| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schwinn 270 Check Discounted Price | L:64" W:27.7" H:50" | 300 lbs | Eddy current | 29 | Frame: 10 years Mechanical: 2 years Electrical: 1 year Labor: 90 days |
Although it was released in the second part of 2013, the Scwhinn 270 still is one of the most inclusive and advanced recumbent bikes that you can find at the moment. It’s actually an improved Schwinn 230, offering several additional comfort elements, and a more technically advanced console. Just by looking at it, you can tell that it’s a high-end, gym-quality bike, that provides superlative comfort, and first-rate exercising possibilities.
Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 64L x 27.7W x 50H inches (162L x 70W x 127H cm)
- Product weight: 86.6 lbs (39.3 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Handlebars: Fixed, with pulse sensors
- Seat: Adjustable
- Pedals: With straps
- Brakes: Eddy current
- Resistance: Adjustable, 25 levels
- Progress tracking console: 29 programs, 4 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
Drive and brake system
Due to the fact that this bike features a rather big pulley, many may mistake it for the flywheel. The flywheel of the bike is actually smaller than the pulley, but considerably heavier (over 17 lbs) and perimeter weighted for high inertia. It’s located at the very front of the bike, and there’s a belt
connecting the crank to the flywheel. Thus, this Schwinn bike is belt-driven, which results in a very smooth and quiet ride. Crank arms are steel-made, very solid, finished with wide, standard pedals. Each pedal has a toe strap, which can be very useful in case of post-surgery training, to keep feet in place.
The brake system is electromagnetic (eddy brake). In other words, the bike must be connected to a power source for the tension system to become operational. Nonetheless, the bike can still be used if it’s not plugged in, but in this case you will basically use it on its minimum resistance level. Since the brake pad does not come in direct contact with the flywheel, it basically sustains no wear and tear. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about replacing it.
The bike comes with an 120V 60Hz AC Input, 9VDC, 1.5A output AC power adapter, and plugs into any American standard electrical wall outlet. It’s not battery powered, and there are no battery slots whatsoever, just the adapter and power cable. The bike’s connector for the adapter power cable is situated above the front base of the bike. Power cord has a length of 6′ (183 cm).
Frame
The Schwinn 270 features a one-piece, steel-made main frame. Its overall design enhances this bike with superior stability and sturdiness. Even if you’re a heavier user, and engage in a high speed exercising routine, you can be sure the bike won’t wobble.
Even though this Schwinn exercise bike is listed for a maximum 300 lbs (136 kg) user weight, it can support even heavier users, maybe over 350 lbs (159 kg). The only problem with a heavier users than listed may be related to the seat and back support being too small to offer maximum comfort, and the recumbent handlebars too close to the seat.
The frame of the bike is fashioned with two solid bases. The back base features adjustable levelers, to ensure maximum stability even on uneven flooring. Also the back base has a handle to grab the bike for transport, while the front base has wheels, for easier relocation of the machine.
Seat
The seat comes with a major comfort improvement over the 230 model from Schwinn. It’s consistently cushioned rather than being made from hard plastic, with contoured leg area and an overall ergonomic design, to eliminate any lower back pain or bottom soreness during workouts. The back support is however still made of plastic, with a vented design to prevent any discomfort that may be caused by its overheating.
The seat comes with an adjustable rail mechanism. It’s horizontally adjustable, and it can accommodate users as short as 4’6″ (137 cm), and as tall as 6’4″ (193 cm). This exercise bike can still work for you even if you’re 6’6″ (198 cm), but you won’t have enough room for a full leg stretch.
Handlebars
Both front and recumbent handlebars are non-adjustable, welded to the frame, and respectively to the frontal post. Both feature rubber-foam padding for extra comfort and a superior grip.
The recumbent handlebars incorporate highly accurate heart rate sensors. Therefore, by using this machine you can be sure you will never exceed the required heart rate, in case you must remain within a specific limit with your cardio activity.
Console
The present console of the Schwinn 270 recumbent bike model is basically the same as the one that comes with the Schwinn 170 upright bike. It’s a highly advanced unit, with a wide array of 
functions, fitness and non-fitness related. The console features 2 LCD, backlit displays, both blue backlit, which improves their readability even in a room with lesser lighting.
To begin with, the progress tracking unit of this bike can indicate up to 13 feedbacks. It shows distance, time, RPM, heart rate zone and pulse, calories burned, resistance level, the user profile enabled, intensity meter, goal and goal percent completed. It makes available 29 workout programs among which you can have 12 profile programs, 9 for heart rate, 2 fitness, 4 custom, 1 quick start, and 1 recovery test.
The console features 4 user profiles, great feature if multiple persons use the machine, or in case you want to quickly alternate between workout programs, with different settings. It also controls the resistance levels of the bike, via 4 big keys, for gradual adjustment, or 10 keys for direct, quick resistance selection.
The bike’s console also offers several other functions, non-fitness related. It incorporates a sound system, consisting in two speakers which give you the possibility to listen to your music directly through the console, eliminating the inconvenience of earphones. You can connect your phone, iPod or MP3 player to the console to listen to music. The upper part of the console is finished with a media tray that serves the purpose of tightly holding your tablet, so you can watch your favorite online streams or surf the web while you work out.
The console also incorporates a 3-speed fan, great feature to have especially for higher intensity workouts. It’s also telemetry enabled. This means you can use a heart rate chest strap compatible with the console, to track your heart rate and pulse, in case you don’t want to keep your hands at all time on the lateral handlebars. There is no chest strap included with the bike though. However, Polar Electro straps for example, work with this bike.
Finally, this unit features a USB port, so that you can download your exercise data and progress, and upload it into Scwhinn Connect or MyFitnessPal. On these sites, you can have a better analysis of your progress, and you can get a lot of information on how to adjust your training for quicker progress and superior results.
Assembly and Maintenance
The bike is not difficult to put together, everything is pretty much straightforward. It actually comes partially assembled. The drive and brake mechanisms are attached to the frame, and sealed in their case. The same goes for the rail system of the seat. You will basically have to attach the bases of the bike, handlebar, seat frame and seat, bottle holder and console. The console wires pass through the front handlebar post, and you need to make sure they’re connected before screwing the console in.
The box includes the tools for the assembly task, and the user’s manual which guides you step-by-step through the process. It shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes.
Since the bike isn’t chain-driven, there’s basically no maintenance required when it comes to the “guts” of the machine. The transmission belt is pretty tough, made to last a very long time. All the parts are pre-lubricated, and don’t require any additional greasing. And since the brake pad consists of magnets, and does not make any contact with the flywheel, the don’t ever require replacement.
In terms of maintenance, you should only keep the machine clean of any debris and dust, and make sure to keep the console free of any spills and moisture.
The Good
When it comes to the pluses of this Schwinn exercise bike, number one has to be its versatility. The advanced console makes available an extensive range of features and programs, which can only have a positive impact on your workouts. It basically tracks anything that a stationary bike computer can track. Also, being able to export your exercising progress into various sites for better analysis, is another a great aspect. Plus, it has integrated speakers, fan, and tablet tray.
Handlebars with sensors is something that not all bikes have. This is most definitely an advantage, especially for users who require to improve and maintain their cardiovascular health. On top of that, the console also works with a heart rate strap.
Comfort is definitely high on the list as well. The padded seat with an ergonomic design, and a firm, vented back support for a healthy posture, maximizes the comfort of each and every ride.
Even though it’s a recumbent bike, it’s not made only for physiotherapy and light exercising. It also offers higher intensity levels, with up to 25 tension levels, the last ones being quite tough, resulting in a consistently burning workout.
It’s a highly solid and stable bike, able to support heavy users, up to 300 lbs. It’s quiet, and low maintenance.
The Bad
There’s very little to be said when it comes to any drawbacks regarding this indoor exercise recumbent bike. There are actually two drawbacks to be mentioned. The first one concerns its size. It’s not exactly a small machine, and requires quite a bit of space, especially for its length.
Also, because it features an eddy brake system, it requires to be plugged in a wall outlet at all time, in order for you to benefit from the tension levels. If a power source is not available, you can
only use the lowest resistance setting.
Final Word
The Schwinn 270 meets all the requirements for a superior, gym-quality recumbent bike. It’s a great machine for users undergoing a physiotherapy program, for keeping a healthy leg muscle tone, putting your cardiovascular system to the test, and even lose weight, if you also follow a diet program. It can help you burn up to 450 calories per workout session, or even more, if you’re using the highest tensions settings and programs.
It’s a very comfortable bike, extremely sturdy and stable, with a drive and brake mechanism built to last. All in all, it comes with a great price/quality/capability ratio, a piece of home gym equipment worth every penny.