Nordictrack Freestrider FS5i review: pros and cons of the most affordable freestride trainer
The Nordictrack Freestrider is a new generation of elliptical trainer that gives you the ability to set your own pace. This is something that traditional elliptical trainers cannot do due to their design limitations.
The Freestrider used to come in two models: the original FS7i and the premium FS9i. However, starting at just under $2000, the FS7i proved a bit prohibitive for some buyers.
But now there’s a more affordable option, new for this year, the FS5i Freestrider.
It’s a bit more stripped down than the other models, but it’s also about $400 less than the FS7i. So is it right for you? Here’s a review of the pros and cons of the Nordictrack FS5i to help you decide:
Pro #1 Set your own pace
The FS5i comes with the main advantage of the Freestrider design: primarily the ability to set and change your own pitch. So you can make short movements to climb stairs, longer strides to jog, or even longer movements to jump over obstacles.
While most traditional elliptical trainers give you strides around 18-20 inches, the Freestrider FS5i can give you strides up to 38 inches, which is amazing.
This helps work your leg muscles more and you may end up burning more calories overall in less time.
Pro #2 Center Drive Design
Again, like all Freestride trainers, this is a mid-drive layout. This means that instead of one large steering wheel on the front or back of the pedals, you get two smaller steering wheels on each side of the pedals.
This has the advantage that you stand more upright on the machine with less support from the arm bars. This feels much more comfortable for most people, and again, can result in more calories being burned since the machine isn’t supporting your weight.
Pro #3 tablet holder above the console
You can dock your tablet on top of the console and browse the web, watch your favorite shows, or connect to iFit LIVE (see below) while you work out, which is a great little option for adding more entertainment to your workout.
Pro #4 iFit LIVE
Nordictrack FS5i is iFit compatible. iFit connects your elliptical to the Internet. From there you can track and map your workouts over time and set new goals.
You can also download new training programs for your trainer. You can even run world famous trails, from Hawaii to Paris, and watch real-life landmarks flash by on your tablet’s screen.
Basically, you’ll never get bored with all the things you can do with iFit LIVE.
Pro #5 Compact
The FS5i is also more compact than a traditional elliptical. So if you have a smaller training area, it’s a great option.
Pro #6 Glossy Backlit Console
The dual-color console is bright and backlit with a scrolling message board to guide you through your workout. There is also an iPod dock with speakers to listen to your favorite tunes while you work out.
Those are the pros, and the cons?
With #1 Console of two colors
The FS5i doesn’t come with the full-color console or built-in web browser that the other two models have. Still, if you have a tablet that you’re going to use to surf the web or connect to iFit, this might not matter much to you.
Against #2 No Tilt
The other two models have incline, which changes the slope of your elliptical path. The FS5i does not have this feature.
With #3 Without handrail controls
While you can control the resistance from the console area, there are no resistance controls on the swing-arm bars, which do come with higher-end models.
Bottom line?
The Nordictrack FS5i Freestrider is a new, more affordable elliptical bike that costs about $400 less than the standard Freestrider bike.
It’s a bit pared down in terms of the fancy extras you get with the other models. Overall, though, you still get the main benefits people like with this Freestrider: the ability to choose your own pace, and the low-impact center-ride layout.