One key component of a well-stocked home gym is a high-caliber cardio machine, and an exercise bike is a great way to go. While there are more exercise bikes available than Sonic drink combinations, the Schwinn IC4 Exercise Bike stands out for those who want to channel their inner Lance Armstrong from their living room. Nearly identical to what you’d find in a spin class, this bike is equipped with a 40-pound flywheel, offers 100 levels of magnetic resistance, and features dual-sided pedals with toe cages and SPD clips.
The 40-pound flywheel on this bike adds to the difficulty of your workouts and allows you to maintain momentum while riding, so you can coast along when you get winded. The 3” x 2” LCD display tracks your speed, pulse, calories, time, and distance. It also presents your resistance level and is compatible with various apps such as Zwift and Peloton. The tablet holder is perfect for those who want to stream from their device while riding, and you receive a two-month trial to JRNY with your purchase. If you’re in the market for a simple exercise bike with a welded steel frame and high resistance levels, the Schwinn IC4 may be the one for you.
Main Takeaways
- The Schwinn IC4 sports a 40-pound flywheel and offers 100 levels of magnetic resistance.
- The dual-sided pedals are compatible with SPD cleats and offer standard toe cages.
- The $1,000 price tag makes this bike cheaper than some of its counterparts.
The Schwinn IC4 combines upper and lower body work with its included set of dumbbells and 100 levels of cycling resistance for a complete upper and lower body burn. Dial up your favorite streaming app and hop on, this bike is compatible with JRNY, Peloton, and Zwift.
Schwinn IC4 Exercise Bike Highlights
The Schwinn IC4 was made with the avid spin cyclist in mind, but it’s also a solid option for the average cardio lover. The welded steel frame can support up to 330 pounds, and the powder coat finish is meant to prevent rust from forming. If you weren’t aware, the flywheel on an exercise bike directly correlates to its overall performance. The heavier they are, the more difficult it is to start and stop your ride, but the weight also determines the amount of inertia and momentum they can create.
While some other bikes have a flywheel as heavy as 48 pounds, that weight would be more suitable for a savage on the bike. We think the 40-pound flywheel on the IC4 will suit most athletes well and provide the means for a challenging and smooth ride. The LCD display is small, measuring 3” x 2”, but it still tracks speed, time, distance, resistance level, and calories. The included armband heart rate monitor also allows you to track your HRV.
This bike is compatible with various apps like Zwift and Peloton so that you can log your workouts, and the designated tablet holder allows you to stream from your devices, so if you want to watch the Tour de France for inspiration while you ride, you’re good to go. Some may consider the $1,000 price tag a bit steep due to the lack of luxury features, but we think the Schwinn IC4 offers excellent value due to the high-quality build and high resistance threshold.
Pros
- 100 levels of magnetic resistance paired with a 40-pound flywheel delivers a quiet and challenging ride.
- The dual-sided pedals offer standard toe cages and are compatible with SPD cleats.
- The Schwinn IC4 integrates with various fitness apps, and the tablet holder allows you to stream from your device.
Cons
- The $1,000 price tag may be too steep for some.
- The LCD display is small and basic.
- There aren’t many tech-savvy features compared to other exercise bikes.
Price
You can purchase the Schwinn IC4 for about $1,000 on the Schwinn Fitness website. This is a decent stack of cash for a relatively simple exercise bike, but we think you’re getting what you pay for thanks to the high-quality welded steel frame, 40-pound flywheel, and 100 levels of magnetic resistance.
While you can find a comparable bike at a discounted price, those are likely cheaper for a reason and might not offer compatibility with SPD cleats or fitness apps. So, if you’re looking for a long-lasting exercise bike with a high level of resistance for your home gym, we think this is a worthy choice. You can always finance this purchase for about $56 a month, pending credit approval.
Overall Build and Quality
The Schwinn IC4 Exercise Bike features a welded steel frame with a powder coat finish, and the 40-pound flywheel is paired with 100 levels of magnetic resistance so you can make your ride as easy or difficult as you’d like. It only weighs 106 pounds but can support up to 330 pounds. It’s also pretty compact, measuring just under 49 inches long, 21 inches wide, and a shade under 52 inches tall. With your purchase, Schwinn includes a 10-year warranty on the frame, a three-year warranty on parts and electronics, and a one-year labor warranty.
Features
There aren’t many features with the IC4, but the ones it has are solid. The 3” x 2” LCD display is about as basic as it gets, but it still tracks your metrics while riding and is compatible with various fitness apps. The integrated tablet holder is perfect for those who want to stream classes or movies during their cardio sessions, and the complimentary heart rate monitor allows you to track your HRV easily.
Stat Tracking and Display
The 3” x 2” LCD display on the IC4 is the definition of a no-frills approach, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. You can still easily keep tabs on your metrics like speed, time, distance, and calories. In addition, the included armband heart rate monitor allows you to track your heart rate variability, and since this bike uses magnetic resistance, you won’t have to guess what level you’re on, as it is displayed in front of you.
Included workouts
There are no included workouts on this exercise bike, but there are plenty of fitness apps that it’s compatible with. See below.
Workout Apps and Subscription Options
One of our favorite features of the IC4 is the various fitness apps that it’s compatible with. So if you have a specific app you’re partial to, like Peloton or Zwift, you can easily pair the app to the bike via Bluetooth, and all of your workouts will save to your profile.
We also love that since the display is simple, you aren’t required to sign up for a membership to make the most out of your rides like on competitor bikes with integrated touchscreen monitors. If you are interested in online programming, you’ll be glad to know that you will receive a two-month trial to JRNY with your purchase. For those unfamiliar, JRNY has trainer-led workouts ranging from cardio to strength training and even yoga. This membership will run you around $12 a month or about $100 a year.
Ride Feel and Comfort
Thanks to the 40-pound flywheel, the Schwinn IC4 is about as smooth as it gets. The flywheel of an exercise bike is one of the most critical features as it determines the difficulty and your ability to maintain momentum; the heavier they are, the better. And while you can find some bikes with a 48-pound flywheel, 40 pounds should be perfect for most athletes.
Heart Rate Monitoring
While there aren’t any pulse sensors on the handlebars of the IC4, you do receive an armband heart rate monitor with your purchase to track your HRV.
Fans and Speakers
No fans are built into this bike’s console, so you might want to stay close to a fan if you tend to sweat profusely. You also won’t find any speakers on the IC4, so you’ll have to pair your trusty earbuds with your phone or tablet if you plan to stream a workout or listen to music.
Water Bottle, Cup Holders, Tablet and Phone Holders
There are dual water bottle holders under the handlebars. This is ideal for those who want to keep their trusty shaker bottle full of pre-workout or water bottle with their favorite electrolyte supplement on deck at all times. The tablet holder also makes up for the lack of a touchscreen display.
Bluetooth and Audio Options
The IC4 offers Bluetooth capabilities for a heart rate monitor and works with your preferred fitness app. However, since no speakers are built into this bike, you must rely on your Bluetooth earbuds if you plan on streaming from your phone or tablet for your audio.
HDMI, USB and Other Inputs
Since this exercise bike does not feature plug-ins, we recommend charging your devices before your rides.
Product Specs
The Schwinn IC4 is the spitting image of what you’d find in a spin class. The 40-pound flywheel is paired with 100 levels of magnetic resistance. The dual-sided pedals feature standard toe cages and are compatible with SPD cleats. The handlebars and seat both feature multiple adjustments and with a footprint of 48.7” x 21.2” x 51.8”, the IC4 is about as compact as it gets.
Bike Type
The IC4 is a classic upright, spin-class-style exercise bike, which means it might be less than ideal for those with lower back pain due to your posture while riding. So if you’re looking for a more comfortable ride, you might want to target a recumbent bike.
Resistance
The magnetic resistance on this bike is perfect for those who want a quiet riding experience. The magnets on either side of the flywheel create resistance by squeezing closer to the flywheel. So the closer they are, the harder it is to pedal. To adjust the resistance level, just turn the knob above the flywheel, and the corresponding level will appear on the LCD display.
Pedals
The dual-sided pedals on the Schwinn IC4 feature standard toe cages for those who want to ride in their favorite shoes, but the SPD clips are perfect for those avid riders who want to break in their new clip-in shoes or crave a more efficient pedal stroke.
Seat and Handlebars
The seat on this bike is standard for exercise bikes, but the ability to adjust it vertically and horizontally allows you to find your comfort spot. The same goes for the handlebars, which can also be adjusted to your liking.
Dimensions and Weight
Measuring 48.7” x 21.2” x 51.8”, the IC4 is an ideal option for those cramped on space. It’s also pretty lightweight, weighing only 106 pounds, so you can haul it around the room when you feel like reorganizing.
Weight Capacity
The Schwinn IC4 has a 330-pound weight capacity, which is impressive considering its lightweight build.
Portability
The two wheels at this bike’s front make for easy portability.
Electrical Requirements
The IC4 relies on a standard 110v outlet found in your home for power.
Noise
Thanks to the magnetic resistance, the Schwinn IC4 is virtually silent while working out, so your partner won’t come raging out of bed during your early morning workouts.
Warranties
With your purchase, you’ll receive a 10-year warranty on the frame of this bike, a three-year warranty on parts and electronics, and a one-year labor warranty.
Places to Buy
You can purchase the IC4 directly through the Schwinn Fitness website.
Company Information
Schwinn started producing high-quality indoor exercise bikes in 1965. They now offer a wide range of cardio equipment, including air bikes, 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
The Schwinn IC4 is a high-quality exercise bike perfect for indoor cycling workouts. While it only weighs 106 pounds, the welded steel frame creates a durable, sturdy bike that can support up to 330 pounds. The 40-pound flywheel is heavy enough to offer a challenging ride while allowing you to maintain your momentum, and the 100 levels of magnetic resistance let you customize the difficulty. The 3” x 2” LCD display is pretty basic, but it still tracks your metrics and is compatible with various fitness apps. Plus, the built-in tablet holder allows you to stream from your devices.
The dual-sided pedals are compatible with SPD cleats, but they also feature standard toe cages so you can ride in your athletic shoes. While some may view the $1,000 price tag as a bit steep since it lacks some modern conveniences that other exercise bikes offer, we think the price is justified due to the high resistance capabilities and the overall high-quality build. So, if you’re scouring the internet for a reliable and long-lasting bike for your home gym, the Schwinn IC4 might be the one for you.
FAQs
How much does the Schwinn IC4 Exercise Bike cost?
This bike will run you right around $1,000. We understand that it might not align with everyone’s budget, but we think it’s worth that price tag due to the high-quality steel frame, 40-pound flywheel, and 100 levels of magnetic resistance. Schwinn will also allow you to finance this bike for about $56 a month if you’d rather make monthly payments.
Are there any programmed workouts on the Schwinn IC4 Exercise Bike?
Unfortunately, no, there aren’t any specific workouts programmed to the console. But you do receive a two-month trial to JRNY, and you can always hop on the bike and take it for a quick spin.
What type of resistance does the Schwinn IC4 Exercise Bike have?
The IC4 offers 100 levels of magnetic resistance. This is the quietest form of resistance you could ask for, and the ability to see what level you’re on while riding is a nice touch.
