Schwinn Airdyne AD2 Review

The Airdyne AD2 is Schwinn’s cheapest air bike. Overall it can be a good buy for households looking to save money on convenient cardio…

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Schwinn Airdyne AD2 Specs

Rating7
TypeIndoor Cycle
Console displayLCD
Compact storageno
ResistanceInfinite
Seat typeAdjustable
ProgramsN/A
FlywheelN/A
Weight capacity250 LBS
Dimensions46" L x 25" W x 50" H
  • A silver, grey, and red exercise bike.
  • A woman in athletic clothes moving an exercise bike using its roller wheels.
  • Closeup of an exercise bike air resistance system.
  • Back view of a silver, grey, and red exercise bike with an air resistance system.

Schwinn Airdyne AD2 Review

The Airdyne AD2 is Schwinn’s cheapest air bike. Overall it can be a good buy for households looking to save money on convenient cardio…

Schwinn Airdyne AD2 Specs

Rating7
TypeIndoor Cycle
Console displayLCD
Compact storageno
ResistanceInfinite
Seat typeAdjustable
ProgramsN/A
FlywheelN/A
Weight capacity250 LBS
Dimensions46" L x 25" W x 50" H

Why You Should Trust Our Reviews

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1200+ hours spent reviewing
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130+ indoor bikes reviewed
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20 data points evaluated per bike

The Schwinn Airdyne AD2 is an especially low-priced exercise bike at just $399 with free shipping. While it isn’t loaded with special features, this model does have a convincing list of selling points: The AD2 bike is inexpensive, has moving handlebars for upper-body training, supports all ability levels, and takes up little space. The short warranty is a drawback, yet many owners report Schwinn Airdyne bike lasting for many years.

Tailored resistance is a special feature of any air bike. While other types of exercise bikes have set numbers of gears, air bikes have unlimited potential. Pedal gently for a light workout, which can help you maintain flexibility and manage your weight. Exercise more intensely for greater calorie burn, a more intense cardio challenge, and to make your legs stronger.

A small data screen shows your workout time, speed, distance, calories and RPM. It has backlighting for easy viewing in any home workout space.


The Great

Customer reviews of the Schwinn AD2 tend to be positive, which is surprising when you consider the bike’s low-budget build. Here are details about its best points.

  • Moving Arm Bars: Schwinn Airdyne bikes have moving arm bars for total-body workouts. In comparison the typical exercise bike is only designed for cardiovascular exercise and lower-body toning.
  • Air Resistance: With unlimited resistance levels, this bike is unique in that it lets you build resistance by pedaling against a fan wheel. A fan bike system can support infinite levels of resistance, so the Airdyne AD2 can serve for gentle riding or for higher intensity training. Pedaling an air bike is especially smooth because the bike doesn’t lock into gears.
  • Padded Saddle: The bike saddle is padded to help support long workouts.
  • Lightweight: Equipped with transport wheels and weighing only 96 pounds, the bike is easy to move around.
  • Data Monitor: An LCD shows feedback for Time, Distance, Speed, Calories and RPM.
  • Easy to Place: Batteries power the console, so you can set the bike up anywhere; it doesn’t use a power outlet. Furthermore the AD2 is the smallest exercise bike in its lineup. Its dimensions are just 46″ L x 25″ W x 50″ H.
  • Simple Assembly: Schwinn Airdyne bikes arrive mostly assembled. Unlike most other exercise bikes, they can be put together in under an hour.




The Not-So-Great

Here are possible drawbacks of choosing the AD2 fan bike.

  • Few Features: Except for its small display console, the bike lacks special features. For comparison this year’s other Schwinn Airdyne bikes (AD6 and AD7) support wireless heart rate monitoring and have built-in drink holders. Alternatives from other brands additionally have preset workout programs, Bluetooth data sharing, tablet holders, MP3 speakers and more… but these stationary bikes cost several times more than the AD2.
  • Uncomfortable Seat: Users have reported the seat is a bit uncomfortable due to size. It also only adjusts up/down as opposed to others which move forward/backward.
  • No Bells and Whistles: This bike lacks the little comfort features like water bottle holders, speakers, and fan.
  • Warranty: The factory warranty for this product is typical for bikes under $500, so you’d get better value with an air bike in a higher price bracket. Purchase of the Airdyne AD2 includes a one-year frame warranty with 90 days parts and labor.



WHO SHOULD RIDE THE SCHWINN AD2?

The Airdyne AD2 can safely hold up to 250 pounds. According to customer reviews the up/down seat adjustability makes the bike a good fit for a wide range of rider heights, including people 4’6″ to 6’6″ tall. Other Schwinn Airdyne bikes have higher weight capacities.

The Bottom Line

The Schwinn Airdyne AD2 supports all workout intensities. Although this bike model costs less than $500, it can deliver many years’ worth of exercise sessions. Customer reviews indicate that quality control isn’t perfect, but that buying this bike doesn’t seem too risky. Buying factory-direct you get a six-week money-back guarantee in addition to the warranty mentioned above.

Pricier bikes are enticing because of their special features, but for basic indoor cycling without breaking your budget, the Airdyne AD2 is among your best buys.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a Schwinn Airdyne bike different from regular exercise bikes?

In addition to the movable arms, these bikes utilize a fan-based air resistance system.

Can I replace the original seat on the Schwinn Airdyne AD2?

Yes, numerous alternatives are available online and through the company.

How much does a Schwinn Airdyne AD2 bike weigh?

The bike weighs 113 pounds.

What is the user height range for the Schwinn Airdyne AD2?

Between 4'6" and 6'6".

Is it difficult to assemble a Schwinn Airdyne AD2?

No, actually the assembly is quite easy.

Can you adjust the resistance levels on a Schwinn Airdyne AD2?

With air bikes, the resistance increases the harder one pedals. There are no levels per se, and the resistance is infinite.

2 Comments
  1. Mitch Rohrbach February 20, 2019 at 9:59 am From: PA
    Airdyne AD2. DON'T BUY IT ! Bought one used (4 miles on it). It appears that a simple 50 cent Delrin type bushing was damaged during assembly or soon after. Simple enough to fix IF Schwinn would supply the part ! Instead they want to sell you an entire swing arm that includes the bushing. REDICULOUS ! A simple consumable item such as a bushing should be readily available. In addition, the two swing arms for the upper body are great if you have really long arms. If not, be prepared to lean forward when each arm swings out.
    • Exercise Bike Editorial Team February 20, 2019 at 1:06 pm
      Hi Mitch, Sorry to hear about your experience. You should be able to return the model if you purchased it recently. If you're interested in bikes of this nature, maybe try the Assault Fitness Bike https://www.exercisebike.net/lifecore/assault-airbike-review/ - it's a little more adjustable and will give you the full body workout you're looking for! Hope this helps!

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