NordicTrack GX 4.7 R Recumbent Exercise Bike Review

With more exercise bikes to choose from than ever before it’s sometimes hard to see the difference between one model and the next. There are some manufactures that stand out though and NordicTrack is one of them. It wouldn’t be fair to label every machine they’ve come out with a total success, but they do tend to get more right than they get wrong. To find out which camp their GX4.7 R recumbent bike falls into we got one in to take a closer look……

Assembly of the GX 4.7 R isn’t as easy as we were hoping, with several stages proving to be quite fiddly. On the plus side, all the parts were present and there was nothing that didn’t fit together the way it was supposed to. Another plus is that you’ll only need to do it once. 🙂

Once built this is a modern looking, fairly substantial and sturdy bike. With wide stabilisers both front and rear that do a good job of making sure that the frame doesn’t move when it’s not supposed to. The low step-through adds to the elegant look of this bike as well as making this a practical choice if you have limited mobility.

Getting a suitable riding position is easy enough thanks to the sliding seat mechanism which makes it easy to set the distance to the pedals just right for each rider. The less positive aspect of the seat assembly is the fact that the seat can only be adjusted horizontally. It’s not possible to adjust the angle of the backrest which means that there’s a element of fortune involved in getting a comfy distance to the handlebars, in that you need to be fortunate to fall into the designated size and shape range this bike caters for. It’s not the end of the world, no. But, it does make a difference and especially so if you’re planning on buying a recumbent bike for rehabilitation purposes where getting just the right position can have a big impact on how effective your workout is going to be. That aside, the seat is large. It’s wide. It’s well padded and it has some lumbar support, so all in all it is still comfortable enough to deliver a decent training session.

The top level of resistance on the GX 4.7 R should be hard enough for most users although if you’re very fit it’s possible the top end won’t provide the sort of challenge you’re looking for as it’s not all that high. The action is quiet with hardly a sound coming out of the machine as the pedals turn, though the motor is noisier during resistance level changes than we’re used to hearing. There’s a 7kg (15.4lbs) flywheel which does a good job of keeping things consistent as the pedals progress through their cycles without doing anything too impressive to make one sit up and take notice. Overall the ride here, as you’d expect from a NordicTrack machine is sound from an ergonomic point of view, though as already mentioned, it sadly does not tick all the boxes.

The console lets you choose between 22 levels of resistance and 24 built-in preset workouts that are divided into calorie, intensity and performance workout categories, making it simple to choose the kind of workout you’re looking for. All training data is displayed on the 5″ high-contrast LCD display screen that shows resistance level, time elapsed/remaining, calories burned, distance and pulse so tracking your progress throughout your session is hassle free. The characters are a good size and are nice and bright too, making for easy reading. The buttons on the console are well laid out and easy to understand which quick access keys providing one-touch selection of your desired resistance level. There are also + and – keys for navigating the menus and controlling the resistance levels one at a time. With 24 built-in workouts there’s plenty of training options to choose from but if you get bored you can get more options by signing up to the iFit service. Subscribe to iFit and you’ll get access to roughly 400 videos in a library that’s constantly growing. iFit also gives you access to tailored personalised training programmes, allows you to race courses against other iFit members, lets you map out your cycling route using Google maps, provides advice on sleep and nutrition and a good deal more. While iFit is a paid subscription service a 12-month subscription is included for free to purchasers of this model. For full details on everything iFit click here to visit their website.

Other features include a wireless heart rate receiver, EKG pulse grip sensors build into handlebars, 3.5mm audio input socket for MP3 playback, integrated tablet holder, bottle holder and transportation wheels. There’s also a workout fan which has 2 speed settings. The NordicTrack GX4.7 R also comes with a 5-year frame and 2-year on-site parts and labour warranty.

Best Price

The NordicTrack GX 4.7 R Recumbent is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

Review Summary - In Brief

The NordicTrack GX 4.7 R recumbent exercise bike does the things it does well enough so to give a decent enough workout. But, there is one thing in particular that as a recumbent bike it should do, but doesn't. The lack of ability to set the angle of the seat is far reaching here. This makes this otherwise well built bike feel like quite an average sort of bike despite a few nice features. Most people will find it comfortable enough to get a good workout, and plenty of people will find the resistance levels adequate. But there'll also be plenty who will find the handlebars too far away or too high and there'll be those who find the resistance levels a bit easier than they'd like. We'd say that before committing to this particular model it's well worth taking a look at the DKN RB-4i which is currently on offer bringing the price down a lot compared to the norm. The RB-4i does a better job as a recumbent, delivering a nicer, more comfortable workout.

NordicTrack GX 4.7 R Recumbent Specifications

    • 7kg (15.4lbs) Effective Flywheel
    • 22 digital levels of SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance with OneTouch™ Tension Controls
    • 5″ high contrasted LCD display with easy-to-read function
    • Feedback: resistance, time, calories burned, distance and pulse
    • 24 built-in programs (calorie, intensity and performance workout program to choose)
    • iFit Bluetooth Smart Enabled – use the iFit Smart Cardio app on compatible tablets
    • Heart Rate Measurement via EKG Pulse Grips sensors build into handlebars (Bluetooth Smart chest strap optional)
    • Audio: Music port for MP3 compatible
    • Extras: integrated tablet holder, bottle holder, transportation wheels
    • Oversized cushioned saddle with ventilated lumbar
    • Extra-wide ergonomic pedals
    • Step Thru Design allows on quickly start your training
    • AutoBreeze Workout Fan available
    • Dimensions in use (L x W x H): 137cm (53.9”) x 64cm (25.2”) x 131cm (51.6”)
    • Max. User Weight: 125kg (275.6lbs)
    • Product Weight: 48kg (105.8lbs)
    • Power Supply: Mains;
    • Warranty: 5 Year frame, 2 years parts and labour warranty (as per successful warranty registration).

NordicTrack GX 4.7 R Recumbent Exercise Bike - Console / Display Unit

NordicTrack GX 4.7 R Recumbent Exercise Bike - User Reviews

The Pros

  • Wide, comfortable seat
  • iFit compatible
  • Good range of workouts

The Cons

  • Assembly fiddly in places
  • Seat angle does not adjust
NordicTrack GX 4.7 R Recumbent Exercise Bike Reviewer Ratings

 

Appearance - 8
Smoothness - 6
Comfort - 5.5
Programmes - 7.5
Ease Of Use - 7
Warranty - 8.5
Value for Money - 6
Best Price

The NordicTrack GX 4.7 R Recumbent is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

Also see our Exercise Bike Comparison Table

Whilst every effort is made to give you accurate information we cannot guarantee the technical specification. Models change on a regular basis and may differ slightly from the above review. We recommend you contact the retailer if you have a question regarding technical data. Please read our Legal Disclaimer

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