Schwinn 130 Upright Bike Review

Ride Experience & Programming

The 130 Upright is a solid-performing exercise bike that delivers a relatively high-quality exercise experience. Its upright style feels similar to riding a regular bike, and we found it sturdy enough to handle hard, out-of-the-saddle efforts. It can't quite match the smoothness of higher-end spin bikes, but it offers a wide resistance range suitable for users of all fitness levels. It also comes with 13 workout programs and can connect to your device for interactive and virtual training apps like Zwift and Explore the World. Sure, it's relatively basic, but we think it still provides a workout experience that will satisfy most users.

When Schwinn updated the 130 Upright, they reduced the number of magnetic resistance levels from 20 to 16. Despite having fewer levels to choose from, the range of resistance should still satisfy most users. Level 1 is relatively easy and feels like spinning with virtually no resistance. In contrast, level 16 is so challenging that even the fittest riders will grit their teeth while doing high-intensity intervals. As far as we could tell, the only real drawback to having fewer resistance settings is that the jump between them is slightly more significant and more noticeable. That said, we found that we could work out as hard or easy as we wanted and didn't feel limited by this change.

You have several options when you start a ride on the 130 Upright. The most straightforward is a manual workout where you dictate the resistance level by manually adjusting it during your ride. It also comes with 12 additional program workouts. Ten of these are challenge programs with courses like “rolling hills,” "pyramids, and “uphill finish” that change the resistance level for you and simulate real-world riding situations. It also offers a HIIT interval workout that switches between easy spinning and high-intensity pedaling periods. Lastly, a heart rate control program lets you use the handlebar heart rate sensors or a connected telemetry sensor to work out at or near a predetermined heart rate. The challenge programs let you choose a time goal in 1-minute increments, while the interval program uses 12-minute time-goal increments. Unfortunately, there is no way to set time, distance, or calorie goals in a manual workout, but it's easy to track on your own by looking at the screen.

Companion App/Connectivity

In addition to the workout options listed above, the 130 Upright features Bluetooth connectivity to pair with your device so you can use Zwift and Explore the World apps. Both apps offer free trials, but you'll need to pay for a monthly subscription to enjoy the full virtual and interactive training experiences. A Zwift subscription costs $14.99 monthly and gives you access to different Zwift “worlds,” courses, routes, group rides, races, challenges, fitness tests, and training plans. A monthly subscription to Explore the World is $9.99 ($59.99 for an annual subscription). It offers scenic videos from beautiful locations worldwide to follow along with while you ride that automatically adjusts to your speed. While testing with Zwift, we found our power output, measured in watts, and speed readings to seem reasonably accurate.

Fit & Adjustability

We spent many hours testing the 130 Upright and found it a relatively comfortable exercise bike. It features a moderately large padded seat, a decent seat height adjustment range, and a large padded handlebar with angle adjustment. As an upright-style bike, the seated position is similar to a standard bicycle, though it offers a more relaxed, non-aggressive posture. While it doesn't offer the same adjustability as high-end spin bikes, it gets the job done comfortably.

The 130 Upright comes with a relatively large and moderately padded seat. This seat looks a lot like one you'd find on a cruiser bike, and its agreeable shape should work well for most users. It strikes a good balance: big and wide enough to support riders who prefer a more relaxed seated position, without being so wide that it impedes the pedal stroke when you're really getting after it. The seat's metal rails allow about 1 inch of fore/aft adjustment. It sits atop an adjustable seat post with 13 inches of vertical adjustment. Schwinn doesn't specify a recommended height range, but we think it should work for people between 5'0" and 6'2", with a few inches on either side depending on inseam length and preferences. The large padded handlebar offers a wide range of hand positions, and you can adjust its angle to suit your preferences. Unfortunately, the handlebar has no height adjustment, unlike some spin bikes. The pedals also feature adjustable straps to keep your feet in position and prevent them from slipping off while riding.

Display & Controls

The 2020 updates to the 130 Upright included a new, smaller, and more streamlined console. They removed the previous version's dual-track display, and the new console features a single screen and a simplified button layout. The screen displays all your pertinent workout information at a glance, and the controls are intuitive and user-friendly. When used with third-party training apps like Zwift and Explore the World, your device is the monitor and can rest on the console's shelf while you ride.

The new console on the 130 Upright has nine buttons controlling all its functions. The bike needs to be plugged in to power it, but once it is, the console powers up automatically when the pedals move or with the press of any button. Starting and stopping a workout is done with the Start and Pause/Stop buttons. The machine defaults to a manual workout, or you can choose an interval or program workout. Resistance is increased or decreased one level at a time by pressing the up and down arrows on the right side of the console. There is a Display button for changing info on the screen on the left side and a Bluetooth button for syncing to a device.

The screen is 5 inches wide and 3 inches tall. Across the bottom, it shows distance, elapsed time, and estimated calories burned. There are two more data fields on the right side of the screen, one that shows the current speed or RPM, and another that displays your heart rate when using the contact sensors or a linked heart rate monitor. Most of the screen is taken up by a graphical display of your current resistance setting, workout progress, or program workout. Each resistance level, 1-16, is represented by one bar in the column on the graph, and each column represents one minute of elapsed time.

If using either the Zwift or Explore the World apps, you must use your own device to connect to the 130 Upright via Bluetooth and serve as the monitor. Once you have either app on your device, open it and connect to the bike. We tested using an iPhone 11 and an iPad Pro. You can use the console's device shelf to hold your smartphone, tablet, or laptop while you ride. We found the device shelf works well with Zwift, but if you are using your device to watch a show, for example, it blocks the display screen.

Build Quality & Accessories

The 130 Upright has several features added for comfort and to enhance the overall exercise experience. The most exciting feature of the 2020 model year update is its connectivity. You can now connect to apps like Zwift and Explore the World (subscriptions required) on your device through Bluetooth for a virtual, interactive cycling experience. With 13 programs and manually controlled workouts, the 130 Upright offers plenty of options. If you want more connected features and enhanced resistance, check out the Schwinn 190 Upright for a slightly higher price.

In exchange for connectivity, the new 130 Upright has lost a few features from its predecessor, most notably the dual-track display, integrated speakers, and the fan. The new display is smaller and streamlined, with a simple and intuitive button layout and a single 5 x 3-inch screen. It still has integrated transport wheels, rear stabilizer levelers, a device shelf, a bottle cage, adjustable pedal straps, an extensive seat height adjustment range, and handlebar angle adjustment. It has contact heart rate sensors integrated into the handlebars, plus it can now work with telemetry heart rate sensors through its Bluetooth connection.

Size & Setup

The 130 Upright is about average regarding its setup and portability. Like all of the exercise bikes we tested, it required some assembly. It took just under an hour to get our test bike from the box to ready to ride. The box includes printed instructions and all tools and hardware needed to complete the process. Our lead tester could complete the assembly by himself, though a few steps were awkward and a second set of hands would help at times. Most notably, connecting the wires between the front/handlebar mast and the lower/main body of the bike requires two people. Beyond that, the remaining steps are relatively straightforward but a little time-consuming.

Once assembled, the 130 Upright is relatively easy to move around on flat ground by tipping it forward and rolling it on the transport wheels integrated into the front stabilizer. However, because of its 61 lb weight and size, moving it up or down stairs is best done with two people. It takes up an average amount of space with measured dimensions of 42" L x 21.25" W x 51.5" H, though its footprint is notably smaller than the larger, higher-end spin bikes.

Should You Buy the Schwinn 130 Upright Bike?

The 130 Upright is a solid value, and we like the connected features not always found at this price point. However, we feel it suits more casual fitness enthusiasts, as top-tier exercise bikes are better for those looking to start a more serious cycling routine. For the price, the Schwinn 130 offers a lot, and it is a good option for those on a budget.

What Other Exercise Bikes Should You Consider?

If you read this review and find the 130 appealing but not engaging enough, the Schwinn 190 Upright might be the ticket. It combines the comfort and layout of the 130 with a wider range of resistance and connectivity to the interactive JRNY app. If being upright is less important, check out the Schwinn IC4 it's a spin bike with solid performance and comfort. If you want to spend less, the Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike is a good choice at a very reasonable price.