| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Fitness meter | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schwinn AD7 Check Discounted Price | L:53" W:26.5" H:53" | 350 lbs | Air | RPM, Speed, Time, Distance, Watts, Calories, Pulse. | Frame: 10 years Parts: 2 years Electronics: 2 years Labor: 6 months |
The Schwinn Airdyne AD7 is basically the same model as the Airdyne Pro that we have previously reviewed here. However, the AD7 model doesn’t come with a commercial warranty, so it’s for home use only. But on the other hand, it costs approx. $200 less than the Pro model. Nonetheless, it provides the same quality, being a rock-solid exercise bike.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 53L x 26.5W x 53H inches (137L x 67W x 137H cm)
- Assembled weight: 113 lbs (51.3 kg)
- Supported weight: 350 lbs (159 kg)
- Handlebars: Mobile
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive: Belt
- Resistance: Air
- Fitness meter: 4 programs
- Included accessories: Bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame 10 years / Parts 2 years / Electronics 2 years / Labor 6 months
Frame & parts
The Schwinn AD7 Airdyne features a heavy-duty steel frame which meets commercial standards. It combines ovalized with
rectangular bars with precision-welded connection points. It’s double-coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish dark gray in color, with the exception of the seat post and slider, which have a chrome finish.
The bike not only that has a pretty low center of gravity, but it also weighs over 100 lbs, which means that it provides an outstanding stability. Plus, both its bases are equipped with adjustable stabilizers that have large rubberized pads. The bike is also easy to move and handle as its front base is equipped with transport wheels.
This Schwinn exercise bike isn’t extremely large compared to other fitness machines. Its fully assembled length is approx. 53″ (137 cm) while its width is 26.5″ (67 cm). However, Schwinn recommends assigning a usage surface for this bike of at least 74.5″L (189 cm) x 101″W (256 cm), for safe access and unhindered operation.
The section above the bike’s crank system features a wide step-up pad. Not all air resistance bikes or upright bikes have this feature, so this is quite a plus. Not only that it helps you with taking a seat, but it can also serve as a stretching support or as a step-up, step-down element which can be useful for certain cycling workouts.
The bike also has two foot resting pegs attached to the front fork. This gives you the possibility to keep your feet stationary while only using the bike’s moving arms. Therefore, you can alternate exercises.
Seat & handlebars
The Schwinn AD7 Airdyne is equipped with a large and cushioned seat. It’s approx. 11″ (27 cm) wide and 10.5″ (26 cm) long
providing plenty of contact surface. It integrates a generous layer of foam padding, promoting an even weight dispersion. It also has a longitudinal groove to improve breathability and overheating.
The seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, backward, and forward). Its upright post features 10 adjustment notches with approx. 1″ (2.5 cm) in between. Also, the seat’s horizontal slider offers several extra inches of front to back adjustment. This being said, the bike is designed to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’7″ (153 – 201 cm) while offering a complete leg extension.
Unlike magnetic upright bikes, the Schwinn Airdyne AD7 doesn’t have stationary handlebars, only its moving arms. They feature a multi-grip design and rubber-foam handles for a secure and comfortable grip.
Drive & resistance
As its name suggests, the Schwinn Airdyne AD7 is an air resistance exercise bike. It’s equipped with a 26-blade flywheel-fan
which combines ABS and metallic elements. It’s actually perimeter-weighted for an easy start-up and a smooth ride.
The bike’s fan is the only resistance generator. The bike doesn’t include a magnetic brake. It also doesn’t need to be connected to a power source to generate resistance. When you begin pedaling or moving the handlebars, the fan produces a dynamic response. In other words, the resistance depends on how fast you pedal and/or move the handlebars.
An important aspect that needs to be mentioned here is that the pedals and the handlebars cannot be moved independently. The handlebars will always be in motion when you pedal; conversely, the pedals will continue to spin even if you rest your feet on the front pegs, while only moving the handlebars.
Just as any other fitness machine with an air resistance system, this Schwinn Airdyne exercise bike does generate a moderate level of noise. But nonetheless, it’s not extremely loud. As a general idea, the noise produced when you pedal at a high speed resembles the sound of a large electric fan.
The bike’s transmission involves a heavy-duty rubber belt. This being said, you don’t have to lubricate it, and it generates less vibration than a chain.
The bike is equipped with a heavy-duty crankset. Its crank arms and pedals are actually durable enough to support users up to 350 lbs (159 kg). The pedals are made of a durable metallic alloy. They do not integrate SPD elements like certain spin bikes, and they also don’t have toe cages. However, they have standard threads, so compatible options are widely available.
Console
This Schwinn exercise bike is equipped with a two-display console. The top one is a Tachometer Display divided into 60 segments
to show calories-per-minute and Watts. It also indicates RPMs and speed. The lower one is the Program Data Display; it shows the timer for the interval programs, the round of each interval, sprint and recover data, cumulative metrics (calories/kJ or distance in miles or km), heart rate metrics, battery indicator, and volume indicator.
There are three main interval programs on the console. The first two are standard 20/10 and 30/90, while the 3rd one is Custom, giving you the possibility to create your own interval workout.
The 4th program is designed for heart rate. There actually are three preset HR intervals available, 65%, 75%, and 85%. The unit is telemetric. It can monitor your heart rate via an uncoded HR strap from Polar Electro or an uncoded Polar compatible model. This accessory is not included, though.
The console also offers the possibility to create a workout target for time, calories, and distance. If you select a target for any of these metrics, the display will count down from the selected value rather than showing the elapsed value.
An important aspect that needs to be mentioned here regards the console calibration. The unit has a built-in temperature and pressure sensor which automatically calibrates the resistance output for differences in air pressure (such as altitude). In addition, the console provides a manual calibration procedure. The Calibration procedure adjusts the console’s calculations of resistance for differences in belt tension and bearing friction. Therefore, the unit can provide quite accurate readings for your overall calorie consumption.
Last but not least, the console is battery-powered. It takes two D batteries which are included but can also be powered via an AC adapter, Rated 120V 60Hz Input, 9VDC, 1500mA.
Assembly & Maintenance
Most of the bike comes pre-assembled. The flywheel, the crankset, and the belt are already attached to the main frame. Therefore, all you need to assemble is the base bars, the moving arms, the seat, the pedals, and the console. This may take up to one hour. However, the manual provides very clear assembly instructions. Also, some of the tools required for the assembly are included.
Once it’s fully assembled, the bike doesn’t require too much maintenance. All you need to do is vacuum the dust that may accumulate on the fan, and periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Extremely sturdy frame – can hold users up to 350 lbs;
- Professional-looking design;
- Adjustable levelers on both bases;
- Transport wheels;
- Footstep pad frame element included;
- Foot resting pegs included;
- Mobile arms with multi-grips for a wide variety of workouts;
- Ergonomic, cushioned seat;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Highly durable pedals, which can support the full weight of the user;
- Air resistance system offering a dynamic response;
- Advanced console with two main displays, one for the tachometer and one for the workout programs data;
- Telemetric console – can read pulse via an HR Polar transmitter;
- Three main interval programs;
- Three preset HR intervals;
- Target setting functions;
- Basically maintenance free;
- Easy to assemble;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No online connectivity;
- HR chest strap not included;
- Power adapter for the console is not included (but works with batteries which are included);
- No straps on the pedals.
Summary
The Schwinn AD7 Airdyne is an air resistance bike featuring an extremely sturdy construction, able to hold riders up to 350 lbs. It excels in comfort and micro-adjustability. It’s equipped with a highly accurate console which keeps track of all your important workout data and offers three interval programs, target value settings, and HR intervals. It’s an exercise bike for users of all levels, perfect for high-intensity interval training, but also for recovery training. It’s great for endurance building, muscle toning, and weight loss. Finally, it’s not the most affordable trainer, but its price-quality ratio is quite exceptional. In fact, so far this Schwinn exercise bike has gathered an impressive amount of 5-star reviews from most users.