NordicTrack VXR 475 Recumbent Exercise Bike Review

Build it well. Pack it with bells and whistles. Sell it at a reasonable price. This is the modus operandi of NordicTrack and for the most part their machines do fall into all three of those categories. Not all of them however. To find out where the VXR 475 recumbent exercise bike from NordicTrack sits, we got one in for testing.

As always before you can ride it, you’ve got to build it and the assembly of the VXR 475 while not complicated, is on the time consuming side so make sure you set aside at least an hour for the build.

Once built this is not an insubstantial bike. With a footprint of 135cm x 64cm (53.1” x 25.1”) and an overall weight of 60kg (132lbs) this bike is designed to stay put once it’s set up. It feels sturdy and while there is some movement when it’s subjected to a ‘shake test’ overall this bike feels like it’s built well.

The riding position it’s possible to get on the VXR 745 can be great or just OK depending on your stature. The seat is nice and wide and well padded and can be adjusted horizontally to get the right distance to the pedals. All members of the team were able to get this spot on without any trouble at all. There’s a quick release bar that you pull to release the seat and when it’s in the correct position you just release it to lock it down. The less impressive part about getting the right position is related to the backrest of the seat. While it too is well-padded it’s not possible to adjust the angle so if you happen to have just the right arm/leg proportions it’s easy to get the ideal riding position. But, if not, then you’ll have to make do with being either a little further away or a little closer to the handlebars. unsurprisingly then, some testers could get a great position very quickly, while others were able to get a satisfactory position (though not a great one) with a bit of playing around.

The VXR 475 features a 7kg (15.4lbs) flywheel that helps to deliver a nice, smooth ride that stays consistent throughout the cycle. It’s smooth and quiet though without reaching the heights we’ve seen from some notable recumbents we’ve tested. Changes made to resistance levels are translated into actual changes you can feel quickly enough to make this model a viable option if you’re into HIIT training. There are 22 levels of resistance to choose from with the maximum level of difficulty hard enough that it should be enough of a challenge to most users without ever being difficult enough to seriously challenge an already fit rider.

Training data is displayed on the 5″ backlit LCD display and is easy to see, with large characters and good contrast being the plus sides. The display itself is a little bit cluttered but once you get used to it, it’s easy enough to see what’s happening so tracking your progress during a workout is done at a quick glance. There are 21 training modes (1 manual, 20 preset) so there’s plenty here to keep you busy for a while. In addition to the preset workouts and manual mode, it’s also possible to train in target mode so you can set targets for calorie burn, time elapsed and distance covered. If you prefer something more jazzy then the VXR 475 is also iFit compatible. Subscribe to iFit and you’ll get access to an entire library of more than 400 videos that’s constantly growing. iFit membership also gives you access to personalised training programmes, enables you to race against other iFit members, lets you map out your cycling route using Google maps and 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 Bluetooth Smart compatible wireless receiver (chest strap sold separately), extra-wide pedals, a 3.5mm audio input socket for any audio source, stereo speakers, workout fan, adjustable console, water bottle holder and tablet holder. The VXR 475 also comes with a 5-year frame, 2-year parts and labour warranty when you register the purchase with NordicTrack.

Best Price

The NordicTrack VXR 475 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 VXR 475 recumbent exercise bike is well put together, has plenty of workouts to keep you busy is reasonably comfortable and if you happen to be just the right size and shape then it's very comfortable. If you're not, then the lack of ability to change the angle of the backrest comes into play and is a significant downside, with the rest of the bike living up to expectations. Given the price of this bike we'd recommend taking a look at the DKN RB-4i instead. The RB-4i has a much heavier 11kg that provides a superbly smooth action, the back rest has plenty of adjustement to allow you to get into a great riding position and it also features user profiles and some interactive training features making it well worth the little extra. 

NordicTrack VXR 475 Recumbent Specifications

    • 7kg (15.4lbs) Inertia-enhanced flywheel
    • 22 levels of digital Silent Magnetic Resistance with Onetouch™ controls
    • 5″ Backlit Display
    • Feedback: Calories, distance, pulse, resistance, speed, time
    • 24 preset workout apps
    • iFit® Bluetooth® Smart compatible with subscription optional
    • Heart rate measurement via EKG hand pulse sensors + Bluetooth Smart wireless receiver with chest strap optional
    • Ventilated lumbar supported, cushioned seat
    • Extra wide ergonomic pedals with adjustable straps
    • Conveniences: Compatible Music Port for any audio source, Intermix Acoustics™ 2.0 sound system, transport wheels, CoolAire™ workout fan, adjustable console angle, water bottle holder, tablet holder
    • Power Supply: mains powered
    • Product Weight: 60kg (132lbs)
    • Max. User Weight: 130kg (286.6lbs)
    • Dimensions (L x W x H): 135cm (53.1”) x 64cm (25.1”) x 131cm (51.5”)
    • Warranty: 5 years frame, 2 years parts and labour (if registered within 28 days of purchase  for 2nd year of coverage)

NordicTrack VXR 475 Recumbent - Console / Display Unit

NordicTrack VXR 475 Recumbent - User Reviews

The Pros

  • iFit compatible
  • Plenty of onboard workouts
  • Sturdy

The Cons

  • Backrest angle cannot be adjusted
NordicTrack VXR 475 Recumbent Reviewer Ratings

 

Appearance - 7
Smoothness - 6.5
Comfort - 5.5
Programmes - 7
Ease Of Use - 7
Warranty - 8.5
Value for Money - 7
Best Price

The NordicTrack VXR 475 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

Exercise Bikes We Like

Under £300

£301 - £600

Over £600

Recently Added Reviews