Price: £299
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Ratings (out of 5)
Overall Rating: 3.5
Build Quality: 3
Ease of use: 3.5
Console Features: 4
Comfort: 3
Value for Money: 4

The C7 ZL is the premium model from the NordicTrack range.  It is designed for both regular fitness enthusiasts and beginners alike.  Packed full of features, at the £300 price point it can currently be found at, it provides stiff competition to the alternatives in the mid range of home exercise bikes.

Starting with the 12kg true balanced rotating flywheel and the electronic, magnetic braking system, there is an ultra smooth feel to it and loads of resistance.  There are up to 25 levels in all which will provide a challenge for even the fittest individuals.  The C7 is a solid unit, weighing in at 50kg with a fairly typical footprint of 100cm length by 70cm wide.

Transportation wheels on the front stabiliser and a lifting handle on the rear make this cycle a portable option and it feels capable of handling the maximum user weight of 130kg.  The seat is quite large and gel filled although perhaps a little hard when compared to the Vision Fitness E1500 or the York C301 Diamond bikes which are the alternatives at this level from a price perspective.  The seat is fully height adjustable and can be moved forwards and backwards although the locking mechanism on the height adjustment was a bit fiddly to use.

The handlebars can be tilted along with the entire console as one unit which is great if you intend to adopt a lean forward race riding position.  The console is where Nordic Track’s innovation really shines through.

There are 24 programs including 8 heart rate and 3 watts controlled options.  Perhaps the only criticism here would be that despite the numerous preset options, there is no facility to set your own time or distance targets.

The lack of user data entry also reduces the accuracy of the feedback provided.  These are small gripes however as there are so many preset options which will probably cater for the majority.  Heart rate is measured via pulse grips or the included wireless heart rate strap.

The LCD screen is back lit and clear with all the basic feedback displayed.  There are integrated speakers with mp3 connectivity for those who dislike using headphones and of course, i-Fit SD capability for those requiring more motivation or structure to their workouts.  It’s this kind of innovation which keeps Nordic Track at the forefront of exercise equipment technology.  The warranty of 2 years parts and labour is Nordic’s standard cover for all of their products.

PROS

• Innovative console features with plenty of choice
• Bags of smooth resistance
• Good levels of adjustment

CONS

• Slightly hard seat which can be awkward to adjust
• Console misses some of the more basic features provided by competitors

In summary then, if you love gadgets and technology and want bucket load of resistance at a reasonable price then the C7 ZL will definitely qualify.  If a little more refinement and build quality are higher on your agenda then there are better suited models out there like the C301 from York or the E1500 from Vision Fitness.

Price: £299
Buy From: Fitness Superstore