As a result, Schwinn has an option to suit riders of all fitness levels. The company’s exercise bikes tend to be popular with beginner and intermediate riders. Throughout testing, we found the IC4 to be an impressively comfortable exercise bike. It has loads of handlebar and seat adjustability to dial in the fit for a huge range of rider heights and preferences, as well as an agreeable performance seat and multi-position handlebar.
When I didn’t, although the bike itself found the device, the app wouldn’t show my heart rate. The one feature that stands out the most, when comparing to other spin bikes, is the belt drive which uses Carbon Blue technology. The Schwinn Fitness 800IC exercise bike is a very smooth, almost silent indoor bike which will help you schwinn spin bike achieve your fitness goals, through working in specific power zones. Comfortable and durable you could easily spend well over an hour pushing out the watts or work on form and technique at lower powered higher cadence work. Assembling the Schwinn IC4 is relatively straightforward, but the process is not without its challenges.
A central knob increases or decreases resistance; press down firmly to use it as an emergency brake. What if you could get the same workout from a spin studio in the comforts of your own home? Having ridden bikes without these – and having experienced the difficultly in stopping the motion of a flywheel and getting twisted legs in the process – we appreciated this feature. The Peloton bike has both a larger footprint and overall weight compared to the IC4. However, the IC4 only has Bluetooth connectivity compared to the Wi-Fi capabilities of the Peloton. Another difference lies in the 22” swivel monitor from the Peloton versus the LCD backlit display.
Using a lighting-to-HDMI adapter cable, I connect my iPhone XS to my Roku smart TV and start my workout in the Peloton app. It also has a better warranty than most bikes we tested—10 years on the frame, three years on the parts, and one year on labor. During assemble of this product a 3/8 torque wrench will be required to tighten the pedals, any torque wrench that can tighten to 50ft-ibs or greater can be used to complete this assembly. Ultimately, you’ll have to decide if price is a determining factor in your purchasing decision. I believe the IC4 has a lot going for it and is a great way to get the Peloton experience on a cheaper budget. I like the shape and long length of the handlebars because they support you both in and out of the saddle.
Once you have your chosen device hooked up to the bike, I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything without an included screen. The Schwinn IC4’s cushioned seat is typical for an exercise bike – it isn’t the most comfortable if you aren’t used to it. Luckily, you’re able to easily swap the seat out for a different one if you find it too uncomfortable to use. On the plus side, the seat is adjustable both side to side as well as up and down. The million dollar question here is really a matter of what kind of rider you are. Are you a seasoned road cyclist who’s self-motivated and wants to train in the off season?
These exercise bikes are also a great alternative to those pricey Peloton bikes, which require you to not only purchase the physical bike, but to sign up for a monthly subscription too. With these affordable spin bikes, you only pay once, and have the bike to use at your leisure whenever you want. As an added perk, the Bike+ brings total-body workouts into the mix, which is a nice benefit for those looking for more than just indoor cycling classes. First and foremost, those seeking the indoor cycling class feel from mongoose bicycles the comfort of their own home will be best suited going the Peloton route, whether the classic Bike or upgraded Bike+. Their instructors remain some of the best in the business, and their wide range of class offerings will satisfy your riding style and competitive spirit no matter if you’re a veteran or an eager but recent convert. The Schwinn IC4 also comes equipped with dual-link pedals with toe cages, meaning that you’ll be able to use either spin bike-compatible cleats or just regular gym shoes as you ride.
A water bottle holder and LCD console that displays your time, distance, calories burned, and cadence are located at the center of the bike. One of Schwinn’s indoor cycling-style bikes, a fitness app subscription, and a tablet are all you need. None of the Schwinn bikes come with a built-in tablet like the Peloton does, but many Schwinn devices have built-in tablet holders. schwinn spin bike So, even if the model you buy doesn’t sync up with an app, you can still use your device to stream workouts. Considering that it has nearly 4,000 reviews on the Schwinn website (averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars) and the approval of two smitten Greatist editors, let’s just say people LOVE this bike. This is the one you want if you’ve got Peloton taste and a thrift store budget.
The Schwinn IC 4 is among the most expensive exercise bikes we’ve ever tested, but we still feel it is an excellent value. This bike is much less expensive than the big-name home-studio competition, yet it provides a similarly excellent exercise quality with connectivity that makes it compatible with the most popular training apps. If you’ve been wanting to join in on the at-home studio cycling craze but the price of the competition seems too high, we feel this is a more affordable option to consider. With a 10-year frame, 3-year mechanical and electrical parts, and a 1-year labor warranty, it’s also clear that this product is intended to stand the test of time. Overall, the bike provides a smooth ride and, even when I’m rocking from side to side, remains sturdily in place. The U-shaped handlebars offer a variety of ways for me to place my hands when riding and I found it easy to adjust the bike to my 5-foot-3-inch frame.
The Bluetooth-enabled bike also pairs with the Peloton app, so you can track your cadence on-screen as you ride. This one features a classic upright design, which helps you avoid the “hunched over” look you get when using newer spin bikes. By forcing you to sit up straight, you’re activating more muscles in your upper body, and working to strengthen your core.