This article discusses the pros, cons, and alternatives for the Nordictrack VX550.This review was originally posted in “Which Nordictrack bike to get”. Follow the links for more details.
The
VX 550 is one of the lower budget bikes in the NordicTrack line up and is currently only available via the UK website. Its main features are a 9kg flywheel, 5-inch backlit display, and a maximum capacity of 125kg. This is the bike for you if you want a bigger flywheel for relatively little and you do not care about Ifit or other digital features to keep you engaged. The full list of features reads:
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Oversized Cushion Seat
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Vertical and Horizontal Seat Adjustment
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Extra-wide Ergonomic Pedals with Adjustable Straps
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No AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan Included
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Front-mounted Transport Wheels
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Tablet Holder Included
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20 Workouts Apps
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Assembled Dimensions - 150L x 61W x 167H cm
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Product Weight 44kg
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Boxed Weight 56kg
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Boxed Dimensions - 106L x 32W x 66H cm
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Warranty - 2 Years parts and labor; 5-year frame guarantee upon warranty registration within 28 days of purchase.
This is currently the cheapest 9kg flywheel you can get from Nordictrack. If you are an above-average cyclist who wants a bike that lasts to get a medium cycle in when it rains, the
VX 550 can be a good option for you.
Pros of the VX 550
The
VX550 has a great price point for a Nordictrack Cardio machine. In addition you will get a fairly big flywheel for what you are paying. The
GX 4.7R is in the same price range but only has a 7kg flywheel. The combination of price and bigger flywheel makes this the durable low budget option in exchange for not being up to the times in the entertainment and engagement department.
Cons of the VX550
The
VX550 is not compatible with the Ifit subscription from NordicTrack. This means that the number of days for the
VX550 in the NordicTrack portfolio are very numbered. NordicTrack is pushing hard on catching up to Peloton in the entertainment and engagement segment to regain market share and establish recurring revenue. The
VX550 does not fit anywhere in this strategy. If you are a commercial buyer who wants buy-in bulk, stay way clear from this one for your gym. Home users will have to make a conscious decision whether it is worth to get a 9kg instead of a 7kg flywheel while trading off Ifit. If you think you need the engagement features, go for the
GX 4.7R instead of the
VX550.
Alternatives to the VX550
Possible alternatives to the
VX550 are:
The
Nordictrack GX 4.7 is the better option if you are convinced that you need some instructors and entertainment to keep engaged with your workouts. You will get a smaller flywheel, but in return the
GX 4.7 is Ifit compatible and therefore give you a big library of engaging content.
The
Nordictrack C700 treadmill is a low budget alternative for anyone who prefers jogging or walking over cycling. The
C700 is the cheapest treadmill in the Nordictrack line up that you can currently get. While it is a good option for joggers and walkers, it might be a bit too small for serious runners who put their treadmills through a lot of abuse.
The
SE3i elliptical is the low budget elliptical option from Nordictrack. An elliptical can be a good compromise for the entire family or in a small gym to keep multiple happy, rather than just cyclists. The downside of an elliptical is that it needs more space and higher ceilings.
The
concept 2 model D rower is the bread and butter machine in the rowing world. If you prefer rowing over cycling you can not go wrong with this model. You can also hang the rower on the wall to save space when you are not using it. The model D will be slightly more expensive than
VX550.
My personal favorite is the
Rogue echo bike for home gym use. It is slightly more expensive than the
VX550 but is built more stable. In return you sacrifice any type of entertainment as it does not come with a screen. The
Rogue echo bike is designed for serious athletes and might be a little intimidating for anyone who just wants to stay active and mobile, without pushing themselves to the brink of exhaustion.
Summary for the Nordictrack VX550
The
VX550 is a good option if you want a big flywheel at a low price from Nordictrack. In exchange for this, you will get a product which the Nordictrack management will care very little about so expect that it will be harder to get support and parts for it.