TITAN fan bike vs Nordictrack GX 4.6

This is a comparison between the TITAN fan bike and the Nordictrack GX 4.6 including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article has been originally published in which conditioning equipment to get from TITAN. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review of the Nordictrack GX 4.6 Pro 999 (UK)

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:

7" HD Touchscreen Display
iFit Integrated
Includes 1 Years iFit Family Membership
Integrated Pivoting Tablet Holder
Dual 2" Speakers

Upright Frame
11kg Inertia-enhanced Flywheel
SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
24 Digital Resistance Levels
Max User Weight 130kg
EKG Grip Pulse Heart Rate Monitor
BLE Chestbelt Compatible

Oversized Cushion Seat
Vertical & Horizontal Seat Adjustment
Extra-wide, Ergonomic Foot Pedals with Adjustable Strap
AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan

Front-mounted Transport Wheels
Product Weight 47kg
Boxed Weight 51kg
Assembled Dimensions - 94L x 63W x 156H cm
Boxed Dimensions - 107L x 36W x 64H cm
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

The pros of the GX 4.6 are:

Inbuilt screen 7-inch screen
Heart rate monitor included
Good value for money

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

The cons of the Nordictrack GX 4.6 are:

No Bluetooth
No Incline
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.

Overview and review of the TITAN fan bike

This is an overview of the TITAN fan bike including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article was originally published in Which cardio equipment to get from TITAN. Follow the links for more details.

Overview of the TITAN Fan bike

The TITAN fan bike is a clone of the Rogue Echo bike with massive wheels on it. One other major difference is that it is driven by a chain rather than a belt. Price-wise it undercuts the Rogue echo bike. Fanbikes are ideal for interval training to really kick your butt with Tabata training or other forms of interval training. For this, fan bikes are far superior to treadmills or rowing machine. If you want to burn the maximum amount of calories in the shortest amount of time, fan bikes are the best option for the lowest price. The details of the TITAN fan bike are:

Height: 50-in

Seat height: 33 - 42.75 in

Footprint: 50.25-in x 20.375-in

Handle diameter: 38 mm

Wheel diameter: 10-in x 3-in.

Finish: Powder-Coated Black

Material: Heavy-Duty Steel

Weight capacity: 330lb

Product weight: 111lb.

- Fully enclosed metal chain drive

- Removable fan guard

- LCD Console Display with customizable modes

- Bluetooth Heart Rate function pairs with Polar® Bluetooth Heart Rate Transmitters

- Tracks Time, Distance, Heart Rate, RPM, Calories, Watts, Odometer

- High-Intensity Interval Training Programs

- Large ergonomic seat with multi-adjustment options

- Knurled footpegs and rear handle

- Reinforced metal foot pedals

- Sealed cartridge bearings utilized in every pivot

- Turf tires for easy moving over any terrain

- Aluminum Water Bottle Holder

- Phone holder with grippy pad

- Assembly hardware

This is a solid low price fan bike, especially if you want to use it outside. The only downside is the chain which is more likely to break than a belt.

Pros of the TITAN Fan bike

Price
Big wheels

The price of the TITAN fan bike is something to behold and undercuts the Rogue Echo bike even further. The Echo bike already was an attack on the $1000 mark in the Airbike sector and TITAN is taking it one step further by making it even cheaper.

Another bonus are the bigger wheels on the TITAN. This is a smart move on TITAN's behalf to differentiate the TITAN fan bike from the rest of the line up in fan bikes. These big wheels are great for the outdoors or a garage gym with very rough surfaces.

Cons of the TITAN fan bike

The cons of the TITAN fan bike are:

Computer unit
Chain drive
Build

The computer unit and arrangement of the buttons is not as convenient as with other vendors on the market. The computer of the Rogue Echo bike has different programs on speed dial beside the panel and the display is also bigger. The display is also a little removed from you so that your sweat won't drop as easily on it. If you lean forward on the TITAN fan bike on a strenuous session, your sweat will be all over the screen.

Chain drives are cheaper and easier to build but also make for a less smooth transition of force to the flywheel and make the machine more prone to malfunction. This is more of a consideration for very heavy users, as it takes some time to get a chain to break, but still, something to consider, especially in commercial settings.

Overall the TITAN fan bike is one of the air bikes that feels the flimsiest of the different products which are available in the market from bigger vendors. This is TITAN's style of cutting corners where they can to bring you the cheapest possible viable product for a given purpose. If you want to save money, you'll like it.

Alternatives to the TITAN Fan bike

Alternatives to the TITAN fan bike are:

Rogue Echo bike
NordicTrack VU 19
Schwinn Airdyne
Versaclimber

The Rogue Echo bike has been the disruptor in the market of air bikes. It was the first air bike of a reputable brand that undercut the $1000 mark while still being sturdy. This is the gold standard and if you want to be sure what you are getting, opt for the Echo bike. I own one myself and have put it to a lot of abuse. The only downside of this bike is that it does not have a screen for watching movies, but that is the same for the TITAN fan bike.

The Nordictrack VU 19 is one of the cheapest bikes in the collection of Nordictrack. This bike is more focused on long-distance cycling and comfort for the masses. You will get a small screen to watch movies or browse the internet. This is what would work for the entire family without intimidating anyone. The only disadvantage is that this bike is $1000 instead of considerably lower like the Rogue echo bike and TITAN fan bike.

The Schwinn Airdyne fan bike is the original market leader in the industry which has been dethroned by the Rogue Echo bike. If you want to buy from a company that has been around for a long time and focuses majorly on cardio machines then Schwinn is the right bet.

Versaclimber is the tool to get if you want to burn the most calories possible in the shortest amount of time on the smallest footprint. A workout on a Versaclimber is relentless and will get your pulse racing and sweat rolling. To top this of these machines also have a very small footprint and therefore save space in any home gym environment. The disadvantages are that you need a high ceiling and that the price is far beyond $1000. If you only want the best and be fast

Conclusion for the TITAN Fan bike

The TITAN fan bike is everything that TITAN stands for. They take a great product where another company took the lead. Then they try to get a share of that market by becoming the cost leader. This is reflected in the product, its finish, and the subtle little details like the sweat dripping directly on the electronics. The Fan bike will do its job and it will do it well. If you want to be proud of your equipment you might want to look somewhere else. But in the end, it is just fitness equipment.