Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike Review

The Schwinn IC4 indoor cycling bike is for those who are looking for a reliable, high-quality, and reasonably priced indoor exercise bike as an alternative to the Peloton bike for home cycling.

Actually, the Schwinn IC4 is for those who are looking for a studio-quality indoor bike for home use that comes with a sturdy and durable frame, modern features, and, above all, is not too expensive and offers Bluetooth connectivity with the most popular fitness apps that will make the training more effective and enjoyable. Then this is the right choice for you.

Our Verdict

The Schwinn IC4 provides users with high-quality indoor cycling at an affordable price. This is a durable indoor spin bike that features 40 pounds (18 Kg) flywheel with 100 levels of magnetic resistance. Also, it comes with Bluetooth connectivity that enables you to connect with a wide range of popular fitness applications like Peloton and Zwift to experience a fully interactive cycling experience and improve your fitness at your home gym.

You will appreciate its adjustability and above all the high-quality, intense workout experience that you will get all the time. Moreover, it comes with all the necessary features like a wireless heart rate armband, hand weights, water bottle holder, transportation wheels as well as (SPD) dual function pedals. IC4 is a comfortable spin bike that can be adjusted to fit people with different heights, fitness requirements as well as workout styles.

Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike Review

Schwinn IC4: Overview

Schwinn Fitness is a well-known and reputable brand in the home fitness business, and the IC4 is the top model in their indoor cycling bikes line-up. It is a smart indoor bike with a Bluetooth connection that can be connected to the main fitness applications, in addition to its strong and durable construction; it has a flywheel with a mass of 40 pounds and 100 levels of magnetic resistance.

With an increasing number of customers who exercise from home and appreciate the interactive at-home studio and virtual cycling trends, I think this is a fascinating concept worth investing in. The IC4 offers an excellent workout, a high level of comfort, and the capability to connect with popular apps like JRNY (which comes with a 1-year JRNY membership). Considering all this along with its affordable price I think it is a great choice compared to other more expensive connecting indoor bikes in its class.

Workout Quality

The Schwinn IC4 will surprise you with its exceptional exercise quality that is perfect for all workouts. Also, almost identical performance in this segment shows one of its direct competitors Echelon EX-3. With its 40-pound (18 Kg) weighted flywheel, 100 micro-adjustable levels of smooth and silent magnetic resistance along with its durable construction, the IC4 is often used as a standalone indoor bike for a home studio or interactive virtual workout experience. So, you can use the bike linked to popular fitness apps like Zwift and Peloton or you can do your own freestyle workouts.

So, this adjustability makes the IC4 to be one step in front of its competitors in this area. However, Schwinn IC4 is designed around an incredibly solid and robust steel frame that can withstand even the most intense cycling exercise. Knowing the fact that its frame has a belt-driven 40-pound flywheel that offers 100-level magnetic resistance, you can make micro-adjustments to achieve the exact challenge you are looking for. This allows people of all fitness levels to enjoy cycling the Schwinn IC4. Thanks to the 100 magnetic resistance levels, this indoor spin bike offers a lot of cycling challenges. You can adjust this resistance with an adjustment knob located under the handles. So, you can manually adjust the resistance to your liking, whether you are cycling freely or following along with an on-demand studio session.

As I said, you can use this smart spinning bike as a standalone bike for manual exercises without being linked to a Smartphone. So, in manual mode, you may begin cycling and change the resistance as desired. You may also use the bike’s console to set a time, distance, or calorie exercise objective. If the manual exercises aren’t fun and energizing enough, you can connect your device through Bluetooth and use applications such as Peloton, Zwift, and JRNY. All these apps have a monthly subscription, but having access to hundreds of live and on-demand studio lessons on Peloton or the interactive virtual training environment of Zwift is definitely worth it.

The Schwinn IC4 has a few significant features that serve to improve the training experience. With this spin bike comes a set of 3-pound hand weights, along with handy cradles that place them below the water bottle holders. This feature is ideal for individuals who want to combine their bike activity with an upper-body workout. The dual-function pedals feature cages as well as SPD clips that allow you to cycle in either normal or cycling sports shoes. The bike also features a race-style seat that is performance-oriented and well-suited to intense and dynamic cycling.

Comfort and Adjustability

You will be really surprised how comfortable and enjoyable this bike is to cycle. It boasts a lot of adjustability of handlebar and seat to accommodate a wide range of rider heights and individual cycling requirements, as well as an acceptable racing seat and multi-position handlebar. Schwinn IC4 can withstand riders weighing up to 330 pounds (about 150 kg) while Schwinn did not specify the height range for the cyclists. The handles and seat are adjustable both vertically and horizontally to accommodate people of different heights. The seat post may be adjusted vertically by 8.5 inches and horizontally by 3 inches.

Also, the handlebar features a vertical height adjustment of 4 inches and a horizontal adjustment of roughly 3 inches. With all of this adjustability, you should be able to tune it in for your specific needs and comfort. The Schwinn IC4 is designed for serious indoor riding and includes a race-style seat. The seat is compact, dynamic-oriented, and ideal for intense cycling exercises. Cyclists who need a larger, wider, more comfortable seat can simply replace it with another seat of their choice. The multi-position adjustable handlebar is rubber-coated and offers a wide range of hand positions to suit your riding style.

Friendly Useful Interface

The Schwinn IC4 has a compact LCD display and connects to your device through Bluetooth to be used with the Peloton, Zwift, and JRNY applications. Because of the LCD display, you can ride this bike without an app or connection to your Smartphone, which I believe offers it an advantage over some of its connected/smart bike competitors. When your smart device is connected to a fitness app, it serves as a display for your fitness workouts or interactive rides. The LCD panel is located in the middle of the handlebar and features a screen with a length of 3 inches and a width of 2 inches. In order to use the display and the Bluetooth connection, IC4 must be connected. The backlit LCD display has bright numbers and letters and it displays a variety of information at a glance, including cadence, elapsed time, projected calories burnt, speed, distance, resistance level, and pulse.

The LCD screen turns on and automatically starts recording your workout information immediately the moment you press any of the buttons or the RPM sensor is activated when you start pedaling. If the pedals stop rotating for more than 2 seconds, your workout is immediately paused. After 5 minutes of inactivity, your workout is over, and the display turns off. All display operations, including start/enter/reset, Bluetooth, and up and down arrows, are controlled via five buttons beneath the screen. With the Bluetooth button, you can connect with compatible devices as well as with the heart rate sensor (which is included when you purchase the IC4), while with the other buttons you can start a workout or set a time, distance, or calorie target for a manual workout.

Also, with the knob on the bike’s mainframe below the handlebar, you can control the 100 levels of magnetic resistance. The padded device holder that is meant to hold your smart device is located above the display. The display features a USB charging connector, allowing you to keep your Smartphone charged while riding. The Schwinn IC4 is compatible with the Zwift, Peloton, and JRNY applications through Bluetooth for a studio or interactive cycling experience. All three applications require a Smartphone or Tablet with a screen to operate as a display and you need to pay an extra monthly subscription if you want to use them (for Peloton is $12.99/month, and for Zwift is $14.99/month, while the JRNY is free for a year, and after that, you need to pay $19.99/month). The Peloton offers thousands of live streaming as well as on-demand studio workouts with a variety of instructors and music, including panoramic rides to watch while you cycle.

Surprisingly, is that using the Peloton app with your own compatible spin bike is substantially less expensive than using a Peloton brand bike. However, it does not have all of the premium data tracking features. Zwift is virtual interactive workout software that includes hundreds of planned training programs, races, and events, as well as a wide range of maps and routes to choose from. When linked, your device displays the virtual path you’re riding along with information such as time, speed, cadence, watts, and a scoreboard. JRNY also offers instructor-led workouts, mentoring, and virtual courses.

Schwinn IC4: The Key Features

The Schwinn IC4 belongs to a group of the most feature-rich exercise bikes in its class. Its connection and usefulness with third-party training programs like Peloton, Zwift, and JRNY are the show stealers. This bike also has many user-friendly features that will help you get the most out of your workout.

Magnetic Resistance Setting

While some indoor bikes use a classic flywheel brake system that uses felt brake pads that need to be serviced and replaced from time to time, the Schwinn IC4 uses a magnetic brake system that has no flywheel contact, no wear, and is relatively quiet. This system works very simply, when you use the resistance knob to increase the value of the resistance you want to have while cycling, then the distance between the flywheel and the magnet is reduced and the braking effect begins.

Magnetic Braking System

The intensity of resistance you can increase in 100 fine steps by turning the resistance knob that is located on the frame in front of you, up to 1000 watts at 100 revolutions per minute. The magnetic brake setting is precise to the watt and repeatable. To the satisfaction of professionals, this should offer them enough challenges.

A 40 Pounds Flywheel

As for the riding experience, it is excellent when it comes to the quality of the moving parts. The 18 kg flywheel mass, together with the magnetic brake and high-quality drive elements, ensures smooth and fluid concentricity. The Schwinn IC4 is a real non-freewheel spin cycle, which means that the flywheel and crank arms are connected and the pedals continue to move as long as the flywheel is spinning.

This approach has the advantage of allowing for higher cadences to be ridden more effortlessly. The downside is that you cannot slow down because of the pedaling movement; you will need to use the brake system. The IC4 uses the adjustment knob as an emergency brake. This is the same adjustment knob used to adjust the resistance. You just have to press it hard in case you want to stop the flywheel.

Easy to Read Display

The illuminated display is easy to read and it shows you all important data, including RPM (cadence), time of travel, calories burned, speed, distance covered, heart rate, and the resistance level in a range of 1 to 100. Unlike the Schwinn IC3 model, the IC4 has a little bit larger LCD display that is also a full-color image LCD. While cycling, the pedaling power may also be read in watts when using the Zwift fitness app. The watt value is calculated by the Zwift app based on the resistance set on the IC4 and the cadence.

From summer 2020, all Schwinn indoor bikes come with the new firmware on their computers for training, which eliminates the need for manual calibration of the magnetic brake. Models before 2020, on the other hand, must be calibrated by the user in order for the wattage specification to be more realistic. Using the console is very simple and easy with its 5 function keys such as: (Bluetooth, start/enter, reset, and increase/decrease training values). Also, the heart rate can be accurately measured optionally by using a Bluetooth heart rate armband or Bluetooth chest strap. However, since the IC4 resistance is regulated manually and not electrically, this means that you can ride the spin bike and adjust the resistance without a power source.

Connecting with Fitness Applications

The computer of IC4 is not coming with pre-defined mountain or interval cycling training. However, desired training goals such as distance, training time, and calories can select by pressing the “START” button and then adjusting the desired values ​​using the arrow keys. Once you have selected the desired training parameters, they will start counting down as soon as you start cycling. This can often be monotonous and boring, but to get more motivated and your workout more fun and enjoyable, you can use some of the interactive apps like Zwift, Kinomap, Peloton or Explore the World by Bowflex.

You can also connect the console to other smart devices wirelessly with a Bluetooth connection. The handlebars have a multimedia holder for a tablet and Smartphone as well as a USB charging port and MP3 connection. Also, using the “Explore the World by Bowflex” application will allow you to cycle on real routes as real video recordings, with the video playing speed automatically responding to the actual speed driven.

Ergonomically Comfortable Sitting Position

The horizontal and vertical adjustments of the racing saddle, as well as the multi-position handlebar, ensure a healthy and back-friendly sitting posture and a realistic training experience. Even the angle of the saddle is readily adjustable and exchangeable for a conventional bike saddle. The IC4 bike is suitable for both short persons up to 165 cm in height and tall people up to 195 cm in height. The pedal spacing is 200 mm, and the Q factor is 200 mm. The height of the handlebar may be modified by 10 cm. The height of the saddle may be modified by 21 cm by using defined drill holes with a 1.5 cm gap between them.

Dual-Pedal System

The Combi pedals and adjustable foot straps of the Schwinn IC4 not only provide a secure grip for standard sports shoes but can also be used on the back with SPD click cycling shoes (shoe clips/cleats). The pedals contain a 9/16 inch thread and may thus be exchanged for standard bicycle pedals.

High-Quality Workmanship

The Schwinn IC4’s manufacturing is flawless, with no visible welds on the frame. The steel frame structure has a corrosion-resistant surface coating and can support a load of up to 330 pounds (150 kg). The 330 pounds bike’s safe footing is ensured by the independently height-adjustable feet, which compensate for small unevenness in the floor.

Dumbbells and Water Bottle Holders

This Schwinn model also features weight racks with dumbbells, so an arm exercise may be included in the program at any moment. Two bottle holders complete off the useful equipment. The footprint is 124 x 54 cm, although the manufacturer suggests a training area of 2.5 x 1.8 m to ensure optimal space all around.

Easy Setup and Portability

The bike comes with all of the tools you need as well as the written instructions that are thorough and simple to follow, along with all the necessary tools and hardware. By following the installation instruction, you will need to attach all the components of the bike together including the front and rear stabilizers, pedals, handlebar and handlebar post, and seat and seat post, features such as the device holder and bottle holders including the hand weight holders.

It will take you about an hour to get the bike ready for cycling. The transport wheels fitted into the front stabilizer make it very easy to move the IC4 around on hard surfaces after it is constructed. However, because this bike weighs 106 pounds (48 Kg), carrying it upstairs or downstairs requires two persons. The Schwinn IC4 takes up nearly the same amount of room as most of the other upright spin bikes, its dimensions are 48.75″ L x 21.25″ W x 52″ H.

Disadvantages

• The training computer does not offer user profiles where you can specify the user’s age, height, and weight. Thus, calorie consumption is also very roughly estimated.
• Training sessions are not recorded for later synchronization. Only when using apps.
• The USB port is strictly for charging a tablet, Smartphone, or heart rate monitor, not for transferring the training data.
• The crank arms are not replaceable. But, you may exchange the saddles and pedals for your own.

Schwinn IC4: FAQs

Can you use the Schwinn IC4 without subscription?

Schwinn IC4 does not require membership to use it. You can use it manually without having to attend fitness classes or pay extra money. But if you want to be motivated, have more fun and enjoyment you can buy some of the popular applications that are compatible with IC4 such as Peloton, Zwift, or JRNY (This application comes with a one-year free membership, after that you have to pay). You can also purchase the “Explore the World by Bowflex” app which offers a fantastic experience of driving on real routes as real video recordings.

Does Schwinn IC4 come with screen?

Yes, the Schwinn IC4 comes with a backlit LCD screen that has a full-color image. The screen is easily readable and displays bright and clear numbers and letters with the necessary information while cycling.

Does Schwinn IC4 have enough resistance?

Schwinn IC4 offers enough resistance that will meet the greatest demands of cyclists. Specifically, it comes with a magnetic resistance ranging from 1 to 100. The intensity of the magnetic resistance is regulated by a resistance button located in front of you, just below the steering levers. This should offer enough challenges to all professionals.

Is Schwinn IC4 resistance same as Peloton?

No, the resistance levels of Schwinn IC4 and Peloton are not equivalent. But, both spin bikes have 100 levels of resistance. For example, the resistance level of 20 in Schwinn IC4 will not be identical to the resistance level of 20 in Peloton bikes.

How loud is the Schwinn IC4 Indoor Bike?

The Schwinn IC4 Indoor Bike is practically silent. The level measured in the test ranged between 39 and 41 decibels. That’s the same as whispering.

Is the Schwinn IC4 worth the money?

Maybe, the Schwinn IC4 for some people will be not that much affordable spin bike as should be the bike in that class, but it is well worth the money in my opinion. When you assume that it performs side by side with big-name home-studio competitors while being far less expensive, it represents exceptional value.

It is even more valuable because of the 10-year frame guarantee, 3-year mechanical and electrical components warranty, and 1-year labor warranty. This spin bike is designed to last a long time. Except for the speed inconsistencies, the Schwinn IC4 is one of my favorite indoor exercise bikes. I recommend it to anybody searching for adjustability, comfort, and a great exercise in general.

Other Alternatives to SCHWINN IC4

One of the main competitors of Schwinn IC4 both in terms of performance and price is the Echelon EX3 Smart Connect Fitness Bike. It is a really great choice and provides almost the same high degree of quality of exercise.

If you are not ready to make such a big investment and still want to buy an indoor bike from the Schwinn brand, then I recommend his little brother Schwinn IC3 indoor spin bike which is more affordable and has impressive features and capabilities.

But, if you can afford to spend a lot of money and want to own an indoor bike in the Peloton class, but not a Peloton, then my recommendation is the amazing and attractive Keiser M3i which is at the very top of indoor spin bikes as well as the slightly more affordable NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle. Both models offer high-quality workouts and are extremely popular among sports enthusiasts.

For those who are looking for something cheaper but also of great quality, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002 Indoor Cycle Exercise Bike is the bike to go with. A bike that will suit almost any budget with professional workmanship and excellent performance that is extremely popular in its class.

Conclusion

The Schwinn IC4 indoor cycling bike is a successful combination of a tough premium speed bike with cutting-edge technology. The magnetic braking system is exceptional in that it can be fine-tuned with 100 levels of difficulty and can generate high levels of resistance.

The spin bike is perfect for both moderate and intensive cardio exercises, endurance training, weight loss, and muscle growth. It may be ridden in either a sitting or standing position, as well as in an aero position. The Bluetooth-enabled computer also allows for motivating, interactive workouts with a number of popular fitness applications.

In case the Schwinn IC4 does not meet your criteria then I would recommend you to take a look at my article that I recently wrote where I presented the selection of the best indoor exercise bikes on the market.