Nordictrack GX 4.7R vs 10.9i

 

 

This is a review of the Nordictrack Elite 10.9i 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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The elite 10.9i is the low-cost front-drive elliptical from Nordictrack. Its main features are a 20-pound flywheel, 20% incline, and a 7-inch touchscreen. The full list of features includes: 

 

This is the elliptical to get if you want to maximize your savings while still buying an elliptical from Nordictrack.

 

 

The pros of the 10.9 elliptical are:

 

The 10.9 elliptical can not be beaten on price in the NordicTrack line-up and still dons a 7-inch touch screen. If you are considering this model the main criteria for purchase will be price, as otherwise, you are possibly looking at other options from Nordictrack.

 

 

The cons of the 10.9 elliptical are:

 

If you are a commercial buyer you probably want to look at the 12.9i instead. It is only a small uptick in price but you get a 30 pound instead of a 20-pound flywheel. As commercial buyers should assume heavier usage and more breakage this minimal uptick in price is a good tradeoff for fewer maintenance cases. I am also quite sure that if you buy 10 plus machines in one go you will get the 12.9i for the price of a 10.9i per piece anyway if you ask for it. 

 

A front-drive elliptical is a big machine. Take this into consideration, especially when you are buying for a home gym. More than $1000 for one machine is still a considerable investment in the private realm. If you are already budget-conscious you might as well get a stationary bike for a lower footprint and price to meet your endurance goals.

 

 

Alternatives to the 10.9 elliptical are:

 

The 12.9i front-drive elliptical is the better option for commercial buyers as it is better value for money. It will not impress any of your clients, but also not look cheap or break the bank. If you want to impress go for the 14.9i instead which has a massive screen included. 

 

The Nordictrack SE7i is a rear-drive elliptical and can be an alternative for home gym owners who still want a high quality elliptical and save some space. The SE7i comes in at the same price as the 10.9i but has the advantage that the rear-drive design makes it foldable. This way it can be folded up and stored against a wall when it is not used. This is not relevant for most commercial gym scenarios, but definitely in smaller home gym environments.

 

The concept 2 rower is a good option for anyone who likes a bit more intensity but does not want to stand while exercising. These rowers can also be conveniently stored on a wall hanger to save space when not in use. The main models are the Model E and Model D. Go for the Model E when you are either big and strong (reads NFL player sized) are have problems with going very low. The Model D version is the standard concept 2 model.

 

The Rogue echo bike is my personal favorite when it comes to bang for your buck. It has a high-quality machine that can be used professionally and only costs $700. It is space-efficient and intense.  If you are a home gym owner who means business and does not need any fancy stuff, this is the machine to get. 

 

 

The 10.9i is a good option for anyone who loves the idea of an elliptical at home for occasional exercise and has space. For my personal tastes I think you can be more consequent in your thinking for a home gym and push the cost under $1000, but I do not have any medical conditions preventing me from doing that. I am also not a huge fan of ellipticals as I have run three marathons and want a bigger challenge. But that is just for context, I might think very differently in 10 - 20 years time or if I consider everyone in the family for a home gym.

 

The GX 4.7R is the cheapest of the G series line up of the Nordictrack bikes. Its main features are a 5-inch Backlit display, 7kg flywheel, and 125kg maximum capacity. With this, it is the easiest item to start with cardio equipment from the NordicTrack bike line up. The full list of features reads: 

 

• 5" Backlit Display
• 1 Year iFit Membership Included
• Smart BlueTooth (BLE) Chestbelt Compatible
• Dual 2-Inch Speakers

• Recumbent Frame
• Step Thru™ Design
• 7kg Flywheel
• 22 Digital Resistance Levels
• Onetouch™ Controls
• EKG Handgrips
• 125kg Max User Weight

• Lumbar Supported Cushioned Seat
• Horizontal Seat Adjustment
• Extra-wide Ergonomic Pedals with Adjustable Straps
• AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan

• Front-mounted Transport Wheels
• Water Bottle Holder
• Tablet Shelf
• 24 Workouts Apps
• Assembled Dimensions - 137L x 64W cm x 131H cm
• Product Weight 48kg
• Boxed Weight 53kg
• Boxed Dimensions - 142L x 33W x 66H cm
• Warranty - 2 Years parts and labor; 5-year frame guarantee upon warranty registration within 28 days of purchase.

This is the low budget option and does what it says on the tin. It gets you a convenient bike for occasional use with no bells and whistles. Think about your user profile and what you enjoy and decide accordingly.

 

 

The pros of the GX 4.7 Pro are:

 

I do not really have a lot else to say about this bike. It is cheap and cheerful for a Nordictrack bike and gives you a screen, pedals, seat, and bars to get going. But that is about it. So if you love spending as little as possible, go for this one. If your budget stretches to 1000, which admittedly, is double the price of this bike, go for the GX 4.6 which is better value for money. 

 

 

The cons of the Nordictrack GX 4.7R are:

 

The GX 4.7R comes without a touchscreen or Bluetooth. This means that many modern ways of doing exercise from home or without disturbing the person next to you in the gym are simply not convenient to do. The lack of Bluetooth is a general oversight in the Nordictrack bike portfolio and is amplified in their cheaper models as they also lack other features. Still, you can not expect to save money and get a lot of features when you buy a new model. 

 

 

Alternatives to the GX 4.7R are:

 

The GX 4.6 Nordictrack bike is, in my opinion, the best value for money option in the Nordictrack bike line up for the UK. IT comes with a big flywheel, heart rate monitor, and a touch screen. With these features, you at least keep a connection with the current industry standard rather than being left completely behind. If you intend to use your bike for 3 - 5 years and have fun with it, spend the extra money if a bike is all you are getting. If you just want a bike fast and cheap, stick with the GX 4.7.

 

The concept 2 model D is a rower which is roughly in the same price range as the GX 4.6. A rower has the advantage that it can be hung on the wall when you do not use it. The model D is also the flagship of concept 2 and therefore a safe bet for maintenance and spare parts. The GX 4.7 might leave you with bottlenecks for both down the line. 

 

The Rogue echo bike os my personal favorite for home gyms. It is solid, has a good, simple design, and makes your sweat drip hard. It has not been designed for entertainment but for performance. I personally like that approach, but it is not for everyone. Apart from this it is slightly more expensive than the GX 4.7 and therefore might be ruled out by some. 

 

 

Cheap and cheerful sums it up quite well. If you only have a couple of bucks left after planning out your entire gym and want to cram in a bike as an afterthought, this is the one. Maybe just to keep the wife and the kids happy. If you want to crush a lot of miles and care about longevity, this is not the bike for you.