The Concept 2 Model D comes in at $900. 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".

 

The concept 2 model D rower is the bread and butter product from concept 2. This rower can be used by athletes of all sizes and ages. From low-intensity rehabilitation work to high-intensity racing between top athletes anything is possible with this machine. This is also a machine which you can most likely test yourself in a gym near you, which can not always be said for the other machines available on the Rogue website. The concept 2 model D comes with the following specifications: 

 

 

 

The concept 2 rower is the go-to option in the industry. You can not go wrong with this one if you want to stick up on a rower for your home gym or commercial facility. 

 

 

The pros of the concept 2 rower are

 

 

Working out with the concept 2 rower will be lighter on your joints compared to other endurance workouts. As you will slide back and forth this machine can also be used when a high impact is not possible due to injury. 

 

With the ten different settings for resistance and multiple workouts to choose from the computer, you can scale it in every direction. From intervals to long distance and races everything is possible.

 

The PM5 monitor is quickly becoming a standard which other endurance computers have live up to. In the reviews and testing I have done it comes out on top for connectivity to your phone and other machines for racing purposes. 

 

cons

 

 

 

The concept 2 rower is can be hung on a wall or broken up into two pieces for better storage. Still, at full length, it takes up considerable space compared to an Airbike. Especially for home gym arrangements, this might be a killer.

 

The rowing motion of the concept 2 is not specific to most sports. If you want to ensure that your training is as specific as possible a treadmill or bike might be the better option for you. 

 

 

Alternatives to the concept 2 model d rower are:

 

 

The model E rower is a great alternative with a higher seat. If you work mainly with the rehab clients or very tall athletes this is a good alternative. In addition, you also get a sturdier hold for your PM5 monitor.

 

The Rogue echo bike is a great alternative if you want to save space and money. This machine might even give you an even better workout, especially if you want to do interval training. It also takes up less space than the concept 2 rower unless you mount the rower to a wall. 

 

The TrueForm runner is the ultimate treadmill. You will need no access to power as it self propelled. The only downside is that it is about five times the price of the concept two rower. 

 

 

The concept 2 model d is a safe bet for all endurance needs which want to be low impact. You can place it in a big gym with a horde of strong athletes or a boutique gym specialized in rehab of the 50+ women. The pricing is average and it also has been on the market for a long time.

 

 

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.