NordicTrack GX 4.4 Pro Exercise Bike Review

What is there to say about NordicTrack that hasn’t already been said? Not much! They are without doubt one the leading global manufacturers of home fitness equipment and have been producing machines that have an awful lot of bells and whistles without compromising on the basic function and build of their machines. As we’ve not covered one of their bikes in some while, we thought we’d take a look at what they’ve currently got to offer at a middle of the road price point. To see just what your hard-earned cash will buy you we got our hands on the NordicTrack GX 4.4 Pro. Here’s what we found…

After a relatively quick and simple set up that took about an hour (a good deal of which was spent unpacking everything!), the GX4.4 Pro was ready to go. The build of the bike is typical of a NordicTrack model. It’s well constructed, with a substantial frame and the console is certainly a lot chunkier than most bikes in this price range.

The display on the console is unusual, but works well enough. Unlike most of the competition NordicTrack has kept resolutely away from the now almost ubiquitous blue back-lit LCD display and has instead opted for a high contrast inverted black and white display. With a jet black background and large, clear white characters the effect is striking and the characters are easy to see. It works well, but isn’t all that easy on the eye as after you look away from the screen it’s easy to still see the characters in your field of vision for a few seconds. Still, it works well and it’s easy to see the training data during a workout.

The console itself goes easy on the number of buttons available which makes things feel simple. One quick glance at the console and most people will know what each button does without having to refer to the user manual. This is a welcome aspect as it makes it easy to get on and start working out once you’ve built the bike. Underneath this layer of simplicity, the GX4.4 Pro is an advanced bike.

The display shows RPM, Calories, distance, pulse, resistance, speed, time, Watts, Cals/Hr and you can also set it to  scan mode for a continuous stream of lots of data or the priority mode which allows you to choose which set of data you’d like to remain on the screen at all times, depending on the type of training you’re doing. This is a useful feature that’s bound to appeal to the more target specific focused user, while the scan mode will appeal to most users who just want to monitor their improvement in overall fitness levels. In terms of training options, the GX 4.4 Pro doesn’t disappoint. There are 30 onboard preset workouts that are divided into to two groups, Calorie Burn and Performance (Cardio to the rest of us). When selecting a workout the display tells you the estimated theoretical number of calories that the program should burn, which is a nice way of being able to choose which workout you want to perform, though of course, actual real-world results can and do vary a good deal from the stated aim.

While there are a good number of workouts built into the console, the GX4.4 Pro is iFit compatible (30-day iFit Coach subscription included) for a host of interactive training options. Subscribers to iFit get access to Google Maps workouts that allow you to map out your own cycling routes, high-definition workout videos led by professional personal trainers, online races against other iFit riders and personalised advice for meals, exercise routines and your sleep schedule. iFit is a whole world unto itself and offers far too much to cover in this review but if you want to know more just visit the iFit web site for full details. The thing to note is that after the first 30 days iFit is a paid subscription service so if you want to keep using it, you’ll need to start paying for access.

Away from the console, the seat, while described as over-sized, is really not much (if at all) larger than the saddle you’ll find on most other bikes in this bracket and like most other bikes in this bracket it’s comfortable enough once you get used to riding regularly. There are also plenty of adjustments available to allow you to easily get yourself into a comfortable and ergonomically correct riding position. The action is quiet and smooth, no doubt aided by the substantial 9kg flywheel, and the resistance levels provide a good challenge though swithing between min and max resistance settings does take quite a few seconds and the motor can be heard whirring away while this happens. This is all standard stuff when it comes to this type of bike and this element of the GX4.4 Pro is on a par with most other simliar models. There’s also a water bottle holder and a tablet holder as added creature comforts.

So, what did we think? Well, first and foremost this is a mechanically and ergonomically sound exercise bike. Secondly, it’s quiet and comfortable. And thirdly, it’s got a wide range of training options as long as you’re willing to pay for it on an ongoing basis. It’s also well designed, easy to use and put together properly which is reflected in the 5 year frame, 2 year on-site parts and labour warranty being provided.

In our opinion, the GX4.4 is a solid exercise bike suitable for general family use. For the most part it’s like many other models you can compare it to but if you’re into your interactive training then it stands out thanks to the iFit element.

Best Price

The NordicTrack GX 4.4 Pro 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 GX4.4 Pro is easy to set up, simple to use and if you subscribe to iFit, it has so many training options that you're just not going to get bored. But, there are a couple of things to consider. First, the type of training you're planning on doing and second whether interactive training is something you're prepared to pay for on an ongoing basis (if you are, then this is a great choice). For general fitness work, this is a very good bike indeed and will suit a large number of user types. But, if you're into HIIT training then the resistance changes might be a bit sluggish for you. If it's HIIT you're after then we'd recommend our bike of the month, the DKN EB-2400i which is fitted with a gym-style EMS braking system for really quick resistance changes and noticeably higher top-end resistance.

NordicTrack GX 4.4 Pro Specifications

    • Effective Inertia 9kg (19.8lbs) flywheel
    • 25 levels of digital Silent Magnetic Resistance with OneTouch™ Controls
    • 5″ Backlit Display
    • Console Feedback: RPM, Calories, distance, pulse, resistance, speed, time, resistance, Watts, Cals/Hr + Scan Mode and Priority Mode
    • 30 programmes + manual mode (Onboard and Watts workouts)
    • Heart Rate Measurement via  EKG pulse grip sensors + Bluetooth® smart wireless receiver (chest strap optional)
    • iFit workouts: Thousands of on-demand video workouts streamed via iFit (subscription required).
    • Interactivity: iFit Coach BLE Enabled – use the iFit Smart Cardio app on compatible tablets and smartphones; 30-day Free iFit trial included (Verified payment details required for iFit sign up. Auto-renews at the end of the trial period unless cancelled)
    • An oversized cushioned, adjustable saddle
    • Extra-wide vertically adjustable ergonomic pedals with adjustable straps
    • Autobreeze workout fan
    • Conveniences: Integrated tablet holder, bottle holder, transportation wheels
    • Max. user weight: 125kg (275.5lbs)
    • Weight: 47kg (103.6lbs)
    • Dimensions in use (L x W x H): 105cm (41.3”) x 59cm (23.2”) x 161cm (63.3”)
    • Warranty: 5 years frame, 2 years parts and labour (if registered within 28 days of purchase)

NordicTrack GX 4.4 Pro Exercise Bike - Console / Display Unit

NordicTrack GX 4.4 Pro Exercise Bike - User Reviews

The Pros

  • Good ergonomics
  • Well built
  • Lots of training options

The Cons

  • If you want to keep using iFit you need to take out a paid subscription
NordicTrack GX 4.4 Pro Exercise Bike Reviewer Ratings

 

Appearance - 8.5
Smoothness - 8.5
Comfort - 9
Programmes - 10
Ease Of Use - 9
Warranty - 8.5
Value for Money - 9
Best Price

The NordicTrack GX 4.4 Pro 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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