One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost. • Has the option to show your heart rate if you are wearing a chest strap. • Water bottle holder that fits small and large bottles, ensuring that you stay hydrated throughout your workout.
The matte black bike has a 21-inch touchscreen display and some high-tech speakers, both of which are perfect for streaming live and on-demand classes led by top SoulCycle instructors. Meanwhile, the commercial-grade steel frame is club-quality, and the magnetic resistance flywheel and narrow carbon-fiber belt make for a smooth, silent, and natural-feeling ride. Choices with quiet magnetic resistance include two traditional stationary bikes called Schwinn 130 and Schwinn 170, and two recumbent exercise bikes called Schwinn 230 and Schwinn 270. I’m more used to outdoor cycling so the flywheel momentum takes some getting used to. It would be nicer if it had street bike type of handlebars or at least hand positions.
Spin workouts are typically high intensity and focus on cadence and resistance instead of distance or power. The Peloton app is a bit different since their studio workouts are based on spin bikes using cadence, resistance level, and perceived effort. The Schwinn’s resistance levels aren’t an exact match of Peloton’s, although there are helpful tips online for converting resistance from Peloton to the IC4.
That said, it is up to the user to dictate the resistance level and effort they put in when following along with a Peloton class anyway. A stronger drive train and chain make for easy maintenance while delivering an authentic riding experience indoors. 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 mongoose bicycles 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. Some Schwinn IC4 riders use the Kinetic app to track their output levels during rides, though I have not tested that myself.
Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, product reviews, and more. 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. Men’s Health participates in various affiliate mongoose bicycles marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Functionality – Push-button start-up and AVG/MAX values are accessible anytime during the ride with a separate, dedicated button.
Sneak in your workout any time of the day or night, because this thing is silent. It comes with a heart rate monitor you wear on your forearm and a pair of three-pound dumbbells so you can squeeze in a light upper-body workout, too. This budget-priced, belt-driven bike operates a 35-pound flywheel that provides a smooth and quiet ride.
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. What’s more, while some are more affordable or geared toward beginners, other models come equipped with advanced features, including LCD screens, charging ports, dumbbells, and multiple user profiles. As a result, Schwinn has an option to suit riders of all fitness levels. 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.
I’m not a tall person but the highest position for the handlebars is slightly too low for me. A few inches (4-6″) higher would make a great difference in comfort. The IC4 functions well as a stand-alone spin bike, plus you have the option of connecting to your device via Bluetooth and using popular interactive training apps. 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 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 you already have or purchase one for that purpose.