Peloton Vs. Schwinn Exercise Bike – Who Does It Better?

Author: Alex Bristol

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Schwinn IC4 Vs. Peloton

Peloton and Schwinn are undoubtedly the best companies out there when it comes to exercise bikes. they have pioneered the industry and developed some of the most advanced exercise bikes available on the market.

Each company has its own unique features but you can be sure that if you see an exercise bike with either of these brands along you know you’re buying quality and quantity.

This isn’t going to be easy but let’s try and solve this age-old debate…

Peloton

Most buyers are scared away by the price tag and subscription charges of the Peloton exercise bike. But it’s one of the most advanced stationary bikes on the market.

There are many high-tech features in Peloton that you won’t find in most of the other exercise bikes. While you could go out and buy a cheap exercise bike for around $200, it’s likely you’ll quickly get bored with such a bike.

When this happens, you’ll have to waste time shopping for a quality exercise bike once again. Peloton is a bike that you’ll never get bored with as You’re essentially getting a gym and a personal trainer in one when you invest in this product.

If you have the budget for it and want to commit to your cardio workout then a Peloton bike is for you.

Pros

  • Great design
  • Durable
  • Automated stats tracker
  • Great customer service
  • Ability to connect with online classes via the Peloton app
  • 5-inch HD screen with speakers
  • Adjustable handlebars and saddle

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Shorter warranty compared to most exercise bikes

Live & On-Demand Workouts

Live and on-demand workouts are accessible via the Peloton app. You will have to subscribe to this app to access the training which costs an additional $39 per month for this service.

Who Should Consider Peloton?

Anyone who is looking for a high-tech stationary bike and has some extra money to spend can consider purchasing this product. The bike costs $2,245 including delivery with assembly. But you have to factor in the $39 per month for the fitness app.

Where To Get The Best Price?

The best place to buy the bike is the official Peloton website as this is probably going to give you the best price and deals on a Peloton bike.

Customer Opinion

Customers love the Peloton, the online classes and Peloton app are very popular and the main draw for many people. Peloton is also praised for its customer service which is unrivaled plus the sleek, modern design and multitude of features are highly regarded.

Schwinn IC4

Priced at $799, the Schwinn IC4 is considered the more affordable Peloton when it comes to the best exercise bikes on the market. In fact, the Schwinn IC4 delivers the Peloton experience on a budget.

It comes with a smooth 40-pound drivewheel, dual-link pedals with toe cages, and hundred levels of micro-adjustable magnetic resistance. Plus the Bluetooth connectivity on the Schwinn IC4 lets you use it with a wide variety of apps such as the Peloton app and Zwift.

By investing in the Schwinn IC4, you get the option to stream the best spin workouts on a bike that’s affordable.

The 40-pound drivewheel is heavy enough to support a wide range of workouts for both newbies and pros. You can also increase or decrease the challenge depending on your preferences thanks to the 100 levels of quiet magnetic resistance.

Even though the Schwinn IC4 doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that the more expensive Peloton has, it’s quite an impressive bike for its price point. That’s why you need to invest in the Schwinn IC4 without further delay.

Pros

  • 40lb flywheel offers a wide array of challenges and fitness levels
  • Multi-grip handlebar
  • Track your time, distance, calories, and heart rate with the data monitor
  • 10-year frame warranty, 3-year mechanical/electrical warranty, and 1-year labor warranty
  • Durable
  • Customizable pedals

Cons

  • Basic LCD that doesn’t allow for streaming workouts
  • No preset workouts but is compatible with the Peloton app

Does it work with Peloton?

Yes, the Schwinn IC4 is compatible with several fitness apps including the Peloton app.

You have access to live and on-demand workouts from the best trainers in the industry when you invest in the Schwinn IC4 exercise bike.

Who Should Consider The Schwinn IC4?

Anyone who is looking for a high-tech stationary bike at an affordable price should invest in the Schwinn IC4. It’s considered one of the best alternatives to the Peloton bike. You have access to live and on-demand video training when you purchase this product.

Where to Get the Best Price?

Even though there are many e-commerce stores that sell the Schwinn IC4, the official Schwinn website is the best place to buy the product however, Amazon has many Schwinn bikes on offer.

Customer Opinion

The Schwinn IC4 is a strong competitor with the Peloton bike, many customers love the price and how you essentially get a Peloton bike for over half the price, while it’s true a Peloton has better quality features the IC4 is a fantastic alternative and by no means a downgrade.

Peloton Vs. Schwinn IC4: Features

Mounted HD Screen

Peloton has a fully developed 24″ touchscreen for its best model. This touchscreen allows riders to quickly toggle through settings and workout routines based on what goals or workout they’re aiming for.

The New Plus model offers a screen that rotates, so you can use your bike to stream thousands of classes with a huge variety of workout options, this is one of the features that is unrivaled by other bikes and a favorite of thousands of customers.

This is great for members signed up for the Peloton app. The app can be directly connected to the touchscreen, allowing riders to easily find what they are looking for without having to take their eyes away from the screen.

In comparison, the Schwinn IC4 offers a screen but doesn’t have full integration with the fitness apps. To use those apps, the rider will have to set up a separate device (i.e. tablet, TV) in front of them while riding.

Micro Resistance Levels

The Schwinn IC4 comes with 100 micro resistance levels, which is unique and something that allows riders to fully customize how they work out. Rather than settling for a few resistance levels, it’s easy to pinpoint the exact amount of resistance the rider needs to maximize their workout.

This will vary from person to person making the Schwinn IC4 a unique exercise bike. This level of versatility is a major plus point for the brand.

The Peloton is also exceptional when it comes to offering multiple resistance levels and the transitions are among the smoothest in the industry right now.

Magnetic Resistance

The resistance set up for the Schwinn IC4 is efficient, sleek, and easy to use. It’s designed to be smooth throughout the riding experience making it easier for riders to toggle through resistance levels without missing a beat.

While the Peloton also has a powerful resistance system integrated into its core setup. This allows riders to quickly find the right settings using the screen while working out.

The simplicity of both machines is effective in keeping riders happy as they continue to sweat away.

Welded Steel Frame

Both exercise bikes are made with robust engineering techniques and will withstand a significant amount of use throughout the year. The teams behind these exercise bikes have exhausted all options to make sure the bikes are long-lasting and efficient from the word go.

Whether it is the Peloton’s adjustable components or the high-end welded steel of the Schwinn IC4, both exercise bikes get the job done.

If durability is a requirement, these bikes do live up to the standard necessary for modern equipment.

Peloton Vs. Schwinn IC4: Price

  • Peloton: Starts at $1,895 (Bike) + Monthly app membership $39.99 (Membership)
  • Schwinn IC4: $799 (Bike) + Fitness App Membership (Optional)

When comparing the prices of Peloton and Schwinn IC4, the latter is an affordable model with some of the high-tech features included in Peloton. The IC4 costs only $799 compared to a starting price tag of about $1,895 for the basic Peloton bike.

Schwinn IC4 Vs. Peloton: Workout

Both bike models – Peloton and Schwinn IC4 – have access to fitness apps including the Peloton app. You can subscribe to the peloton app via IC4 to train with some of the best personal trainers in the world.

While you can use the Peloton App with the Schwinn IC4, you don’t get access to features like the Peloton leader board, to it doesn’t offer the exact same benefits.

That said, you can still take part in the live and on-demand workouts with the Schwinn stationary bike, so if you’re looking to save more than $1,000, it’s definitely a more cost-effective way to utilize the Peloton app.

Summary

While the Peloton is a top-of-the-range indoor cycling bike and provides a wonderful selection of features, it also comes with a hefty price tag that many of us just don’t have the cash for. Even so, it’s pretty much the best bike you can buy with little to no competition, and their new plus models are even better. If you can afford it, the Peloton is definitely worth considering.

This price tag will often make you hesitate, and if that’s the case for you then you should look at the Schwinn IC4. While being cheaper, the Schwinn IC4 also encompasses some of the industry’s finest features wrapped into one powerful package that gives Peloton a run for its money.

For those who want to use the Peloton app, you can easily integrate it into a workout session on your Schwinn IC4. It’s a good option for those who want a well-rounded exercise bike that’s easy to ride, safe, and comes with high-quality features.

The debate between Schwinn Vs. Peloton tends to boil down to one factor and that’s price. While the features and accessibility may impact your decision most people find that the cost is the most determinate factor.

If you want to devote yourself to riding your exercise bike or want the best results possible perhaps because you’re training for a Triathlon or marathon then a Peloton is worth the extra investment. However, if you aren’t ready to take the plunge then do not feel like you’re missing out or downgrading with a Schwinn.

These are two of the best bikes around and neither is a bad decision. So good luck with your choice and happy cycling!

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