Last Updated: June 9, 2023
The VR21 from NordicTrack is an inexpensive, low-tech, recumbent exercise bike for home use. The simple step-through design makes it easy to mount and the mesh back provides excellent back support. We recommend this bike for users who want the low-impact benefits of cycling cardio with more support in the back, neck, and shoulders.
Why the NordicTrack VR21 Makes Our List Of Best Exercise Bikes
- This inexpensive bike is built well enough to last for a long time.
- The design of this recumbent bike provides lots of support to body parts that are normally under a lot of stress on a typical upright or road bike.
See our list of BEST EXERCISE BIKES here.
NordicTrack VR21 Build Quality
MODEL OVERVIEW
Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
Footprint: 61.1” L x 24.2” W x 54.6” H
Drive: front end flywheel, 20 lbs
Materials:
- Crank Arms – steel
- Pedals – wide foot pedals with adjustable strap
- Seat – extra-wide cushioned seat with mesh back support
- Frame – steel with plastic coverings
Resistance: 25 digital resistance levels, silent magnetic resistance
Adjustable Components:
- Seat slides forward and back to adjust for leg length
- Pedal straps adjust to fit foot size
NordicTrack VR21 Features & Accessories
Display: 5” Backlit LCD display + tablet holder
Speakers: Two 2” digital speakers
Incline/Decline: no
Heart Rate Monitor: EKG pulse grip heart rate monitor; Bluetooth capable pairing with some wearable HR monitors
Hardware:
Other:
- Two water bottle holders
- Fans on console
- Quick select buttons for adjusting incline and resistance
NordicTrack VR21 Subscription Service
Name: iFit
Brief Description: Large library of studio cycling, virtual road riding, and cross-training videos to view from your bike’s display.
Cost:
- 1-month subscription is included with your purchase of the VR21 Exercise Bike.
- $180/year for one user profile
- $39/month for up to 5 user profiles
User Profiles:
Class Varieties:
- Studio cycling
- Virtual road riding
- Access to running videos
- Cross-training pairs cycling and bodyweight exercises
- Floor exercises
Community: Share progress on iFit social channels, create or join monthly challenges, access to discussion boards, and more.
Subscription Limitations: Navigating the different apps and learning how they all work together takes a bit of practice.
More About NordicTrack
Home Delivery and Set-Up – NordicTrack will deliver most of their products for free but this means you’ll need to assemble the VR21 yourself. Assembly is very simple but you may want to have an extra set of hands at the ready. If you’re uncomfortable assembling the VR21 on your own, you can opt for NordicTrack’s white glove delivery service for $249. The NordicTrack delivery person will bring your packages indoors and assemble to VR21 in your home.
Financing – You can buy the NordicTrack VR21 with zero $$ down, as long as you qualify. Make payments over 18 months with zero interest. They have another financing option if you don’t qualify for the first: opt for 12 or 36 monthly payments and zero percent APR.
Customer Service – For all questions concerning iFit, you’ll need to speak with iFit’s customer service. Questions or concerns with the physical bike can be directed to NordicTrack. Both companies are easy to contact via their online chat features. You can also speak to a rep over the phone or through email.
Return Policy – The VR21 can be returned up to 30 days once you’ve received it. Expect to pay for shipping ($250) and a restocking fee (10%). While NordicTrack will reimburse you for the product, they will not reimburse you for the shipping of the bike. So if you opted for in-home or white glove delivery ($99-$249), these fees will not be reimbursed.
Warranty
10-year warranty for bike frame
2-year warranty for parts
1-year warranty for labor
NordicTrack offers extended warranties as well. For an additional 3 years of coverage, your cost will increase by $179.95. This makes your parts warranty 8 years and your labor warranty for 5 years. A 3-year maintenance service plan is also available. For $339.99, a technician will visit your home once a year to check on the state of your bike.
Final Thoughts On The NordicTrack VR21 Home Exercise Bike
We like the VR21 for users with a limited budget, looking for a simple, easy-to-use recumbent home exercise bike. It is built well and feels very sturdy and reliable. The console is easy to navigate and the ride on the VR21 is very comfortable. If you’re not sold on the NordicTrack Commercial VR21, take a look through these popular home exercise bike reviews:
