I believe the IC4 has a lot going for it and is a great way to get the Peloton experience on a cheaper budget. I like the shape and long length of the handlebars because they support you both in and out of the saddle. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons advises beginners to build up physical activity slowly and gradually at first, increasing exercise intensity and duration as their fitness improves. Cycling is a low impact exercise, which means that it is easier on the joints than other forms of exercise, such as jogging and high intensity interval training . For instance, a 2016 study found that cycling can reduce a person’s risk of type 2 diabetes, while a 2017 study identified an association between cycle commuting and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
I love being able to charge my phone or tablet while completing a ride without the worry of my device dying mid-ride. Connecting the armband monitor was simple and it’s a useful tool if you’re trying to hit a certain percentage of your maximum heart rate. Although the technology connectivity requires a little setup on the user’s end, it isn’t difficult to figure out. It works with Bluetooth enabled equipment from brands like Schwinn, Bowflex and Nautilus.
Yes, it does connect to either app easily and it works, it’s just far from perfect. First, we noticed that the speed and distance readings on the bike’s own display seemed too high, in fact, they were way off. We like to think we are fast, but we also know that we average mph on an actual road ride, not even close to the 27 mph the IC4 recorded.
And don’t overlook spinning accessories like a padded, adjustable seat and easy-to-grip support handles. Depending on the day of the week, you might want to switch your workout up depending on how your body is feeling. If you’re just beginning, you’ll want to start off with a lower resistance so that you don’t hurt your knees, hips, and back. Once you feel stronger, you can build up the resistance so that you’re strengthening calf muscles, working up a sweat, and getting the most out of your workout. For the best of both worlds, you can follow a cycling training program that combines speed and resistance.
It’s equipped with adjustable handlebars and has been outfitted with a new motor for more precise resistance levels. If incline and decline cycling are important to you, note the Echelon won’t let you adjust either. Be sure to prioritize what your basic needs are — many of them might be met by relatively affordable options. Maybe you want to easily adjust the bike’s resistance, move its handlebars or just need something quiet for nighttime sweats.
The IC2 is the least expensive model in the range that retails for a third of the price of the IC4. This relatively basic exercise bike has a 31 lb weighted flywheel with a felt pad to adjust the resistance level, and it features an LCD screen that displays current workout information. The IC4 is made for serious indoor cycling and it 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 to be quite comfortable, with ample padding and a pressure relief cutout. Riders who prefer a wider, more supportive seat will likely find the race seat to be a bit too narrow, and it can easily be swapped out for the seat of your choice.
It also lacks certain features, including a USB port, forearm rests, and built-in speakers. Additionally, the bike itself won’t log your stats like Peloton bikes, which is why I like to track my workouts using Apple’s Activity app. I can also view stats about my mongoose bicycles Peloton workouts in the Peloton app, but there’s no compatible Schwinn app that keeps tabs on your workouts. So, if you want to track your overall data, you’ll have to take a photo with your phone or write it down from the display at the end of your workout.
If you’re someone who knows how to exercise at your own pace or is willing to look up exercises on an app or a tablet, you’ll be able to make it work perfectly. This bike is just as sturdy and durable as others on the market, but it’s on the more affordable side for those looking to work out without breaking the bank. Sports and fitness have always been my area of expertise since I could remember.
However, some taller users report having difficulty riding the bike, even with the adjustable seat. Measurement is one of the most useful tools gaining momentum in cycling rooms. With the new Echelon2G Console, riders get the most detailed and accurate metrics to date, offering motivating rider feedback and fundamentally changing the way members ride and how classes are coached.
Triple Link Pedals accommodate Look Delta and SPD style cleats to simulate an outdoor riding experience. They also easily convert to accept traditional athletic shoes with the snap-in locking toe clips. If you’re looking to replicate a spin class from the comfort of home, the IC4 indoor cycling bike is the best choice. As much as there is to love about the Schwinn IC4, there are a couple of things to be aware of. Like the Peloton and most other connected bikes, the IC4 is a spin-style bike, which means it isn’t designed for comfort—but its bike seat feels particularly firm to me.