This article discusses the pros, cons, and alternatives for the Nordictrack GX 4.6.This review was originally posted in “Which Nordictrack bike to get”. Follow the links for more details.
The
NordicTrack GX4.6 is one of the first bike models from Norictrack that you can get under 1000. At the time of writing it is only available for purchase in the UK and not in the US which points towards that this model might go end of life soon. In the states, this line of bikes has been rebranded to the "
Grand Tour" line. The main features of the
GX4.6 are its 7-inch touchscreen display, 11kg flywheel, and a maximum capacity of 130kg. The full list of features reads as followed:
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7" HD Touchscreen Display
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iFit Integrated
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Includes 1 Years iFit Family Membership
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Integrated Pivoting Tablet Holder
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Dual 2" Speakers
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Upright Frame
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11kg Inertia-enhanced Flywheel
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SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
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24 Digital Resistance Levels
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Max User Weight 130kg
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EKG Grip Pulse Heart Rate Monitor
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BLE Chestbelt Compatible
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Front-mounted Transport Wheels
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Product Weight 47kg
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Boxed Weight 51kg
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Assembled Dimensions - 94L x 63W x 156H cm
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Boxed Dimensions - 107L x 36W x 64H cm
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Warranty - 2 Years parts and labor; 5-year frame guarantee upon warranty registration within 28 days of purchase
Overall the
GX 4.6 is a solid bike that ticks all of the boxes. You will get a heart rate monitor, in build screen to surf the internet or use Ifit and a bigger flywheel. All of this not at a crazy price tag as for the S line of upright bikes from Nordictrack.
Pros of the GX 4.6
This upright bike comes with everything you need in the box. Especially for home gym owners this is a good option without breaking the bank. You have everything in one place and do not need to buy extra things which then come later in the post and mess up the experience. For 1000 this is a solid bike which borders between home and commercial use without breaking the bank. Commercial gyms might want to consider that some members might expect more from you in times of 32inch touchscreens and mega rigs. Still, if you run a no-nonsense gym this bike will do its work for the members who want to use one.
Cons of the Nordictrack GX 4.6
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No Bluetoot
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No Incline
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No massive screen
The lack of Bluetooth is an oversight in most of the Nordictrack bike line up. If you want to use your bose earphones with your new purchase you will be disappointed. That might be reason enough for some buyers to turn towards a different brand or model. No Bluetooth will also make it harder to pair your data from your polar or another device which you use for outdoor cycles with the data from The
GX 4.6. Of course, this is only relevant if you are already an avid outdoor cyclist.
Compared to the Nordictrack S series you will also get no incline with this model. The gap to the
S10i is 700 pounds. For this amount of money, you can get a second bike without an incline. So if you want a touchscreen under 1000 you will have to bite the bullet in the Nordictrack portfolio and not get an incline function.
Since Peloton entered the market there has been a shift of cardio equipment to attach bigger and bigger screens. If you buy into this trend than the
GX 4.6 is quite far behind the curve with a 7-inch touch screen. However, big screens are costly and you will be hard-pressed to find models under 2000 with a 22-inch or even 32-inch screens
Alternatives to the Nordictrack GX 4.6
Alternatives to the Nordictrack
GX 4.6 are:
The
SE5i is in the same price range as the
GX 4.6 and is a rear-drive elliptical. The console is very similar to the
GX 4.6. The
SE5i can be a good compromise for gyms with very limited space or home gyms. Not everyone likes the pounding of a treadmill or sitting in a saddle to get their cardio in. A rear-drive elliptical can be a compromise to cover all your members of the gym or family.
The
GX 4.4 is the little brother of the
Nordictrack GX 4.6. IT has no integrated touchscreen and comes without a heart rate monitor at a slightly lower price. If you are torn between the
GX 4.4 and the
GX 4.6 I would recommend getting the
GX 4.6. You are spending minimally more money on cardio equipment terms and get a better value for money options. With the
GX 4.4 you will have to invest in a heart monitor and attach your iPad to the machine to get to the same level of convenience. If you drop your iPad in the process and it breaks it already does not justify the money you saved for buying the
GX 4.4 instead of the
4.6.
The
concept 2 model D is the classic rower and the industry-standard for this fitness segment worldwide. If you prefer to row instead of biking to burn your calories than the
concept 2 model D is probably your best bet. In addition to a similar price tag you can also hang the rower on the wall to save space. This is usually not a good option with upright cardio bikes.
My personal favorite for use in a home gym is the
Rogue Echo bike. It is compact, has been stripped of most unnecessary entertainment and build like a tank. The
Echo bike will give you everything you need to push yourself and last a lifetime. Still, if you prefer something less beefy and with some entertainment, the
GX 4.6 is the better choice.
Summary for the Nordictrack GX 4.6
The
Nordictrack GX 4.6 is situated in the middöe of the Nordic track portfolio and covers all bases. You will not get the best of the best but also not break the bank. If you just want a solid bike and not out too much thought into your purchase, this is the model to get.