Having tested this bike out with Zwift extensively, I can vouch for the fact that it’s very simple and easy to use. Get twice-weekly reviews, advice, deals, and how-to guides from the experts. The hard and narrow bike seat is my least favorite part of the Schwinn IC4, but I am trying to power through it. Attaching the pedals was a bit more challenging, however—and not just because they’re reverse-threaded on one side. It also has a better warranty than most bikes we tested—10 years on the frame, three years on the parts, and one year on labor.
Despite any appreciation I may have for those slick Peloton ads with the happy ladies cycling in their glass-encased skyscrapers and French farmhouses, that bike’s price meant it was never an option for me. The much more affordable C6 delivers an open-platform, Bluetooth-connected fitness experience with a high-performance build. It comes with free shipping and two three-pound weights to do arm exercises while biking. [The Schwinn also includes three-pound weights.] And while it doesn’t have the fancy, 22-inch touchscreen that Peloton provides, you can use pretty much any phone or tablet to connect and stream classes.
Unlike Peloton and Echelon Connect bikes, there’s no video screen built into the Schwinn IC4—just a small LCD display that shows your ride time, distance, RPMs, and heart rate, plus a USB charging port. You can also use your smartphone, but we think a bigger screen makes for a more enjoyable experience. Overall, the bike provides a smooth ride and, even when I’m rocking from side to side, remains sturdily in place. The U-shaped handlebars offer a variety of ways for me to place my hands when riding and I found it easy to adjust the bike to my 5-foot-3-inch frame. With my current setup, I’m only able to view my heart rate and cadence on-screen during rides, not my output like Peloton bike users are able to see.
But it’s about time you splurge a little on yourself—and invest in your health at the same time. TMEchelon2 console with optional power meter, or the Schwinn Cadence Pro computer. The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels.
Several members of the SNEWS team rode the bike for a couple of months this summer and found it steady, simple, comfy and ready to deliver a great workout. The ability to adjust the seat and handle bars easily and quickly make it a great family workout piece to be shared by different body types. And even if you aren’t Arnold, you can move the bike around for workouts or storage without much effort. The 38-pound flywheel and gearing simulates the feel of road riding so even a devout road cyclist can get a great, natural-feeling workout indoors too — or outdoors since we often wheeled our bike onto the deck. With the Peloton bike however, you get full workouts streamed right in front of you. This bike comes with full WiFi connectivity, so you are able to take part in live spin classes 24/7 that are recorded and broadcast from Peloton studios in New York.
Peloton on the other hand offers a 5-year warranty on the frame, one year for parts and labor. Both bikes come from reputable manufacturers and there’s good reason for their customers’ loyalty, that said, we do respect the confidence huffy beach cruiser represented by warranties. The workhorses of our indoor cycling line offer the same high level of functionality, durability and quality that you expect from Schwinn® products – all while delivering exceptional value.
Although the Schwinn IC4 doesn’t have a large connected monitor to view programming on, like the 22-inch screen on the NordicTrack Commercial S22i, you’re still able to utilize various apps with the bike. The IC4 is able to sync with apps like Peloton digital, Explore the World, and Zwift via Bluetooth connectivity. At 48.7 in long x 21.2 in wide, the Schwinn IC4 has the footprint of a typical exercise bike.
This bike is also designed to integrate many more programs than its Peloton rival, including MyFitness.Pal, Rouvy, and Sufferfest. If you are in the market for a new exercise bike, two of the biggest players in schwinn spin bike the game are Peloton and Schwinn. Spin bikes have become highly sought after, as more and more people are hopping on the spinning bandwagon after trying a class and realizing how fantastic the workout it is.
The one notable difference is that app users don’t have access to or show up on the Peloton leaderboard, which shows riders how they rank against others in the class. 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 can use sneakers or clips, and it’s fully adjustable.
This is a big plus and something you’d expect to find on more expensive bikes like the Bowflex VeloCore. Using the knob on the crossbar, you can manually turn the resistance level up or down. You are also able to adjust the level digitally with the press of a button. The USB port is an awesome add-on for a bike that requires the use of a separate device. I love being able to charge my phone or tablet while completing a ride without the worry of my device dying mid-ride. Although the routes are scenic, there is no sound or instruction given.