Schwinn IC3 Review

By Robbie Ferri CPT

CPT & Indoor Cycling Instructor

If you are in the market for an indoor bike, you have a lot of options to choose from. We appreciate that knowing what to look for and where to find it can be challenging. One indoor bike you will hear a lot about is the Schwinn IC3. 

It’s incredibly popular as far as budget bikes go, and it ticks many boxes for us here at Girl Bike Love. We often get asked many questions about it, and in this article, we will be reviewing one. Here’s what we will be speaking about:

• Schwinn IC3: The Quick Answer
• Schwinn IC3: What We Liked And What Could Be Better?
• Schwinn IC3 Vs IC4 Quick Comparison
• Schwinn IC3: Detailed Review
• Comparison With Other Bikes

The Quick Answer

Schwinn IC3 Bike

4.5

Manufactured from high-quality, durable steel "rounded" to provide more stability and durability. The main downsides are the friction resistance and the lack of Bluetooth for direct sync to apps like Peloton or Zwift.

Buy from Schwinn Check for Deal

The Schwinn IC3 is a bike that has always had a place in indoor cycling. It’s affordable, looks great, and has that incredible Schwinn Quality. Under inspection, we completely understand why they are so popular. 

It’s not the most modern bike with friction resistance and little connectivity. However, it still offers an amazing experience and is good enough to be in a spinning studio with its commercial-grade reliability. Do we recommend the Schwinn IC3? Yes, 100%.

Schwinn IC3: What I liked & What Could Be Better?

There’s no denying that the Schwinn IC3 is an excellent bike. It comes with some excellent features, but it still has some drawbacks that would make us reconsider. Here’s what you need to know:

In our opinion, there’s a lot of good and very little bad. We think there’s a lot to like about this bike. For all the details, continue our full review further on in this article. 

Schwinn IC3 vs. IC4 / Bowflex C6 Quick Comparison 

Before discussing the Schwinn IC3, it’s important to speak about the difference between the IC3 and the IC4 / Bowflex C6. This is a question we get asked so much, as there’s a lot of confusion around these bikes. 

The IC4 and the Bowflex C6 are the same bikes, just branded differently!

The IC3 is a much more fundamental version of the IC4. It is cheaper, yes, but the IC4 does have some amazing upgrades from magnetic resistance and even comes with Bluetooth. It may be more money, but it can work with applications such as Peloton and even Zwift. 

Although the IC4 / Bowflex is more money, you are getting so much more for what you are spending. We personally think if you can afford it, then it’s worth the investment. If you want to learn more about these bikes and how they compare, check out Schwinn IC3 vs. Schwinn IC4 / Bowflex C6.

Schwinn IC3: Detailed Review

Let’s get into the details and break the Schwinn IC3 down to tell you everything you need to know.: 

Schwinn IC3 Bike

4.5

Manufactured from high-quality, durable steel "rounded" to provide more stability and durability. The main downsides are the friction resistance and the lack of Bluetooth for direct sync to apps like Peloton or Zwift.

Buy from Schwinn Check for Deal

Specifications & Main Features

• Size: ‎45″D x 23″W x 49″H
• Weight:100 lbs
• Height Range: 4ft 6” – 6ft 6”
• Max User Weight: 300 lbs
• Resistance Type: Friction
• Transmission: Belt Drive
• Connectivity: None
• Flywheel: 40 Lbs

Assembly

Let’s start with assembly, and the Schwinn IC3 comes nearly fully built. It’s just a case of adding the feet and the accessories. We recommend allowing an hour for the process, and they have a video guide here on the Schwinn YouTube Channel.

We recommend allowing roughly an hour to take care of the pedals as they need to be put in straight, and there is a left and a right pedal. Apart from that, it’s a fairly easy job to do.

Construction Quality

The construction quality of the Schwinn IC3 is excellent. In the indoor cycling world, Schwinn is known for being very high quality. Everything is well put together, and it’s a solid bike to ride. It is made of aluminum to keep the frame fairly light but still offers a solid base for a rider to power into. 

There’s very little we can complain about when it comes to construction. Schwinn makes bikes to be commercial grade, so good enough for gyms, meaning you’ll struggle to get the better of it no matter how much you use it. 

Portability

The Schwinn is a simple bike, and simplicity is key in budget spin bikes. The IC3 only weighs 100 lbs which for a spin bike is very light. This not only makes it easier to build, but it also makes it great if you move it around often. 

Being lightweight and equipped with wheels on the front make the IC3 a portable bike. Perfect if you need to move it around often, and knowing the bike doesn’t require a power cord is another big bonus knowing it can go anywhere. 

Comfort

When it comes to comfort, the IC3 is an excellent bike. It’s got a great cushion saddle. Although it may look a little sporty, it’s nice to ride on. It’s important when you first get the bike to give it a few rides to get used to it. 

We recommend trying to avoid seat covers unless you really need one. We don’t feel that you’ll have issues with comfort on the Schwinn, but we recommend having a spin bike fit or doing one yourself, like in this Easy Spin Bike Setup Video. 

Adjustability 

When it comes to adjustability, then you will find that this bike excels here. Not only do you get a wide range of user heights, but you also get lots of adjustability when it comes to finding the perfect position. 

The saddle is 4-way adjustable, and even the handlebars are too. Although this might not sound like much, it makes a big difference, and many high-end bikes, such as the NordicTrack S27i, don’t even have this ability. 

The adjustments are really easy to make. You just need to screw the dial then, move it to where you need it to be and then just tighten it back up again nice and tight so it doesn’t work its way free later. 

Drive System and Flywheel

The drive system on the IC3 is excellent. Unlike a lot of spinning bikes at this price, it uses a belt drive. This means it doesn’t require oil and is incredibly smooth. Unlike chain belts, they don’t stretch either. So on the Schwinn, you’re getting an incredibly low-maintenance and very responsive ride. 

The flywheel is 40 lbs, and this is an ideal weight for a friction system. It not only keeps the bike very stable, but it also gives you a huge amount of resistance to play with and keeps the noise down.

Resistance

The resistance on this bike isn’t like many others. Instead of using a magnetic system that many modern bikes use, such as the IC4, it uses a friction resistance system. This is what you see on a lot of spinning studio bikes. 

Instead of using an eddy current to slow you down, this is where it uses a brake pad. This pad grips the flywheel and makes the resistance that slows you down and challenges those leg muscles. 

Although friction brakes are slightly noisier, they do give you the advantage of pretty much unlimited resistance, and you will never struggle to find the perfect resistance or ever feel unchallenged by the bike. 

Pedals

When it comes to pedals, you have the best of both worlds with the Schwinn IC3. On one side, you have the standard flat pedals with toe clips; on the other, you have SPD clip-in. This means you can use your standard trainers, or you can use spin bike clip-in shoes. 

Monitor

The monitor on the IC3 is very basic. It will give you the fundamental data you need: time, heart rate, speed, distance, rpm, and calories. It’s enough for a basic workout and gives you everything you will need. 

If you are looking for something very flashy, there might be better bikes for you. It’s not like a Peloton with a big screen. It does come with a tablet stand on the front of the water bottle holder if you want a form of entertainment to watch while you’re using it. 

Connectivity & Apps

When it comes to connectivity, you are going to struggle with the IC3. The bike wasn’t designed to connect with applications such as Zwift or Peloton. It can link to some heart rate monitors from Schwinn, which typically work on Ant+. 

If you plan on using a spinning bike with applications, we recommend going for the IC4 instead. This comes with Bluetooth connectivity and is going to be perfect for using applications. 

Warranty

The Schwinn warranty changes depending on what product you are looking at. The IC3 gives you five years on the frame, two years on parts, and one year on labor. This is a great warranty as most companies only offer as little as one year on bikes like this. 

There are other options, such as the Schwinn extended warranty, which can take you to 3 years, or if you upgrade to the IC4, you get a longer warranty and up to ten years on the frame, which is incredible. 

Schwinn Customer Support

Some time ago, we conducted a survey with 165 owners of Schwinn IC4 / Bowflex C6. One question was about the support.

Specifically, 33 respondents answered our optional question, “If you used Bowflex / Schwinn Support for the Issues you had, how do you rate it?”. 24 out of the 33 people (72%) that answered this question rated the support with at least a 3 out of 5.

Cost

Coming in at roughly $650, it’s a great deal on this bike. Although other alternatives offer more features, you have to remember with Schwinn, you are getting incredible quality and a bike that isn’t just going to last months but years. 

Overall, you are going to struggle to get anything as high quality as a Schwinn indoor bike at the price. We appreciate it’s not the cheapest, but it does offer a service much better than other bikes at the same cost. 

What Is Schwinn Like To Deal With?

When dealing with Schwinn, the majority of people have a good experience. What you have to understand is Schwinn is split into many different branches. You have your indoor bikes, and you also have Schwinn, which makes outdoor bikes too.

The Indoor cycles of Schwinn are very highly rated when it comes to customer service and are pretty easy to deal with. It’s worth remembering that these are in gyms all over, and Schwinn does take pride in the service they deliver.

What Are The Usual Problems?

When it comes to the IC3 and Schwinn bikes in general, they have fine-tuned them enough to be very unproblematic. A lot of the user issues actually come from the user and how it’s put together. 

A good example is the pedals. Many people put the pedals on the wrong side, or they don’t put them in straight. This causes the pedals to cross thread, and then they damage the pedal arms of the bike. 

Comparison with Other Alternatives 

Now you know all about the Schwinn IC3, a good way to understand it further is to compare it to some other bike in a similar price range. 

Schwinn IC3 vs Echelon EX3

The Echelon EX3 is a very popular bike and a great way to go if you are looking for a bike you can add a tablet to for an amazing experience. The bike looks incredibly sleek, and it is one to look at with a rear-facing flywheel and oversized black tubing.

You are going to be spending more money on this bike. Roughly around $300, but it’s a well-built bike and goes well in any home studio. It costs more, but you get more with the Echelon EX3.

Schwinn IC3 vs JOROTO X2

Then we have Joroto X2, and this bike is cheaper than the Schwinn IC3 and even comes with magnetic resistance, which is incredible. Although it sounds like the better option on paper, it has drawbacks. 

Firstly it isn’t as nice to look at as the IC3, it doesn’t offer as long a warranty at only a single year, and finally, it’s not easy to resell as the brand isn’t as popular. 

Schwinn IC3 vs YOSUDA Pro-R Magnetic

Yosuda is making some great bikes and is becoming increasingly popular in the indoor cycling market. The Pro-R is a great budget bike with a lot to offer. It comes around the same price as the IC3 but comes with magnetic resistance and a balanced flywheel.

Again the Yosuda Pro-R, like the Joroto X2, it’s an excellent bike, but the quality isn’t the same as the Schwinn, and if I were buying the long haul, I’d go for the Schwinn even though it may have a friction brake pad. 

FAQ

Does the Schwinn IC3 use magnetic resistance?

The Schwinn IC3 is not magnetic resistance, it uses friction resistance. This is where a felt pad presses on the flywheel, creating friction to slow you down. They last for years, and although many people say they are noisy, they are still fairly quiet. 

Is Schwinn IC3 compatible with the Peloton app?

The bike itself isn’t compatible with applications, but it doesn’t stop you from using a tablet with the Peloton application running and enjoying the session. That’s the way a lot of spinning enthusiasts now go and don’t end up connecting the bike. 

Is Schwinn IC3 compatible with Zwift?

The Schwinn IC3 is incompatible with Zwift, but if you invest a little more, the IC4 is an ideal machine for going on Zwift. The only way you could make it work is with power meter pedals, but that will get expensive. 

Does Schwinn IC3 have a heart rate monitor?

Yes, if you buy a Schwinn IC3, it comes with a heart rate monitor that links to the screen. It’s an ok monitor, but what makes it special is it can connect to the IC3 screen perfectly without Bluetooth. 

A Final Note

Although basic, the Schwinn IC3 is an excellent bike and will give you an excellent experience. It comes with the drawbacks of friction resistance and limited connectivity. In our opinion, for an extra $200, getting a Schwinn IC4 or Bowflex C6 will give you magnetic resistance and Bluetooth connectivity, ticking all the boxes.