What’s more, the bike features dual-link pedals with toe cages, so you can use either SPD clips or regular athletic shoes. If you’re looking for a lightweight bike that’s easy to maneuver, the Schwinn 130 Upright is a good option, as it weighs just 58.4 (26.5 kg) pounds yet supports users up to 300 pounds (136.4 kg). Weighing just 62.8 pounds (28.5 kg), the Schwinn 170 Upright bike is loaded with features for riders of all levels. Still, despite the higher price tag, some people may prefer the ease and convenience of bikes with more bells and whistles, such as an integrated touchscreen, built-in speakers, or preset workout programs. The Schwinn IC4 offers a variety of impressive features and is an affordable alternative to pricier bike models, such as the Peloton Bike+.
Choices with quiet magnetic resistance include two traditional stationary bikes called Schwinn 130 and Schwinn 170, and two recumbent exercise bikes called Schwinn 230 and Schwinn 270. All models are available for under $1000 and some vendors provide free delivery. In general Schwinn exercise bikes aren’t intended for advanced trainees, but Schwinn Airdyne bikes are for all challenge levels. Highlights vary from bike to bike, but some favorite features are wireless heart rate monitoring and a great variety of preset workouts. The Keiser allows you to adjust its handlebars and the seat to accommodate your specific preference and the pre-tensioned resistance belt is designed to stay durable. It’s also Bluetooth-enabled so you can stream directly from it or connect your smart devices to it.
Unfortunately, if you decide to return and are approved to do so, Schwinn will not refund the assembly price or pay for shipping. Since an exercise bike isn’t light, this is something to consider since the postage will be expensive for a return. The Schwinn IC4’s cushioned seat is typical for a spin bike – it isn’t the most comfortable if you aren’t used to it.
The back lit LCD display is simple, like what you would find on the Rogue Echo Bike. If you want to view a class with a compatible app, you must utilize your own device. This is obviously different from bikes like Peloton that have an included screen for programming. 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.
Once removed from the box, the remaining tasks can be completed by one person. It takes several minutes to remove the protective packing materials from the bike and all its parts, and the majority of the remaining assembly was relatively standard. The printed directions are detailed and easy to follow, and all of the tools and hardware needed are included. After attaching the front and rear stabilizers, pedals, handlebar and handlebar post, and the seat and seatpost, features like the device holder and bottle holders/hand weight holders also need to be installed. The Schwinn IC4 is one of the most feature-packed exercise bikes we’ve tested.
If you base your indoor training rides on speed, distance, or calories burned, this bike will not be giving you accurate readings. Likewise, with Zwift, it has an exceptionally high power output reading that makes you seem superhuman. This problem is quite common according to forums we found online and is the result mongoose bicycles of the power reading being an estimation based on cadence and resistance as opposed to an actual power meter reading. There is a process to recalibrate the resistance on the IC4 which may help to normalize the power output reading on Zwift, although it seems unlikely that it would make it completely accurate.
(I use an old, cracked iPad.) There’s a built-in holder on the handlebars, a USB outlet for charging, and an arm-strap heart-rate monitor. Do you want the feel of an indoor spin class or need the lower back support of a recumbent bike? As Schwinn offers several types of home exercise bikes, you’ll want to consider the pros and cons of each before making your selection.