Schwinn Exercise Bikes Review

If you want to make exercise a part of your daily routine, one convenient solution is to invest in a home exercise machine. Whether you're a runner, a cyclist, a rower, or just a beginner looking to exercise more, home exercise machines are a great solution. With the thoughtful purchase of an exercise machine, you'll be able to work out any time of day or night without leaving your home.

Since exercise machines are a significant investment, we recommend purchasing something that will enable you to exercise in a way you find enjoyable. Exercise bikes are a fantastic option for anyone looking for a fun way to work out. With options for guided workouts and compatibility with programs like Peloton and Zwift, a stationary bike can help you burn calories while having fun. Schwinn has a series of high-quality, good value stationary bikes that come in a variety of models to fit every need and preference.

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The Best Schwinn Exercise Bikes - Our Favorites for 2022

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• Most Popular: Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike
  
• Best Lightweight: Schwinn 130 Upright
  
• Best for Indoor Cycling: Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike
  
• Best Recumbent Bike: Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike
  
• Best Upright Bike: Schwinn 170 Upright
  
• Best Airdyne Bike: Schwinn Airdyne AD7
  

A Quick Look Schwinn Exercise Bikes

Schwinn Fitness, the makers of Schwinn exercise bikes, are one of the most established brands in the stationary bike market. They rose to prominence as bicycle racing became popular in the late 19th century and found a new market in stationary bikes in the 1960s. Today Schwinn is known primarily for their stationary bikes, which offer top-of-the-line technology and are compatible with many of the most popular cycle workout streaming programs.

Schwinn manufactures stationary bikes of all types, from a staple indoor cycling bike to airdyne and recumbent stationary bike options. They also sell a variety of accessories to combine with their stationary bike products. With their extensive model options, you're sure to find something that suits your preferences.

Most Popular - Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike

SPECS

• Footprint: 48.7"L x 21.2"W x 51.8"H
• Power requirements: Wall adapter
• Seat style: Race style with fore & aft adjustment
• Handlebar style: Fore & aft adjustment
• Pedal style: Pedal toe cages & pedal SPD clips
• Resistance: 100 levels of micro-adjustment
• Monitor: Backlit LCD
• Bluetooth capability: Yes
• Weight: 106 lbs.
• Max user weight: 330 lbs.
• Key features: Quiet; great display; compatible with cycle workout streaming
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 3-year mechanical and electrical, 1-year labor

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It's easy to see why Schwinn's IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike is their most popular stationary bike. This bike has all the features you could want in a stationary bike. The IC4 is fully adjustable—its seat, pedal, and handlebar adjustments work for people up to 6-foot-6. We also like that the pedals have options for both cycling shoes and regular running shoes. It has a higher maximum user weight than many home exercise machines at 330 pounds, making this a more accessible option. The IC4 has 100 levels of resistance to choose from so you can find the perfect setting for your fitness goals. Users like that this bike uses magnetic resistance, which makes for a quiet and smooth ride.

Perhaps the most desirable feature of the IC4 is its compatibility with a variety of cycle workout streaming apps and programs. When you purchase the IC4 on Schwinn's website, you'll receive a free year of JRNY membership. The JRNY membership provides access to on-demand cycle classes and programs for cycling through a variety of international destinations. If you'd prefer, you can use your Peloton or Zwift subscription with this bike instead. While this is undoubtedly a great bike, users do note that the bike's Bluetooth connection can be unreliable. Some people also find that the IC4 seat is uncomfortable, though that may be remedied by adjusting the seat height and position or purchasing the "extra comfort" bike seat from Schwinn. In general, we recommend this bike to anyone looking for an all-around solid stationary bike. For more information, check out our full review of the IC4.

PROS

• Compatible with a variety of streaming apps
• 100 levels of magnetic resistance
• Toe cage and clip options for pedals
• Fully adjustable
• Quiet
• Includes strap for heart rate monitoring

CONS

• Bluetooth connection unreliable
• Uncomfortable seat

BUY: Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike

Best Lightweight - Schwinn 130 Upright

SPECS

• Footprint: 41.3"L x 21.4"W x 54.5"H
• Power requirements: Standard outlets on a 110V-120V circuit
• Seat style: Padded contoured seat
• Handlebar style: Adjustable prone or upright
• Pedal style: Oversized with toe straps
• Resistance: 16 levels
• Monitor: 5.5" LCD
• Bluetooth capability: Yes
• Weight: 58.4 lbs.
• Max user weight: 300 lbs.
• Key features: Affordable
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year electronics, 90-day labor

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Of all the home exercise machines out there, stationary bikes generally have the smallest footprint, meaning they're usually smaller and lighter than other machines. This is great for anyone whose home gym is short on space. A lighter bike is also important if you want to use it on the second floor of your home or in an apartment where you have to be mindful of flooring and the level below you. Our pick for Schwinn's best lightweight bike is the Schwinn 130 Upright. Like most upright bikes, it has a smaller base size and is taller, which is useful if floor space is tight. Most importantly for this category, this is one of the lightest stationary bikes we've ever seen, coming in at just over 58 pounds. Among other benefits, this makes the bike much easier to assemble yourself, since none of the pieces are too heavy.

Another benefit to this bike is that it's one of the more affordable stationary bike options out there. It has a padded seat instead of a race-style seat, which fits with its upright construction. The 5.5-inch LCD display screen offers built-in workout programs, goal tracking, and fitness metrics. If you want to stream a cycle workout, the device holder lets you easily connect to apps like Zwift on your tablet or phone. This bike does only offer 16 different levels of resistance, which is significantly fewer than other Schwinn models, but while it doesn't have all the features of some of Schwinn's more expensive bikes, it certainly does the job and keeps the weight footprint light.

PROS

• Affordable
• Compatible with cycle workout apps
• Easy to assemble
• Small footprint to save floor space
• Comfortable to use

CONS

• Few resistance options compared to other models
• No shoe clips in pedals

BUY: Schwinn 130 Upright

Best for Indoor Cycling - Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike

SPECS

• Footprint: 45"L x 23"W x 49"H
• Power requirements: 2 AA batteries
• Seat style: Race style with fore & aft adjustment
• Handlebar style: Fore & aft adjustment
• Pedal style: Pedal toe cages and pedal SPD clips
• Resistance: Infinite levels of resistance
• Monitor: LCD
• Bluetooth capability: No
• Weight: 100 lbs.
• Max user weight: 300 lbs.
• Key features: Affordable, infinitely variable resistance
• Warranty: 5-year frame, 2-year mechanical and electrical, 1-year labor

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For indoor cycling, our team recommends the Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike. A pared-down version of its relative the IC4, the IC3 is a solid indoor bike and comes in at a significantly lower price than its counterpart. In many ways, the two bikes are quite similar; they are similar in size and weight and they are both fully adjustable, with toe cage and SPD clip options on the pedals. Either would be a great option for someone looking for a reliable indoor bike, but if you have specific preferences, it's worth looking at what makes these models different.

For one thing, they each use a different type of resistance. The IC4 offers 100 levels of magnetic resistance, compared to the IC3's infinite resistance through a felt pad that rests on the weighted flywheel. Whether you prefer magnetic or felt-pad resistance is up to you, but if you're concerned about noise, magnetic resistance is generally considered quieter. Another major difference is that the IC3 is not compatible with cycle workout streaming apps like JRNY and Peloton. The IC4 is compatible with most of these apps and also includes a free year of JRNY membership with purchase. But if you're not interested in working out with a virtual cycle class, you may prefer the simpler interface of the IC3. And, of course, with less features comes lower cost. If you're still on the fence, check out our full review of the Schwinn IC3.

PROS

• Infinite levels of resistance
• More affordable than IC4
• Fully adjustable
• 4 levelers to keep frame steady

CONS

• No Bluetooth
• Does not connect with streaming apps
• Battery operated

BUY: Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike

Best Recumbent - Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike

SPECS

• Footprint: 64"L x 27.7"W x 49.9"H
• Power requirements: Plugs in to most standard wall outlets
• Seat style: Large padded seat; fore & aft adjustable
• Handlebar style: Static handlebars
• Pedal style: Oversized, weighted pedals with toe straps
• Resistance: 25 eddy current resistance levels
• Monitor: 2 backlit LCD screens
• Bluetooth capability: Yes
• Weight: 86.6 lbs.
• Max user weight: 300 lbs.
• Key features: App compatible, 29 workout programs included
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year electronics, 90-day labor

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A recumbent bike can be a more comfortable way to do a cardio workout for anyone who struggles with joint or back pain, arthritis, or who is recovering from an injury or surgical procedure. Of course, you should always talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise program. But if there's one thing users seem to appreciate about the Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike, it's the support and comfort it offers while still allowing for a cardio workout. With more features than the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike, and full compatibility with Bluetooth and cycle apps like Explore the World, you can't go wrong with this comfortable, sturdy bike.

The Schwinn 270 has a larger footprint than many of the other bikes we've featured, but most recumbent bikes are indeed significantly longer than upright or standard indoor stationary bikes. As mentioned, many people who choose to use a recumbent bike over another style do so because they have injuries, pain, or physical limitations. That's why we're glad to see this bike includes several features that support these folks—static handlebars to make standing up and sitting down easy, a comfortable padded seat, and good back support. You can adjust the seat positioning to work with your height, and the 270's pedals have toe straps, so you can wear them with your usual running shoes. Its eddy current resistance and weighted flywheel means that this is a very quiet bike—some customers even report using it while watching TV. Nothing is perfect, though, and there are also reports of problems with assembly, poor customer support, and quality control issues.

PROS

• 29 workout programs included
• Built-in sound system
• 3-speed fan
• Up to four user profiles
• Comfortable to use
• Dual screens

CONS

• Difficult to assemble
• Quality issues reported

BUY: Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike

Best Upright - Schwinn 170 Upright Bike

SPECS

• Footprint: 41.3"L x 21.4"W x 55.6"H
• Power requirements: Plugs into most standard wall outlets
• Seat style: Large contoured seat; fore & aft adjustments
• Handlebar style: Forearm rest; angle adjustable
• Pedal style: Oversized with toe straps
• Resistance: 25 levels of computer controlled resistance
• Monitor: 2 backlit LCD screens
• Bluetooth capability: Yes
• Weight: 58.4 lbs.
• Max user weight: 300 lbs.
• Key features: 25 resistance levels, Bluetooth, dual screens
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year electrical, 90-day labor

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If you prefer to do your cycle workout with an upright bike, we can understand why. Upright bikes promote better posture than traditional stationary bikes. Because you can't relax forward onto the handlebars, they can also help strengthen your core and other upper-body muscle groups. Our pick is the Schwinn 170 Upright Bike, which is the more-advanced sibling of the Schwinn 130 Upright Bike, our recommendation for best lightweight bike. The Schwinn 170 includes 25 levels of resistance and 2 backlit LCD displays, making it easier to track your goals and follow programs. It is compatible with streaming apps if you prefer to follow along with a virtual cycle workout by connecting to the bike using Bluetooth from your phone or tablet. While it is heavier than the Schwinn 130, the extra weight provides a feeling of stability to the base—especially important when you're on an upright bike. The Schwinn 170 plugs into nearly any standard wall outlet and includes a generous warranty.

There are a few downsides to the Schwinn 170. Namely, if you're on the shorter side, you may find this bike difficult to use. Though the seat is adjustable, the handlebars are only adjustable in angle, which isn't ideal if you're petite. Some folks are also concerned that the pedals don't include clips; while this means you can bike in your normal running shoes, it can result in your feet slipping out of the pedals mid-workout. We like the extra features this bike offers over the Schwinn 130, but if you're on a budget, think carefully about which of these two great upright bikes will work better for you.

PROS

• Heart rate trackers in handlebar grips
• USB charging port
• App compatible
• Includes 29 programs
• In-console speakers

CONS

• Not ideal for petite users
• No clips in pedals

BUY: Schwinn 170 Upright Bike

Best Airdyne - Schwinn Airdyne AD7

SPECS

• Footprint: 53"L x 26.5"W x 53"H
• Power requirements: 2 D batteries
• Seat style: Fore & aft adjustments
• Handlebar style: Fixed height
• Pedal style: Simple (no cages, straps, or clips)
• Resistance: Infinite resistance levels
• Monitor: Multi-display LCD
• Bluetooth capability: No
• Weight: 113 lbs.
• Max user weight: 350 lbs.
• Key features: Air resistance
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year mechanical and electrical, 6-month labor

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Airdyne stationary bikes provide resistance with a large, fan-like wheel that makes pedaling more challenging as you increase your speed. With handlebars that move in a forward and back motion similar to an elliptical, this style of bike is also ideal for strengthening your core, burning calories, and toning the arms. Our pick for best airdyne is the Schwinn Airdyne AD7. Unlike some of the other Schwinn bikes we've featured, its pedals don't come with clips or straps, so if you want something you can hop right on, this could be a good fit. With a max user weight of 350 pounds, it is one of the more accessible exercise bikes that Schwinn sells in terms of weight capacity.

The Airdyne AD7 includes a highly advanced fan wheel system that offers an infinite number of resistance levels, but when it comes to other functionality, it lacks some features of the other bikes on our list. The screen is relatively rudimentary in display with no backlight, and some users report having trouble reading details on the screen for this reason. It doesn't include a speaker system, a heart rate monitor, or bluetooth capability. If you need all of these bells and whistles, you're likely better off going with a solid all-around bike like the Schwinn IC4. But if your main priority is the airdyne style, then this is a great option.

PROS

• Air resistance
• Multiple grip options on handlebars
• Full-body workout
• Sturdy construction

CONS

• No option to sync with cycling apps
• Monitor not backlit

BUY: Schwinn Airdyne AD7

Schwinn Exercise Bike Comparison

Final Thoughts on Schwinn Exercise Bikes

Schwinn makes stationary bikes in a variety of styles, so if you're looking for a high-quality, versatile machine that will last you for years, you can take your pick. The IC4 indoor bike is a great all-around pick with all the functionality you'd expect, and it comes with a free year of JRNY subscription. If you like that idea but want something more affordable, the IC3 is similar and a good bit cheaper. Schwinn's upright bikes 130 and 170 are a great solution if you want to strengthen your core as you work out, and if you're dealing with pain or injury, you might want to check out the Schwinn 270, their top-notch recumbent bike. The Airdyne AD7 offers an arm workout and infinite air resistance for anyone who prefers the airdyne style of stationary bike. You can't go wrong with any of the bikes we've shared on this list.