Looking into purchasing an exercise bike and Im wondering if anyone has any thoughts on which one offers the best scenic ride experience? I have read that the nordictrack s22i has a good scenic ride experience but the bike is prone to problems. Are there other good options?
Which service you mean? You’re looking of a turnkey solution so you don’t need to download apps and install OR are you OK getting an Ipad/tablet/computer type service, where you need to set a few things up?
Are you looking for actual video of an insane amount of places or a curated list of nice things?
On the “one-package” solution… I’m not sure. You’re at $2k + monthly.
On the piece it together…
Bike - a lot of spin bikes have a “Watts” display. This is really hard to shop for because you need one that broadcasts that number. , but might be easier to find one used ($400 - $1100) than new. You probably want one with a Stages left crank arm power meter… this will have a box on the left crankarm that collects the metrics (or this model https://madison.craigslist.org/spo/d/madison-cycleops-phantom-indoor-cycle/7246698243.html ). This will send out a data stream to your tablet/computer/etc. You probably want a bluetooth one vs an “ANT+” (only) one as the bluetooth signal works with everything. Heres a start: Indoor Bikes
Plan B on the spin bike… use any spin bike ( eg https://janesville.craigslist.org/bik/d/williams-bay-schwinn-spinner-spin-bike/7260160516.html ) with Power Meter Pedals ($500 for the ones you should go for… https://cycling.favero.com/assioma ). $500 is a lot, but it you buy brand name things, they’ll resell pretty easily for top dollar and the pedals can be used outdoors on a real bike.
App - maybe look at the following: Cycling Trainer App In-Depth Guide: 2020 Edition
Rouvy
BKool
Kinomap
I think all three of these use Google maps for scenery with actual video for special places. They’ll use the data stream from the bike to pace the app -
1 Like
Welcome Tim.
IMHO, getting a specific stationary bike for the scenic ride video probably not the best way to go about it.
FWIW you can get a scenic ride experience with a laptop or TV and youtube - example: 60 Minute Indoor Cycling Workout Alps Austria - Italy Ultra HD 4K Garmin Video - YouTube
Also, apps like Rouvy can simulate riding real-world roads Best indoor training apps for cycling compared: which is best for you? | Cycling Weekly
If you already have a bike, you can add a smart trainer and get a good indoor riding experience, just add the TV or tablet/ laptop and some apps.
If you want to get a nice stationary bike, I’d look at the actual performance, features and reliability first. If you have the money to spend, something like a Wahoo Kickr Bike, Stages Cycling Smart Bike, Wattbike Atom or maybe even a Peleton might be worth looking into - Best exercise bikes and smart indoor bikes for home workouts | Cycling Weekly
1 Like
For a scenic ride, the bike doesn’t matter. Just where it is. 
2 Likes
I was helping my brother-in-law over the weekend, and started this thread:
He was interested in the NordicTrack S22i, there are some good reviews on YouTube including one from “a Peloton guy” that liked the scenic rides but not the seat:
After the first year the iFit subscription for continued access to scenic rides and all the other workouts is $470/year or $39.17/month. They offer discounts if you renew for 2 years (25% off) or 3 years (30% off). Overall the S22i looks like a decent option except for the cost of the subscription. If you let the subscription lapse you are left with a limited number of workouts and of course manual mode. It doesn’t officially support using with 3rd party apps like Zwift or Road Grand Tours, but apparently its possible to side-load apps. The renewal price of iFit makes Peloton bike look more interesting.
For half the price the Schwinn IC4 / Bowflex C6 look interesting. And they support 3rd party apps that cost $10-$15/month. I didn’t have time to watch/read any reviews on it.
A lot of tradeoffs, if it was me and trying to optimize cost/quality tradeoffs then the Stages Bike with 3rd party app looks interesting. A step up in cost are the Tacx and Wahoo bikes.
2 Likes
Thanks, I didnt know those options existed
1 Like
Checkout the YouTube reviews on Schwinn IC4 / Bowflex C6. The only knock on it was the resistance unit is possibly a little weak if you are big and strong.
For someone that already has a bike, and you are the only one using it, I’d really look at getting a wheel-off trainer and then pairing with an app like Road Grand Tours or BKool or FulGaz. It does take a little more time to setup.
Might be a daft question but its not for me really. My mate who lives in Holland has a noric track bike, I don’t suppose anyone has figured a out a way to hack this in order to work with trainer road?
Just had a quick google, some of them look fab, with power meter’, inclines and screens built in 
My non user idea would be if it can transmit power data follow an outdoors work out on a garmin/wahoo etc. If it cant transmit power either try using RPE for those outdoors work outs or hook up a pair of power meter pedals (an expense though if you don’t have them).