Schwinn IC3 and Sunny Health are fitness brands known the world over for their fitness equipment among them being stationary bikes. Which brand makes the best indoor cycling bikes?
With countless success stories about how cycling andspinning classes have changed their lives and helped them achieve fitness goals, the results tell it all.
Anyone who has stuck with cycling as work out for longer than 6 months to a year, will tell you of the infinite benefits of having or working out on an indoor cycling bike.
Now, while I encourage you to run to your sports shop and pick out one grand bike, there are a few things you want to consider. These factors, as I came to find out, could make a big difference as to how much you use your bike.
Aside from their performance and function, indoor bikes, must look good, work great and produce the least possible noise if any.
What are the differences between Schwinn IC3 and Sunny Health?
 |
Schwinn IC3 |
Sunny Health |
Resistance |
Magnetic |
Magnetic |
Heart Rate Monitor |
Bluetooth |
Wireless |
Display |
LCD Display |
None |
Weight capacity |
300 pounds |
250 pounds |
Pedals |
Toe-caged &SPD |
Standard outdoor flat |
Seat |
Fully adjustable |
Padded, 4-way adjustable |
Price |
Schwinn IC3 vs Sunny Health Bikes – How they differ
Features
Both bikes are made of steel and aluminum parts with powder finishes to make attractive glossy appearance. While with Schwinn IC3 you get a 3†by 4†display screen that tracks your performance and displays it on the small screen one metric after the other.
The Sunny Health bike lacks this feature and it instead provides for a screen holder encouraging you to get your own LCD monitor and pair it with the bike. Sunny Health bike can hold 250 pounds in weight and their pedals are flat and textured.
Schwinn IC3has been built with dual SPD pedals meaning the pedal has clips and cleats one side and toe-cages on the other for regular gym shoes.
Handle bars and seats on both bikes are fully adjustable and they do accommodate a variety of body proportions. Bottle holders are built into the frame of both bikes but only the Schwinn IC3 bike has capacity to carry weights.
To move the equipment around or help with storage, the bikes both have transport wheels.
Schwinn IC3 has a built-in 3†by 4â€LCDconsole while the Sunny Health bike gives you a device holder and through wireless connection, you could pair your phone.
Performance
IC3 has a flywheel measuring 40-pounds which is almost as heavy as the Sunny Health bikefeaturing a 44-pound flywheel. Cyclists understand that the heavier a flywheel is, the smoother and quieter the ride gets.
On the IC3 bike, resistance is continuous and dictates how fast you are going while keeping the range at the perfect level. These adjustments are done via the customizing setting dial.
I have to say that the difference in noise is not very significant because both bikes are operated on a belt-drive system which, as it automatically adjusts its tautness, produces an expected sound. As belt driven bikes are said to be less durable, the belts used here are resilient.
The harder you push on the pedals, whether seated or better while standing, the tauter the self-regulating belt gets. It then pushes back with equal intensity drawing the magnetic current around the wheel which effectively slows it down.
If you are looking for an exhausting and out of breath cardio workout, look no further than these two because they are guaranteed to knock your socks off and record the results.
In functionality, both IC3 Sunny Health bikes have a quiet operation with their heavy flywheels measuring 40 and 44-pounds respectively.
Schwinn IC3 vs Sunny Health Bikes – A Comparison Overview
Schwinn IC3 – Overview
[amazon box=”B077GRGDWT” 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, IC3 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 IC3. 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
- 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
Sunny Health Bikes – Overview
[amazon box=”B078F12DPL” template=”horizontal” ]A belt drive system operates this magnetic resistant 44-pound flywheel. With the belt-drive, you are assured of a reliable pedal motion with some mild to intense workouts. With the movable parts being made of aluminum, it makes this bike that much more lightweight and high-grade.
The seat provided is four-way adjustable and the handlebars are quite flexible too. Finding the right setting adjustments for varied body types and shapes should be a breeze because there are so many options available for customization.
Sunny Health SF-B1805 is perfect for HIIT and going as hard as you would in a spinning class. For the tech savvy team who like to keep a track on their progress, the Sunny Health bike fails to provide a monitor just as their pedals are not SPD compatible.
For this reason, I would think the Sunny Health bike would not be a good fit for pro cyclists. However, if you can overlook their SPD incompatibility or their lack of a screen, then this is the best bike for everyone.
The frame of the bike has a heavy-duty hardy crank and it can support up to 250 in weight. To move the equipment from room to room, it is fitted with transport wheels.
Pros
- Adjustable parts
- Smooth and quiet operation
- Great for all trainees
- Magnetic belt-driven resistance
- Transport wheels
- 44-pound flywheel
- Tablet and water bottle holder
Cons
- Not SPD compatible
- No computer or LCD monitor
Verdict: So, which between Schwinn IC3 and Sunny Health Makes Better Magnetic Bikes?
Schwinn IC3is only slightly better by aesthetics in provision of a small LCD screen and their two-sided pedals great for use with either SPD or normal gym shoes. It also works great for those who love spinning in your home gym and pushing yourself as hard as you would want to.
However, both bikes are fairly similar in performance and none provide you pre-installed workout routines. If you really don’t need the special pedals or a tracking display screen, Sunny Health bikes will do just great.