In recent years, Peloton has made waves for its interactive programming. For a few hundred dollars cheaper, the Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike offers an alternative for those wanting app connectivity, durability, and a great value. Discover new workout ideas, healthy-eating recipes, makeup looks, skin-care advice, the best beauty products and tips, trends, and more from SELF.
In recent years, they’ve directed their engineering expertise into a line of well-regarded indoor fitness machines, including top-of-the-line stationary bikes. One of the most popular entries in this line is the IC4 indoor cycling bike. The three Schwinn Airdyne exercise bikes let riders generate infinite levels of air resistance. Airdyne bikes have moving arm bars to make total-body workouts convenient. If you are not ready to make such a significant investment, the Renpho AI Smart Exercise Bike is another connected model that is about half the price. It is compatible with many of the same apps and offers almost the same level of exercise quality as the IC4.
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. 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. One big difference between the two is that, instead of magnetic resistance, the IC3 uses flywheel resistance.
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. The onboard computer is described as “generous” in the Schwinn marketing bumph but it feels very cheap compared to the rest of the package. The little plastic box displays time, distance, calories, cadence and a heart rate when an external monitor is attached, but it’s difficult to interact with and the buttons don’t really have much of a purpose. You have high-quality pedals on Schwinn IC3 that you might not find on exercise bikes under $500. One main highlight of this bike is the drive that it is 40 pounds heftier than the normal indoor bikes. The bike is equipped with a good basic design and features that can satisfy a serious fitness rider.
The seat moves up and down, as well as fore and aft, and the feet screw in and out of the base to different levels so you can stabilize the bike on uneven flooring. It’s relatively easy to move—just tip it up on its front edge and two small wheels allow you to roll and stash it in a closet or spare room. The frame is powder-coated for rust and corrosion resistance, when you really work up a sweat. There are some additional costs to keep in mind, like spin shoes, a tablet if you don’t already own one, and the price of the fitness app you choose to use with the IC4. For example, I pay a monthly subscription fee of $12.99 to use the Peloton app for workouts on my Schwinn IC4 bike.
The membership also allows you to explore destinations around the world with more than 50 global routes to virtually ride. While none of Schwinn’s bikes have bougie built-in tablets, every model costs less than $1,000 — and some are made for streaming fitness with Bluetooth speakers and app connectivity . Unfortunately, many of the tricked-out bikes made for at-home cycling classes — like the Peloton and the Echelon — also have majorly tricked-out prices. Although I’ve now built up the stamina to do a 60-minute class, I often opt for a high-energy 30-minute class and supplement it with a 20-minute strength class and a 10-minute core class from the app.
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 schwinn spin bike 130 has fewer resistance levels and programmed workouts. It also lacks certain features, including a USB port, forearm rests, and built-in speakers. Above all else, the Schwinn IC8 feels like great recommendation for a virtual class-based fitness companion, rather than a hardcore road cycling training tool.