Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike Review

It might not be everyone’s favorite activity, but cardio is an essential part of fitness, and exercise bikes can be the saving grace for those who loathe running. Recumbent exercise bikes — like the Schwinn 290 — are ideal for those with lower back pain or anyone who just wants to be as comfortable as possible during body conditioning. This budget-friendly recumbent bike is priced at $800 and includes a two-month trial to JRNY, where you can stream various on-demand cardio and strength classes. 

Although the 7.5-inch LCD display lacks streaming capabilities, it will track your burned calories, speed, heart rate, distance, and time. Plus, the built-in tablet holder allows you to stream from your own devices, and this bike offers Bluetooth compatibility with the Zwift app. The 25 levels of magnetic resistance provide varied workouts, a built-in USB port will keep your devices “charged up” (like Drizzy Drake), and Bluetooth speakers allow you to play music while riding. Because of the affordability, modern conveniences, and comfort, the Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike can provide excellent value for your home gym.

Main Takeaways

Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike Highlights

When it comes to a low-intensity cardio workout, not many exercise bikes combine affordability, comfort, and modern tech into one package as effectively as the Schwinn 290. The padded seat resembles an ergonomic chair you’d find in an office rather than a piece of cardio equipment. Plus it’s ventilated, so you won’t be sitting in a pool of sweat. 

While the tech on this bike doesn’t rival Space X, there are some features we personally enjoy. The 7.5-inch LCD display tracks basic fitness metrics like speed, burned calories, time, and distance, and it offers Bluetooth connectivity with a heart rate monitor. There is also a pair of Bluetooth speakers that lets you listen to your favorite tunes, as well as a built-in USB port that will charge your devices, and a tablet holder to stream from your favorite apps. As for the actual performance, the Schwinn 290 holds its own. 

Pros

• The built-in tablet holder is perfect for those who want to stream while riding.
• The $800 price tag is ideal for folks on a tight budget.
• Since this is a recumbent bike, you’ll sit more comfortably than an upright bike.

Cons

• The undisclosed weight of the flywheel might be a red flag for avid riders who want a high resistance threshold.
• The length of this bike might not be ideal for those tight on space.

Price

You can purchase the Scwhinn 290 Recumbent Bike for right around $800 (not including taxes and shipping). This is a little above the market average for recumbent bikes, but we think it’s a solid value for those who want a long-lasting exercise bike without spending outside their comfort zone. You can also finance this purchase for about $45 a month.

Overall Build and Quality

Since the Schwinn 290 is a recumbent bike, it requires more space in your home gym than an upright bike. It’s about 66 inches long, 28 inches wide, and 47 inches tall, and while the bike’s weight is undisclosed, it can support up to 330 pounds. The steel frame comes with a 10-year warranty; there is a two-year warranty covering parts, a one-year warranty on electronics, and a 90-day labor warranty.

Features

There aren’t many features on the Schwinn 290, but the ones it does have are pretty solid. The 7.5-inch LCD display is basic but offers stat tracking for your workouts. The built-in tablet holder is perfect for those who want to keep their electronics on deck at all times, and the Bluetooth speakers allow you to listen to your music or whatever you’re streaming. While there aren’t any pulse sensors on the handlebars, you can always pair an existing heart rate monitor to track your HRV while working out. 

Stat Tracking and Display

On the 7.5-inch LCD display, you’ll be able to track all of your metrics while working out, such as speed, time, distance, and calories, and if you pair a heart rate monitor, you can track your heart rate variability.

Included workouts

There are 13 programmed workouts on the Schwinn 290, and you’ll receive a two-month trial to JRNY, which offers immersive on-demand classes.

Workout Apps and Subscription Options

This bike offers compatibility with JRNY and Zwift. While Zwift is specific to cycling workouts, JRNY offers strength training among many off-bike workouts. Whichever app you deem the best fit will sync to the bike, so you can always keep tabs on your stats. 

After your two-month trial to JRNY runs out, you can pay $12 a month or $100 a year for your membership. And if you want to go with Zwift, you can expect to pay about $15 a month.

Ride Feel and Comfort

Since the Schwinn 290 is a recumbent bike, you’ll be “chillin’ out, maxin’, and relaxin’ all cool,” as the Fresh Price would say. The only issue some may find is that the flywheel weight is undisclosed. Since recumbent bikes tend to have lighter flywheels than upright ones, we think assuming it’s around 20 pounds is safe. Because of this, you might not have as smooth a ride as you would with a bike that features a 40-pound flywheel, but the magnetic resistance might balance that out a bit. 

Heart Rate Monitoring

While there are no built-in pulse sensors on this bike’s handlebars, you can pair your heart rate monitor to the console to accurately read your heart rate.

Fans

There are no fans built into the Schwinn 290.

Speakers

The two speakers under the console of this bike offer Bluetooth connectivity for your electronic devices. 

Water Bottle, Cup Holders, Tablet and Phone Holders

There is one water bottle holder that sits at your hip on this bike, and the tablet holder is perfect for those who want to stream while riding.

Bluetooth and Audio Options

Not only can you pair your phone or tablet to the Bluetooth speakers for your audio, but you can also pair a heart rate monitor to track your HRV accurately. 

HDMI, USB and Other Inputs

The built-in USB port on this bike is perfect for those who want to use their phone or tablet while riding.

Product Specs

The Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike is ideal for those with lower back pain since it lets users sit in a slightly reclined position. It offers 25 levels of magnetic resistance, and since the pedals are weighted, they’ll always stay upright. The padded seat is ventilated and can adjust to accommodate your height. A set of wheels paired with a designated handle makes moving around your personal space easy. Also, this bike has a 330-pound weight capacity. 

Bike Type

This is a recumbent bike. Recumbent bikes allow you to sit in a more comfortable position than upright ones, making them the perfect fit for those struggling with back pain.

Resistance

The Schwinn 290 offers 25 levels of magnetic resistance. This is the norm for cardio equipment since it’s the quietest form available, and the magnets create resistance by resisting the polarity of the flywheel. You have two options to change the resistance: the quick select buttons or the up and down arrows on the console.

Pedals

The pedals on this bike are pretty basic, with a simple strap that goes over the top of your foot, but since they’re weighted, you shouldn’t have to deal with them flipping upside down on you.

Seat and Handlebars

There are two sets of handlebars on this bike. One set is connected to the console, while the others straddle the padded seat. Since the seat is also ventilated, your body should be able to breathe better, and it can be adjusted to meet your needs. 

Dimensions and Weight

Like all recumbent bikes, the Schwinn 290 will require more space than an upright bike. It measures around 66 inches long, 28 inches wide, and 47 inches tall. The actual weight is not disclosed anywhere, but the average weight of a recumbent bike is around 80 pounds.

Weight Capacity

The Schwinn 290 features a solid weight capacity of 330 pounds. 

Portability

This bike is easily portable thanks to the pairing of a set of wheels and a designated handle.

Electrical Requirements

You only need a standard 110v outlet in your home to power this bike.

Noise

Since the Schwinn 290 utilizes magnetic resistance, you should find it to be relatively quiet during your rides. 

Warranties

This bike comes with a 10-year warranty on the frame, a two-year warranty on parts, a one-year warranty for electronics, and a 90-day labor warranty.

Places to Buy

You can purchase this bike directly from the Schwinn Fitness website. 

Company Information

Schwinn offers a wide range of cardio equipment, from exercise bikes to treadmills, rowers, and ellipticals. If you need to speak to a team member, you can reach them at 800-605-3369, and be sure to check out their return policy if you’re unsatisfied with your purchase. 

Final Word

With an $800 price tag, the Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike offers solid value for those working with a tight budget. Despite the flywheel weight not being disclosed, the 25 levels of magnetic resistance provide plenty of variety for your cardio workouts, and the 330-pound weight capacity means most athletes will find solid usage out of it. The adjustable padded seat is ventilated, so your skin can breathe, and the weighted pedals will always stay facing right side up. 

While this isn’t the most tech-savvy bike on the market, the 7.5-inch LCD display provides the means to track your workout stats, the built-in tablet holder may be a crucial feature for those who can’t go 10 minutes without their devices. You’ll receive a two-month free trial to JRNY with your purchase, but you aren’t tied down to a membership to work out with this bike. Plus, there are 13 programmed workouts on the console for you to utilize. With a low price tag, a high weight capacity, and plenty of workout options, we think the Schwinn 290 could be a solid addition to your home gym. 

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