Exercise bikes are one of the most sought-after home gym equipment in the market today. And with so many brands and models out in the market, choosing the right one can be quite a feat as there are many things that you will need to consider before determining which one is best for you.
Since there are hundreds–even thousands–of exercise brands to choose from, we will limit this review between the Schwinn 230 and Schwinn 270, which are both recumbent bikes. Recumbent bikes are exercise machines that, unlike upright bikes, are operated while the foot is at a horizontal position with the pedals. While both provide adequate cardio exercise and good leg training, how do you decide which one to get? Let this review help you with you evaluate which exercise bike is good for you so read on.
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Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike
The Schwinn 230 is one of the most exciting recumbent exercise bikes because of its features.
The selling point of this exercise bike is that it comes with 22 preset workout programs and a two-user profile thus making it perfect for many home gyms. This means that there are plenty of ways for you to use this machine to achieve the exercise and results that you want.
With its quiet magnetic resistance with 20 level types, this exercise equipment can give you toned leg muscles and adequate aerobic exercises. The flywheel weighs just around 13 pounds thus it provides enough weight to perform cardiovascular exercises while keeping your muscles toned without putting too much strain on your joints.
In fact, this is the same feature used on the cheaper Schwinn 220 and the high-end 270 recumbent bikes.
And with its price range between $449 and $699, it is one of the reliable recumbent bikes that will give more value for your money.
But is it the right bike for you? Below are its pros and cons that will make you decide whether this bike is great for you.
Features
- Dimension is 50 in. H x 27 in. W x 64 in. L
- 20 resistance levels for a wide range of workout intensities
- 22 workout programs to meet various exercise goals
- Comes with a high-speed inertia drive system with perimeter 13 pounds weighted flywheel for a smoother and consistent workout
- Heart rate monitor on handlebar grips
- Console speakers for an MP3 player or iPod input port
- Comfortable seat with backrest
- USB data transfer functionality
- Media shelf to accommodate different electronic gadgets
- 3-speed fan for a comfortable and cool workout
- Water bottle holder to ensure users can stay hydrated while working out
- Transport wheels for mobility
- Can accommodate maximum user weight of 300 pounds
- DualTrackTM two LCD window system
- 2 user profiles to store personal information and workout data
- 4 heart rate programs with customized setting
- 9 profile exercise programs including 3 fun rides, 3 mountain rides, and 3 challenge rides
Pros
- Walk-through design and easy access to users
- The sturdy frame that can hold up to 300 pounds despite that it weighs only 82 pounds
- Provides lots of training support via the 22 program modes, eight heart rate control workouts, and 9 profile workouts available
- Comes with USB driver for storing data that can later be uploaded to the Schwinn Connect website
- Compatible with the MyFitnessPal app
- Convenient to share thanks to its two user profiles
- Can be hooked to an MP3 player and other devices to stream songs so that workout is never boring
- Comes with more extras such as a water bottle holder, a three-speed fan, USB charging port for devices, and a media tray
Cons
- Light flywheel at 13 pounds does not provide stronger resistance especially to seasoned fitness enthusiasts
- Seating is not cushioned thus it may cause discomfort through time
- The warranty period is not very generous with the frame only legible for lifetime guarantee while the mechanical and electronic parts get 2 and 1 year(s); respectively
Performance
The Schwinn 230 recumbent bike has everything that you need in a great bike. It offers a lot of programming thus it can provide fitness enthusiasts with a wide range of exercise regimens. It can also get you connected with the media and different exercise apps. For a mid-range bike that can be purchased between $300 and $500, it can provide enjoyable exercise to its users.
The caveat with this recumbent bike is that it has a very light flywheel thus making it a bit less challenging for seasoned fitness enthusiasts. Moreover, the length between the pedal and the seat is deemed too short for taller people thus making it difficult for taller people to use this home gym equipment.
Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike
The Schwinn 270 has is a great recumbent bike for all types of fitness enthusiasts. Whether you are a fitness guru or a novice, the 270 comes close to other recumbent bikes such as the Nautilus R615. This bike comes with a lot of features including the 29 programmed workouts. It also allows users to download workout data and connect it to any mobile devices.
It can provide a comfortable low impact cardio exercise while, at the same time, help you achieve toned legs. And unlike Schwinn 230, this recumbent bike comes with a padded oversized seat with backrest for more comfort. For an even challenging workout, it comes with 25 magnetic resistance levels and it can accommodate 4 user profiles so that you can track and monitor your progress.
Whether it is a better version of the 230 or not, learn more about its features, pros, and cons to understand what this recumbent bike is all about.
Features
- Dimension is 49.9 in. H x 27.7 in. W x 64 in L
- Weighs 86.6 pounds
- Comes with 25 levels of resistance for a wider range of workout intensity
- Comes with 29 workout programs
- High speed and high inertia drive system with 13 pounds weighted flywheel for a consistent and smoother workout
- Heart rate monitor on handlebar grips
- The chest strap is telemetry-enabled
- Console speakers with MP3 player and iPod input port
- Bluetooth and USB data transfer
- Can be connected to Schwinn Connect or MyFitnessPal app
- Media shelf for better and enjoyable exercise
- Three-speed cooling fan for more comfort
- Water bottle holder to ensure users stay hydrated
- Transport wheels for mobility
- Maximum user weight is at 300 pounds
- DualTrackTM two blue backlit LCD window system
- 12 profile programs including 4 mountain rides, 4 fun rides, and 4 challenge rides
- 9 heart rate programs with customizable settings
- 2 fitness test programs
- 4 user profiles to store personal information to store workout data
- The frame comes with a 10-year warranty while mechanical and electrical warranty comes with 2 and 1-year(s) warranty period
Pros
- Low sale price between $400 and $500
- Compact machine size thus it can easily be transported from one place to other thanks to the transport wheels
- Wider cushioned seats with backrest for comfortable seating
- The sturdy frame that can hold a maximum of 300 pounds of user weight
- Comes with an attractive LCD window system that displays workout data such as speed, time, distance, resistance level, revolutions made per minute, heart rate, and calories burned
- Integrated console with 29 programmed workouts
- More user profiles so that family members can save their data
- Compatible with heart rate straps for an accurate reading
Cons
- LCD screen brightness cannot be adjusted thus it can be brighter on certain conditions
- Cannot store workout data within the device and requires USB connectivity to upload workout data
Performance
Schwinn 270 is considered as one of the finest recumbent exercise bikes to date. What makes it exciting is that it comes with a mid-range price tag than the 230 and other bikes such as the Schwinn 250 and A20.
And just like other recumbent bikes, it provides low-impact cardio exercises to users while, at the same time, helping tone the leg muscles. The performance of the 270 is similar to other recumbent bikes.
While it works the same way as other recumbent bikes, what makes it better is that it provides more comfort because of its cushioned seat and backrest. Moreover, the modern features of this bike including the 29 onboard workout programs, Bluetooth data export, more user profiles, and fitness app connectivity makes this recumbent bike more intuitive than other models of recumbent bikes.
Difference Between Schwinn 230 and 270
Both the Schwinn 230 and 270 came from the same brand but even if this is the case, they both come with many differences. Whether their differences make one better than the other, you decide. Let’s take a closer look.
Similarities
- Same magnetic resistance types
- Comes with strapped pedals
- Weighted flywheel for both machines is at 13 pounds
- Both can support a maximum user weight of 300 pounds
- Heart rate monitors found on handlebar grips
- Comes with console speaker and other accessories such as water bottle holder and media tray
- Transport wheels present for easy relocation
- The three-speed fan presents for a comfortable workout
Differences
- Cushioned seating is different as Schwinn 270 has a wider cushioned seat and backrest
- Varying resistance levels and workout programs
- Varying user profiles and exercise profiles
- Varying warranty periods for the frame and mechanical as well as electronic parts
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Unboxing the Schwinn 230 vs. 270
| Parameters | Schwinn 230 | Schwinn 270 |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance type | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| Resistance levels | 20 | 25 |
| Pedals | Straps | Straps |
| Weighted Flywheel | 13 pounds | 13 pounds |
| Bike weight | 81.6 pounds | 86.6 pounds |
| Maximum user weight | 300 pounds | 300 pounds |
| Minimum user height | 4 ft 11 in | 4 ft 11 in |
| Maximum user height | 6 ft 3 in | 6 ft 3 in |
| Handlebars adjustability | No | No |
| Seat adjustability | Horizontal | Horizontal |
| Seat cushioned | No | Yes |
| Dimension | 50 in. H x 27 in. W x 64 in. L | 49.9 in. H x 27.7 in. W x 64 in L |
| Workout programs | 22 | 29 |
| Heart rate monitor | Found on handlebar grips | Found on handlebar grips |
| Console speaker | Yes | Yes |
| USB data transfer | Yes | Yes |
| Transport wheels | Yes | Yes |
| LCD window system | Yes | Yes |
| User profiles | 2 | 4 |
| Exercise profiles | 9 | 12 |
| Other accessories | Water bottle holder, Media tray | Water bottle holder, Media tray |
| Three-speed fan | Yes | Yes |
| Price range | $449 to $699 | $400 to $600 |
| Warranty | Frame: lifetime Mechanical parts: 2 years Electronic parts: 1 year | Frame: 10 years Mechanical parts: 2 years Electronic parts: 1 year |
Buyer’s Guide for these Recumbent Bikes
If you look at the side by side comparison between the Schwinn 230 and 270, you will notice that both recumbent bikes almost have the same features save for the number of resistance levels, workout programs, and other modern conveniences.
With the 270 having more features than the 230, would you say that the former is better than the latter and its other predecessors such as the 250 and A20?
Well, we cannot arrive with a consensus as your buying decision still largely depends on your needs and preferences. And so, we have compiled a list of the things that you need to ask before you decide to buy any of these two recumbent bikes.
Schwinn 230 vs 270: Which has a better build quality?
It is important to take note that both recumbent bikes have walk-through frames thus allowing you to use this exercise equipment with ease.
The 270 was built following the design of the 230 but at 101 pounds, the former is heavier. It also comes with oversized pedals.
The 270 also has a single piece frame just like the 230 that is supported by a larger mid-frame for solid construction. This is the reason why both bikes can support a 300-pound individual as their maximum user capacity.
But this is where the difference begins as the 270 comes with a three-piece crank that makes it more durable than the one-piece crank of the 230. This also allows more resistance to the user during a workout.
The thing is that both bikes have the same build quality because they have the same features but the three-piece crank of the 270 makes it more attractive than the 230.
Which is more comfortable?
Using a recumbent bike is very comfortable compared to an upright bike. When it comes to comfort, both bikes almost have the same features.
They have the same water bottle holder on the left side of the seat. Both also come with a three-speed fan integrated into the front display so that you will feel comfortable during your workout. They also come with a multimedia console and speakers so that you can listen to music while working out.
But one of the advantages of the 270 is that it comes with wider cushioned seats with backrest, which is something that the 230 lacks.
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Which offers better performance?
While you can do a more varied workout with the 270, both equipment comes with built-in sensors found on the handlebars, so you can get an accurate reading of your workout vitals.
On the other hand, the 230 comes with only 22 programs compared with the 29 programs of the 270. With the extra 7 more workout programs, you can have a variety of workout exercises that can fit your needs. These include 12 profile programs, 9 heart rate control programs, 4 custom programs, 2 fitness tests, and a recovery program.
The 270 provides more features that are useful especially if you want more control with your workout routines. This is a great option, especially among seasoned fitness enthusiasts. If you are still starting out with this equipment, then the simpler 230 will give you the same results.
| Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|
 | Schwinn Fitness 230 Recumbent Bike (Discontinued) | Check Price |
 | Schwinn Fitness 270 Recumbent Bike | Check Price |
Conclusion
Both the Schwinn 230 and 270 recumbent bikes can give you the same results. But whether you opt for one over the other, depends on your fitness level.
If you are a beginner, the Schwinn 230 is your best option. This is especially true if you are using it alone or with another person because of its limited user profile. The 230 comes with simple features that make it straightforward thus making them perfect for beginners.
On the other hand, the 270, with its more extra features, is a great recumbent exercise bike for seasoned fitness enthusiasts as well as novices who are looking for a bike that they can use for a long time. It also comes with more user profiles, so you can share it with other people.
In a nutshell, both 230 and 270 have their own advantages and limitations. Which exercise bike is best for you depends on your needs, preferences, and budget.
Chris Jordan
Hey there, I'm Chris Jordan! I'm a certified personal trainer and dietician with over 11 years of experience in the fitness industry. I've helped thousands of people achieve better physical and mental health. When I'm not working, I love spending time with my dog.
