| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schwinn M17 270 Check Discounted Price | L:64" W:27" H:50" | 300 lbs | Eddy current | 29 programs, Goal settings, Bluetooth connectivity | Frame: 10 years Mechanical: 2 years Electrical: 1 year Labor: 90 days |
The Schwinn 270 bike was upgraded and re-released at the beginning of 2017 as the Schwinn M17 270 recumbent exercise bike. As opposed to the older model, the M17 270 comes with an improved console featuring a more user-friendly interface, Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with the “Schwinn Trainer” fitness app.
Before we proceed with the full presentation of this bike, there’s one aspect that requires clarification, though. The new Schwinn M17 270 is also referred to as Schwinn MY17 270. So, there aren’t two 270 models; there is only one new model released in 2017 (at least for now).
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 64L x 27W x 50H inches (163L x 69W x 127H cm)
- Assembled weight: 86.7 lbs (39.3 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Handlebars: Recumbent (with pulse sensors) and front
- Seat: Adjustable
- Pedals: With straps
- Resistance: Eddy current, 25 levels
- Console: 29 workout programs, 4 user profiles, goal tracking, USB port for data transfer, Bluetooth connectivity
- Amenities: Sound system, cooling fan, media holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame 10 years / Mechanical 2 years / Electrical 1 year / Labor 90 days
Frame construction
The Schwinn M17 270 recumbent exercise bike is built around a heavy-duty steel frame, featuring a construction pretty close to commercial grade bikes. Its main chassis is a one-piece part, which considerably improves the bike’s sturdiness. The frame construction does
include PVC parts, though, such as the covers of the drive system, the covers of the seat base or the base caps. But these have a protective and cosmetic role, without taking a toll on the bike’s overall sturdiness.
The frame has a step-through design. This means it is easy to take position on the seat, or stand up, an aspect that can be quite important for physically impaired users.
This exercise bike isn’t extremely heavy; however, it does weigh over 80 lbs, which is at least two times more than the average road bike. This being said, the bike’s assembled weight delivers excellent stability. Even more, the bike’s stability is enhanced by the adjustable stabilizers integrated into the rear base.
The bike’s relocation and transport, once it is assembled, isn’t difficult, though. Its front base is equipped with two small wheels, while the rear base features a lifting handle. Therefore, by lifting the bike from the handle and leaning it onto its wheels, you won’t be handling more than half of its weight.
The Schwinn M17 270 isn’t exactly a small fitness machine. When fully assembled, its footprint is 64″L x 27″W (163 x 69 cm). Therefore, it may not fit well in a small room or apartment. On top of that, Schwinn recommends at least two feet of clearance all around the bike, for safe operation.
One last aspect to mention here regards the bike’s finish. All the steel parts in its construction feature an industrial powder coating finish, corrosion and scratch resistant, black in color, this being the only color available (at least for the moment).
Seat and handlebars
The Schwinn M17 270 features an adjustable seat which offers an adjustment span for users between 4’6″ – 6’5″ (137 – 196 cm). The seat is mounted on an aluminum, inclined rail, and 
can move closer or farther from the pedals. Its position adjustment is done easily, by using the lever on its right side.
As opposed to the Schwinn MY16 230, the seat on the MY17 270 model is padded and contoured, providing superior comfort. It is approx. 17″ (43 cm) wide, and 11″ (28 cm) long.The backrest is similar, though, being made of heavy-duty PVC material, and featuring a vented structure in order to prevent overheating during your workouts. The seat assembly, including the backrest, is designed to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
The bike features two sets of handlebars, one attached to the console mast, and one attached to the seat assembly. The handlebars on the seat integrate stainless steel pulse sensors. Therefore, the console can track your pulse if you hold on to them. A bottle holder is supplied with the bike and can be attached to the seat handlebars, on the right or left side, according to your preference.
The front handlebars feature a multi-grip design; they’re non-adjustable, being directly welded onto the console mast. Both sets of handlebars feature foam grips, to provide optimal comfort.
Drive and resistance
The Schwinn M17 270 recumbent exercise bike is equipped with a mid-range flywheel. Its weight is not specified, but it weighs around 17-18 lbs (7.7-8.1 kg). It’s also perimeter weighted, designed to deliver a consistent momentum and a steady feel to the pedaling 
motion.
The bike features a belt transmission, integrating an industrial quality, stretch-resistant belt. This aspect comes with several benefits. For example, a belt drive system is almost silent, producing less noise than a chain drive system. Also, a chain requires periodic lubrication, while a belt doesn’t, so you’ll be free of this hassle.
The bike’s crank arms are chrome-coated, made of solid steel. They’re finished with self-leveling pedals, with adjustable straps. The pedals also have standard threads, and in case you want to replace them, compatible options are highly available.
The Schwinn M17 270 features a comfortable Q-Factor, offering a natural positioning of the feet on the pedals, and eliminating lateral stress on the knees. Also, pedaling in reverse is possible, but when pedaling in reverse there is no resistance on the pedals.
Speaking of resistance, the Schwinn M17 270 recumbent bike is equipped with an eddy current system. It consists of a small servo motor and a magnetic element. Evidently, resistance can only be adjusted from the console, and by selecting a certain difficulty level, the servo motor will adjust the position of the magnetic brake element in relation to the flywheel, increasing or decreasing drag. You can adjust resistance during pedaling by using the controls on the console, or, in case you’re using one of the onboard programs, the resistance will auto-adjust, depending on the current segment of that program.
Since the bike features an eddy current resistance system, it requires being connected to a power circuit. An adapter with cable which fits U.S. standard plugs is supplied with the bike. The adapter connector is situated above the front base of the bike.
This Schwinn exercise bike offers 25 resistance levels. The lower settings are pretty light, suitable for elderly users, or users who require recovery training. On the other hand, the 23-25 resistance settings are quite tough, simulating a steep climb, offering quite a challenge for anyone who wants a consistent cardio training.
Console
The Schwinn MY17 270 exercise bike is equipped with a multi-function console. To begin with, as opposed to the older model, this console is Bluetooth-enabled. Therefore, you can setup a connection between it and your smartphone, tablet or laptop in order to instantly 
transfer your workout data into your SchwinnConnect or MyFitness Pal account. It’s also compatible with the “Schwinn Trainer” online app, which offers a nice training interface which you can use on your tablet or phone. But in case you’re not going to use the Bluetooth connection, you can still transfer your workout data to your online fitness account via an USB flash drive. You can also charge your tablet or phone by using the USB port.
The console is equipped with two LCD displays with LED backlight and large digits for easy reading. The top larger display shows the workout program profiles, the selected goal and your progress towards it, the name of the current workout program, the levels of incline and resistance, and the heart rate interval. Conversely, the lower display shows distance, time, speed, RPM, resistance level, calories burned and heart rate. Distance is set in miles by default but can be changed to kilometers. Also, speed is by default calculated in MPH, but can also be changed to km/h.
Your pulse can be tracked via the EKG grip sensors in the recumbent handlebars. However, the console unit is telemetric and can monitor your heart rate via an HR chest strap. This accessory is not included, though, but you can use any uncoded HR strap from Polar Electro with an operating frequency between 4.5 kHz – 5.5 kHz.
The console has 12 pre-set workout programs including Rolling Hills, Ride in the Park, Easy Tour, Stream Crossing, Pike’s Peak, Mount Hood, Pyramids, Summit Pass, Uphill Finish, Cross-Training, Intervals, and Stairs. It gives you the possibility to setup goals for time, distance, and calories. There’s a Fitness Program, a Recovery Program, and an HR control program with 4 levels of difficulty. It also has 4 user profiles, allowing you to input personal data such as weight, height, age and gender for a more accurate reading of the calories burned. This feature is great to have if multiple persons use the machine.
When it comes to amenities, the control unit integrates several. Among them, we can count the sound system, cooling fan, and media shelf. The sound system is compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones, and tablets, consisting of two speakers at the lowest corners of the console. The workout fan offers three speed settings; although it’s not too powerful, it does provide some cooling if needed. And finally, the media tray is situated under the larger display of the unit, being large enough to accommodate any type of tablet or phone.
Assembly and Maintenance
This Schwinn exercise bike is not difficult to put together. Most of it comes pre-assembled from the factory; its drive and resistance elements are already attached to the frame and sealed by the protective covers. Therefore, you only have to mount the frame onto the base bars, attach the seat, the console mast, the console and the pedals. This shouldn’t take longer than an hour. The included manual provides clear assembly instructions and the required tools are also included.
In terms of maintenance, it is recommended to periodically inspect the bike for loose parts and re-tighten them if necessary.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame, commercial quality construction, able to support users up to 300 lbs;
- Adjustable foot stabilizers and transport wheels;
- Large seat with a thick layer of padding for maximum comfort;
- Durable, contoured backrest with a vented structure to prevent overheating and to provide an excellent lumbar support;
- Long adjustment span for the seat, the bike being able to accommodate users between 4’6″ and 6’5″;
- Recumbent handlebars with pulse sensors and resistance controls;
- Weighted pedals with straps and standard threads (easy to find replacement for them, if needed);
- 25 levels of resistance;
- 29 workout programs, 4 user profiles, goal tracking functions;
- Bluetooth connectivity, and compatibility with the “Schwinn Trainer” app, SchwinnConnect and MyFitnessPal;
- USB port for manual workout data transfer, which also acts as a charging port for your smartphone or tablet;
- The console displays feature LED backlight, enhancing readability;
- Sound system included;
- Cooling fan included;
- Tablet tray included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Smooth and quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- A tablet placed on the media holder with cover the top display;
- HR chest strap not included;
- The cooling fan isn’t too powerful.
Summary
The Schwinn M17 270 is a recumbent exercise bike with a sturdy construction, featuring a motor-assisted magnetic resistance system (25 levels) and a Bluetooth enabled console with 29 workout programs. It excels in comfort factors and offers an adjustment span for users up to 6’5″. It’s designed for light to medium cardio training, interval training, recovery training and weight loss. And finally, it offers a great price/value ratio.