Bowflex C6 vs. Schwinn IC4: Are They The Same Bike?

So, if you are about to buy the Schwinn IC4 or the Bowflex C6, you may have seen a different price, and you might be wondering if there are any significant differences between those two bikes. 

Before digging into the differences between these great bikes, we want to point out that Nautilus manufactures the Bowflex C6 and Schwinn IC4. These bikes are almost identical, with only a few slight differences.

So, Is The Schwinn IC4 The Same As The Bowflex C6?

As mentioned, Bowflex is a fitness training equipment brand that is marketed and sold by Nautilus. Technically, the IC4 & the C6 are the same bikes with a few minor differences mentioned below.

Verdict: Basically, I would say that you go with the one that you find at the best price, as these bikes have different pricing and holiday sale discounts. At the same price, the Bowflex C6 is slightly better, in my opinion, mostly because of the nicer design and better saddle comfort.

In short, the C6 & IC4 have the following three main differences:

Now, we will dive deep into the differences and similarities of the Bowflex c6 vs Schwinn ic4.

Schwinn IC4 vs Bowflex C6: Detailed Differences & Similarities

Differences & Similarities Cheatsheet

Differences:

• Appearance: Nearly identical, distinguished only by branding.
• Price: Schwinn IC4 is more affordable.
• Seat Comfort: Bowflex C6 has a slightly better seat.

Similarities:

• Manufacturer: Both are made by Nautilus.
• USB Ports: Both have easily accessible USB ports.
• Resistance Levels: Both offer 100 micro-adjustment resistance levels.
• Manual Adjustments: Adjustments are manual but easy and safe.
• Heart-Rate Monitors: Both come with Bluetooth-compatible monitors.
• Bluetooth Connectivity: Essential for connecting to devices and apps.
• Dumbbells: Both include 3kg dumbbells for added workout options.

The Schwinn IC4 and the Bowflex C6 are very similar in many ways, and one thing they both have in common is they make excellent alternatives to the larger, heavier bikes commonly found in gyms.

As mentioned before, the only difference between the Bowflex C6 and the Schwinn IC4 is the look, design, and price point. Also, based on a Bowflex spokesperson that we spoke with, “the seat of C6 is a little better in terms of comfort“.

Regarding the things that you will find in both of them, we have to pick the following that worth mentioning:

• Both bikes come with 100 magnetic resistance levels, allowing the rider to find the perfect resistance level for them; this feature is excellent because it also means any family member can ride the bike regardless of age or fitness level.
• The ride quality and feel are very smooth and smooth, and it’s precisely what you’d expect from a high-quality manufacturer. The handlebars are comfortable, and the Bowflex C6 and the Schwinn IC4 are equipped with an adjustable race-style saddle.
• The Bowflex has a high-grade frame with excellent ergonomics and extensive adjustability and features a water bottle, toe clip pedals, and a weight holder. 
• The fluid magnetic resistance is a primary feature and really makes riding the bike an enjoyable experience. 
• The IC4, as with the Bowflex C6, comes equipped with a heart rate monitor that can be strapped to your arm and connects directly to Bluetooth. Heart rate monitors are an excellent way to track the progress of your workouts. 
• Digital and Bluetooth connectivity makes the bikes adaptable and provides options to sync to your favorite apps. The LCD screens on both bikes are excellent for tracking the progress of your workout. 

Bowflex C6 Review 

The bike is an excellent alternative option to Peloton or other streaming bikes available for sale. The primary reason to develop the Bowflex C6 was to create and build a bike proficient enough to link with the many available streaming devices. 

The Bowflex C6 is explicitly designed to be compatible with streaming devices such as Peloton, Sufferefest, Zwift, and several others. The amount of options really does provide the user with a whole plethora of options when it comes to choice. 

The heart rate armband included is an excellent way to track data, and with the inclusion of Bluetooth, this monitor is extremely accurate when compared to the older handlebar grip type sensors. 

When it comes down to the crunch, the Bowflex C6 is a well-built and designed bike that offers the latest high-tech features that actually help the rider enjoy the experience and perform better. 

You can also read a detailed review of the Bowflex C6 bike from our expert and group fitness instructor, Katie Pierson.

More Images from the testing

Video of the Testing

The bike is easy to adjust and comfortable to ride due to its ergonomic design. This makes it very easy for riders of all body types to find the correct riding position, which is absolutely critical as it helps prevent injuries such as knee strain and lower back pain. 

The magnetic resistance allows for a smooth ride and offers over 100 resistance levels making it easy for riders to find the correct resistance allowing for effective workouts. 

The LCD screen gives the rider data on time, speed, rpm, distance, calories, and resistance level. 

The Bowflex C6 comes with a 10-year warranty, which is actually fantastic when compared to some other models that only offer a 1-year warranty. 

Pros & Cons

Schwinn IC4 Review

Like the C6, the Schwinn IC4 indoor cycling bike has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to link to several apps such as Peloton and Zwift. 

The opportunity to experience some of the world’s best cycling apps on a durable and inexpensive bike makes the Schwinn IC4 an excellent option for newcomers to the market. 

The Schwinn IC4 is ideal for beginners yet at the same time offers experienced spinners an effective workout; This is because the number of magnetic resistance levels available makes it possible for all levels of rider to find the correct level for them. 

Higher-priced bikes come with a heap of high-tech features, and although the Schwinn IC4 doesn’t have many of them does not diminish the exceptional quality and functionality of the bike. 

The Schwinn really does offer excellent quality at a very affordable price. 

Where to buy the Schwinn IC4 & Bowflex C6

Bowflex C6 Bike

4.5

An excellent alternative option to Peloton or other streaming bikes. A quiet magnetic resistance bike, proficient enough to link with the many available streaming devices such as Peloton® and Zwift®.

Buy from Bowflex Holiday Sale ▶▶

Schwinn IC4 Bike

4.5

Comes equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to link to several apps such as Peloton® and Zwift®. The Schwinn really does offer excellent quality at a very affordable price.

Buy from Schwinn Holiday Sale ▶▶

Both of the bikes are very similar in almost every feature, and the bikes’ appearance also differs very little. When choosing the model that’s right for you, then, in this case, the price point and design would be the most relevant factor to consider. 

Useful Info: GirlBikeLove C6 & IC4 Survey

GirlBikeLove.com Blog is always trying to find the most critical and useful information for our users. That’s why, except for our own Bowflex C6 review, we asked 165 C6 & IC4 bike owners to share their feelings on these models.

You can see the whole survey and results here.

In short, we had the following results, based on the answers we got.

How happy are the owners with their C6 or IC4 bike?

We asked owners to rate their exercise bike satisfaction level on a scale from one to ten. On average, the satisfaction rate of the 165 respondents was 8.18 / 10, which is one of the highest we have seen in the indoor cycling category.

Most Loved Bike Features of the C6/ IC4 bikes

It seems that connectivity, construction quality, and smoothness of the ride were the most loved attributes of the IC4 and C6 bikes. Other high-ranking features included the bike’s price point and how quiet the bike is when riding.

Some of our respondents made the following statements regarding connectivity capability: 

• “I like that the bike is not tied to a specific streaming service…”
• “It feels really sturdy. You can more or less just jump on and jump off…”
• “I like the smooth motion of the flywheel when it’s operating smoothly.”