Stationary training bikes are the new must-have equipment for anyone who has fitness goals and very limited free time. Between Peloton and Schwinn IC4, which bike experience is better?
Hi there, I’m Sam and I have been a spinning class fitness trainer for the past 8 months. There are a lot of things I love about my job but being able to test train new bikes has got to be what I love most.
Recently, I was called on to review the Schwinn IC4 and Peloton bikes.Both brands are icons in the fitness world and their bike models are highly sought out by people for varied reasons.
While they are similar in terms of the resistance levels available, the magnetic drive and the movable handles, their differences are that much more distinct.
What are the key differences between Peloton vs Schwinn IC4?
 |
Peloton |
Schwinn IC4 |
Handlebars |
Movable |
Movable |
Pedals |
Clip-in design – cycling shoes |
Toe-cage design- sports shoes |
Flywheel |
30 pounds |
40 pounds |
Resistance |
Magnetic with up to 100 levels |
Magnetic with 100 levels |
Weight Supported |
297 lbs |
330 lbs |
Training App |
Peloton |
Bluetooth Compatible with training apps |
Screen |
22-inch LED |
LCD display |
Price |
Peloton vs Schwinn IC4 – How they differ
Design
Both bikes feature 100 levels of resistance to adjust to and this is easily achieved by use of conveniently placed knobs on the bikes’ frame. With these many levels, you can challenge yourself differently every time you get on the bike.
The Schwinn IC4 features a heavy flywheel at 40-pounds which increases the resistance of your ride and with it being magnetically driven, this bike is quiet and discreet in use. The Peloton has a 30-pound flywheel which is not much of a difference in experience especially to new cyclists.
The handlebars on both bikes are movable for customizable positioning in training. While the IC4 provides a 3-pound pair of dumbbells to spice up your workout routine, Peloton has no such advantage.
Pedals on the Schwinn are fashioned into the toe-cage design which allows any size foot to fit in securely and for you to use any shoe you feel comfortable cycling in. if you have special cycling shoes you love to use, these too can be clipped onto the Schwinn bike.
Peloton, on the other hand features a complex pedal that allows only SPD compatible shoes to clip-in. You will have to either buy the SPD compatible shoes or a new pair of pedals that match your needs. This additional cost to the already pricey bike puts a damper on things.
With regard to the fact that Schwinn IC4 carries a heavier flywheel, has versatile pedals and provides extra accessories like the dumbbells, it makes it superior to the Peloton in design.
Function
To access training workouts on the Schwinn IC4 use the provided tablet holder to fit in your device and enjoy live streaming your interactive workouts. You could even buy the Peloton training app if you are a big fan.
These apps will take you on scenic rides across the world as you compete with other virtual trainers like yourself. This not only adds to the excitement of training but also challenges you to train harder to go up the leaderboard.
The monitoring options on these bikes has to be their greatest difference. The Peloton features a large 22-inch LED display filled with pre-programmed training workouts, and screen displays vital information and helps the user connect with the virtual trainers and spinning classes available.
Both bikes have the ability to screen cast the bike to an external screen like a TV with Peloton pairing with Smart TV or desktop and the Schwinn IC4 uses Bluetooth connection to pair with the interactive training apps like Zwift and to screen cast the same information appearing on your small LCD screen to a larger screen.
Peloton is preferable to Schwinn in terms of performance because it provides pre-programmed trainings that are already built-in. With IC4 you will have to buy an application from one of the interactive trainings available online.
Peloton vs Schwinn IC4 – A Comparison Overview
Peloton – Overview
This bike has a sleek steel frame and it carries a 32-pound flywheel. This wheel runs on magnetic resistance with 100 levels to adjust to. This adjustment is done manually or through the touchscreen but because of the wide range, it may be hard to feel a difference or even quickly adjust your settings mid training.
Handlebars are soft but a little too thin though they do give a comfortable cushioning with their stacked design that differs to the single-bar construction of the IFit.
The pedals on this bike may be problematic and present an extra cost to anyone who does not already own a pair of cycling shoes because they use the clip-in mechanism. This is ideal because with a securely locked in footing, you can then pull up in the cycling motion much easier which is great for glutes and hamstrings.
Unfortunately, the Peloton bike is fixed and does not move meaning there is no chance to incline or decline the bike for a more exciting cycling experience.
Pros
- Ergonomic handlebars
- Light in weight
- Comfortable seat
- Engaging App with live classes
- Can sync with Bluetooth
Cons
- Adjustment knob not accurate
- No incline or decline
- Adjustments done manually
- Doesn’t give you weights
- Needs new training shoes with 3 cleats or Replace pedals
- Need to buy a heart rate monitor which has a problem pairing
Schwinn IC4 – Overview
[amazon box=”B07WZXSDKW” template=”horizontal” ]The bike is made of high-quality stainless steel which is ideal for a sturdy and stable frame. The seats are created in race-style fashion meaning they are comfortably padded and adjustable. Handlebars are also movable and changeable in either up or down direction.
With magnetic resistance in the 40-pound flywheel, IC4 ensures your training is quiet and discreet while using the bike. A backlit LCD monitor is provided as well to display your statistics in training, calories burned and your heart rate as well.
The bike’s frame holds dual-link pedals with toe cages that keep your footing secure, accessory tray for your phone or other gadget placement and can hold up to 330 pounds. Unfortunately, there are no speakers or cooling fan in-built so you’ll have to do with your earphones and place the bike somewhere with a constant breeze.
Bluetooth connection works perfectly with a number of fitness apps that enable you to access workout programs as none have been pre-programmed into the IC4. What’s more is that a Bluetooth-enabled arm band is included to keep tabs on your heart rate.
Schwinn IC4 also has provided the user with 3-pound dumbbells to encourage a harder workout that targets more muscle groups.
 Pros
- 40-pound magnetic flywheel
- Upper Body workouts with 3-pound dumbbells
- 100 resistance levels
- Customizable SPD pedals with toe cages and clips
- Vertically and horizontally adjustable handlebars and seats
- LCD monitor
- Bluetooth connection
- Dual water bottle holders
Cons
- No pre-programmed workouts
- LCD only for display and cannot stream live workouts
- No cooling fan
Verdict: So, which is better, Schwinn IC4 or Peloton?
For a great riding experience, pick the Peloton because the in-built functions and features are far much better than those of the Schwinn IC4.
Bluetooth connectivity is available in both but because Peloton has its own wide screen filled with tons of workout programs and adjustable tabs, it could give you the best riding experience.