Schwinn IC4 Review: A Familiar and Trustworthy Exercise Bike

Dimensions/Storability

The dimensions of the Schwinn IC4 bike are 48.7″ L x 21.2″ W x 51.8″ H. It does not fold and weighs 106 lbs.

The Schwinn IC4 bike can be moved when needed. There are wheels under the front stabilizer so you can tip the bike and gently roll it out of the way. Remove any weights before doing this! We made the mistake of rolling the bike without removing the weights one time, and they came tumbling down towards our toes.

We also recommend removing your tablet before you tilt and roll the bike. A bike mat under the bike will keep it secure on the floor (so it doesn’t walk) and reduce floor vibration and noise as well.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

There are no pre-programmed workouts on the Schwinn IC4. The console displays real-time metrics but doesn’t offer any programs or training plans.

Subscription Options

Nautilus, the parent company of both Bowflex and Schwinn has a few fitness apps (Explore the World, Ride Social, etc.) but these aren’t specific to the IC4. Any number of apps will sync. One of our favorites is the Explore the World app which allows you to ride landscape videos all over the world with breathtaking views and videography.

You can purchase a subscription to all the Peloton classes (both live and on-demand) via the digital online app. However, community functionality is a bit reduced in this version. Riders who are not using a Peloton bike won’t show up on the Leaderboard or get Shout Outs. You do have access to all the same classes and content.

Zwift is a very popular virtual reality cycling app where you compete with and against other riders on a virtual course. Zwift allows friends (and competitors) to ride at the same time even if they are across the country. The Schwinn IC4 syncs with Zwift for interactive training.

Console

Display

As mentioned above, the IC4 does not include a tablet or screen. A bike computer attached between the handlebars displays time, calories, speed, distance, cadence (RPM), levels, and pulse (heart rate).

To switch units between kilometers and miles before a workout, push the Increase and Decrease buttons at the same time and hold for 3 seconds. Then, push the Increase/Decrease button to change the units (km/mi). Once the desired unit of distance is displayed, push any other button to save your preference.

We did notice one external cord that extends from the back of the console and drapes into the bike frame. Occasionally, we found this got in the way of either the weights or the water bottle cage. We recommend tucking this cord back out of the way so you don’t catch it when grabbing your weights or water bottle.

Tablet Holder

The tablet holder on the IC4 is a great addition and significantly enhances the functionality of the bike. Using any tablet you already own, you can download and sign in to your favorite cycling app and then place the tablet in the holder for easy visibility while riding.

The tablet holder does not pivot or swivel, but it doesn’t really need to since you can remove the tablet if you want to use it somewhere else. The holder also is not adjustable, so you may need to remove any protective cover on your tablet if it is too wide for the holder.

Bluetooth/Cadence Sensor

Since the bike is Bluetooth enabled, it will sync with any number of external fitness apps that can be viewed on your tablet. Sometimes, your workout metrics may be a bit off based on disparities between your weight and how the app calculates calories or wattage, but this can be adjusted by playing with your personal metrics in the app.

For example, if an app is overestimating your calories and/or wattage, adjust your weight so it more closely resembles what is displayed on the console. The console — especially if used in conjunction with the armband heart rate strap — will typically be more accurate than 3rd party apps.

We love the streamlined functionality here, as the bike is designed to work with many apps. You are not limited to those preselected by Schwinn. If the app syncs via Bluetooth and can interpret the cadence sensor, you should be able to get some (but maybe not all) of your ride info to stream to the bike. Bike metrics will be in real-time; app metrics may be slightly delayed.

Apps that are supported (as listed by Schwinn) include Explore the World, Peloton, Zwift, Sufferfest, Rouvy, FulGaz, Tacx, TrainerRoad, and MyFitness Pal.

Accessories

The Schwinn IC4 does not have any fans on the bike itself.

Two front-mounted weight cages (3lb weights) are included. We love these front-mounted weight cages!

Too often, weights are tucked back behind the saddle, where they can be hard to reach and return. Similarly, weights that rest on a tray in between the handlebars seem to always be in the way. We like the design here, where the weights are visible and easy to reach but not in the way when you aren’t using them.

If you are a taller rider, your knees may contact the bottom of the weights when riding up out of the saddle. If this is the case, simply raise the level of the handlebars which will pull the weights up and out of your way.

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Build Quality

Frame

The Schwinn IC4 has a steel frame with supportive stabilizers at both the front and rear. A center support bar also links the stabilizers underneath for added stability. There are two adjustable levelers, so you can make sure the bike sits firmly on your floor.

Two red front-mounted wheels make it easy to tip and roll your bike when needed. We recommend using a cycling mat underneath your bike, which reduces floor vibrations and protects your floors from sweat.

Schwinn IC4 features four adjustment points: the seat raises up and down, the seat moves forward and backward, the handlebars lift up and down, and the handlebars move forward and aft.

It is nice that the IC4 only weighs 106 pounds, making it easy to move when needed. However, we noticed that the bike will occasionally rock from side to side when resistance and cadence are high. This is most likely because the bike is lightweight. We never felt like stability was an issue, and the weight capacity is impressive.

Pedals

Unlike the Peloton bike, which only offers Delta LOOK pedals, the Schwinn IC4 has hybrid pedals that are flat with a cage on one side and an SPD cleat on the other. You can use standard spin shoes with SPD cleats if desired — or ride with any athletic shoe.

The pedals make the bike usable by any number of riders. Often, one person in your home may use and love spin shoes while everyone else just has athletic shoes. The IC4 makes it so anyone can ride and enjoy the bike without having to pay extra for spin shoes if you don’t want them.

For riders who don’t use spin shoes, we recommend wearing stiff-soled athletic shoes that provide extra support underfoot and won’t bend around the pedal when you apply pressure or stand up out of the saddle. The pedals are replaceable with any 9/16″ pedal. Pedal cranks are 170mm long.

Power

You do need to be close to a power outlet to use the IC4. While the bike will pedal and you can adjust the resistance manually without the need for electricity, to use the console or enable Bluetooth, you must plug the bike in. A standard wall outlet is sufficient. The bike includes a power adapter to counteract any power surges or other issues that could damage your bike.

Flywheel

When evaluating an indoor exercise bike, it is recommended that you assess the weight and design of the flywheel. Stationary bikes do not have the benefit of kinetic energy from actual forward momentum, so a weighted flywheel acts as a catalyst to both create and maintain momentum as you ride.

A weighted flywheel will gain and maintain inertia to create a smooth motion while pedaling. If the flywheel is underweighted, it may not have enough inertia to spin evenly throughout the rotation, which causes a jerky feeling and heaviness in the spin.

Thankfully, Schwinn has outfitted the IC4 with an impressive 40-lb flywheel. This is about 10 pounds heavier than the flywheels on either the NordicTrack or Peloton bikes.

The resistance knob also acts as a break to slow and stop the flywheel since it will keep spinning even if you stop pedaling.

Saddle

The IC4 saddle is stylish with a sleek red and black design and external stitching. It is lightly padded, which provides both support and comfort while riding. Extra wide saddles or those with added padding can feel more comfortable initially, but often, these lead to a greater incidence of saddle sores or other friction sore spots.

A narrower, racing-style saddle will feel more uncomfortable when you first use it, but it is recommended for longer rides or for those who plan to ride regularly. The sweat-resistant surface will not absorb moisture and can be wiped down as needed as well.

The saddle cannot be swapped out for a different seat, but you could add a gel seat cover if desired. If you do this, make sure to adjust the height of your seat stem, as many gel covers add a few inches of depth.

The IC4 offers two different saddle adjustments. You can raise and lower the saddle as needed, as well as move it forward and back to find the right position. For indoor cycling, we recommend finding a leg extension that allows for a gentle 25 to 35-degree bend at the knee when your foot is at the lowest part of the pedal rotation.

If your saddle is too low, you will burn out your quads and put unnecessary strain on your knees. If it is too high, you will find yourself rocking from side to side in an attempt to keep your feet on the pedals.

Schwinn indicates the bike can be adjusted to fit riders between 4’6” and 6’6”, although the length of your inseam is a better evaluation of how much extension you need than simply height alone.

Resistance

The IC4 has 1-100 magnetic resistance levels. Magnets adjacent to the flywheel oppose the motion as they move closer. Since this resistance is frictionless, it is quiet and does not cause wear and tear on moving parts. Magnetic resistance is also more durable and requires less maintenance. This type of resistance is found on most high-end bikes.

Resistance is not automated. When following a 3rd party app, you may have to adjust your resistance based on how it feels rather than go by the level alone.

Resistance levels are preset for consistency. Rather than guess what level you are on, the IC4 console displays your level of resistance at any given time. This helps riders find and maintain the same level of resistance each ride for consistency and accurate calorie burn and wattage.

Like the Peloton bike, the Schwinn IC4 uses a resistance knob to adjust different resistance levels. There are both perks and drawbacks to knob resistance. The Schwinn IC4 knob is easy to use and reach. It makes sense to just reach down and tweak the knob gently to add resistance. The red knob is a good size and feels comfortable in your hand.

It also acts as a break to slow or stop the flywheel. Press down on the resistance knob to activate the break. Since the knob has no numbers or preset metrics, you have to learn how far to turn it. The resistance level on the screen gives you an idea of how much resistance each turn will add.

One advantage of preset digital resistance levels is the convenience of just hitting a button to find the exact resistance needed.

IC4 Resistance Levels 1-100 are not exactly the same as Peloton’s 100 levels. It makes sense to have 100 levels of resistance. When at level 20, you know you’re about 20% resistant, and level 50 would be 50% of the resistance, etc. However, we found that the resistance levels on the IC4 do not line up exactly with Peloton’s 100 levels.

Peloton’s resistance levels seem to be easier at the bottom end and harder at the higher levels. If using the Peloton app, you may need to modify your levels up or down just a bit to find the correct range.

Each manufacturer calibrates and measures their resistance levels differently — there is no preset standard (like there is for miles per hour). Some bikes may have 34 resistance levels, some have 100, and some only have 16. This doesn’t mean the bike with 100 levels of resistance gets harder; it just means the levels are divided into smaller increments.

Magnetic resistance is quiet, and the Schwinn IC4 is pretty quiet when pedaling.

Should You Buy the Schwinn IC4

The Schwinn IC4 is the sister bike to the Bowflex C6. They are priced similarly and provide similar features and functionality. This bike is great for riders who want to get on and go. You don’t have to worry about a touchscreen, videos, programs, trainers, or a subscription.

If you are looking for a well-built quality bike for a great price that is comfortable and easy to use, the Schwinn IC4 is the perfect option. We love that you can add tech to the bike with a personal tablet or iPad and use compatible training apps. You are not locked into one platform or subscription on the IC4.

The magnetic resistance is smooth and quiet, enabling you to ride at any time of day or night without disturbing those around you. One hundred levels also makes sense and corresponds roughly to Peloton’s 100 levels, should you use Peloton.

We love that there are hybrid pedals for SPD cleats and athletic shoes. The handlebars are coated and comfortable, and the bike sits firmly on the floor while riding. We are impressed with the affordable Schwinn IC4 and recommend it not only as a great Peloton alternative but also as a well-built spin bike that allows you to ride at your convenience in your home.

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Schwinn IC4 Q&A / FAQ

Are the Schwinn IC4 resistance levels the same as Peloton’s resistance?

The Schwinn IC4 has one hundred levels, as the Peloton bikes do. However, the same level may not feel identical from one bike to another. When following a Peloton class, the resistance levels may provide good guidance, but Schwinn IC4 users may need to venture outside the recommended range for the ideal experience.

What is the difference between the Schwinn IC3 and IC4?

The Schwinn IC3 is more affordable than the IC4. It leaves off Bluetooth connectivity, so it does not connect to Explore the World, JRNY, Peloton, or other apps. The IC3 is for indoor cyclists who do not want guided training or prefer to connect with fitness wearables instead of their equipment.

Can you use the Schwinn IC4 without a subscription?

Yes, you can use the Schwinn IC4 without a subscription. You can connect to free cycling apps or train only with the simple console. You won’t lose any integral features.
Are the Schwinn IC4 and Bowflex C6 bikes the same?
Yes, the Schwinn IC4 and the Bowflex C6 are the same bikes with minimal (mainly cosmetic) differences.

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