Schwinn IC4 Review

Schwinn is a big player in the home fitness market, and the IC4 is the top-of-the-line model in their range of indoor cycling bikes. In addition to its sturdy build, 40-pound weighted flywheel, and 100 levels of magnetic resistance, it is a smart bike with connected features. With more and more people exercising from home and latching onto the interactive at-home studio and virtual cycling trend, this was a compelling model worthy of testing. We found the IC4 to provide an excellent workout, a high level of comfort, and functionality with popular apps like Zwift, Peloton, and JRNY (it comes with a 1-year JRNY membership). It's also of great value, as it retails for significantly less than many other connected bikes on the market.

Since we first reviewed the Schwiin IC4, several improvements have been made to the seat and handlebars to enhance comfort, as well as some updates to the software that should make the bike more responsive to rider input. Prices have fluctuated significantly over the past two years. Please note that this is the same bike (with different branding) as the Bowflex C6. If you find that one at a better price, it's the one to consider.

Exercise Quality

The Schwinn IC4 impressed us with its excellent exercise quality, which we find suitable for all fitness levels. This spin bike feels stable and sturdy, featuring a 40-pound weighted flywheel and 100 micro-adjustable levels of smooth, quiet magnetic resistance. It can be used as a stand-alone spin bike with manual workouts or connected to popular apps like Peloton and Zwift, as well as the included JRNY app for a studio or interactive virtual training experience. This versatility gives the IC4/C6 a competitive edge in this metric.

The IC4 is built around an impressively stable and beefy steel frame. Even under the hardest out-of-the-saddle pedaling efforts, the bike didn't flex or complain. The frame supports a belt-driven 40 lb weighted flywheel with ample magnetic resistance. With so many resistance levels, you can micro-adjust it to get precisely and never feel compromised. During testing, I rarely turned the resistance above 70, which I found plenty challenging for quad-busting intervals. The resistance is controlled by an adjustment knob located below the handlebar on the frame, allowing the rider to manually adjust it, whether doing their workout or following an on-demand studio class.

While the IC4 is a smart bike with connected features, you can use it as a stand-alone bike for manual workouts without the need to connect to a device. In the bike's manual mode, you can start pedaling and adjust the resistance to your needs. You also have the option of setting a time, distance, or calorie workout goal through the bike's console.

Companion App/Connectivity

If manual workouts aren't exciting enough, you can connect your device via Bluetooth and use apps like Peloton, Zwift, and JRNY. These apps all have a monthly fee, but may be worth the cost to access thousands of live and on-demand studio classes on Peloton or the interactive virtual training world of Zwift. Having a class to follow can help motivate you to stay on track.

If you do choose to use apps with the IC4, it is important to note that they have an additional monthly fee (Peloton is $12.99/mo, Zwift is $14.99/mo, and JRNY is free for a year, then $19.99/mo or $149/year) and require a device with a screen to serve as the display. Peloton has thousands of live streaming and on-demand studio workouts with various instructors and music to choose from, as well as scenic rides to watch while you spin away the time. Interestingly, the Peloton app is significantly cheaper with a compatible bike than with a Peloton brand bike. However, it doesn't provide all the features or performance data tracking. Zwift is a virtual interactive training app featuring thousands of structured training programs, races, and events, as well as a vast variety of maps and routes to follow. When connected, your device displays the virtual course you're riding, along with metrics such as speed, time, cadence, watts, and a leaderboard. JRNY offers trainer-led workouts, coaching, virtual courses to follow along with, and numerous off-bike workouts.

Comfort

I found the IC4 to be an impressively comfortable exercise bike throughout testing. It features extensive handlebar and seat adjustability to fine-tune the fit for a wide range of rider heights and preferences, along with a comfortable performance seat and multi-position handlebar.

The IC4 has a maximum rider weight limit of 330 lbs, although Schwinn doesn't specify a recommended user height range. The handlebar and the seat are adjustable vertically and horizontally to accommodate a wide range of user heights. The seat post has 8.5 inches of vertical adjustment and 3 inches of horizontal adjustability. Likewise, the handlebar has 4 inches of vertical height adjustment and around 3 inches of horizontal adjustment. All this adjustability means you should be able to dial it in to suit your needs and comfort. Our six-foot-tall tester with a 32-inch inseam could fit perfectly on this bike, although he had the seat height in its highest position. Since Schwinn doesn't provide a height range, we measured the distance from the top of the seat to the pedal in its lowest position to find an approximate inseam range. With the seat pushed forward, we measured a range of 29.25 - 37.25 inches in its lowest and highest settings.

The IC4 can handle serious indoor cycling and comes with a race style seat. The seat is slim, performance-oriented, and perfect for the intense cycling workouts this bike was designed for. We found it quite comfortable, with ample padding and a pressure relief cutout. Riders who prefer a broader, more supportive seat will likely find the race seat to be a bit too narrow, and it can easily be swapped out for a top-rated bike seat. The large, rubber-coated multi-position handlebar also provides many hand positions to suit your riding style or preference.

User Interface

The Schwinn IC4 comes with a small LCD display and syncs to the device of your choice via Bluetooth for use with the Peloton, Zwift, and JRNY apps. Thanks to the LCD display, you can use this bike independently without an app or connection to your device, which gives it a leg up on some connected or smart bike competitors. When connected to an app, your tablet or phone (not included) serves as a screen that displays the studio workout or interactive ride. The Schwinn 130 Upright Bike is the only other option with a user interface that we like as much as the IC4.

The LCD display is centered on the handlebar and features a screen measuring 3" L x 2" W. The IC4 must be plugged in for the display and Bluetooth connection to work. The dark screen displays bright numbers and letters, showing a wealth of information at a glance, including cadence, elapsed time, estimated calories burned, speed, distance, resistance level, and pulse. The display turns on when any button is pushed or the movement of the pedals triggers the RPM sensor. The screen automatically begins to display and record your workout information as soon as the pedals start turning. Your workout automatically pauses if the pedals stop turning for 2 seconds. When your workout ends, the display powers off after 5 minutes of inactivity. Five buttons located below the screen control all display functions, including Bluetooth, start/enter/reset, and up and down arrow buttons. The Bluetooth button pairs the bike with compatible devices and the included heart rate sensor, while the others are used to start a workout or input a time, distance, or calorie goal for a manual workout. The 100 levels of magnetic resistance are controlled by a knob below the handlebar on the bike's mainframe.

Above the display is a padded device holder designed to hold a tablet or smartphone. The display has a USB charging port to keep your device charged while you ride. Using its Bluetooth connectivity, the IC4 is compatible with the Zwift, Peloton, and JRNY apps for a studio or interactive cycling experience.

Features

The Schwinn IC4 is a feature-packed exercise bike. The most impressive feature at this price point is its connectivity and functionality with third-party training apps, such as Peloton, Zwift, and JRNY. Additionally, this bike features numerous user-friendly elements that enhance your workout experience.

The IC4 functions well as a stand-alone spin bike, and you also have the option to connect to your device via Bluetooth and use popular interactive training apps. If you're already highly motivated, you may not need the added inspiration that live streaming, on-demand, or virtual training can provide, but we think it's nice to have the option. Unlike the more expensive competition, the IC4 does not come with a high-tech console for streaming workouts; you'll have to use one you already have or purchase one for that purpose. It features a device holder that allows for easy viewing, and it includes a USB port to keep your device charged while you ride. It also comes with a Bluetooth heart rate armband to monitor your pulse during your workout.

Beyond its connectivity, the IC4 comes with some comfort features. The seat and handlebars offer a fair amount of adjustability, both up and down, as well as fore and aft. It comes with a performance-oriented seat as well as a sizeable multi-position handlebar. Below the handlebars are two bottle holders with cradles to hang the included 3 lb hand weights. Included are dual-function pedals with cages on one side and SPD clips on the other, allowing you to choose the footwear that best suits you; SPD cleats are also included. The front stabilizer features integrated transport wheels, making it easy to move this heavy bike. All feet have independent levelers to help stabilize the bike on uneven surfaces. It also comes with an impressive 10-year warranty on the frame and a three-year warranty on the electronics.

Ease of Setup/Portability

Amongst the exercise bikes I've tested, the Schwinn IC4 was fairly involved and time-consuming to assemble, similar to, but slightly easier than, the screen-equipped models. It comes with all the necessary tools and detailed instructions that are easy to follow. Although it isn't challenging to finish, many steps are required to complete the build. It took a little over an hour to get this bike from the box to a ride-ready state.

The IC4 arrived at our test location in a large and hefty box. We didn't weigh the bike in the box, but with an assembled weight of 106 lbs, you want the help of another person to move it or remove the bike from the package. Once removed from the box, one person can complete the remaining tasks. It takes several minutes to remove the protective packing materials from the bike and all its parts, and most of the remaining assembly is relatively standard. The printed directions are detailed and easy to follow, and all the tools and hardware needed are included. After attaching the front and rear stabilizers, pedals, handlebars, seat, and seat post, features such as the device holder and bottle holders/dumbbell holders must also be installed.

Once the IC4 is assembled, moving it around on hard surfaces is relatively easy thanks to the transport wheels integrated into the front stabilizer. However, this bike weighs 106 lbs, so moving it up or down stairs is best suited for two people. With dimensions of 48.75" L x 21.25" W x 52" H, the IC4 takes up roughly the same amount of space as most of the other upright models we tested.

Should You Buy the Schwinn IC4?

The Schwinn IC4/Bowflex C6 isn't exactly cheap, but in our opinion, it's a good value. Considering it performs roughly on par with big-name home studio competition, it feels like a solid bargain. Thanks to a 10-year frame, 3-year mechanical and electrical parts, and a 1-year labor warranty, this product is intended to stand the test of time. With the exception of speed inaccuracies and the lack of a dedicated screen, the IC4/C6 is one of our absolute favorite exercise bikes. We recommend it to anyone looking for versatility, comfort, and a solid workout.

What Other Exercise Bikes Should You Consider?

If you are not ready to make such a significant investment, the Renpho AI Smart Exercise Bike is another connected model that is about half the price. It is compatible with many of the same apps and offers almost the same level of exercise quality as the IC4. Suppose all the features and connectivity seem overwhelming, and you just want something to keep you occupied. In that case, the Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike is a basic bike that will fit into nearly any budget.

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