Peloton vs. NordicTrack: Disruptor vs. “Tried and True”

Peloton vs. NordicTrack; is it a fair competition in the treadmill space? Peloton is still relatively new to the scene, with only one treadmill currently in the market and a second on its way. NordicTrack, on the other hand, is a worldwide treadmill manufacturer that has almost 10 times the amount of offerings and years of experience. Just recently Peloton made a key announcement that changes this equation a fair bit. The current heavy-duty Peloton Tread is being renamed the Tread+, and a more affordable model is adopting the Tread name. This new affordable model is clearly positioned to try and bite off a chunk of the NordicTrack treadmill market. 

Let’s have a look at how the brands stack up based on what we know so far.

A Brief Overview

Choosing  a Treadmill

• What will you be using your treadmill for — walking, jogging or running?
• How often will you use your treadmill — daily, 3X/week, weekly?
• Space: What are you working with — full basement, small apartment?
• What’s your budget? Are you strict with it or will your spending depend on the best machine for best value?
• Check out the reviews of manufactures and models online, to help with making your decision.

Peloton

Peloton launched in 2013 and is definitely changing how we work out at home; working out alone can now be an interactive  group activity. The concept uses media technology to stream live or on demand classes from the comfort of home but still allows you to  interact with others in a boutique class. Although you are in your home by yourself, you still feel and get the support you would in a class. Hence the name Peloton which means, “the main group of riders in a race. Riders in a peloton work together, conserve energy and perform better because of one another.” It’s a brilliant concept reflective of the times we live in. A few celebrities have signed on, the likes of David Beckham and Kate Hudson. Founder John Foley started it out of the need to fit exercise into busy lifestyles, and the annoyance of not being able to get into popular classes. Their product lines include one bike and one treadmill, named Tread.

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NordicTrack

NordicTrack is located in Logan, Utah, and is  owned by ICON Health and Fitness, the same company that manufactures Proform treadmills. NordicTrack is known in the industry for being innovative in its designs and providing top tier treadmills; from  traditional treadmills, incline trainers to desk treadmills.

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Models/ Peloton vs. NordicTrack

Peloton Models

The Tread

NordicTrack Models

Offerings include traditional treadmills, incline trainer treadmills and treadmill desks. All are foldable.

Incline Trainer Series (great for weight loss goals): Choose from three models (X22i, X11i and X9i) 40% incline, (MSRP $2,249-$3,999).  

Commercial: Choose from the following three models (Commercial 2950, Commercial 2450 and Commercial 1750), (MSRP $1,799-$2,999)

T Series (foldable, space saver design) Formerly known as the C series, these more compact and entry level treadmills include the T 6.5Si, the T 8.5 S, and the T 9.5 S (MSRP $1,299 – $1,999)

Desk Treadmills: At the moment it seems NordicTrack has discontinued their Desk Treadmill models.

Workout Programs/ Peloton vs. NordicTrack

Peloton

Peloton’s treadmills are all about the tech, and thus both the Tread and Tread+ come loaded with the latest version of Peloton’s integrated app in its touchscreen consoles. From this software, users have access to live and on demand treadmill group classes 24/7, all of which are recorded in one of Peloton’s studios in New York City. Through the console you can communicate directly with the instructor and others in the class. There are different workout options for varying degrees of fitness, inclusive of strength training. Four types of classes are available for the Tread: Walk (low impact); Run (new to marathoners); Total body (combination of treadmill cardio and strength training) and Floor workouts (strength, flexibility and toning).

NordicTrack

NordicTrack’s built-in programs vary from machine to machine, however the iFit app adds a host of additional workout programs to the equation. Alongside live and streaming workouts (similar to the Peloton model), users also have access to world map runs that lead users along roads and trails around the globe, adjusting incline accordingly as you venture forward. Going apples-to-apples, the quality of instructor-led training from NordicTrack isn’t quite as good as that of Peloton (Peloton generally has better production quality, among other things), but we’re talking about a B+ grade versus an A, and not a complete waste of time All recent models come with a one year membership to iFit.

Console/Display Peloton vs. NordicTrack

Peloton

• Peloton Tread+ with 32” with HD touchscreen—the largest screen in the fitness market right now
• Peloton Tread with 23.8 HD touchscreen
• High-fidelity audio: the soundbar allows for communication between the user and instructors, and hearing the workout music clearly and loudly
• Bluetooth connection, jack (wired head phones) and wireless headphones
• Two bottle holders

Nordictrack

• Sizes of consoles on the various models range from 7” to 22” inch.
• Fans, AutoBreeze ™ Workout Fan
• Heart rate monitors: in-handle, wireless chest strap compatible

Price/ Peloton vs. NordicTrack

Peloton

Price Range: $2,495 – $4,295

Expensive for a residential treadmill (the Tread+), but between its slat belt construction, gigantic screen, and quality of programming the Tread+ you’re still getting quite a bit for your hard-earned dollars. The more affordable model also seems quite competitive in the space, being more closely aligned with the NordicTrack Commercial 2950.

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NordicTrack

Price range: $1,299-$3,999

On the lighter end of the price spectrum but still not at a real ‘entry-level’ price point, NordicTrack treadmills are known for their quality and durability.

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Motors/ Peloton vs NordicTrack

As far as  horsepower (HP) and treadmills, your activities will determine the best treadmill for you.  Treadmills with 2.5 CHP are best for walking while 3.0 CHP and above are better for joggers and serious runners.

Peloton

Peloton marks their treadmill motor output as 2.o HP, however this is a standard horsepower rating rather than a continuous-duty horsepower rating as we see on conventional treadmill spec sheets. A CHP rating will regularly be about half of what a standard HP rating would be, but this leads us to believe that Peloton is under-rating its motors. In real-world testing the power delivery on the Peloton Tread (now Tread+) was plenty strong for seasoned runners.

NordicTrack

The HP range for the NordicTrack treadmills run from 2.6-4.25. The T 6.5 Si is at the bottom of the food chain, and the rest are rated at 3.0 and higher.

Speed/NordicTrack vs. Peloton

Peloton

0-12.5 mph

NordicTrack

The range on the various models is 0-12 mph except for the T 6.5 Si, which is rated at 10 mph.

Track/NordicTrack vs. Peloton

Peloton

Incline 0-15% grade

Dimensions: 72.5” L x 32.5” W x 72” H

Running Area : 67”

Rubber slat

NordicTrack

Incline: The range between all the models; – 6 to 12 and 40%

Belt: Range- 22” x 60”

Warranties/ Peloton vs. NordicTrack

Peloton

One year limited on parts and labor on screen and most original parts.

NordicTrack

There are a variety of warranties; each are specific to the model of treadmill.

• 10 years on frame
• 2 years on parts and electronics
• One year on labor

Conclusion

NordicTrack vs. Peloton, it’s like comparing apples and oranges, to a degree, but with the forthcoming more modestly priced Tread model, and the growing use of iFit training across NordicTrack’s treadmill line, the comparison is closer than ever. Peloton is definitely what they would refer to as a “disruptor” in business circles. The concept of having a home gym but having access to real people, camaraderie and support 24/7 offers the best of both worlds. There is no racing to the gym to sign up to make sure you get in, or get your favorite machine. Furthermore; treadmill workouts at the gym are usually a lonely activity. With Peloton you now have a fitness trainer, and other folks to run, walk or jog with- and more than that if you include strength training and floor workouts. It’s this push in the segment that’s driving the change with brands like NordicTrack and others, but the sticker price will still be higher than many are willing to bear. Between the value proposition and the longstanding history of NordicTrack, they’ll remain one of our favored competitors in the space for years to come.