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

If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. Easy Assembly You’ll be ready to ride in just a few easy steps. Called after sudden fail of spouses airdyne belt and realizing it was Veterans Day, didn’t leave m … We carry all the airdyne parts you will need to maintain and fix your Schwinn model AD-2, and AD-6 Airdyne Exerciser.

Schwinn’s IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike comes with a Bluetooth-enabled heart rate tracker, a pair of three-pound weights, built-in media rack, and USB charging port. You’re able to pedal manually without following a workout or paying extra. However, you can purchase the Explore the World app (Schwinn’s workout subscription service) or use the bike with compatible apps like Peloton and Zwift. There are over 100 levels of micro-resistance to tailor your workout to your preferred intensity level. This is a big plus and something you’d expect to find on more expensive bikes like the Bowflex VeloCore.

More than six months later, the seat hasn’t gotten any softer but I’ve gotten used to it. I find it most uncomfortable when riding for 45 minutes or longer, or during classes when I’m not out of the saddle. The handlebars and seat are adjustable for riders of heights 4 feet 6 inches to 6 feet 6 inches, and it has a weight limit of 330 pounds. The pedals come with cages, or you can clip-in with SPD-cleat cycle shoes like Tiems. (This is different from the Peloton, which uses LOOK Delta cleats.) The Schwinn has two small water bottle holders, too. To stream your workouts, a tablet or smart TV is the way to go.

Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, product reviews, and more. Attaching the pedals was more challenging, however—and not just because they’re reverse-threaded on one side. Overall, I had a pleasant experience with Schwinn’s customer service department and they ultimately fixed the problem by sending a replacement bike.

As Schwinn bikes come in a range of prices, look for models that are within your budget. Also, keep in mind that many stores offer sales throughout the year, so it’s a good idea to shop around for the best price. The machine has a max weight capacity of 300 pounds (136.1 kg) and an adjustable seat to accommodate users of varying heights. However, as the seat only adjusts vertically, it may be more difficult to get the saddle perfectly aligned with the pedals.

You’ll need to pay for return shipping, which can be expensive for a heavy piece of equipment. The screen is mainly dark with bright letters and numbers that provide metric information at a glance. The displayed data includes pulse, resistance level, distance, speed, estimated calories burned, elapsed time and cadence. The frame of the IC4 is durable and stable, supporting up to 300 pounds with ease.

If you’d rather manually input your own levels, you’re able to do that as well. The automatic adjustment makes this bike more technologically connected and immerses you in your chosen ride. The 40 pound flywheel has magnetic resistance, which is part of the reason it is both quiet and stable. Magnetic resistance offers a more durable option than bikes that use brake pads to create resistance.

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While you can still manually adjust the resistance levels and pedal your bike without plugging it in, you won’t be able to use the Bluetooth connectivity or console display without electricity. One of Schwinn’s indoor cycling-style bikes, a fitness app subscription, and a tablet are all you need. The IC4 has an included huffy beach cruiser heart rate monitor band and 3 pound dumbbells, which the IC3 does not. The IC3 uses friction pads versus the IC4, which uses magnetic resistance and is generally quieter. The max weight is also higher for the IC4 as opposed to the IC3 . The Peloton bike has both a larger footprint and overall weight compared to the IC4.

StudioCycles is the only company in the world that offers a lifetime warranty for every residential client and has for nearly 30 years. Because a lifelong fitness journey requires lifelong support – and that’s the StudioCycles promise. Upright bikes are the counterpoint to recumbent bikes — they keep you in a more upright position with more extension in your legs. They also take up less floor space than other bikes, which is a definite plus if your space is already cramped. This one is also suuuper budget-friendly but still equipped for streaming with speakers, a charging port, and a tablet holder. 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.