Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schwinn 130 MY20 Check Discounted Price | L:41" W:22" H:58" | 300 lbs | Eddy current, 16 levels | 13 programs, Bluetooth | Frame: 10 years Parts: 2 years Electrical: 1 year Labor: 90 days |
The Schwinn 130 MY20 upright bike is the newer version released in 2020. Compared to the older version, the Schwinn 130 MY16, it lacks several features, including the smaller display, the USB port, the sound system, and the workout fan. It also has fewer workout programs. But on the other hand, it is compatible with the Zwift App and the Explore the World app. For reference, this is the Schwinn exercise bike part number 100931.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 41L x 22W x 58H inches (104L x 56W x 147H cm)
- Assembled weight: 70 lbs (31.7 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Handlebar: Adjustable, with pulse sensors
- Seat: Adjustable
- Resistance: Motorized magnetic, 16 levels
- Console: 13 programs, goals, Bluetooth, Explore the World App compatible
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame 10 years / Mechanical 2 years / Electrical 1 year / Labor 90 days
Frame construction
The Schwinn 130 MY20 upright bike features a steel frame combining oval and cylindrical tubes in its construction for improved aesthetics. The base frame of the bike with the drivetrain and the resistance elements is completely covered by several durable guards made of thermoplastic material. The steel bars are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish; the color used is black, this being the only color available for this model.
The bike is a bit larger than the average upright bike. However, it’s still a fairly small fitness machine. With all the parts assembled, it is approx. 41″ (104 cm) long, and 22″ (56 cm) wide. Due to its slightly larger footprint and low center of gravity, it provides excellent stability. Plus, it weighs approx. 70 lbs (31.7 kg) which is quite a bit more than the weight of the average road bike; this weight also adds up to the unit’s overall stability.
This Schwinn exercise bike does not have a folding frame. It is easy to move, though, once it is assembled. Its front base stabilizer is equipped with two small transport wheels, while the rear stabilizer features two adjustable levelers.
Seat and handlebars
The Schwinn 130 MY20 is equipped with a seat designed for optimal comfort. It is larger than the average spin seat. Its inner shell is made of durable nylon material while its cover is made of high-density foam. It is slightly contoured and also has an inner layer of padding.
The saddle has a standard, collar-type connection system to the post. This means it can easily be removed, if necessary. It also means that models compatible with the bike are widely available. You should be able to find a saddle to fit in most bike shops.
The seat is only two-way adjustable (up, down). It does not have a horizontal slider like the Schwinn 170 model. Its upright post features multiple adjustment positions so the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm) with no problem. Also, the bike is rated for a maximum user weight capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg) which, needless to say, applies to the seat assembly.
The Schwinn 130 upright bike is equipped with a multi-grip handlebar. It offers the possibility to adopt a racing grip, a climbing grip, and a close crip. Its side grips have foam sleeves for improved comfort. The lower section of the handlebar integrates a set of metallic pulse sensors. By holding on to them, the console can monitor your heart rate.
The front upright bar of the bike is non-adjustable. However, the handlebar is angle-adjustable. Its connection point to the front upright bar features a small knob which allows you to loosen it, change its angle, and re-tighten it. Not all upright bikes have this feature, so it’s a plus.
Resistance and drive
The Schwinn 130 upright bike is equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system. This means that it requires an external power source. A 60Hz AC input / 1.5A output, 110V-120V power adapter is included. It also means that the console is programmable and can adjust the pedal resistance automatically.
The bike’s resistance system consists of a servo motor and a magnetic brake. When you adjust the resistance from the console, or when the console adjusts the resistance automatically, the motor changes the position of the magnetic brake in relation to the internal flywheel. This adds or reduces the pedaling difficulty.
As opposed to the older Schwinn 130 MY16 model, the MY20 only has 16 levels of resistance (down from 20). The first few levels deliver a fairly light pedaling difficulty, great for warm-ups, recovery training, or muscle toning. Conversely, the 16th level of resistance offers considerably more pedaling difficulty simulating a hill climb.
The exact weight of the internal flywheel is not specified. However, considering the total weight of the bike, it probably doesn’t weigh more than 30 lbs (13.6 kg). It is perimeter-weighted designed for enhanced inertia. It is also bi-directional (you can pedal in reverse if you want).
Similar to most other exercise bikes with magnetic resistance, the Schwinn 130 has a belt drivetrain. This type of drive system does not require any lubrication. It also generates less vibration than a chain drive, so the pedaling motion is smooth and almost completely silent.
The bike is equipped with a sturdy 3-piece crankset. The internal pulley is actually a bit larger in diameter than the flywheel. The two crank arms are cylindrical, steel-made, and painted black. They are thinner than the crank arms of a road bike, so they are not meant for spinning workouts or for standing up on the pedals.
The bike comes with a set of standard exercise bike pedals. They are made of solid thermoplastic material with a metallic core. They are weighted so they should always turn face-up when you remove your feet from them. They also have adjustable straps for improved foot stability.
Console
As we’ve mentioned above, the console included with the Schwinn 130 MY20 offers fewer features than the console of the MY16 model. First of all, it lacks the smaller bottom display. It only has one 5.5″ display that tracks time, distance, speed, RPM, calories burned, and heart rate. Speed and distance can be set to either English units (mph, miles) or Metric units (km/h, kilometers). For the pulse reading function, you can either use a Bluetooth chest strap or armband (this accessory is not included), or hold on to the sensors integrated into the handlebars.
The console has 13 workout programs assigned to 3 categories, each category with its own separate button on the console. The categories are Manual, Interval, and Challenge. Naturally, the Manual category includes the Manual program. This is the standard workout that allows you to manually adjust the resistance as you like during the workout. The Interval mode only has one interval program. It is pre-set for a “sprint” duration of 30 seconds, and a “recovery” duration of 90 seconds. Its default duration is 12 minutes.
The Challenge mode includes 11 workout programs. The first 10 are standard pre-set. These programs automatically adjust the pedaling resistance depending on their segment layout. For each one of them, you can set up goals for time, distance, and calories burned. The 11th program is the HRC program. This is pre-set for 125 BPM. This means the resistance will adjust depending on your current BPM, decreasing if you exceed 125 BPM, and increasing if you fall below 125 BPM. The default 125 BPM value can be adjusted.
The console has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with various fitness apps, such as Zwift and Explore the World. These, however, require an existing subscription. If you have any of them installed on your smartphone or tablet you should be able to benefit from a virtual cycling experience, keep track of your progress, and compete with friends. The console is also compatible with the Schwinn Toolbox app which allows you to update the internal software if necessary.
Last but not least, the console does not have a sound system feature, or a workout fan feature, but does have a device holder. This accessory consists of a small shelf placed above the controls, large enough to accommodate any tablet.
Assembly and Maintenance
The base frame of the bike with all the drive and resistance elements comes pre-assembled. The rest of the parts do require user assembly, though. You will have to install the two base stabilizers, the seat post, the saddle, the front upright bar, the console, and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than an hour of your time. The manual provides clear assembly instructions with illustrations, and all the necessary tools are included.
Once the bike is assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. The internal parts don’t need any periodic lubrication or maintenance. So, all you have to do is keep the bike clean and periodically inspect it to make sure that everything functions properly.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 300 lbs;
- Elegant design;
- Large, padded seat;
- Angle-adjustable, multi-grip handlebar with foam sleeves;
- Grip pulse sensors;
- Weighted pedals, with adjustable straps for extra stability;
- Motorized magnetic resistance – 16 levels;
- Multi-function console with a 5.5″ LCD display;
- 13 workout programs;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- Bluetooth connectivity;
- Compatible with various apps such as Zwift, Explore the Worlds, and Schwinn Toolbox;
- Bluetooth HR chest strap or armband compatible;
- Device holder included;
- Basically maintenance-free;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the necessary assembly tools are included;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- Zwift and Explore the Worlds subscriptions are not included with the bike;
- Bluetooth HR chest strap is not included;
- A tablet placed on the device holder may cover the console display.
Summary
The Schwinn 130 MY20 is an upright exercise bike designed for home use. It features a 16-level eddy current resistance system, superior ergonomics, and a Bluetooth console compatible with apps like Zwift or Explore the World. The console also has 13 onboard programs. In all, it’s a great stationary bike for muscle toning, stamina development, weight loss, interval training, and recovery training. And even though it lacks some of the features compared with the MY16 model, it still is one of the best that you can get in this price range.