| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schwinn M717 170 Check Discounted Price | L:41" W:22" H:58" | 300 lbs | Eddy current | 29 programs, Bluetooth | Frame: 10 years Parts: 2 years Electrical: 1 year Labor: 90 days |
The Schwinn M717 170 upright bike is one of the freshest exercise bike models released by Schwinn in 2017. It’s an upgraded version of the old Schwinn 170. The new model comes with an improved control unit, featuring Bluetooth connectivity. The seat is slightly different, basically being the same type of seat as for the Schwinn MY16 130. Also, for the record, this exercise bike model is also referred to as Schwinn MY17 170.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 41L x 22W x 58H (104L x 56W x 147H cm)
- Assembled weight: 63 lbs (28.5 kg)
- Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Handlebar: Angle adjustability, with pulse sensors
- Seat: 4-way adjustable
- Pedals: With straps
- Resistance: Motorized magnetic, 25 levels
- Console: 29 programs, 4 user profiles, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity
- Amenities: Sound system, cooling fan, tablet holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame 10 years / Mechanical 2 years / Electrical 1 year / Labor 90 days
Frame construction
The Schwinn M717 170 upright exercise bike features a similar frame construction to the 170 model from 2013. The frame is made of steel tubing, however, its coating finish is not black as for the older model, being dark gray. Evidently, several parts in the bike’s 
construction are PVC-made. These include the side covers of the drive system, the caps of the bike’s bases and several other small parts which mostly fulfill a decorative or protective role.
Like most upright exercise bikes, the Schwinn M717 170 has a small footprint, being an excellent choice for anyone who lacks the storage and usage space for a larger cardio machine, such as a treadmill or elliptical trainer. It takes only 41″L x 22″W (104 x 56 cm) of floor space, but does require at least two feet of clearance on each side, and at least one foot of clearance at its front and rear for safe operation.
This Schwinn exercise bike delivers excellent stability. Although it’s not an extremely heavy fitness machine, it still weighs 63 lbs (28.5 kg), weight which considerably increases its stability. On top of that, its rear base features a set of adjustable stabilizers, with rubber caps, allowing the perfect leveling of the machine basically on any type of flooring.
The bike doesn’t have a folding design, but its front base is equipped with a set of transport wheels which ease its relocation once you have finished your workout.
Seat and handlebars
The Schwinn M717 170 upright exercise bike is equipped with a 4-way adjustable seat. Its upright post has 14 adjustment holes, approx. 1″ apart from one another, being able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm). The bike is also rated for a maximum user capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg), which is not bad for a home use model. 
As we’ve mentioned above, the saddle is similar to the one on the Schwinn MY16 130 model. It features a contoured surface and a thick layer of padding, delivering optimal comfort. It has a standard connection system to its post. Thus, in case you want a different seat, compatible options are widely available.
The bike’s handlebar is 2-way adjustable. The console mast is fixed; you can’t adjust its height. However, the handlebar’s angle can be adjusted via the T-knob attached to it. The handlebar features a multi-grip design, its elbow rests being quite a plus, as many other models do not have this feature. It also integrates a set of metallic sensors for the monitoring of your heart rate. However, the console unit can track your pulse wirelessly, via an HR chest strap transmitter.
Resistance and drive
The Schwinn MY17 170 upright bike features a motor-assisted magnetic resistance system, which consists of a small servo motor and a magnetic brake pad. As you adjust resistance, the magnetic pad moves closer or farther from the bike’s metallic flywheel, increasing or decreasing the overall resistance on the pedals. 
Since the bike is motorized, its resistance can only be adjusted from the control unit. Also, if you choose to exercise by using one of the preset pre-set workout programs, the bike will automatically adjust its resistance.
The bike requires to be connected to a 110-120V power circuit. An AC power adapter is included with it, its specs being 120V 60Hz AC Input, 9VDC, 1.5A output.
This Schwinn exercise bike offers 25 levels of resistance, being able to provide light to intense interval workouts. The first levels of resistance are pretty light, perfect for warm-ups or recovery training.
On the other hand, the 22-25 resistance settings make available a more intense workout, simulating a terrain climb, and offering the possibility to achieve a more consistent burn.
When it comes to its drive system, the Schwinn M717 170 is equipped with a belt drive and a high inertia perimeter weighted flywheel. This means it provides a steady pedaling motion, with a consistent momentum. Its use barely generates any sound, being a perfect choice for a fitness machine, if you live in an apartment building.
The bike’s crankset is fairly sturdy, with solid steel crank arms. But even though it may be able to support stand-up pedaling routines, this type of workouts are not recommended. After all, the pedals are not metallic as for spin bikes, being made of PVC material, and may break due to repeated standing up workouts.
Reverse pedaling is possible on this bike, but when doing so, the resistance does not engage. In other words, you won’t have any resistance on the pedals when pedaling backward. You can also coast on the bike, just as in any other road bike.
Control unit
The Schwinn M717 170 is equipped with a more inclusive, and more user-friendly console than the older model. The unit is up to a point similar to the one on the Nautilus E618 elliptical. First of all, this new console is Bluetooth-enabled, which means you can sync it with your smartphone, tablet or laptop in order to directly transfer your workout data to 
MyFitnessPal or SchwinnConnect. It still has the USB port as the older unit, though, so you can import/export your data manually. This USB port doubles as a charging port for your device.
The unit features two LCD displays, with blue LED backlight, which considerably improves their readability. The top larger display shows the profiles of the selected workout program, 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. The lower display shows time, speed, distance, RPM, resistance level, calories burned and heart rate. Distance can be tracked in both miles and km, while speed can be calculated in MPH and km/h. Heart rate can be monitored via the sensors in the fixed handlebars of the machine, but the console is also telemetry enabled; this means it’s compatible with wireless chest strap HR transmitters.
There are 12 pre-set programs built-in the unit. These are 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. Goal setting programs are also available for distance, time and calories. The 4 user profiles allow you to save different user settings, in order to quickly swap between them, feature great to have if multiple persons use the bike. Each user profile will save data regarding the user’s gender, height, weight, age, and name.
Finally, in terms of workout programs, the bike’s console offers four distinctive Heart Rate Control programs, with the intervals between 50–60%, 60–70%, 70–80%, 80–90%. There is also a Recovery Test Program which shows how quickly your heart recovers from an exercise state to a restful state, indicating your fitness level.
When it comes to amenities, the console integrates a cooling fan, a sound system, and a tablet tray. The cooling fan in placed in the mid-bottom area. It’s not too large and does not provide exceptional cooling, but still, it’s better than nothing.
The sound system consists of two speakers flanking the fan. It’s compatible with most smartphones, tablets and MP3 players. The sound rendered by it is definitely superior to the integrated speakers in most phones or tablets. The tablet holder is attached under the large display and can accommodate any tablet.
Finally, the console unit is easy to operate. It features Quick Start and Pause / End keys, that allow you to quickly stop and resume your workout if needed, without losing/interrupting your progress. The user profiles function has its own key on the left part of the console. The preset programs and the goal tracking have their own keys as well, on the lower part of the unit. And finally, controls for gradually adjusting resistance can be found on each side of the small display, but keys for quick resistance adjustment, for the levels 1,3,5,7,9,12,15,18,21 and 25 are also available.
Assembly and Maintenance
The body of the bike, including the flywheel, belt, crank, and resistance elements come already assembled. Therefore, assembly only requires to mount the bike’s body on the base tubes, then add the seat post, the console mast, the seat, handlebar, console and the pedals. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. All the required tools for assembly are included. Also, the manual provides very consistent assembly instructions and for the setup of the console unit.
Maintenance doesn’t require much. The internal components come pre-lubricated from the factory and shouldn’t require any further lubrication. Basically, all you need to do is periodically check for loose bolts and parts, and wipe water or perspiration from the console if it’s the case.
The Pros
- Solid construction, able to support users up to 300 lbs;
- Elegant design;
- Contoured and cushioned, 4-way adjustable seat;
- Angle-adjustable handlebar;
- Elbow rests on the handlebar;
- Grip pulse sensors;
- 25 levels of resistance;
- 29 workout programs;
- Goal tracking;
- Bluetooth connectivity for direct workout data transfer to SchwinnConnect, MyFitness Pal, AppleHealth and other online apps;
- USB port for import/export workout data, port that also charges your phone or tablet;
- Various amenities, including sound system, 3-speed fan, tablet support and water bottle holder;
- Smooth and quiet drive;
- Narrow Q Factor, reducing lateral stress on the knees;
- Weighted pedals, with adjustable straps for extra stability;
- Basically maintenance free;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- A tablet placed on the media tray will cover the top display;
- The cooling fan is not too powerful.
Summary
The Schwinn M717 170 is an upright exercise featuring a motorized magnetic resistance system, with 25 settings. Its console has 29 workout programs, also being Bluetooth enabled. Although it’s a bike designed for home use, its frame construction is pretty close to the commercial models. It’s a great fitness machine for muscle toning, light to intense cardio training, intervals, stamina and weight loss. And finally, it offers an outstanding price/value ratio.