Schwinn IC4 Review: Here’s how it compares to Peloton

Some Schwinn IC4 riders use the Kinetic app to track their output levels during rides, though I have not tested that myself. Stationary exercise bikes like Peloton are a popular home-fitness purchase. In fact, we named the Bike+ our top pick in our test of the best exercise bikes. But it’s also an expensive purchase—$2,495 huffy beach cruiser for the Bike+ and $1,445 for the original Bike. If you’re not into forking up that much cash, there are more affordable alternatives that offer a similar experience, like the Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike. I’ve been riding my IC4 for over two years now—and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

schwinn spin bike

The IC4 has more features — and costs a bit more — than the IC3 — it can be synced with other workout apps like Peloton and Zwift, so you can stream thousands of workout classes. It comes with a 40-pound flywheel, 100 levels of resistance and a set of included 3-pound dumbbells that sit in an easy-to-reach cradle, according to the brand. It also has dual water bottle holders and an integrated media rack so it can hold your tablet.

A one year membership to the JRNY app is included in the cost of the Schwinn IC4 bike. You’ll need to have a tablet or similar device to use as the display screen. JRNY has several coaching options, trainer-led workouts and virtual riding courses. You can even find off-bike workouts to diversify your cardio, including HIIT, treadmill and elliptical exercises.

A few of the main updates include the integrated app technology—which connects with apps like Zwift and Peloton—and the addition of quiet magnetic resistance pads rather than friction pads. Make for easy maintenance while delivering an authentic riding experience indoors. The Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike, our favorite “basic” exercise bike, is a Bluetooth-enabled stationary bike that works with a variety of fitness apps including cycling apps like Peloton and Zwift. Once your preferred compatible app is connected to the bike via Bluetooth, the app auto-adjusts your resistance. You’ll be able to enjoy a hands-free workout without worrying about adjusting your resistance.

Recumbent exercise bikes are a convenient way to get in a great workout at home. Exercise bikes are a popular piece of equipment in many home gyms. A recumbent exercise bike has more support than a traditional stationary bike, making it a good option for older adults and people with concerns such as limited mobility, osteoarthritis, or an injury.

The Schwinn IC4 doesn’t have a large monitor for program viewing, but it does have a simple backlit LCD display that’s similar to what you might find on your average exercise bike. The screen measures three inches by two inches, and is located between the handlebars. It needs to be plugged in for the Bluetooth connectivity to work.

However, you can wear your Apple Watch during your workout to track your calories and heart rate, and then compare your Apple Fitness stats with those on the IC4’s display. When you need to roll your bike around, you can use the two front-mounted red wheels. It’s worth noting that, though the frame is made with heavy-duty steel, it’s susceptible to rusting, which is why we wouldn’t recommend leaving this outside. With the addition of this 40-pound flywheel, the bike weighs 106 pounds, making it relatively easy to move around by yourself using the front wheels attached to the bottom. The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader.

The console, combined with the Watts Upgrade, offers a number of enhancements, making it a valuable and reliable tool in all types of cycling facilities. Smart bikes might require monthly subscriptions, especially when it comes to on-demand mongoose bicycles training and cycling classes. We bring a proven, unparalleled education program that includes expert coaching techniques and top tier class design. Unfortunately, the Schwinn IC4 has no direct integration with Apple Fitness+.