The NordicTrack Commercial VR25 With Touch Screen

The Commercial VR25 from NordicTrack is the upgraded version of the VR23. Like its little brother, the VR25 too is named after its three key features – commercial grade steel frame, recumbent seating facility, and a 25 lb flywheel.

The bike comes with 35 built-in workout apps, 26 resistance levels, heart rate monitor, iFit connectivity, and ergonomically designed foot pedals.

The Bike

The VR25 has a 7” full-color web-enabled touchscreen display to keep you engaged during your workouts. You can view your workout data at the swipe of a finger and surf the web using the built-in browser.

Let's take a look at the important specs...

• 26 Resistance Levels
• 35 Workout Programs
• iFit Enabled with Google maps
• 7" Smart HD touch screen
• Extra wide pedals
• iPod compatible sound system
• Step-thru design
• Max user weight – 350 lbs
• Pulse and wireless heart rate
• Dimensions: 61.2"L x 23"W x 68"H
• Warranty: Lifetime frame/brake, 3yr parts, 1yr labor

The Buzz

UPDATE: The VR25 has been discontinued and replaced with the all new Commercial R35. Check out the new upgraded model to see if it's the right exercise bike for you.

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The VR25 does not have a traditional exercise bike’s base, thanks to the unique Step-Thru design. So, you can get on and off the bike very easily. The bike is solidly built and has a user weight capacity of 350 lbs.

The seat is large and fully padded. The lumbar support is ventilated for your comfort. There are handgrips on either side of the seat. The strapped foot pedals provide increased support and stability during high intensity workouts. So, you can sit on the cushioned seat, stretch out your legs, and pedal away without straining your lower back.

The bike comes loaded with 35 training programs including 12 calorie workouts, 12 intensity workouts, and 11 performance workouts. There are 26 resistance levels and the patented Silent Magnetic Resistance ensures the transition between the levels is smooth and silent.

You can choose your workouts and adjust the resistance using the OneTouch controls on the console or the integrated handle controls. The handle controls, in particular, are very useful as you can change the resistance without even taking your hands off the grips.

One of the downsides of indoor training is the monotony of the routine. The VR25 offers a solution to this problem in the form of iFit connectivity. With an iFit subscription, you can download and watch a variety of workout videos, customize your training based on your fitness goals, get instructions from professional trainers, and replicate real life training routes right from your living room.

You can also get feedback on your workouts, track your fitness progress regularly, and share the results with the members of the iFit community.

The bike has grip sensors in the handlebars and a wireless chest strap to monitor your heart rate during training. By staying in the right heart rate zone, you can burn more calories, develop better cardiovascular endurance, and reach your goals faster.

The VR25 scores highly in terms of onboard entertainment. The touchscreen display (a nice upgrade from the basic display on the VR21 model) allows you to tap into all of the great iFit features.

There is a tablet holder, where you can affix your tablet and access your files and watch your favorite songs, motivating workout videos, or movies. There is an MP3 port on the console where you can hook up you iPod or MP3 player to listen to your favorite tracks while you train.

 The AutoBreeze workout fan has impressive cooling power. When set in the automatic mode, it adjusts the speed on its own based on the speed and intensity of your workout. When set in the manual mode, it allows you to change the speed settings manually.

The frame and brake are covered by lifetime warranty, along with a three-year warranty on parts and one-year warranty on labor, which is about as good as it gets at this price point. Like all NordicTrack equipment, the VR25 too comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, which is a sign of the manufacturer’s confidence in their products.

The 25 lb flywheel is the only feature that might leave the serious trainers among you a little underwhelmed. While it is an improvement from the VR23’s 23 lb flywheel, it could be heavier...but this is certainly not a deal breaker, especially at this price.

* Note there is a new R35 recumbent, a step up model with a larger 14" Smart HD touch screen.

Our Take on the VR25 Exercise Bike

NordicTrack exercise bikes have been quite popular, and the VR23 has all the features you expect to see in a quality recumbent bike – solid build, smooth and silent resistance, lumbar supported seat, ergonomically designed foot pedals, and easy-to-use controls to change your workout and resistance.

Also available is the iFit option, which makes your training more challenging and interesting and helps you make the most out of each and every workout.

With so many features and capabilities, it is an excellent choice for beginners and mid-level trainers, and has enough to keep you motivated to reach your fitness goals.