Light weight handlebars with new adjustment system provides easy set-up and increased adjustment range. Introducing Carbon Blue™ technology – a belt drive system combining unmatched durability with the authentic outdoor biking feel you huffy beach cruiser expect from Schwinn. The Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike offers an alternative for those wanting app connectivity, durability, and a great value. The USB port is an awesome add-on for a bike that requires the use of a separate device.
Schwinn is a big player in the home fitness market and the IC4 is the top of the line model in their range of indoor cycling bikes. In addition to its sturdy build, 40 lb weighted flywheel, and 100 levels of magnetic resistance, it is a smart bike with connected features. With more and more people exercising from home and latching onto the interactive at-home studio and virtual cycling trend, we felt this was a compelling model worthy of testing. We found the IC4 to provide an excellent workout, a high level of comfort, and functionality with popular apps like Zwift, Peloton, and JRNY (it comes with a 1-year JRNY membership). We also think it’s a great value since it retails for significantly less than many of the other connected bikes on the market.
Having canceled our gym memberships during lockdown, both of us had been relying on the outdoors for regular cardio, but once it started to get cold, that couldn’t last. We were about to buy the Schwinn IC4 when we discovered the IC3, Schwinn’s older, but still quite capable, indoor bike for only $600. The IC4 has a full color backlit LCD console, dual link foot pedals with toe cages or clips and a pair of three-pound dumbbells.
It’s a fairly low price to pay, considering that Peloton bike users fork over $40 a month for access to the same content. The one notable difference is that app users don’t have access to or show up on the Peloton leaderboard, which shows riders how they rank against others in the class. Indoor cycling bikes are designed to replicate what it’s like to ride a bike outdoors, and they’re the ones that have exploded in popularity in recent years.
The resistance dial is fairly accurate and offers increments from in single digit clicks. These can be difficult to achieve in exact amounts, but a slight twist usually only sees the figure jump by three or four at a time, which should be accurate enough to keep up with a Peloton class. I’ve not been able to try the Peloton Bike and this Schwinn IC8 back-to-back, but the resistance units used suggest it replicates those barked out by fitness instructors on the Peloton app. The handlebars also have two bottle cages on them and, if you wanted to, cradles for 1.5kg dumbbells. I like a nice close bike fit so it’s easily overcome by just adjusting the handlebars slightly further away from you.
One thing to note is that some customers notice a slight dragging sensation when peddling at slower speeds. However, with so many great options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which machine to purchase. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.
It comes with a couple of mats, a foam roller and a resistance band for working out while you’re not on the Myx II Plus — something the other machines don’t offer. We included Schwinn exercise bikes with a wide variety of features, including LCD screens, USB charging ports, built-in workouts, and a range of resistance levels. Once upon a time Schwinn was a cutting-edge brand for indoor cycling. More recently the Schwinn logo has been applied to products that are built overseas.
Some users are also upset with the Schwinn ic3 indoor cycling bike with tablet holder as it shakes off the bike when riding. The Schwinn IC4 also comes equipped with dual-link pedals with toe cages, meaning that you’ll be able to use either spin bike-compatible cleats or just regular gym shoes as you ride. The ability to use your own shoes and not be forced to shell out on some expensive bike-specific ones isn’t necessarily common among most spin bikes, so it’s certainly a welcome inclusion. With Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, setup on indoor training apps is very simple and quick, you can also connect a heart rate monitor.
What you will find though, is your power level on Zwift will instantly increase, because the resistance on the bike isn’t controlled by a smart turbo. You’ll approach 10% gradients on Zwift in the same gear and pedal speeds as you would on -10% gradients, the resistance on the bike doesn’t get any more or any less. When you’re riding an outdoor bike, you’re mostly working against inertia as you pedal. In order to recreate that sensation and effort on a stationary bike, manufacturers have to simulate that resistance in some way. The magnetic resistance offers 100 different levels of incremental adjustment, all while consistently creating a smooth, quiet ride.
It’s possible spend hours in the well-padded gel saddle and tackling classes or sessions in excess of an hour is easily done. Granted, it won’t feel exactly like your road bike, so those looking to get big distance training in might be better off attaching their actual bike to a turbo trainer instead. It lacks the finesse of something like a Wattbike Trainer, Wattbike Atom and Wahoo Kickr Bike due to its spin class-style handlebars. Rather than the typical drop bars found on a race bike, you are instead presented with two enormous bull horns that curve upwards. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to practice your Tour de France tucked aero pose, but it does make it easier to get out of the saddle and find a nice relaxed position for the hands and wrists.