is also less expensive than the Grand Tour pro. 
 
The rogue echo bike is my personal favorite for home gym use. Simple, straight forward, and sturdy. This machine is affordable and built like a tank. I put on my bose earphones, leave the iPhone on the countertop and blast intervals until the airbike beats me to it.
 

Summary for the Nordictrack Grand Tour Pro

 
The Grand Tour pro is a very good option for the serious spinning class enthusiast to keep their hobby up from home. If you want to save a little money go for the Grand Tour from NordicTrack instead. 

Topics: Treadmill