The NordicTrack NTEX76016 Commercial Vr21 recumbent bike offers all of the features of a conventional bike with its extensive selection of pre-programmed workouts, or cycling workouts.
With 32 workout programs and 25 resistance levels it outshines all in its class. These workout programs will give you a break from long workout sessions monotony.
In order to set up the NordicTrack you have to connect it to your personal computer via a USB cable and then install its software. Once done, you can start to workout using the interactive console or the console-based program that can guide you through a variety of cardiovascular exercises in the comfort of your home. You can burn more calories than ever before using this new recumbent bike!
A new feature of NordicTrack NTEX76016 that you will love is the interactive console. It provides an intuitive interface for both the fitness enthusiast and the beginner in addition to providing numerous settings and workout options. You can choose the kind of workouts that you like such as resistance intensity, heart rate, speed, intervals, time or number of repetitions, and so much more. Furthermore, it also allows you to set maximum user weight capacity for each workout session.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Solid, well built machine
- Quiet magnetic resistance
- 32 workout programs
- iFit coach compatible
- Step-thru frame
- 350lb max user weight
- Durable, Supple, and breathable backrest
- Comfortable padded and adjustable seat
- AutoBreezeTM workout fan
- Extremely smooth belt drive
- Pulse sensors in the front handlebars
- Magnetic 25 levels motorized resistance system
- Portable with transport wheels
Cons
- You may need to pay extra for the heart rate chest strap
- Not commercial grade bike – but best for beginners and intermediate users.
- The word ‘Commercial’ is misleading as this bike is good only for residential use
- iFit subscription is mandatory
- Cooling fan not very powerful
- Only 2-year parts warranty
NordicTrack NTEX76016 Commercial Vr21 Recumbent Bike Reviews In Details
If you like to cycle in style and you are worried that you might get “too hot” while exercising or that you might end up tripping over the handles bars of your recumbent bike, NordicTrack has just the right device for you! NordicTrack NTEX76016 Commercial Vr 21 Recumbent Bike includes interactive console and various settings to help you exercise safely. You can change the resistance level and simulate mountain trails, steep slopes, smooth roads and even the ocean. The tablet holder allows you to place the tablet at the height you desire, while there is room for your hands above the console.
Workout Programs
The NordicTrack NTEX76016 Commercial Vr 21 Recumbent Bike includes workout programs that target specific areas of the body. For example, there is a program called Alpine Edge that challenges you to pedal with force to simulate terrain found on many a ski slope. You can also use the console to target your lower abs. You can adjust the incline to vary the difficulty of the workout programs.
Solid Build Quality
For the price point, the build quality of this NordicTrack bike is unbeatable and this bike is made to last for long period of time. You will love the bike’s weight, the VR21 is very heavy at 154lb.
The heavy recumbent bikes are good bike as the extra weight helps with stability, it will also give you an indication about the overall quality of this top recumbent bike.
Seat
The seat assembly of the NordicTrack NTEX76016 Commercial Vr 21 Recumbent Bike is made from heavy-duty ABS plastic and finished in black. In addition, the seat frame is constructed from welded aluminum. The machine’s pedals are recessed within the seat frame for added protection. The console is designed to sit on top of the console storage bin, and there is even room to store the remote control.
Console
The console of the NordicTrack NTEX76016 Vr 21 offers a variety of features. There is a speedometer that displays both the resistance speed as well as the elapsed time. There is also a timer that will countdown when you are in the mid-minute zone. If you want to race against someone else, there is an interactive button for that as well.
In addition, there is a power lift that lifts the top of the seat assembly to offer a comfortable working position. The console is manufactured with a heavy duty circuit board that is resistant to rusting and meets all U.S.G. and FCC standards.
Magnetic Resistance
NordicTrack NTEX76016 VR21 offers 25 levels of resistance, which is enough for most of the people. There is no complaints about the strength of its resistance. This NordicTrack recumbent bike has got enough resistance level to satisfy beginners to more advanced users.
Handlebars
NordicTrack NTEX76016 has two sets of handlebars, one attached to the console mast and integrated with the pulse sensors, while the other is attached to the seat assembly and moves along the adjustment rail. The lack of pulse sensors on the seat handlebar can be considered a defect, but the control unit is measured remotely, so it can read the users pulse via a chest strap transmitter (not included ). For optimal grip and comfort, there are rubber grips on both handlebars .
Flywheel
The main component of the drive system of a recumbent bike is the steering wheel, which is a mid-range steering wheel with a balanced body and weight circumference. It weighs 20 pounds. Provides smooth, stable movement with great momentum. You don’t even require lubrication. Therefore, users will not have to endure the hassle of removing covers and replacing them every few months to lubricate the system.
Pedals
The machine features a powerful 3-piece crank assembly. The steel connecting rods have plastic caps for added protection and an aesthetic touch. It features weighted pedals with adjustable straps to provide maximum foot stability while pedaling. The pedals have standard pegs, so replacements can easily be found if needed.
Additions
The device control unit integrates many additional functions. For starters, there is an audio system that is compatible with most smartphones, tablets, and MP3 players. There is an audio jack that allows users to connect their devices and listen to their favorite music through two built-in 2 ”speakers and digital speakers. The sound provided by the speakers is slightly better than the sound provided by the speakers on a phone or tablet.
Next, the console also has a built-in AutoBreeze exercise fan and tablet stand. The cooling fan is located on the bottom of the console and automatically adjusts its speed according to the intensity of the workout. It’s not too big and won’t provide much cooling, but it’s enough for a recumbent exercise bike. The tablet stand is large enough to hold any tablet and sits above the resistance control. In addition, there is also a water bottle holder.
Maintenance
Since the bike has a belt drive with a magnetic resistance system, the interior is virtually maintenance free. Unless an interior is damaged and needs to be replaced, users never have to remove the pulley or steering wheel guards.
In terms of outdoor maintenance, users just need to clean the bike and check the bolts and joints regularly and tighten them if necessary, and keep liquids away from the console.
Final Verdict
When it comes to the Nordic Track’s Commercial Vr21 Recumbent Bike, you will find several impressive features. It is a full size bike that is comparable to many other recumbent bikes in size and comfort. It has a light-weight aluminum frame with a rugged fork. It comes with a large comfortable and fully adjustable leather seat that easily adjusts for your height and body type.
With 32 preset exercise programs, 25 resistance levels, iFit compatibility, and pulse monitoring, the NordicTrack NTEX76016 VR21 Magnetic Recumbent Bike is a great exercise machine at an affordable price. It has a high weight capacity for the user, a strong and durable frame, a stepped design, a comfortable seat to avoid unnecessary stress on the back and joints, and an excellent warranty.
Therefore, it is an ideal exercise machine for weight loss, cardiovascular training, interval training, muscle consolidation, as well as recovery training and physical therapy. Overall, this bike is a great choice for those looking for some serious calorie burn and muscle building.
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