I personally test each piece of equipment and take into account the footprint, durability, adjustability, and overall workout experience. In this Schwinn IC4 review, I’ll give you the lowdown on app connectivity, assembly, and how this bike rode for me. In fact, I like this bike so much, it made my list of the best Peloton alternatives.
The resistance dial is fairly accurate and offers increments from in single digit clicks. These can be difficult to achieve in exact amounts, but a slight twist usually only sees the figure jump by three or four at a time, which should be accurate enough to keep up with a Peloton class. I’ve not been able to try the Peloton Bike and this Schwinn IC8 back-to-back, but the resistance units used suggest it replicates those barked out by fitness instructors on the Peloton app. The handlebars also have two bottle cages on them and, if you wanted to, cradles for 1.5kg dumbbells. I like a nice close bike fit so it’s easily overcome by just adjusting the handlebars slightly further away from you.
When he’s not doing a Peloton ride, my fiancé rides to action movies using the adrenaline rush of battle scenes to hype him up. He says he likes the bike so much that on mild winter days when he could go for an outdoor ride, the draw of the IC3 is enough of a temptation to keep him in. Several years ago, a company named Gates introduced a concept never before seen on outdoor bikes – a belt drive that performed like a chain.
Schwinn is a big player in the home fitness market and the IC4 is the top of the line model in their range of indoor cycling bikes. In addition to its sturdy build, 40 lb weighted flywheel, and 100 levels of magnetic resistance, it is a smart bike with connected features. With more and more people exercising from home and latching onto the interactive at-home studio and virtual cycling trend, we felt this was a compelling model worthy of testing. We found the IC4 to provide an excellent workout, a high level of comfort, and functionality with popular apps like Zwift, Peloton, and JRNY (it comes with a 1-year JRNY membership). We also think it’s a great value since it retails for significantly less than many of the other connected bikes on the market.
First, we noticed that the speed and distance readings on the bike’s own display seemed too high; in fact, they were way off. We like to think we are fast, but we also know that we average mph on an actual road ride, not even close to the 27 mph the IC4 recorded. 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.
Its large-diameter leveling feet provide floor protection and stability, and reinforced axles offer increased service life for standard toe clip/strap pedals. Textured pads provide a non-slip surface for stretching and transport wheels make storage and relocation huffy beach cruiser easy while protecting floors. TheSchwinnEvolution Indoor Cycle offers industry-leading features including our patented Smart Release system, a unique coasting feature. Climb on and experience body-sculpting, high-cardio cycling in the privacy of your own home.
Josh Taylor, a global brand ambassador for the online fitness site Spinning, recommends finding an indoor cycling bike that puts you in the same position as the bike you’re accustomed to riding outside. For example, if your daily rider is a road bike, look for an indoor cycling bike with a handlebar option that huffy beach cruiser both incorporates a traditional bullhorn bar and mimics the hand-position options of drops and brake hoods. However, if you’re already used to taking studio classes, an indoor cycling bike with just the traditional bullhorn-style bar will work great, says Ben Sharp, power education specialist at Stages Cycling.
This app is a good option for those who enjoy doing their own workout without interference or instruction but also enjoy a nice view. Not only is this exercise bike under $1,000, but Schwinn also offers financing for under $60 per month over 18 months. Shipping is free and generally takes 2-3 weeks, which is about how long mine took to get here. I’m glad to see that Schwinn has released the Schwinn IC4, which is an upgrade from the brand’s first iteration, the IC3 bike. With the IC4, you get magnetic resistance instead of the friction pads of the IC3 and technology to connect with apps like Peloton and Zwift.
Beyond its connectivity, the IC4 comes loaded with valuable features. Both the seat and handlebar have loads of adjustability, both up and down and fore and aft. It comes with a performance-oriented seat as well as a sizeable multi-position handlebar. 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.