Ride Uphill in Your Own Home With the NordicTrack X24 Stationary Bike
Have you ever gone uphill on a stationary bike? Not just increased tension, but actually tilted back? Probably not, as there are only really three bikes on the market that do this, and only one made for your home. The NordicTrack X24 stationary bike is that bike. It’s one of the most fun, and arguably strangest rides I’ve ever taken on a stationary bike, and I’ve tested well over 30. And it’s not just novelty; you’re getting a serious workout uphill with its 20 percent incline. You’re getting it in strength, in cardiovascular output, and in balance. And you’re doing all of that in front of a giant screen where you could be taking a guided class, or, if you’re anything like me, you’re just watching Heated Rivalry again. Cross-training hasn’t been this entertaining in a long time.
NordicTrack X24 Bike
NordicTrack X24 Bike
Pros
- Smooth ride
- Real life incline
- Great screen
- Great classes
Cons
- The bottle holder is not my favorite
- You do really need to lock in on the incline and decline for stability
Key Specs
| Resistance Type | Digital control |
| Pedals | Dual-sided clip in or harness |
| Incline | 20% |
| Decline | 10% |
| Extras | Weights at board, pivoting screen |
| Screen Size | 24 in. |
| Weight Limit | 350 lb. |
And yes, this bike does decline, too. Up to 10 percent. The decline doesn’t mean you’re getting an easier workout, though; the downhill forces you to check on your balance, and really dig deep and find your center, especially when immediately following an incline portion of a workout. Here’s one nitpicky thing I’ll say about the X24: yes, it has dual-sided pedals so that you can ride with spin shoes or with regular sneakers, but I found that the incline and decline functions work best with specific spin shoes. They lock in and help you propel yourself without slippage.
Why a Bike Makes Sense for Runners
For a runner looking to expand their efforts beyond feet on pavement, whether it’s because you’re not a fan of treadmills, or you’re looking for something easier on the knees, or heck, maybe you’re the only runner in the home, but everyone needs cardio, the NordicTrack X24 stationary bike can fit pretty seamlessly into your training regimen. It maintains and increases your fitness without punishing your joints. Plus, it works the muscles differently, providing work with concentric contractions where the muscles shorten and movements which are very quad-forward versus eccentric contractions where the muscles lengthen and movements that rely more heavily on the core and trunk.
What’s groovy about this bike, apart from the uphill and downhill of it all, is that it has included weights to use while riding and the giant 24-inch screen pivots, allowing you to take your workouts to the floor. Their iFit programming has some really intense runner-focused strength and yoga workouts that target the muscles you need for explosive movement and for active recovery.
The Mechanics of the X24
The basics of the bike itself are every bit as important as the ride and the features. The X24 has a digitally controlled resistance system that makes the transition between speeds and inclines extraordinarily smooth and quick. It has multiple adjustment points for both the seat and the handlebars that accommodate a huge range of rider sizes, from around 5 feet tall to nearly 6.5 feet tall. With a 350-pound weight limit, this bike is nearly as inclusive as they come for a home bike.
The bike does come with an built-in fan, but like many fans built into equipment, it could use a bit more power. I suggest grabbing your basic home fan and plugging it in nearby and pointing it directly at your face.
The touchscreen is hi-def and massive, and you can access Netflix, Prime, Spotify, and iFit all from the screen, as well as connect to Apple, Garmin, and Samsung watches. This allows you to access live heart rate monitoring—because nothing is more fun than watching yourself feel like you’re dying in real time. (Did you even know it could get that high and stay there for an entire workout without killing you?) It’s one of the most connected bikes I’ve tested.
The Wrap-Up
This is a bike built for both challenge and fun, and it succeeds at both. You get optimal cross-training, balance work, and a huge well of workouts with your iFit subscription. So if your knees are spent, or if your spouse thinks running is for only when you’re being chased, this is a great choice for your home.
Cat Bowen, senior editor of commerce; reviews, is a seasoned runner with more than 20 years of distance running experience, including dozens of marathons, half marathons, and even a few ultra marathons. For over a decade, she has tested parenting, fitness, home, and running gear and written in-depth guides to help readers with their next purchase. Holding multiple advanced degrees and currently studying kinesiology, Cat Bowen brings research-backed insight to all of her guides. Passionate about women’s health and neurodivergent inclusion, she advocates for closing research gaps and helping others—especially AudHD people—find joy in running and fitness.