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Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycle
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Schwinn IC4 Review
The Schwinn IC4 is an affordable indoor cycle with an impressive combination of performance features and Bluetooth for interactive training.
Schwinn IC4 Specs
| Rating | 8.75 |
|---|---|
| Type | Indoor Cycle |
| Console display | LCD |
| Resistance | 100 Micro-Adjustable Levels |
| Seat type | Adjustable |
| Programs | JRNY |
| Flywheel | 40 lbs. |
| Weight capacity | 330 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 48.7" L x 21.2" W x 51.8" H |
Why You Should Trust Our Reviews
Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike Review
At ExerciseBike.net, we bring you comprehensive reviews of exercise bikes so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the exercise bikes we review. We install them, ride them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every exercise bike we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles riding. We listen and record the sound of the motor, try out all aspects of the console and try the bike’s features.
Every exercise bike we review undergoes the same rigorous process. That way we can compare and contrast them and give you an honest review of what we think.
Our reviewers are exercise bike and fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a competitive bodybuilder, and is a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. He has coached and been coached on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for competitions. He is an expert at exercise bikes, has been on this bike, and you can trust his opinion on all of the bikes he reviews.
In Brief
The 2023 Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike brings a low-cost answer to the need for more spin other High Intensity Interval Training. Priced at just $999, the bike is built for a wide range of app compatibility and purchase even includes a Bluetooth heart rate monitor, a pair of 3-pound dumbbells which fit into the easy-to-reach cradles behind the seat, a bike mat, and free shipping. As a bodybuilder who likes to mix up my training, the dumbbells seem a nice touch on an already budget-friendly deal.
That said, the Schwinn IC4 does represent a pretty basic bike, which is clearly the demographic for whom this product is designed. In my experience, that’s a good thing, as there are scads of folks who simply want a high-octane workout in their own home without all the bells and whistles. In addition to the simple read-out screen, the bike comes with a nice little attachment device for your tablet as it’s clearly designed for a bring-your-own screen experience. Now, what I like to do with bikes like this, is park them in front of my smart television set and watch a spin class. The bike comes with a two-month trial of the Bowflex JRNY app, normally $11.99 per month, which provides thousands of on-demand training programs not just for biking but all forms of workouts.
But in addition to JRNY, this bike syncs with Zwift, Peloton, Sufferfest, Rouvy, TrainerRoad, FulGaz, and Tacx, for data sharing by way of its backlit LCD screen. Measuring only 48.7” x 21.2” x 51.8” at a machine weight of 106 pounds, it sports a maximum user weight of 330 pounds. Yes, you’ll need your screen of some sort to access these, but that’s not a problem for most riders these days. My iPad fits easily into this unit’s attachment.
In terms of performance, the unit features 100 resistance levels of silent magnetic resistance. If you’re into hard riding, this is more than enough for you to earn that burn.
Pros of the Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike
- Backlit LCD Metric Console: Simple and easy to read, the LCD metric console is built to sync with multiple apps, or just provide data on the workout. I had no trouble reading the numbers associated with my ride.
- Compatible With Lots of Apps: Built to work with JRNY, normally priced at $11.99 per month, the bike also syncs with multiple other riding programs. This is a huge bonus as you’re not locked into any one in particular.
- Quiet Magnetic Resistance: This bike utilizes silent magnetic resistance and provides up to 100 levels, which is more than sufficient for spin classes and HIIT. One of the things I like about magnetic resistance is how smooth and quiet it is.
- Dual-Sided Pedals: For those about to race, these are your pedals. Dual sided with both SPD clips and toe cages, you can go either way with this bike.
- Bluetooth-Enabled: Purchase of the bike comes with a Bluetooth heart rate armband monitor. Data from the piece feeds into the LCD screen quite easily in my usage.
- USB Charging Station: If you’re planning to use devices for a long period of time with this bike, the USB charging station will come in handy.
- Weight Capacity: I tend to use the weight maximum as an indicator of overall stability, and with a 330-pound max I feel very good on this bike.
- Solid Steel Bike: I know when I’m shopping for exercise equipment, size matters when determining location of usage. This unit measures 48.7” x 21.2” 51.8” and is easy to wheel about when done.
- Great Warranty: A 10-year guarantee on the frame comes along with a 3-year warranty on parts and electronics, as well as one year for labor.
Cons of the Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike
- Device Holder is Small: Compared to others I’ve seen, this device holder is very basic.
Schwinn IC4 Specs
| Rating | 8.75 |
|---|---|
| Type | Indoor Cycle |
| Console display | LCD |
| Resistance | 100 Micro-Adjustable Levels |
| Seat type | Adjustable |
| Programs | JRNY |
| Flywheel | 40 lbs. |
| Weight capacity | 330 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 48.7" L x 21.2" W x 51.8" H |
Our In-Depth Review Of The Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike
The Schwinn IC4 is a very budget-friendly stationary bike designed with spin classes and HIIT in mind. Known for biking, Schwinn does a great job with its products. This unit comes with a small LCD screen for data viewing, whether by way of an app or the included Bluetooth heart rate armband monitor. Instead of a large screen, the bike comes with a handy device holder for either tablet or phone. That said, it’s a small enough bike I easily rolled it in front of my own television set.
The app compatibility is a key point here, with two months of JRNY included with purchase. The bike also syncs with Zwift, Peloton, Sufferfest, Rouvy, TrainerRoad, FulGaz, and Tacx, For hard core bike riders, this is a great added bonus. One of the biggest problem with bikes I review is their lack of compatibility, particularly with those designed by a company that offers its own app. With the IC4, that’s not a problem at all.
Priced at just $999, purchase includes a bike mat, Bluetooth heart rate monitor, and a pair of 3-pound dumbbells which fit into cradles behind the seat. The bike measures a tight 48.7” in length, 21.2” in width, and 51.8” in height. Weighing only 106 pounds, I was able to pick up and move it easily. In spite of that, it supports up to 330 pounds, which is well above the average weight of users.
Other features you’d expect on a bike designed for HIIT are here as well, with four-way adjustable handlebars, an adjustable seat, dual water bottle holders, and dual sided pedals. The warranty on the bike is pretty decent for the price, with 10 years on the frame. But with a magnetic resistance bike I’m not too worried about the machine. Other models of resistance tend to produce more friction and might wear out sooner, but you’d really have to bang this bike up to cause a problem.
Who Should Use The Schwinn IC4?
Clearly this is a bike for spin enthusiasts and those seeking HIIT training. If you’re shopping this model, you’re probably not looking for a large interactive screen and are more interested in your own particular app. The fact that this unit syncs with Peloton answers a lot of questions right up front. Granted, you’ll either have to use your own tablet or a smart television, but for just $999 that’s not a problem.
Bottom Line
For just $999, customers get a solid spin bike with benefits. Great app connectivity and nearly unlimited magnetic resistance levels make for a terrific workout opportunity. The fact it comes with a Bluetooth-enabled heart rate monitor tells you the manufacturer expects you to do some hard pedaling here. As for myself, I like spin classes as a sure-fire way to burn calories. There’s no question you can work up a sweat in just 30 minutes with this model.
