Schwinn IC4 Review (+ Zwift) | Based on 165 Owners Survey

Quick Summary

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 ▶▶

The Schwinn IC4 is literally one of the best indoor bikes on the market today and comes with a very affordable price point. Numerous bikes out there are very basic with their features, but the Schwinn IC4 goes above and beyond in terms of quality and tech.

Features like the ergonomically designed handlebars, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-purpose pedals, and a state-of-the-art LCD screen make the Schwinn IC4 very hard to go past. These features set it apart from its less expensive counterparts.

You can tell as soon as you sit on the bike the quality and thought gone into the design are of the highest order. Schwinn is quite possibly one of the most well-known and established brands in cycling, if not the best. The company has been manufacturing bikes for decades now, and they just keep getting better and better.

However, what really separates The Schwinn IC4 from the rest of the pack is the magnetic resistance drivetrain. It’s smooth, quiet, and makes for an enjoyable yet challenging workout, without any of the noise and clunkiness other cheaper bikes offer. The harder you push, the smoother and quieter it is; really quite impressive.

IC4 Survey Results: 165 Owners Answered our Questions

We asked 165 owners of Schwinn IC4 / Bowflex C6 (same manufacturer) to share their experience with their bike. Below we will try to summarize the results for you. If you want to learn the whole story about the things they like, the common issues, and more, you can read the full survey study and results.

Satisfaction

We asked owners to rate their bike satisfaction level on a scale from 1 to 10. The satisfaction rate of the 165 respondents was 8.18 / 10 (avg. rate), which is one of the best we have seen in the indoor cycling category.

Most Loved Bike Features

Connectivity, construction quality, and smoothness were the top-scoring attributes for the IC4 and C6 bikes. Other high-ranking features included the bike’s price point and how quiet the bike is when riding.

Most Loved Features - Schwinn IC4 & Bowflex C6 Survey

Connectivity: The Bluetooth pairing seems to work seamlessly with Apps like Peloton & Zwift. One user said “I love how easily it syncs to the Peloton app and how smooth the ride.”.
Construction Quality: The data clearly shows that the craftsmanship and commercial grade construction of the IC4 and C6 bikes does not go unnoticed by users. One owner, particularly, said that “It feels really sturdy. You can more or less just jump on and jump off…“.
Smooth Ride: Users felt that the bike offered a very smooth and consistent ride. A smooth ride should be expected from any quality indoor cycle. For example, one user answered in our open question: “I like the smooth motion of the flywheel when it’s operating smoothly.”.

Features Needing Improvement

Most IC4 and C6 bike owners selected the cadence display and adjustability of their bikes as the most critical factors to be improved by the company in the future. Some answers that we got are include the following:

“If they updated the bike, they should change the cadence readout to a number instead of a line measure. Also, a direct power meter with watts readings should be added to the computer.“
“I do not like the fact that I had to replace the stock pedals due to repeated loosening and clicking noises.“

Needing Improvement - Schwinn IC4 & Bowflex C6 Survey

Like any bike, there is room for improvement, but we do not believe that any of the issues listed would justify avoiding purchasing these models.

Schwinn Customer Support

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

Customer Support - Schwinn IC4 & Bowflex C6 Survey

Schwinn IC4 Detailed Review

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 ▶▶

The Schwinn IC4 is outfitted with all the latest bells and whistles when it comes to technology. Bluetooth connectivity enables the user to download and sync your favorite apps like Zwift or Peloton.

This really is a standout feature that comes included with the Schwinn IC4, a bike that is affordable yet at the same time is durable and offers state-of-the-art tech features.

Main Features

Dual-purpose pedals allow for variety and give the rider two distinct options.
Over 100 magnetic resistance levels make the Schwinn IC4 ideal for beginners all the way through to advanced riders.
Bluetooth connectivity is outstanding.
The handlebars are super comfortable, and the saddle is fully adjustable.

Resistance

The IC4 is absolutely perfect for beginners yet somehow manages to offer experienced riders just a good workout. I think this comes down to the fact the magnetic resistance mechanism overs over 100 micro-adjustments. To be very honest, if you can’t find the right resistance level on this bike, you need to start running instead of cycling.

JRNYIntegration

The membership is available for only $19.99/month and offers capabilities that are not available with other bikes. JRNY offers pre-recorded instructor lead content, adaptive workouts, virtual coaching, and scenic rides worldwide. Not all riders enjoy instructor lead workouts, and this bike keeps those riders in mind. This cycle can link to a Smart Trainer and help you reach your goals even while taking a scenic ride. One of the most significant features is that JRNY makes it possible to stream your favorite streaming services directly to the IC4 console. Is there a new movie out that you want to watch on Disney+, Netflix, or Hulu? Now you can watch it while getting a great workout instead of just sitting on the couch. A metrics bar remains on the bottom of the screen to keep you on track.

Peloton Integration

Using the Peloton app is very easy with this bike. An icon even exists on the console that says, “Work out with Peloton,” making it easy to find.

The console directs you to grab your tablet or phone and sync it with the IC4 so that the Peloton app will show your cadence, and the console will display your basic metrics, including resistance and distance. The Peloton audio easily plays through the bike Bluetooth speakers for a better riding experience than your tablet or phone audio.

Zwift Integration

Except for Peloton App, another app that works seamlessly with the IC4 is the Zwift App. Once your phone or tablet with the Zwift app is linked to your bike and the power output (resistance and cadence) is selected, the power output data will be displayed within Zwift.

Pricing

Yes, it is true the higher-priced bikes come jam-packed with all the latest high-tech gadgetry but does that make them a better bike? In some cases, yes, in others, no. It’s like paying an extra $3-$4000 for a lighter road bike just to save 700 grams in weight. Is it worth it? In my opinion, no.

The Schwinn does offer premium status at an affordable price point.

To sum up:

Things We Like

The drivetrain is fully adjustable and provides users of all abilities a challenging workout.
Connection to your favorite apps via Bluetooth is straightforward and seamless.
The inclusion of dumbbells is a considerable advantage over other bikes, allowing for a full-body workout.
100 micro-adjustments set this bike apart from its competitors.
It comes with an ergonomically designed holder for your device.
The dual-purpose pedals give you the option of riding with sneakers or dedicated cycling shoes.
The handlebars are a standout feature and offer several comfortable positions perfect for those longer sessions.
The saddle moves in every direction, allowing you to find your ideal seat height
Tracking your data is simple, time, speed, heart rate, distance, and calories
Last but not least is the 10-year frame warranty

Things We Didn’t Like

The variety of the workouts are limited because the bike has no preset workout buttons
The LCD screen is state of the art, but that being said, data tracked, although helpful, is quite basic
The bike comes without a built-in fan.

So, as you can see from the abundance of pros compared to cons in the list above, the Schwinn IC4 provides a great riding experience from beginners all the way through to the more experience hardcore rider.

The Schwinn IC4 will fit easily into most home or office gyms and measures 48.7″ long and 21.2″ wide. The included 3lb weights are also an excellent option for those looking to do a little bit more than just pedal.

Warranty

The standout features, in my opinion, however, are the dual-purpose pedals and the Bluetooth connectivity. Actually, let me think about that again; maybe it’s the 10-year frame warranty that stands out?

Things That Could Be Better

As I mentioned in the cons list, unfortunately, the Schwinn IC4 does not come with any preset workout buttons, which does let it down. Still, most people, if not everyone, are taking advantage of cycling apps like Zwift to enhance their workouts, so it’s not really a negative against the bike.

For those who don’t know, apps like Zwift and Peloton allow you to ride in a virtual world with numerous courses, races, groups, and personalized training programs.

Schwinn IC4 Alternatives: How They Compare to the IC4

Peloton

Peloton Bike

4.4

Maybe the most popular indoor cycle, and for a good reason. Excellent quality with an excellent app for beginners and experts. The only downside it that users cannot change resistance when using apps like Zwift etc.

Price & Reviews Check Holiday Sale

One of the best alternatives to the Schwinn IC4 is undoubtedly the Peloton bike. The peloton bike comes with a pedigree that is second to none, especially when it comes to indoor cycles.

The frame is light yet durable and offers all the features of a higher-priced bike you’d expect to see, such as Bluetooth connectivity, included weights racks, and a state-of-the-art LCD screen. The included dumbbells are an excellent bonus feature.

However, it’s important to mention the price point of the Peloton is considerably higher than the Schwinn IC4. the other knock on this bike is that if you choose to wear cycling shoes, you will need to invest in a pair of Look-Delta shoes that are compatible.

Peloton does offer spin classes online, but at $37 a month compared to Zwift at $15, it’s a hard sell.

But at the end of the day, if you’ve got the money to spend on the Peloton, it won’t let you down.

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 ▶▶

This little gem of a bike won’t let you down. The Bowflex C6 is another excellent affordable alternative to the Schwinn IC4; it comes with various features similar to that of the Bowflex.

The design, build quality, and features are outstanding, especially considering the price point of the Bowflex C6.

But as with any bike, there are pros and cons, and two of the most significant negatives with this bike are the fact you need to pay for the monthly apps and other more affordable bikes that offer similar features.

Related:
C6 vs IC4 Detailed Comparison

However, the Bowflex C6 is very straightforward to assemble, and the adjustability is hard to go past; It’s a very functional bike. The handlebars and saddle are ergonomically designed, which is a term that gets thrown around a lot. However, those who ride for long periods understand the importance of an ergonomically designed bike.

A heart rate monitor is also included and connects seamlessly via Bluetooth. This feature is a real gem and helps everyone from beginners to advanced to track their heart rate data, providing for future improvement and safety while riding.

Let’s get down to brass tax. Is the Bowflex C6 a viable alternative to the Schwinn IC4? Yes. It offers everything the Schwinn does at a similar price point, and the build quality is second to none.

Echelon

Echelon EX5-S

4.2

New and improved stabilization handles and seat post adjustments including a competition seat with 6' lever-style adjustment, and a precision resistance motor are just a few of the exciting new features you only get with the EX5-S.

Price & Reviews Buy from Echelon

The Echelon Bike is also an option that others should look to, especially as a viable alternative to the Schwinn IC4.

The Echelon magnetic resistance mechanism offers user32 micro-settings making it ideal for riders of all ages and fitness levels. The bike is priced at around $1400, but I’m told that prices are considerably lower if you buy direct from the Echelon site.

If you’re looking for a realistic and interactive workout, this bike is for you and as mentioned finding the correct resistance level is very straightforward. The saddle is of world-class quality and probably one of the best offered on any indoor bike on the market today.

It’s easy to see a lot of research and development has gone into this bike, and it’s very apparent with the adjustment knob. The knob has clear and precise indexing allowing you to pick up where you left off from your last ride. There’s nothing worse than spending 10 minutes trying to find your resistance level again.

To top it all off, the handlebars are ergonomically designed, which in this case, Echelon refers to their system as “Aero Handlebar System.” The Echelon also comes equipped with a mount allowing you to secure your device and two water bottle holders.

Relevant article: Bowflex C6/ Schwinn IC4 vsEchelon Smart Connect EX3 & EX5.

Verdict: Is The Schwinn IC4 For Me?

At the end of the day, the Schwinn IC4 is a bike that stands out from its counterparts. Is it perfect? No, but then again, show me an excellent bike, and I’ll show you a flying elephant.

But in all seriousness, there are factors you should take into consideration before buying not just the Schwinn IC4 but any bike. Factors such as your fitness level, home gym space, budget, quality of your wifi, and how many times per week you expect to use it.

I would highly recommend the Schwinn for users of all levels; as I’ve mentioned, the magnetic resistance mechanism allows for so many micro-adjustments that anyone can d]find their perfect workout.