The Schwinn IC4 Indoor Exercise Bike is exactly what you need to challenge yourself while breaking a sweat within the comfort of your home. The spin bike comes equipped with Zwift and Peloton app allowing you to access classes and compete against others via a virtual world. You also get a world of other features that will help you take your at-home exercise bike experience to the next level, without the cost of the Peloton bike. The Schwinn IC4 spin bike is one of the more “connected bikes” that will connect with many workout apps, unlike a lot of the other exercise bikes.
Main Features of Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike:
The Schwinn IC4 spin bike comes with several cool features designed to give you a good workout right at home.
- Immersive experience through app support
- Dual Sided Pedals- use your SPD clips or regular shoes with the toe cages
- Full-color LCD monitor
- Heart rate tracking
- 100 resistance levels via the resistance level controller
- 40-pound flywheel
- Bluetooth connectivity to connect to any compatible app to get your workout metrics, like calories burned and more.
- Device holder for your iPad or Phone
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Dimensions & Weight:
The cardio-kicking bike comes in a compact design, but it leans more towards the heavier side compared to other indoor bikes.
Length: 47.8 inches
Width: 21.2 inches
Height: 51.8 inches
Weight: 106 pounds
Warranty: What’s great with the Schwinn IC4 indoor cycling bike is that it comes with a 10-year bike frame warranty, one-year electrical coverage, and 90 days coverage for labor.
What We Like About the Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike
Some key highlights set the Schwinn IC4 spin bike apart, and here are some of these notable aspects.
- The Schwinn IC4 spin bike comes designed to operate with the Peloton App, so you can take Peloton classes. The connectivity provides access to world-class cycling apps and best yet, they are available at a reduced cost.
- The Explore the World App is what you need to access stunning trails and virtual courses that automatically adjust in line with your riding speed.
- The indoor cycling bike also works with the Zwift app giving you access to thousands of exercise classes directly at home. It allows you to pit yourself against others via a virtual world, which in turn, keeps you motivated every mile of the way. Or you can bike your own workout with any fitness apps on your own device with several apps available.
- The multi-grip positions and resistance levels allow you to leverage your full workout experience.
- The flywheel resistance gives you 100 micro-adjustable levels providing a smooth and quiet ride. (this is not magnetic resistance bike like other exercise bikes have)
- The race-style seat is height-adjustable and comes with a fore/ aft.
- An amply-sized LCD display in full color enables you to keep track of your stats including RPM, distance, and calories burnt per session, while also monitoring your heart rate.
- You get a cradle with 3lbs dumbbells included
- Dual water bottle holders
- Bluetooth Heart Rate Armband.
- Dual sided pedals let you use SPD clips or toe cages
Things To Consider When Getting The Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike
A few shortcomings of the Schwinn IC4 bike may limit your experience with this indoor cycling bike, but they are not too much of a dealbreaker in our opinion.
- It’s helpful to have training plans, and other connected apps (giving you the Peloton bikes experience) bundled with this bike, but you have to get the monthly subscription fee separately to access their full features. However, there is an option to purchase the bike bundled with an annual subscription.
- It doesn’t offer magnetic resistance and instead comes with a weighted wheel IS perimeter. That might provide for a louder operation than expected.
The Schwinn IC4 Bike is supported by a beefy steel frame that is even more stable and robust under the most extreme out-of-the-saddle pedaling efforts. The bike has a belt-driven 40 lb weighted flywheel with 100 resistance levels and a quiet, smooth operation.
The resistance level on this exercise bike is adjustable via the resistance knob, so you can choose the level of difficulty that is right for you. This way, you can continue to challenge yourself as your fitness level improves. There are plenty of levels for people of all fitness levels to ride.
We only turned the adjustment knob up past 70 and wow, what a workout! This was plenty challenging and worked well for a great leg and lung workout on this indoor bike.
The resistance levels are controlled by an adjustment knob below the handlebar on the frame, and the rider adjusts it manually whether you’re doing your own workout or following along to an on-demand studio class.
Learn About Peloton Apps, Zwift and JRNY Usage
If you want to use applications with the IC4, keep in mind that they will cost extra each month (Peloton is $12.99/month, Zwift is $14.99/month, and JRNY is free for a year, then $19.99/month or $149/year). To serve as the display screen, you’ll also need a device with a screen.
There are thousands of live streaming and on-demand studio workouts with different instructors and music to pick from, as well as scenic rides to enjoy while you work out.
You can save money by using the Peloton app with your own compatible bike. However, you won’t have access to all of the features or performance data tracking. Zwift is a virtual interactive training app with thousands of structured training programs, races and events, and a huge variety of maps and routes to follow. When you are connected, your device will show you the virtual course you are riding. You will also see metrics like speed, time, cadence, watts, and a leaderboard.
JRNY offers trainer-led workouts and coaching as well as virtual courses to ride along to. There are also many off-the-bike workouts available.
Peloton Digital app and the Schwinn IC4
You can use the Peloton app to access all of the live and stored classes. The app also shows other riders in the class while you are riding. You can use this with a Schwinn IC4 and heart rate monitor.
The output number is not accessible in the Peloton app, although you will be able to track your cadence and heart rate effort. You cannot view your output number in the Peloton app, but there’s a work-around with the Kinetic app that involves connecting the Kinetic app to the heart rate monitor and Schwinn IC4. Then launch the Peloton app. This choice may appeal to individuals interested in monitoring cycling data or endurance zones while taking Piloxylon classes.
Zwift app and the Schwinn IC4
The Zwift app is good for people who have the Schwinn IC4. You can see how fast your going and how your heart rate is. The app is designed to help people train for cycling and have free rides. There are some activities where you can ride with other people. Overall, using the Zwift app with the Schwinn IC4 would be good for people who want to compete or do well in cycling.
Les Mills app and the Schwinn IC4
There are excellent Les Mills classes on the app, especially the RPM, Spring, and Trip classes. The app does not connect to the Schwinn IC4 in the same way as other apps like Peloton and Zwift do. Even so, following the instructors’ calls-outs and manually altering the resistance produced an exciting cycle studio experience using the app.
Explore the World app and the Schwinn IC4
The Explore the World app will amaze you with the quality it provides. This program offers bike rides through breathtaking locales all over the world. It was great for casual riding on the Schwinn IC4 since it is very immersive and entertaining. It does not, however, track heart rate or cadence, so it may not be as appealing to performance-oriented riders.
Is The Schwinn IC4 As Good As Peloton?
The Peloton bike is heavier than the Schwinn IC4 bike. But the Peloton bike has Wi-Fi capabilities, while the Schwinn IC4 only has Bluetooth capabilities. Another difference is that the Peloton bike has a 22” swivel monitor, while the Schwinn IC4 has a small LCD backlit display.
The Schwinn IC4 comes with 3-pound dumbbells and a heart rate monitor, which the Peloton does not have.
You will have to decide if price is a big factor when you are choosing a product. I believe the Schwinn IC4 is a great way to get the Peloton experience without spending as much money.
Weight Limit of the Schwinn IC4 Bike
The Schwinn IC4 bike has a maximum rider weight limit of 330 lbs.
Schwinn IC4 Bike Seat, Pedals and Handlebars
The Schwinn IC4 has a cushioned seat, which is typical for an exercise bike. It might be uncomfortable if you’re not used to it. But you can easily switch the seat out for a different one if you find it uncomfortable. On the plus side, the seat is adjustable both side to side and up and down. The bike accommodates riders between 4’6″ and 6’6″ without issue.
The pedals have two sides. One side has SPD clips for special cycling shoes. The other side has cages that fit regular shoes. I like this option because not everyone wants to buy separate cycling spin shoes. Dual sided pedals mean you can use the clips without paying extra, and you can use the cages with any shoes.
The handlebars are adjustable and can be positioned to your liking. You will like the shape and length of the handlebars since they allow you to support yourself in and out of the saddle.
The handlebar and the seat are adjustable vertically and horizontally to accommodate a wide range of user heights. The seat post has 8.5 inches of vertical adjustment and 3 inches of horizontal adjustability.
The handlebar can be adjusted up and down 4 inches and from side to side 3 inches.
All of this versatility allows you to adjust it to meet your demands and comfort levels.
Heart Rate Armband
The Schwinn IC4 comes with a heart rate monitor armband as part of the package. SETUP: The Schwinn HRM Heart Rate Monitor Arm Band is pretty straightforward to put together:
- Before you use the armband, charge it using the provided charging cables.
- Place the armband snugly on your forearm to ensure a good fit.
- Push the on/off button to activate
- When you see a blue light flashing slowly, it means that you can start working out.
- After you finish your workout, push the on/off button to turn off the machine.
The Schwinn IC4 armband monitor is simple to connect, and it’s a useful tool if you’re aiming for a specific percentage of your maximum heart rate. Although the technology connection necessitates some user setup, it isn’t difficult to understand.
USB Charging Port
The USB port is an awesome add-on for the Schwinn IC4 bike. You can charge your phone or tablet while completing a ride without the worry of your device battery going empty.
Note that some reviews have noted that the tablet holder is not the best. The tablet holder might be too small and not hold it properly. You might want to look at a different device holder for the Schwinn IC4.
Assembly of the Schwinn IC4 Bike
The Schwinn IC4 bike is an excellent indoor bike, but you must put it together once it arrives. For those who dislike following directions—don’t do it with the Schwinn IC4. The pieces aren’t labeled properly. I recommend meticulously matching each component to the images in the instruction booklet before you begin.
Setting up the Schwinn IC4 was easy. It took about 30 minutes to put it together. The assembly kit had all of the essential parts and tools.
We connected the pedals, followed by the handlebar post and seat post. The water bottle holder and weights rack were then added. All we had to do now was connect the bike’s AC adaptor after connecting the console and media tray.
The Schwinn IC4 has a small LCD display that is backlit in color. It does not have a monitor to show people lessons or other media, but you can use any tablet or smartphone as your screen. You will like this because it gives you more options that you don’t have to pay extra for.
Final Thoughts About The Schwinn IC4 Bike
The Schwinn IC4 Indoor Exercise bike is precisely what you need to keep up with your workout routine regardless of your schedule or the weather. You get a low-impact yet high-energy experience from using the exercise bike. It’s all backed up by the tech-enhanced features included with Bluetooth connectivity and World App support. With 100 resistance levels, LCD display, usb charging station and a 330 lbs weight capacity, the Schwinn IC4 is one of the best indoor cycling bikes. Dual sided pedals let you use the toe cages or your SPD cleats on your cycling shoes.
To wrap up our Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike Review, let’s summarize what we learned. While this is a top rated smart trainer bike that will give you a great workout, there are several other top spin bikes to consider. But you cannot go wrong with this well designed and sturdy spin bike.
This is a great bike that is a cheaper alternative to higher price tag and more expensive bikes like the Peloton bike. The Schwinn IC4 can connect to a variety of cycling apps, has quick in home assembly (in about an hour) and delivers a smooth ride. This is a great value amongst other spin bikes!