Compared with the Echelon EX-3, the IC4 is slightly larger, though it offers a higher weight capacity. While all the bikes are similarly priced, the Schwinn IC4 is the only option that includes free shipping. It also offers the greatest number of resistance levels and longest warranty period. Still, the IC4 comes with plenty of extras, including a pair of 3-pound (1.4-kg) dumbbells, a Bluetooth heart rate armband, dual water bottle holders, ergonomic handgrips, a USB charging station, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Schwinn IC4 is the newest indoor cycling bike offered by Schwinn Fitness.
Below the handlebar are two bottle holders with cradles to hang the included 3 lb hand weights. It comes with dual-function pedals that have cages on one side and SPD clips on the other, so you can choose the footwear that’s best for you, plus they come with SPD cleats. The front stabilizer has integrated transport wheels that make it easy to move this heavy bike around, and all of the feet have independent levelers to help stabilize it on uneven surfaces. Resistance is controlled by an adjustment knob below the handlebar, and there are 100 micro-adjustable levels of smooth, quiet magnetic resistance.
The IC3 is somewhat bare-bones compared to the IC4, but for us, the extra features were not worth the extra $300. Like the IC4, the IC3 has double-sided pedals so you mongoose bicycles can use sneakers or clips, and it’s fully adjustable. One big difference between the two is that, instead of magnetic resistance, the IC3 uses flywheel resistance.
We were about to buy the Schwinn IC4 when we discovered the IC3, Schwinn’s older, but still quite capable, indoor bike for only $600. Similarly to an elliptical machine, airdyne bikes are designed to provide a full-body workout by featuring moving handlebars. The bike supports users up to 300 pounds (136.4 kg) and is equipped with 25 levels of resistance. Plus, with Bluetooth capabilities and a sealed acoustic chamber, the Schwinn 270 is ideal for listening to music or podcasts as you ride. However, while it’s lighter and more affordable than the 170 Upright, the Schwinn 130 has fewer resistance levels and programmed workouts.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced many people to exercise at home in the last year. Sales of fitness equipment, including exercise bikes, have seen a sharp increase as a result. The Schwinn SC Power Indoor Cycle is redefining indoor cycling with its built-in generator technology and huffy beach cruiser crank arm power meter allowing users to train even more effectively. ®launched a phenomenon with the first production bike designed specifically for indoor cycling over 20 years aso, and we continue to build on the legacy of the most experienced brand of indoor group cycling bikes.
Over the last two years, we’ve seen significant reader interest in all things indoor exercise bikes, and it’s with good reason. In December, Apple launched Fitness+, an app offering various on-demand fitness classes, focused on spinning, treadmills and rowing, among others. The monthly Apple service costs $10 per month compared to Peloton’s $13 monthly huffy beach cruiser digital app membership. In July, Peloton also launched a new video-game mode, Lanebreak, on its bikes, where users try to steer their bikes around virtual obstacles. Schwinn is an iconic American company that been around for more than a century. In 1966, Schwinn virtually started the at-home fitness craze with the revolutionary Exerciser bike.
If you’re already highly motivated you may not need the added inspiration that live streaming, on-demand, or virtual training can provide, but we think it’s really nice to have the option. Unlike the more expensive competition, the IC4 does not come with a high-tech console for streaming workouts, you’ll have to use one that you already have or purchase one for that purpose. It does have a device holder where you can dock your device for easy viewing, and it has a USB port to keep it charged while you ride.