| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schwinn 230 Check Discounted Price | L:64" W:27.7" H:50" | 300 lbs | Eddy current | 22 | Frame: 10 years Mechanical: 2 years Electrical: 1 year Labor: 90 days |
When it comes to indoor recumbent exercise bikes, there’s a wide array of models you can choose from. However, if you’re looking for supreme quality and price combinations, in other words for a solid investment, Schwinn is one of the brand names that you must consider.
Scwhinn currently offers several recumbent bike models. One of their top rated models, and one of the top rated recumbent bikes in general at the moment, is the Schwinn 230. This exercise bike has a lot to offer, in terms of comfort, sturdiness and functions. Therefore, you will find here, each and every aspect and feature that you need to know about this indoor cycle.
But before entering the detailed description of this exercise bike model, there’s one important aspect to be mentioned. There are actually two Schwinn 230 recumbent bike models, one released in 2007 and one in 2013. The 2007 model is no longer supported, nor manufactured. This post refers to the Scwhinn 230, the 2013 edition.
Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 64L x 27.7W x 50H inches (162L x 70W x 127H cm)
- Product weight: 81.6 lbs (37 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Handlebars: Fixed, with pulse sensors
- Seat: Adjustable
- Pedals: With straps
- Brakes: Eddy current
- Resistance: Adjustable, 20 levels
- Progress tracking console: 22 workout programs, 2 user profiles, goal tracking
- Bottle/Cup holder: Yes
- Speakers: Incorporated in the console
- Fan: 3-speed, incorporated in the console
- Warranty: Frame 10 years / Mechanical 2 years / Electrical 1 year / Labor 90 days
Frame
The main frame of this indoor exercise bike fashions a very sturdy and comfortable design. It’s steel-made, with an anti-corrosive finish that will keep it as good as new for a long period of time. The footprint of this bike isn’t extremely wide, occupying only 25.5″ (65 cm) in width, and about 28″ (72 cm) with the cup holder attached. However, it’s 64″ (162 cm) long, therefore, prior to deciding upon this bike, you should make sure that you have enough space in your home for it.
The back base of the frame is equipped with levelers, for maximum stability, and a handlebar to facilitate the relocation of the machine. The front base has transportation wheels, also to ensure an easier handling.
The whole bike, fully assembled weights 81.6 lbs (27 kg). Since the frame and the seat are very sturdy, the bike can sustain users over 350 lbs (159 kg). It’s listed for users up to 300 lbs (136 kg)
only though, because bigger users may not benefit from maximum comfort on this type of seat.
Seat
The Schwinn 230 recumbent bike is equipped with an ergonomic seat, made of hard plastic, with a firm and wide back support. It’s 17″ (43 cm) wide, and 11″ (28 cm) long. Both the seat and the back support fashion a vented design, feature that completely eliminates the overheating of the seat during a prolonged workout.
The seat is adjustable horizontally, for more or less leg room depending on the workout posture you desire. It can accommodate users between 4’6″ (137 cm) and 6’4″ (193 cm). Nonetheless, even if you’re taller than 6’4″, you can still use this bike. However, in this case you won’t benefit from a complete leg stretch, even at the highest seat setting.
Handlebars
Both the front and the seat handlebars are non-adjustable, but this shouldn’t be an issue though, since the design of the bike offers several workout postures. Both handlebars are rubber foam padded, for superior comfort and grip. The seat handlebars also incorporate pulse sensors, which enable the bike’s console to display and track your heart rate. This function is indispensable especially if you are undergoing physiotherapy exercising, or if you require to maintain a specific heart rate activity.
Drive and brake mechanism
This Schwinn exercise bike is belt-driven, including a heavy-duty, automotive belt. The flywheel of the bike is perimeter-weighted, for high inertia and smooth pedaling. The crank of the bike is also steel-made, very solid, finished with wide, hard plastic pedals, with toe straps. The pedals are pretty standard, therefore in case you want to replace them, you will easily find other pedals that can be attached to this bike’s crank.
This recumbent bike features an electromagnetic brake system. This means you have to connect it to a power source (i.e. wall socket), in order to operate the brake and tension system. There are 20 resistance levels available. The package includes an 120V 60Hz AC Input, 9VDC, 1.5A output AC power adapter, and plugs into any American standard electrical wall outlet.
Progress tracking console
The progress tracking console of this bike, is basically the same console included with the Scwhinn 130 upright bike. It’s quite a multifunctional unit, which can do much more for you than just track your progress.
First of all, the resistance levels of the bike are adjusted via the console. Along with the gradual resistance adjusting keys, the console features 10 more keys for quick resistance selection. The console tracks time, distance traveled, pulse, speed, RPM, and calories burned. It also features a heart rate zone indicator, and a goal percentage indicator. It allows you to select between 22 workout programs, including, 9 profile programs, 8 heart rate programs, 2 fitness tests, 1 quick start and 1 custom. It also has a goal setting and tracking function, which can considerably help
with your progress.
There are two user profiles available on the bike’s console. This is actually a nice feature to have if two people frequently use this bike, or you want to quickly alternate between two distinctive workout routines, with different settings.
Apart from the progress tracking elements, the console device of this bike also includes several other very useful features, such as a 3-speed fan, sound system, tablet support, and a USB port.
The fan is located in the middle of the console, between the speakers. Its speed is easily adjustable by pressing its button multiple times. The sound system includes two speakers which can be connected to your iPod, tablet, MP3 player via the earphones jack. It does not feature a volume control button, or know, sound is to be controlled from your device plugged in.
The media tray is also a very useful feature. Not only it can accommodate your tablet, in order to surf the web or view your favorite streams while you exercise, it can also used to fix a book or newspaper.
Last but not least, the bike’s console features a USB port that allows you to download your progress in a specific format, once your workout is done, and upload it to SchwinnConnect, or to MyFitnessPall. These websites offer a better analysis of your data and progress, giving you the opportunity to measure and adjust your progress for better results.
Assembly and Maintenance
The assembly process of this Schwinn bike is pretty simple. The drive mechanism and brake system are already attached together, connected to the frame of the bike, and secured by the protective lateral shrouds. The seat adjusting mechanism is also mounted in place. All you need to attach is handlebar, seat frame, seat bottom and back support, pedals, the frame bases, and console. You also have to connect the console to the drive mechanism via the cables which pass through the handlebar post. The adapter cable is plugged into the machine in a slot a bit above the front base of the bike.
Overall the assembly shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes, even if you’re not a very techy person. The box includes a user’s manual which will guide you step by step through the assembly part. Tools required for this are also included in the box.
The bike is virtually maintenance free. All parts are pre-greased and do not require any additional lubrication. All you need to do in terms of maintenance, is keep the bike clean and prevent water or any spills to reach the console.
What’s Best About This Bike
The price/quality ratio of this bike is clearly one of the most important pluses to be mentioned about it. It’s currently listed for a price less than $350, and it’s worth each and every penny.
The console of this bike is clearly another great aspect. This unit is not just a simple device to track distance, calories, speed and time. It offers an ample amount of other functions such as different workout programs, goal tracking, heart rate monitoring, integrated speakers and fan,
and media tray to place your tablet or book, to break the monotony of a long ride.
The possibility to export your progress and upload it to various sites is definitely another plus. These sites allow you to analyze your progress in multiple different ways, and give you a lot of information on how to adjust your diet, or exercising routines, in order to help you achieve superior results.
The vented sturdy seat provides a stable, and correct recumbent position. Its vented design prevent it from overheating during long workouts. Since it’s plastic-made, it’s much easier to clean-up and maintain, and more durable.
The bike is really quiet, and offers a smooth and steady ride, even on the highest tension levels. It’s easy on the joints, making it a great choice for post surgery exercising.
Drawbacks
Even though the seat is very comfortable, designed for a firm back support, and to eliminate the heating which may occur with a padded seat, especially heavier users may find it too hard for their bottom and back. This can be corrected by simply applying any type of cushioning to the seat. Or, you may want to have a look at the Schwinn 270, which has the seat padded.
The machine takes quite a bit of space. Therefore, prior to purchasing it, make sure you the available space for it.
Final Word
All in all, the Schwinn 230 is a well-built bike, with a high ergonomic level, a long-lasting and basically maintenance-free piece of exercising equipment. It’s great for rehabilitation exercising and for maintaining your cardiovascular health, with superlative comfort. Since it has pretty high resistance settings and offer several programs for higher intensity programs, you can actually burn up to 350-400 calories per exercising session. Therefore, with a good diet plan you can be sure it can help you lose weight as well. It’s a gym-level exercise bike, an investment definitely worth making.