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.
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 that was 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 Explore the World.
But as someone who just discovered Peloton and spin in general, I’ve found it to be a game-changer. Whether I’m biking to an episode of Bridgerton or to a 20-minute Beyoncé ride, I still end up working up a good sweat — and having a pretty good time. Like a lot of hot home-fitness equipment, the IC4 isn’t easy to buy at the moment. You can order directly from Schwinn, but the wait time is dragging out into months despite the company’s increasing its factory capacity by 500 percent. I snagged mine on Amazon for $799, thanks to a Facebook tip, but I haven’t seen the IC4 available there for weeks.
The Schwinn IC3 Indoor Cycling Bike is a super popular, sturdy spin bike at an affordable price. If you’re someone who is comfortable working out at your own pace and knows how to guide your own workout, this bike is perfect for you. It doesn’t have the fancy computer that other bikes may have, but it does have a small system which keeps track of your schwinn spin bike time and vitals. This is a solidly built bike that comes with adjustable options and padding to make sure that you can focus on burning a sweat while feeling comfortable. We didn’t weigh the bike in the box, but with a claimed assembled weight of 106 lbs, you definitely want the help of another person to move it or remove the bike the from box.
As you’re setting the bike up yourself, note that it might be difficult to assemble. It doesn’t offer a screen but you can use the tablet holder to follow virtual classes with your own smart device. Schwinn’s take on the stationary bike is equipped with pedals that allow for different types of footwear — you can wear regular sneakers or utilize higher-end clip-in shoes. Like the more affordable option above, there’s no built-in screen, although there’s a spot for your own tablet if you wanted to rely on its offerings.
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.
Movement of the unit to a different position or for cleaning purposes will not have you dripping of sweat, because it has incorporated small wheels at the bottom frame, so you can easily push them to any location. Users can also adjust resistance during the exercise sessions because the bike has been equipped with an easy to reach the knob. Optional Phone Holder are handlebar-mounted with or without a console to utilize Motosumo experience or to track your workout with a personal smart device app.
At first, I chalked my perception of the seat’s lack of plushness up to the fact that I was still adjusting to my new bike. More than six months later, the seat hasn’t gotten any softer but I’ve gotten used to it. I find it most uncomfortable when riding for 45 minutes or longer, or during classes when I’m not out of the saddle. Although a heart rate monitor is included with the Schwinn IC4, I opt to use my Apple Watch to track my heart rate and calories during workouts on the bike, as well as log my workout in Apple’s Activity app. The Bluetooth-enabled bike also pairs with the Peloton app, so you can track your cadence on-screen as you ride. In fact, we’re big fans of the brand, and named the Bike+ our top pick in our test of exercise bikes.
Whether you love riding outside or enjoy the motivation of a spin class, Schwinn exercise bikes offer a convenient alternative for days when you want to work out from home. Hello, The mongoose bicycles display console on my Schwinn Carbon Blue exercise bike keeps needing to be replaced. The screen keeps failing, or the screen won’t turn on or off, or the screen gets all scrambled.