| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Resistance | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schwinn IC4 Check Discounted Price | L:48.7" W:21.2" H:51.8" | 330 lbs | 40 lbs | Magnetic, 100 levels | RPM, Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Pulse, Goals, Bluetooth |
The IC4 is currently the most advanced and inclusive indoor cycling bike from Schwinn. Although it has a pretty similar construction to the Schwinn IC3, it features a magnetic resistance system and comes with a Bluetooth console. It also includes a set of dumbbells, accessories that many other spin bikes do not come with.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 48.7″L x 21.2″W x 51.8″H (124L x 54W x 132H cm)
- Assembled weight: 106 lbs (48.1 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 40 lbs (18.1 kg)
- Supported weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Handlebars: 4-way adjustable
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Drive mechanism: Belt
- Resistance: Magnetic, 100 levels
- Console: RPM, time, calories, speed, distance, level, pulse, goals, Bluetooth
- Extras: Bottle holders, tablet holder, pulse band, dumbbell set
- Warranty: Frame 10 years, Electronics 3 years, Parts 3 years, Labor 1 year
Frame construction
The Schwinn IC4 features a heavy-duty steel frame designed for spin workouts. Most of the tubes in its 
construction are ovalized for a smooth aspect, with the exception of the handlebar tube which is polygonal. The bike’s frame has a standard triangular shape. However, the main tube, as well as the longitudinal base tube, are slightly curved for added sturdiness.
Of course, the bike also has several ABS parts in its construction. For example, the cover of the brake pad, the drive belt cover, and the side covers of the flywheel are made of solid ABS material.
All the steel parts within the frame are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The color used is dark gray with the exception of the seat post, handlebar post, and flywheel which are painted black.
The bike has a fairly heavy construction. With the frame fully set up, it weighs approx. 106 lbs (48.1 kg). This is more than twice the weight of the average road bike which is quite a plus as it provides superior stability. Plus, both base bars of the bike are equipped with adjustable stabilizers so you can perfectly level the unit on any type of floor.
Despite its weight, the bike is fairly easy to move. Its front base integrates a set of wheels that facilitate its relocation.
The Schwinn IC4 is not a large fitness machine. Its footprint is approx. 48.7″ x 21.2″ (124 x 54 cm). However, it is recommended to leave at least 2′ (0.6 m) of clearance all around it for ease of access and unhindered usage.
Seat and handlebars
The Schwinn IC4 includes a race-style saddle featuring a durable vinyl top with an integrated layer of 
foam padding. The padding is thicker in its rear section. The saddle is fairly flexible; it’s designed to adapt well to the movement of the user during a seated workout. It also has a large central cutout for extra breathability.
The bike’s saddle features a standard, collar-based connection system. This means you can slightly change its angle. It also means that it’s easy to replace, compatible options being available in any bike shop.
The seat offers four-way adjustability (up, down, front, back). Its upright post has multiple adjustment positions while the horizontal slider also offers several inches for front-to-back adjustment. This being said, the bike can accommodate users between 5’0″ (153 cm) and 6’5″ (196 cm) with no problem, promoting a complete leg extension. It’s also designed to support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg).
Like any other spin bike, the Schwinn IC4 features a multi-grip handlebar. The whole handlebar assembly is coated with a layer of urethane material to provide an improved and comfortable grip. It doesn’t have drop-down grips like the handlebar of the Diamondback 1260Sc but does have the long side grips and a small loop aero bar at the center which can be used for a close grip.
Just like the seat, the bike’s handlebar is four-way adjustable. Its post offers approx. 7″ (18 cm) of upright adjustment while its horizontal slider adds a few extra inches of front-to-back adjustment. The handlebar does not integrate any pulse sensors, but the unit’s console is telemetric and can read your pulse via Bluetooth.
Resistance and drive
The Schwinn IC4 exercise bike features a magnetic resistance system with manual action. This means its
console does not control the resistance. Also, you can adjust the resistance without connecting the bike to a power source.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake pad connected to the tension knob above the main tube of the frame. By turning the knob clockwise, the magnetic brake moves closer to the flywheel increasing the intensity of the magnetic field which ultimately increases the pedaling difficulty.
The tension knob doesn’t have pre-determined tension levels on it, but it offers an adjustment resistance range between 0% and 100% (100 levels) with increments of 1%. This is quite an impressive range of micro-adjustability which gives you the possibility to find the perfect pedaling difficulty for your fitness level.
Of course, the bike’s brake also has the emergency stop function. You can press it down all the way to quickly stop the flywheel from spinning, if necessary.
The Schwinn IC4 is equipped with a 40 lbs (18.1 kg) flywheel. However, since the bike has a magnetic resistance system, it has a different structure than the flywheel of the IC3 mode. Its edges are thin for a better brake cover but it also has an inner perimeter-weighting for improved inertia.
The bike’s flywheel is bi-directional. This being said, you can pedal in reverse if you want. However, coasting is not possible on it as it is the case for most road bikes; the pedals continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning.
The bike integrates a heavy-duty belt drive system. This comes with several advantages. First of all, you don’t have to go through the hassle of periodical lubrication. Second of all, it provides a smooth motion with less vibration than a chain drive. And third of all, the pedaling motion is whisper-quiet.
Another important element of the bike’s drive system is the crankset. The Schwinn IC4 features a durable crankset with solid steel arms designed to support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg). The pedals are also highly durable, made of aluminum alloy. They are dual-sided, with toe cages on one side and SPD clips for spin shoes on the other side. They also have standard 9/16″ threads, so in case you will ever need to replace them, compatible options are widely available.
Console and other accessories
The Schwinn IC4 includes a console superior to the IC3 model. First of all, it features a 7-panel LCD
display which indicates (top to bottom) RPM, time, calories, speed, distance, level, and pulse. As we’ve mentioned above, the console cannot control the resistance adjustment of the bike, but it can indicate the selected tension level (in the 6th panel).
Speed and distance can be set either to English units (mph, miles) or Metric units (kmh, kilometers). The pulse reading function requires you to wear the included armband or Bluetooth chest strap. The included pulse armband is equipped with a rechargeable lithium battery via USB cable. So, you can either connect it to the console when it needs recharging or to a powered device with a USB port.
The console unit does not have preset workout programs. However, you can select workout goals for time, distance, and calories. Plus, it has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with various fitness apps like Explore the WorldTM, Zwift, and more. This being said, you can sync it with your tablet or smartphone in order to track your progress online or train following a virtual trail. The bike does not include subscriptions for any of the apps the console is compatible with, though. Also, the USB connection is only for device recharging purposes, not for workout data transfer.
The console requires an external power source. A 9V DC, 1.5 Amp adapter is included with the bike. This adapter is required only for the console. The magnetic brake of the bike is manual. So, you can basically use the bike and adjust the resistance as you like, even if you don’t power up the console.
The console unit is very easy to use. It has five buttons. The top-left button covers the Bluetooth function. The bottom-left button covers the Start/Enter functions, the middle button has the Reset function, and the buttons on the right are for increasing or decreasing values when you select goals for your workouts.
In terms of other accessories, the Schwinn IC4 includes a tablet holder, two bottle holders, and a dumbbell set. The tablet holder attaches to the top of the loop aero bar. The bottle holders attach under the handlebar. And finally, the two included dumbbells weigh 3 lbs (1.36 kg) each. They have a urethane coating and the two bottle holders also serve as supports for them.
Assembly and Maintenance
This Schwinn exercise bike requires some assembly, but most of the frame comes in one piece. You only have to add the two base tubes, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the console, the bottle holders, the tablet holder, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take longer than 30-40 minutes. The included manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions and all the tools you’ll need for it are also included.
Once the bike is fully assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. All you need to do is keep the bike clean and check for loose bolts and parts from time to time.
The Pros
- Sturdy steel frame – can support users up to 330 lbs;
- Aesthetic design;
- Bases with adjustable, rubberized levelers;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- 4-way adjustable handlebar, with a multi-grip design;
- 4-way adjustable seat;
- Race-style saddle with a central cutout and internal cushioning;
- Magnetic resistance with 100 levels of adjustment;
- Inertia-enhanced, 40 lbs flywheel for a smooth pedaling motion and solid momentum;
- Heavy-duty crank made for spin workouts;
- Dual-sided pedals, with toe cages and SPD clips;
- Smooth and quiet belt drive, great for apartment use;
- LCD display console with LED backlight;
- Goal setting functions for time, distance, and calories;
- The console is compatible with multiple fitness apps;
- USB port for recharging your phone or Bluetooth pulse band;
- Adapter for the console is included;
- Bluetooth pulse band included;
- Bottle holders included;
- Dumbbell set (3 lbs each) included;
- Tablet holder included;
- Really easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
The console unit can only be powered via adapter.
Summary
The Schwinn IC4 is a heavy-duty indoor cycling bike designed for all types of spin workouts. It features a manual magnetic resistance system with 100 difficulty levels. It excels in micro-adjustability, it has an impressive 330 lbs weight capacity and also includes a Bluetooth console which is compatible with multiple online fitness apps. It’s a complete indoor cycling bike, great for users of all levels, for interval training, light to intense cardio workouts, weight loss, muscle toning, and stamina development. It’s not exactly an affordable model, but definitely offers excellent value for the price.