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Schwinn 230
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Schwinn 230 side profile
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Schwinn 230 console
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Schwinn 230
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Schwinn 230
Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike Review
The Schwinn 230 is a discount recumbent bike with lots of features: 22 preset workout programs, heart rate control, speakers and more. This bike’s…
Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike Specs
| Rating | 8 |
|---|---|
| Type | Recumbent |
| Console display | Dual track two LCD window |
| Resistance | 20 Levels |
| Seat type | Adjustable |
| Programs | 22 |
| Flywheel | 13 LBS |
| Weight capacity | 300 LBS |
| Dimensions | 12.5" L x 66.5" W x 27" H |
Why You Should Trust Our Reviews
The Schwinn 230 recumbent bike is one of the brand’s most feature-rich recumbent exercise bikes on the market. It’s very affordable, yet it is packed with a healthy amount of features. As you’ll learn in our Schwinn 230 review below, it has 22 preset workout programs, a 3-speed cooling fan, 20 levels of resistance, built-in speakers, and much more. All told, this recumbent bike is a great entry-level selection for your home gym.
Recumbent bikes in general are a go-to selection for those dealing with mobility issues, injury rehab, or other conditions that make riding a conventional exercise bike uncomfortable. Between their more comfortable seating position, open frame design, and general adjustability for different heights, offerings like the Schwinn 230 recumbent bike are a bit of a silver bullet when it comes to solving the cardio conundrum for those who aren’t necessarily in peak physical condition.
The Schwinn 230’s flywheel weighs about 13 pounds, which is a bit light but still suited to the level of workouts associated with the category. The wheel provides enough weight for cardiovascular workouts and keeping your muscles toned, but it’s not at the same level as more intensive indoor cycles, for example. It’s the same component used on the Schwinn 220, among others.
The Schwinn 230 is also very well priced given its specifications. Its official list price is $699, but you’ll often find it selling online for less than $449. Is it the right bike for you? Here are some pros and cons.
The Great
Here are some reasons shoppers like the Schwinn 230.- Walk-Through Design: Like other recumbent bikes, the Schwinn 230 is easy to access. There’s no bar impeding your way to the chair, and the bike is lower to the ground than upright bikes are.
- Updated Console: With the last update, the console is much more compact than the previous version without cutting any of its features. They shrunk it so much, we had to double check that they didn’t delete anything important along the way!
- Sturdy: This machine isn’t very heavy; the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike weighs just 82 pounds. Even so, it has a 300-pound capacity. The frame has a center support for added stability.
- Built-In Fitness Programs: In total the Schwinn 230 has 22 program modes to keep you active and engaged. There are nine profile workouts and eight heart rate controlled workouts (beginner and advanced). Additionally, trainees can save two programs that they build themselves, take two fitness tests, and use manual mode.
- A Solid Warranty: Schwinn backs its recumbent bike with a significant warranty, taking any worry out of the longevity of its products. It includes 10 years on its frame, 2 years on parts, 1 year on electronics, and 90 days on labor. Given its low entry price this is a nice perk.
- Two User Profiles: With two user profiles, this recumbent bike is an easy one to share. Each user can save workout information, custom programs and personal data without interfering with the other user. The bike is easy to adjust for different rider heights too.
- Quiet Operation: Using a magnetic resistance system, the Schwinn 230 is very quiet, so you can work out without concern of disturbing your family, housemates, or neighbors along the way.
- Heart Rate Monitor: The Schwinn 230 has a grip style heart rate monitor. We’re not wild about these when compared to wireless monitors, they still get the job done.
- Sound System: Hook up your MP3 player and stream songs through the bike console.
- More Extras: This bike has a water bottle holder, a three-speed fan (which can also be turned off), a USB charging port and a media tray.
- High Capacity: The maximum user weight capacity is 300 pounds (136 kilograms).
The Not-So-Great
The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike tends to consistently get positive customer reviews from people expecting light workouts. Of the reviews we skimmed through, the most consistent observation is that its seat could use a bit more padding. Here are some other possible drawbacks.
- Light Flywheel: The flywheel weighs about 13 pounds. More aggressive riders will want more resistance, but the typical audience for a recumbent bike will not be disappointed.
- Seating: The resounding observation we’re seeing is that this isn’t the most comfortable seat on the market. That said, users complaining about the seat generally still give the machine a 4-star rating, so it’s clear that this shortcoming is not a deal-breaker.
- Not for Tall People: Taller people, above 6’2″, will have issues with stride on this bike, but that is also the case for just about any exercise bike on the market.
- Weak Packaging: Schwinn exercise bikes could use heavier packaging, as minor dents have occasionally been noticed. That said, Schwinn’s customer service has a good reputation, and you’ll have no issue getting things remedied when buying from them.
- Lack of Connectivity: Unlike more expensive rigs, the Schwinn 230 does not offer Bluetooth connectivity, and thus cannot sync with any of your favorite fitness apps and trackers. In this price range that’s pretty normal, and its on-board data logging makes up for this minor shortcoming. If you’re looking for a connected bike you’re going to have to open the pocketbook a little bit wider.
Who Should Ride the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike?
The Bottom Line
The Schwinn 230 Bike offers lots of programming on a tight budget. Purchased for under $500 or less, it’s a solid deal with considering. Those starting out in more prime physical condition are likely going to be better served picking a bike with a heavier flywheel, but it’s fairly clear that this isn’t who Schwinn is targeting here.
The Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike is a step up and doesn’t cost much more. We also recommend reading our honest reviews of recumbent bikes by Sole, Vision and other more reputable exercise bike brands.
Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike Specs
| Rating | 8 |
|---|---|
| Type | Recumbent |
| Console display | Dual track two LCD window |
| Resistance | 20 Levels |
| Seat type | Adjustable |
| Programs | 22 |
| Flywheel | 13 LBS |
| Weight capacity | 300 LBS |
| Dimensions | 12.5" L x 66.5" W x 27" H |
