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#1 Schwinn Exercise Bike review

Chris L.
January 12, 2021

A Schwinn Exercise Bike combines quality with affordability. With dozens of preset programs and a ton of resistance levels to choose from, you definitely get your money's worth with one of these bikes. And they tend to come with other advantageous features, such as Bluetooth connectivity, to make them well worth the price.

Is the Schwinn Exercise Bike best for you?

There are numerous Schwinn Exercise Bikes out there. While each one differs slightly, there are some common features you see across models. For starters, these bikes are known for their comfortable seating. Schwinn bikes offer contoured saddles with high backing to offer adequate lumbar support.

Several Schwinn bikes come with speaker sets to support MP3 players. And there are some additional features to look for in your next bike, such as a multi-speed cooling fan, reading rack, and water bottle holder. Schwinn bikes give you a lot of bang for your buck, giving you an investment you can benefit from for years.

Consider Schwinn Exercise Bike if...

  • You need adjustability. If multiple people are going to use the exercise bike, then you want to make sure there's flexibility. Schwinn bikes allow you to move the handlebars forward or backward. Plus, the seats can be repositioned to accommodate varying leg lengths. This way, everyone can be comfortable.?
  • You want built-in programs. The Schwinn 270 comes with 29 preset programs, and other machines in this line usually come with around 20 to fit different fitness goals. Whether you want to burn calories or build endurance, there are programs to help you attain what you want.?
  • You like contoured seating. When cycling, you deserve to be comfortable. Schwinn's recumbent bikes feature high-backed seats to provide extra lumbar support. They also feature mesh material to enhance ventilation.

Avoid Schwinn Exercise Bike if...

  • You don't like low contrast. Some reviewers have noted how it can be difficult to read some Schwinn LCD screens due to low contrast. If keeping track of data is imporant to you, then you may want to look for a Bluetooth-compatible Schwinn bike that syncs to your smart devices.?
  • You want a greater warranty. Warranties on Schwinn bikes are all right with the frame typically being covered for up to 10 years. However, there's usually only 90 days of coverage on labor.?
  • You like heavier resistance. The heaviest flywheel on a Schwinn bike goes up to 31 pounds. Most other brands have at least 48-pound flywheels, which provide greater resistance when you really want to push yourself.

Schwinn Exercise Bike pros & cons

Pros

  • Built-in speaker sets
  • Sturdy frames
  • Small sizes
  • USB charging ports
  • Multi-speed cooling fans

Cons

  • Light flywheels
  • Low contrast LCD screens

Construction and design

  • Seat: Schwinn seats are not only adjustable. They also provide ample lumbar support. Plus, upright bikes come with padding.?
  • Pedals: Many models come with toe clip pedals to keep your feet secure as you exercise.?
  • Handlebars: The handlebars can be moved vertically as well as forward and backward. This is designed to accommodate all types of people.
  • Handlebars on Schwinn exercise bikes can be moved vertically or turned forward and backward to fit different riders and riding styles. Seats can also be repositioned for different leg lengths.?
  • Console: Consoles vary by bike with some coming with certain features and not others. Some of the typical amenities you can expect include water bottle holder, media shelf, MP3 port, and dual speakers.?
  • Built-in Programs: Many Schwinn bikes come with at least 20 preset programs.

Key Schwinn Exercise Bike Specs

Reasons to buy Schwinn Exercise Bike?

  • You want to save money. Schwinn bikes are much more affordable compared with other brands. You end up spending a fraction of the price on something that still comes with ample programs.?
  • You have limited space. Schwinn bikes, particularly recumbent models, have small footprints. You can easily fit one in your apartment or home.?
  • You move a lot. If you tend to move apartments every year or so, then you're going to love the caster wheels. Instead of hauling the bike around, you can effortlessly move it around your home at your leisure.

Reasons to avoid Schwinn Exercise Bike?

  • You're heavier. Schwinn bikes can support weights of up to 300 pounds. Models from other brands may be able to hold more.?
  • You don't want to pay for extras. Some Schwinn bikes are compatible with heart rate monitoring chest straps. There are also fitness apps you can download to keep better track of your progress. But all this comes at a price.

What real Schwinn Exercise Bike reviews say

We spent 18 hours scouring the web (reading over 253 customer reviews). Our conclusion? Schwinn Exercise Bike receives high praise! Our average consolidated user rating sits around a 4.6 - 4.74 (across several hundred reviews). Schwinn Exercise Bike scored higher, on average, compared to their closest competitors.

What reviewers like

  • "I highly recommended it to anyone who might want the Peloton experience, but isn’t sure if they want to make the financial commitment."
  • "The bike is very sturdy in build. It's solid and well made."
  • "The bike rides extremely well. It's silent and smooth."
  • "Bluetooth heart monitor works well and the console has usb so you can charge the monitor or your tablet/phone while riding."
  • "Love the bike! I can get great cardio low impact whenever."

What reviewers dislike

  • "I’m 5’7” and I hit my knees several times on the bottle holders, i.e. it’s positioned in a very awkward angle."
  • "The main body of the bike is HEAVY, so be prepared."
  • "The pedals are cheap but will work fine for most."
  • "The RPM is shown with a gauge rather than numerals, which is really annoying when trying to follow specific cadences."
  • "Not quite ROCK solid but great for a home bike at this price."

Our verdict

The Schwinn Exercise Bike is perfect for giving you a solid workout without hurting your wallet too much. Schwinn Bikes are known for having some excellent preset workout programs, allowing you to focus on heart health or calorie burning. Plus, you can increase the resistance quite a bit to constantly find new ways to challenge yourself.

Schwinn isn't without a few minor drawbacks. The warranty could be better, and the screens on most models look dated. However, if all you want is a solid bike without spending a ton of money, then Schwinn is often the way to go.

Where to buy Schwinn Exercise Bike

Numerous Schwinn exercise bikes are available for sale on Amazon at the best prices. Depending on which one you get, you may qualify for free, fast shipping.