The 4 Best Schwinn Exercise Bikes of 2024 (Personally Tested)

When you think of Schwinn, you likely think of some of the best exercise bikes and road cycles — or maybe you think of someone saying “win” with a lisp. The best Schwinn exercise bikes, from air bikes and spin bikes to upright and recumbent bikes, provide access to low-impact cardio that can reduce blood pressure, lift moods, and aid in weight loss, regardless of your preference, needs, and desired training intensity. (1)(2)

When searching for new fitness equipment for your home gym, navigating the available options can be a daunting task. To help you save the effort for your ride, our team of expert product testers have put the pedal to the metal on several of the most popular exercise bikes from Schwinn. Whether you’re looking for a Peloton-like experience or need something to support physical therapy, our team has curated our list with the top options for your consideration.

The 4 Best Schwinn Exercise Bikes of 2024

• Best Schwinn Spin Bike: Schwinn IC4
• Best Schwinn Air Bike: Schwinn Airdyne AD7
• Best Schwinn Upright Bike: Schwinn 190
• Best Schwinn Recumbent Bike: Schwinn 230

How We Tested and Chose the Best Schwinn Exercise Bikes

The BarBend team is filled with certified personal trainers, cyclists, and competitive athletes who appreciate the value of a sweaty cardio session. To land on the best Schwinn exercise bikes, we got our butts on more than 35 exercise bikes, including seven of Schwinn’s most popular models. Using the BarBend Equipment Testing Methodology, we rated each machine on a scale of 1 (not great) to 5 (we love it) in areas like workout experience, durability, and tech capabilities. Below are factors we looked at to come up with our findings.

• Price: Schwinn Fitness offers exercise bikes that range in cost from $599 up to $1,299. For our roundup, we chose options between $899 and $1,299, opting for choices with Bluetooth connectivity, USB charging ports, and a wider range of adjustable resistance compared to similar Schwinn models.
• Comfort: We’ve spent, collectively, thousands of hours parked on bike seats and understand the need for comfort as you sweat. We highlighted seats with contoured molding to fit your cheeks or foam padding to help ease the stress on your tailbone.
• Personal Goals: We understand that each individual will have their own goals when it comes to training. We put each bike through various training intensities, making sure our recommendations could withstand your workouts whether you’re in the process of creating a fitness goal or have been committed to a cycling routine for ages.

Best Schwinn Spin Bike: Schwinn IC4

If your eyes go wide when you see a Peloton and then roll out of their sockets at the $1,500 price tag (plus the $44 monthly All-Access subscription), the Schwinn IC4 may be able to fulfill your studio-like spin class needs without annihilating your bank account. Durability, customizations, adjustability, conveniences, and value all scored a perfect 5 out of 5.

“Similar to the Peloton bike, there are 100 micro-adjustable levels of resistance on this bike, so you can really fine-tune your ride to the exact intensity you want,” said BarBend editorial member Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1. “The LCD screen allows me to digitally adjust my resistance by pushing up and down on the arrows, so I can also know exactly where I’m at rather than feeling it out like you would with manual knob resistance.” 

The 40-pound flywheel, two pounds heavier than Peloton’s flywheel, works to keep your ride smooth and challenging whether you’re tackling a HIIT workout or just getting your legs moving.

There’s no built-in touchscreen, but this bike’s Bluetooth can pair it with apps like Zwift, JRNY, and the Peloton App so you can view content from your smartphone, iPad, or tablet. However, tech capabilities only scored a 4 out of 5 because compatibility can be limited depending on the app, as detailed in the chart below.

	Speed	Power	RPM	Distance	Heart Rate	iOS or Android
Peloton	No	No	Yes	No	No	iOS
Zwift	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes, with a compatible HR monitor	Both
Sufferfest	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes, with a compatible HR monitor	iOS
Rouvy	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes, but may differ from console reading	Yes, with a compatible HR monitor	Both

We also like the hybrid pedals on this bike. You can clip in with a pair of SPD cleats or flip ‘em around and slip your feet into the toe cages. If you want to get your upper body in on the action, a pair of 3-pound hand weights come with the bike. Conveniences scored a 5 out of 5.

“You’re getting awesome value for a bike under $1,000, with a ton of conveniences and tech features,” concluded Meier, scoring the IC4 a 5 out of 5 score for value. 

Read our full Schwinn IC4 Exercise Bike Review.

Best Schwinn Air Bike: Airdyne AD7

“The harder you pedal, the harder the work becomes,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto about air bikes. The Schwinn Airdyne AD7, one of the best air bikes we’ve tested, features fan resistance that battles against the wind while you pump the pedals and the bike’s set of moving arms. One feature that separates this Airdyne bike from its competitors is the air diverter, which you can attach to the fan to help keep the wind out of your face. 

Air bikes are often found in CrossFit boxes, as they’re useful for explosive bursts of high-intensity training. “I like being able to do intervals with this bike, something like Tabata training, where I’m going hard for 20 seconds then resting for 10 seconds,” said our tester.

Another feature that separates the AD7 from other popular air bikes, such as the Assault AirBike, is its belt-drive system. “Belt drives… require less maintenance than chain drives, and they are quieter,” said Capritto. “Chain drives, as seen on the Assault Bike series, are noisier and require more frequent maintenance.”

The AD7 can support riders up to 350 pounds, however, there are a good deal of plastic components incorporated into the build. “The plastic is thick, so I’m not too concerned about these parts getting damaged — so long as they’re treated with care,” said our tester.

There are nine workout programs you can cycle through, and readings like heart rate, calories, and intervals on the multi-display LCD screen. However, you won’t find app connectivity or even a media shelf to hold your phone or tablet. Tech capabilities earned a 3.5 out of 5. “While tech functionality isn’t impressive, it’s still the best LCD display I’ve seen on an air bike,” said our tester.

At $1,299, it’s nearly $500 more expensive than similar air bikes we’ve tried, so you may want to consider your options if you’re on a budget. However, value still scored a 4.5 out of 5, with our tester citing the impressive 10-year frame warranty. 

Read our full Schwinn Airdyne AD7 Bike Review.

Best Schwinn Upright Bike: Schwinn 190

Upright bikes, like recumbent bikes, can be great machines for beginners, those recovering from an injury or medical procedure, or anyone looking to ask, “So, what is cardio?” The Schwinn 190 is our choice for the best Schwinn upright bike for several reasons, but we particularly like that it has a step-thru design, which makes it easier for riders with limited mobility to hop aboard. 

While there isn’t a touchscreen to stream programming or apps, there is Bluetooth connectivity that can pair this bike with apps from your mobile device. JRNY, one of this bike’s compatible apps, provides studio-like classes and scenic rides via Explore the World. With your purchase, you’ll get access to this app for a two-month free trial period. After that, a digital-only subscription will cost you $11.99 a month. The 190 can also pair with Zwift, which we love for its immersive 3D virtual worlds. It will, however, cost $19.99 a month after a free 14-day trial. 

If you’re looking for a dialed-in fit, the handlebars and seat have four-way adjustability so you can move them up and down and forward and back. We also like the foam-padded seat, as it can help keep pain in the keister at bay. 

Reviews seem torn regarding the seat, with some claiming it’s comfortable and others saying it isn’t. While preference and experience can often dictate the type of seat that’ll best fit your rear, one customer review put it in terms we could understand: “The seat is rather firm. but it is wide and supportive.” 

The area we were least impressed with was the 8.16-pound flywheel. Ideally, we’d like to see a flywheel between 20 and 40 pounds, especially at this price point, to ensure smooth transitions between resistance levels. As such, we think the Schwinn 190 is better suited for LISS cardio sessions than intense HIIT workouts.

Best Schwinn Recumbent Bike: Schwinn 230

The Schwinn 230 is one of the best recumbent bikes we’ve tested. When shopping for a recumbent bike, comfort is often at the top of the list, and the 230 delivers with an ergonomic and ventilated seat to keep your backside cozy and breathing. “Compared to other bikes I’ve tested, this bike has the most comfortable seat,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer. Workout experience earned a 4.5 out of 5 score, and portability, footprint, and setup scored a 4 out of 5.

“Whether you struggle with back pain or need support for your core, a bike with a backrest like this is going to benefit you and your training,” said our tester. While comfort can help keep you in the saddle, you won’t find a ton of tech features on this bike with programming that tells you what to do while you’re there. Tech capabilities scored a 3 out of 5. 

However, there is Bluetooth connectivity so you can pair this bike with Zwift or JRNY and stream programming from your phone or tablet.

Recumbent bikes tend to weigh between 100 and 200 pounds, so we like that this model only weighs 81.6 pounds. Most users will be able to tip this onto its built-in transport wheels for easier maneuvering. 

While, in our opinion, one of the best recumbent bikes for seniors, we were disappointed in the lack of backlight for its LCD screen. It can display training metrics like RPM, calories burned, distance, time, and heart rate, but viewing these stats in low-light settings might be difficult for some viewers.

The weight capacity is 300 pounds — on the lower end of the 300 to 350-pound capacities we see on recumbent bikes — and our tester found their workout experience to be stable and sturdy. However, the assortment of plastic parts on the build of this bike has us wondering about the lifespan of this machine.

Read our full Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike Review.

Benefits of Schwinn Exercise Bikes

Whether you’re interested in the back support of a recumbent bike, the total-body workout provided by an air bike, or the familiar feel of an upright exercise bike, Schwinn’s got something to suit your needs and help you log some low-impact miles in the saddle. Here are some benefits of these fitness machines. 

• Protection From the Great Outdoors: “When I was training for triathlons in Miami, attempting interval rides was a laughable experience,” says Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer. “Between red lights, crosswalks, cars, buses, pedestrians, and drawbridges, structured training outdoors was just impossible. This is likely the case for most people who live in urban areas. Also, people who live in areas where the weather isn’t ideal for cycling (snow, high heat, wind, heavy rain) can benefit from having an indoor bike.” 
• Warranty: “Look for at least five years on the frame,” says Capritto regarding warranty specs on bikes. Many of the exercise bikes offered by Schwinn come with an impressive 10-year frame warranty, so you know you’re protected if something goes wrong.
• Increased Workout Frequency: If you’re training for an upcoming race or just curious about how to burn fat, having an exercise bike in your home is one way to limit excuses when it comes to your routine. Capritto agrees, “Indoor exercise bikes provide access to cycling no matter the weather or outdoor conditions…  It can be someone’s golden ticket to exercising more frequently.”

How Much Do Schwinn Exercise Bikes Cost?

Our list of Schwinn’s best bikes ranges from $899 to $1,299, which is around the average for most high-quality exercise bikes. See how they square up below. 

Best Schwinn Spin Bike	Schwinn IC4	$899.99
Best Schwinn Air Bike	Airdyne AD7	$1,299
Best Schwinn Upright Bike	Schwinn 190	$899
Best Schwinn Recumbent Bike	Schwinn 230	$979.99

What to Consider Before Buying a Schwinn Exercise Bike

According to Amanda Capritto, BarBend expert reviewer and a certified personal trainer, “There are two key groups of people I see benefitting from indoor exercise bikes the most: People who need a low-impact way to do cardio exercise, and athletes training for an event who need a way to perform structured interval training.” Regardless of the camp you fall in, consider the following before pulling the trigger on a Schwinner.

Recumbent Bikes Vs. Air Bikes Vs. Spin Bikes

“First, you’ll need to decide what type of exercise bike you want: recumbent, upright (like a spin bike), or an air bike,” said Capritto. “Recumbent bikes allow people with mobility limitations or injuries to enjoy cycling, as they are reclined and take pressure off of the hips and back. Upright bikes are your typical stationary bikes, which are excellent for high-intensity exercise and tech-savvy cyclists who love to take fitness classes.”

While spin bikes and upright bikes are popular in commercial gym settings, air bikes are most widely used in CrossFit gyms, providing a total body workout targeting your chest, back, arms, core, and legs. There aren’t typically adjustments for resistance on these bikes, since the harder you pedal and push the harder the workout becomes. As such, we’d recommend these bikes for individuals looking to tackle quick bursts of high-intensity training rather than longer low-intensity steady-state cardio sessions.

Price

The price range for the bikes on this list are all fairly similar, though you’ll want to consider their cost against other comparable bikes on the market. Schwinn offers simple and reliable exercise equipment, but you’re unlikely to find fancy tech features, such as large touchscreens and auto-adjusting resistance. 

If you’re interested in one of the best exercise bikes with screens, be prepared to pay between $300 and $1,500 more. You’ll also need to factor in the added fee for subscription programming services — typically around $15 to $44 a month — since there’s no point in getting a bike with a touchscreen if you’re not going to use it to stream programming. 

Type of Training

While it’s hard to know where your training will take you, you’ll want to know where you’re starting at and the type of training you’ll most frequently tackle. If you want to do some slow, casual rides to help you stay active or recover after an injury, consider a recumbent exercise bike. These models can help keep you in a position to ease the strain on your back, abdominal muscles, and wrists.

If you’d like to kick your own butt with some HIIT sprints, consider an air bike or an upright spin bike. For spin bikes, you’ll want a larger flywheel, something around 20 to 50 pounds, to provide you with a smooth ride as you cycle through a wide range of resistance levels. 

Subscriptions

The subscription services you’ll encounter on Schwinn bikes are for apps that’ll need to be set up and used from your phone or tablet. JRNY and Zwift are the two most popular apps that are compatible with many Schwinn bikes. 

With Zwift, one of the best cycling apps we’ve tried, you’ll be able to move your avatar through a virtual world, racing against others in virtual locations like London, New York, France, Scotland, and more. After a 14-day free trial, this subscription will cost you $19.99 a month.

JRNY, meanwhile, provides trainer-led spin classes, AI-optimized rides, and even some strength and mobility sessions you can take off of the bike. You’ll often get two months free with the purchase of a Schwinn bike, and a subscription after that will run you $11.99 a month.

Amenities

Consider what features will help you and your training. Do you want a bike that can pair with a heart rate monitor so you can track your heart rate zones? Maybe you need conveniences like a media stand for your mobile device or multiple water bottle holders for your magical electrolyte potions. Think of the amenities included on the exercise bike you’re considering, and make sure it has what you need to get the most out of your home workout.

What About Other Cardio Machines?

Is an indoor cycling bike the right cardio machine for you and your goals? Similar to bikes, ellipticals can also provide low-impact workouts while keeping users in a more upright position. If you’re a runner, one of the best treadmills can provide you with a way of logging laps without leaving home. Or perhaps you might prefer a stair climber to target your calves, glutes, quads, and hamstrings. (3)

Schwinn Exercise Bikes FAQs

References

1. Chavarrias, M., Carlos-Vivas, J., Collado-Mateo, D., & Pérez-Gómez, J. (2019). Health Benefits of Indoor Cycling: A Systematic Review. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 55(8), 452. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55080452
2. Ligeza, T. S., Maciejczyk, M., Wyczesany, M., & Junghofer, M. (2023). The effects of a single aerobic exercise session on mood and neural emotional reactivity in depressed and healthy young adults: A late positive potential study. Psychophysiology, 60(1), e14137. https://doi.org/10.1111/psyp.14137
3. Ozaki, H., Nakagata, T., Yoshihara, T., Kitada, T., Natsume, T., Ishihara, Y., Deng, P., Kobayashi, H., Machida, S., & Naito, H. (2019). Effects of Progressive Walking and Stair-Climbing Training Program on Muscle Size and Strength of the Lower Body in Untrained Older Adults. Journal of sports science & medicine, 18(4), 722–728.